10 unforgettable film soundtracks.
The soundtracks of many films are so great, that one can listen to then even without needing the image to remember the film in detail. Here are 10 of my favourites, including very different types of great soundtracks.
All recommendations include a link to a piece from the film, either the scene if available or otherwise the audio.
Note: musicals, biographies of musicians and soundtracks written by Ennio Morricone are excluded from this list. (see separate lists of Music Films, Film Biographies and Ennio Morricone)
Pulp Fiction (1994) by Quentin Tarantino
Soundtrack by various artists
This cult film does not include a formal score written by a composer, but rather a collection of various songs. The genius of Tarantino consists in the perfect choice for each moment. It's impossible to listen to Chuck Berry without seeing the famous dance scene somewhere in your mind.
Favourite song: "You Never Can Tell" by Chuck Berry (film scene)
Far From the Madding Crowd (2015) by Thomas Vinterberg
Soundtrack by Craig Armstrong
Being an avid reader of Tom Hardy and an admirer of director Vinterberg as well as of actors Carey Mulligan and Matthias Schoenaerts, this film is somewhat of a jackpot to me. The wonderful instrumental soundtrack by Craig Armstrong adds a lovely atmosphere and fits the Victorian setting.
Favourite song: "Opening" by Craig Armstrong (audio)
(and then keep listening until the end...:) )
Gladiator (2000) by Ridley Scott
Soundtrack by Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerrard
An epic film with an epic soundtrack. The orchestral pieces manage to both underscore battle scenes and also create a magical atmosphere in quiet moments. The soundtrack overall is hard to forget.
Favourite song: "The Battle" by Hans Zimmer (audio)
Drive (2011) by Nicolas Winding Refn
Soundtrack by Cliff Martinez
This cult film has an unusual soundtrack featuring many electronic elements, composed mainly by Cliff Martinez. Especially some pieces with vocals were successful after the release of the film, such as "A Real Hero" and the one below.
Favourite song: "Nightcall" by Kavinsky (audio)
Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain (2001) by Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Soundtrack by Yann Tiersen
A magical soundtrack based mainly on piano music by composer Yann Tiersen. Some of it was composed before the film, some was written at the time of the production. The melodies stick with the audience, especially the "Valse d"Amelie" and the one below.
Favourite song: Comptine d'une autre été, après-midi (audio)
Pride & Prejudice (2005) by Joe Wright
Soundtrack by Dario Marianelli
This film has one of the most beautiful piano soundtracks, which of course fits a time when the characters play the piano in the film as well, and there weren't really that many other options. Some motifs in the music reappear, and create a wonderful atmosphere.
Favourite Song: "Dawn" by Dario Marianelli (film scene)
Call Me by Your Name (2017) by Luca Guadagnino
Soundtrack by Sufjan Stevens and others
A mixture of different types of music as fits the plot. Some classical elements that are played or listened to by the characters, as well as music being played at parties, which are some fun pieces from the 80ies. The real jewels, however, are the original songs by songwriter Sufjan Stevens, used as extra-diegetic pieces. "Visions of Gideon" and "Futile Devices" are beautiful, but my favourite is the one below.
Favourite song: "Mystery of Love" by Sufjan Stevens (film scene)
(see also the post of Sufjan Stevens)
The Shape of Water (2017) by Guillermo del Toro
Soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat
The genius of French composer Alexandre Desplat is undisputed, and his 101 awards (among them 8 Oscar nominations including two wins) are unprecedented. His soundtrack of The Shape of Water is one of my favourites, as the melodies are so atmospheric and lovely. At times, they evoke some vibes of Yann Tiersen.
Favourite song: "Elisa's Theme" by Alexandre Desplat (audio)
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) by James Gunn
Soundtrack by various artists
Another film which - similar to Pulp Fiction - uses several artists in an interesting way. The basis for this is the love of protagonist Starlord for music, and his carrying a mixtape of his favourite songs with him. The soundtrack, released as a mixtape, has been unusually successful for a film soundtrack.
Favourite song: "Come and Get Your Love" by Redbone (film scene)
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) by J.J. Abrams
Soundtrack by John Williams
While all Star Wars films have great soundtracks with many recurring themes, I personally think they have been getting better every time. Maybe that is just because so many elements are already familiar. The most recent film has been controversially received, but I don't think you can argue with the music, especially as it was the final soundtrack by composer John Williams.
Favourite song: "They Will Come" by John Williams (audio)
(Pictures: IMDB)