Movies have been incomplete without their soundtracks since the advent of cinema. A well-composed soundtrack not only adds effect to the scene but also brings it to life. Here are ten must-have movie soundtracks that have become timeless classics over the years. The list begins with The Lion King, the soundtrack of which includes unforgettable numbers such as “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” The Sound of Music’s soundtrack follows with tracks like “Do Re Mi” and “My Favorite Things.” Other soundtracks include those from Saturday Night Fever, starring Bee Gees; The Bodyguard, featuring Whitney Houston; and Star Wars, by John Williams. The rest of the list covers Purple Rain, Dirty Dancing, Titanic, The Graduate, and O Brother, Where Art Thou?
The 10 Best Movie Soundtracks That Everyone Should Own
Music has been an integral part of movies ever since the inception of cinema. Nothing can make a scene more memorable than the right soundtrack. Some movie soundtracks have gone on to become timeless classics, and every music lover should have them in their collection. Here are the 10 best movie soundtracks that everyone should own:
1. The Lion King
The Lion King’s soundtrack is a must-have, even 26 years after its release. Every song in the movie is a masterpiece, and the soundtrack includes iconic tracks like “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” The soundtrack was composed by Hans Zimmer and produced by Elton John, who also contributed to the vocals.
2. The Sound of Music
The Sound of Music is one of the most beloved musicals of all time, and its soundtrack is just as iconic. Composed by the legendary Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the soundtrack includes classics like “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “The Sound of Music.”
3. Saturday Night Fever
The Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, produced by the Bee Gees, is one of the bestselling soundtracks of all time. The movie’s disco-infused tracks like “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” and “More Than a Woman” became instant classics and are still popular today.
4. The Bodyguard
The Bodyguard’s soundtrack is a rare gem that features unforgettable tracks from the late Whitney Houston. The 1992 movie’s soundtrack includes Houston’s iconic version of “I Will Always Love You,” as well as other hits like “I’m Every Woman” and “Run to You.”
5. Purple Rain
Purple Rain is the movie that introduced the world to Prince, and its soundtrack cemented his status as a musical icon. The album includes songs like “Let’s Go Crazy,” “When Doves Cry,” and, of course, the title track “Purple Rain.”
6. Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing’s soundtrack features some of the most memorable songs of the ’80s, including “Hungry Eyes,” “The Time of My Life,” and “She’s Like the Wind.” It’s no wonder the album spent over a year on the charts and is still a fan favorite.
7. Star Wars
John Williams’ score for the Star Wars movies is a masterpiece of film music. The sweeping orchestral pieces are instantly recognizable and have become synonymous with the Star Wars franchise. The score for the original trilogy includes classics like “The Imperial March” and “The Force Theme.”
8. Titanic
James Horner’s sweeping score for Titanic is as epic as the movie it accompanies. The score includes the haunting “My Heart Will Go On” performed by Celine Dion, which became a worldwide hit and won an Academy Award.
9. The Graduate
The soundtrack for The Graduate, composed by Simon & Garfunkel, is an iconic example of how music can elevate a movie’s impact. The album includes classics like “Mrs. Robinson,” “The Sound of Silence,” and “Scarborough Fair/Canticle.”
10. O Brother, Where Art Thou?
The soundtrack of O Brother, Where Art Thou? features a blend of traditional bluegrass and country music, and gospel music. The album includes tracks like “Man of Constant Sorrow,” “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow,” and “Down to the River to Pray.” The album went on to win a Grammy and helped revive the popularity of bluegrass music in the United States.
Conclusion
These 10 movie soundtracks are timeless classics that everyone should own. They have helped shape the landscape of movie music and have become beloved by millions of movie and music lovers. Whether you’re a fan of musicals or orchestral scores, there is something in this list for everyone.