Whether you’re a fan of action, drama, or romance movies, there’s one thing all movie genres have in common: great soundtracks. In fact, sometimes it’s the music from a film that becomes more famous than the actual movie itself. Here are 55 of the best movie soundtracks of all time!
1. The Dark Knight Rises
The Dark Knight Rises has one of the best movie soundtracks of all time. The music is dark and intense, and it perfectly matches the mood of the film. Hans Zimmer’s score is truly masterful, and it’s no wonder that this soundtrack has become so popular. If you’re a fan of the film, or if you simply enjoy great film music, then you need to check out this soundtrack. It’s an essential piece of movie history.
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2. The Godfather
The Godfather is one of the most iconic films of all time, and its soundtrack is just as legendary. From the classic opening theme to the heart-wrenching finale, this soundtrack was well-made.
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3. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
![John Williams - Flying Theme (E.T. the Extra-terrestial Soundtrack) [HQ]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2-qrMz-JAzo/0.jpg)
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial is one of the most beloved films of all time, and its soundtrack is just as cherished. Featuring some of the most beautiful pieces of music in film history, its soundtrack is a must-listen for any movie fan. It’s a beautiful way to commemorate the 80s.
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4. Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park is one of the most iconic and well-known movie soundtracks of all time. Composed by John Williams, it was integral to the success of the film and helped to create an unforgettable experience for viewers. The music perfectly captures the feeling of wonder and terror that comes with encountering dinosaurs for the first time and is still just as effective today.
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5. Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump has one of the best movie soundtracks of all time. The music perfectly captures the mood and feeling of the film, and the songs are some of the most iconic and memorable in film history. For example, who can forget the scene where Forrest is running to the tune of “Running On Empty” by Jackson Browne? The tracks are truly unforgettable, and it’s one of the reasons that the movie is so beloved by fans all over the world.
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6. The Prince of Egypt
This Dreamworks classic features an incredible soundtrack with some of the best vocal performances in any movie. From “When You Believe” to “Deliver Us,” the songs in this movie are truly moving and will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. If you’re a fan of great film music, then The Prince of Egypt is a must-listen.
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7. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
The 2003 film Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl is one of the most popular and well-known movie franchises of all time. The soundtrack for the film is just as iconic, featuring a mix of traditional pirate songs and an original score by Hans Zimmer. Some of the most memorable tracks on the album include “The Black Pearl,” “Jack Sparrow,” and “I See Dead People In Boats.”
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8. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone score has one of the most iconic and well-loved movie soundtracks of all time. Composed by John Williams, the music perfectly captures the magic and wonder of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world. From the soaring themes for Hogwarts and Quidditch to the suspenseful music for the scene where Harry first encounters Voldemort, the score is an essential part of the Harry Potter experience.
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9. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring is one of the most popular movie soundtracks of all time. It was composed by Howard Shore and is based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel of the same name. The score was nominated for an Academy Award and won a Grammy Award. It is considered to be one of the most influential movie scores of all time.
The soundtrack features a lot of leitmotifs, which are recurring themes that represent characters or concepts. For example, the Shire theme represents the peaceful and idyllic home of the Hobbits. The Fellowship theme represents the close bond between the members of the fellowship. And the Ring theme represents the power and corruption of the One Ring. The music is very thematic and evocative, and it really brings the world of Middle-earth to life. It’s no wonder that this score is so popular and influential.
10. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
The music in The Lord Of The Rings: Two Towers doesn’t fail to amaze either. It was composed by Howard Shore once again and features even more leitmotifs than the first score. It is widely considered to be one of the best movie scores of all time.
Some of the most iconic themes in the score include the “Riders Of Rohan,” which represents the brave and noble warriors of Rohan, and “Evenstar,” which represents Aragorn’s love for Arwen. The score is very atmospheric and creates a sense of dread and foreboding, as well as hope and courage. It perfectly reflects the mood of the movie and enhances the experience of watching it.
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11. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The score in The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King features a number of themes that are reprisals from the first two movies, as well as some new ones. One of the most memorable new themes is the “Battle Of Pelennor Fields,” which represents the desperate and heroic battle against the forces of Sauron.
The soundtrack is incredibly powerful and emotional, and it really makes you feel like you’re a part of the story. It’s no wonder that this score won an Academy Award and a Grammy Award.
12. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Since we’re on the subject, the first movie in Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy also has an excellent score. It was composed by Howard Shore once again, and it features a mix of new and old themes.
One of the most memorable new themes is the “Misty Mountains,” which represents the dangerous journey that the dwarves have to take. The score is very epic and grand, and it really makes you feel like you’re on an adventure.
13. Star Trek (2009)
Shifting from Middle-earth to outer space, the Star Trek movie is an excellent soundtrack. It was composed by Michael Giacchino, and it captures the feeling of exploration and wonder that is so central to the franchise.
The score is very exciting and optimistic, and it really makes you feel like anything is possible. It’s no wonder that this score is so popular with fans of Star Trek.
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14. Inception
Inception is one of the most unique and memorable soundtracks of all time. It perfectly fits the film’s mood and atmosphere and is highly effective in conveying the film’s themes of dreams, reality, and memory. The score is also very catchy and will stay with you long after you’ve seen the film.
15. The Shawshank Redemption
The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The score was composed by Thomas Newman and released in 1994. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
This movie has one of the most iconic soundtracks of all time. It features a mix of classical and rock music that perfectly reflects the film’s mood. The music is both uplifting and heartbreaking, and it helps to create an unforgettable experience.
16. Raiders of the Lost Ark
Indiana Jones is one of the most iconic and beloved franchises of all time. The first film in the series, Raiders Of The Lost Ark, has one of the best movie soundtracks as well. It was composed by John Williams, and it perfectly captures the feeling of adventure and excitement that is so central to the franchise.
The score is very exciting and packed with action, and it really gets your heart racing. It’s no wonder that the soundtrack is so popular with fans of Indiana Jones.
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17. Back to the Future
Back To The Future is another iconic and beloved franchise. The first film in the series has one of the best movie soundtracks of all time. It was composed by Alan Silvestri, and it perfectly captures the feeling of adventure and excitement that is so central to the franchise.
18. Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Terminator is one of the most iconic and beloved franchises of all time. The second film in the series has one of the best movie soundtracks of all time. It was composed by Brad Fiedel, and it perfectly captures the feeling of action and suspense that is so central to the franchise.
19. Titanic
It’s impossible to have a list like this and not mention Titanic. It is one of the most iconic and beloved soundtracks of all time. It was composed by James Horner, and it perfectly captures the feeling of love, loss, and tragedy that is so central to the film. The music is both beautiful and heartbreaking, and it helps to create an unforgettable experience.
And of course, who could forget the heartbreaking performance by Celine Dion?
20. The Lion King
The Lion King is one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 15 million copies sold worldwide. The soundtrack features songs performed by Elton John, Tim Rice, and Hans Zimmer, among others. Notable songs on the album include “Circle Of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King.”
This iconic piece of Disney history has one of the most beloved movie soundtracks of all time. The songs are catchy, uplifting, and perfectly capture the film’s themes of family, love, and adventure.
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21. Beauty and the Beast
Another Disney classic, Beauty And The Beast, has one of the most iconic and beloved movie soundtracks of all time. The film’s Oscar-winning song of the same title is a timeless classic that perfectly captures the film’s themes of love and sacrifice. Other notable songs on the soundtrack include “Be Our Guest” and “Belle.” The music in this film is both beautiful and moving, and it helps to create an unforgettable experience.
22. The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is another Disney classic that has one of the most beloved movie soundtracks of all time. “Under the Sea” is a timeless classic that perfectly captures the film’s themes of love and adventure. Other notable songs on the soundtrack include “Part Of Your World” and “Kiss The Girl.”
23. Aladdin
It’s another Disney film. But who didn’t love Robin Williams as the Genie in Aladdin? Aladdin is one of the most beloved movie soundtracks of all time. “A Whole New World” is a timeless classic that perfectly captures the film’s themes of love and adventure. Other notable songs on the soundtrack include “Friend Like Me” and “Prince Ali.” The score itself is pretty fun too. Be sure to give it a listen!
24. Toy Story
Toy Story is one of the best movie soundtracks of all time. The music is perfect for the film and really brings the characters to life. The songs are catchy and will stay in your head long after you’ve seen the movie. If you’re a fan of the Toy Story franchise, then this soundtrack is a must-listen.
25. Pulp Fiction
Pulp Fiction is one of the most popular and well-known films of all time, and its soundtrack is just as iconic. Featuring a mix of classic rock, soul, and pop, it perfectly encapsulates the film’s unique blend of humor, violence, and quirkiness. Standout tracks include “Son Of A Preacher Man” by Dusty Springfield, “You Never Can Tell” by Chuck Berry, and “Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon” by Urge Overkill.
26. The Silence of the Lambs
The Silence Of The Lambs is one of the most iconic and well-known soundtracks in movie history. The film’s score was composed by Howard Shore, and it perfectly complements the chilling and suspenseful atmosphere of the movie. Many of the tracks on the soundtrack are eerie and unsettling, which helps to create an even more frightening experience for the viewer. It is a truly masterful horror film, and its soundtrack is a big part of what makes it so effective.
27. Schindler’s List
The 1993 film Schindler’s List is a powerful and harrowing story of the Holocaust. Its soundtrack, composed by John Williams, is equally moving. The music helps to convey the emotional journey of the characters, from the terror and despair of the concentration camps to the hope and resilience of those who survived. The soundtrack won Williams an Academy Award and is considered one of the best movie soundtracks of all time.
28. Interstellar
Interstellar is a 2014 science fiction film directed, co-written, and co-produced by Christopher Nolan. Hans Zimmer’s score is beautiful and sweeping, and it will stay with you long after you’ve seen the movie. With its mix of classical and electronic elements, it is one of the best movie soundtracks of all time.
29. How to Train Your Dragon
Another Dreamworks masterpiece, another amazing score. John Powell is a genius when it comes to creating beautiful and emotional music, as is evident in this soundtrack. The How To Train Your Dragon score is beautifully orchestrated and will stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
30. The Social Network
The Social Network is a 2010 American biographical drama film directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin. The film chronicles the founding of the social networking website and its subsequent rise to prominence.
Its score was composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross and features the use of sound effects and synthesizers in an attempt to create a “haunted” and “isolated” atmosphere. The Social Network soundtrack received critical acclaim, with many critics praising Reznor and Ross’ work on the score.
31. The King’s Speech
The King’s Speech is a 2010 British historical drama film directed by Tom Hooper and written by David Seidler. The music for the movie was composed by Alexandre Desplat and nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score.
32. Sunset Blvd.
Sunset Blvd. is a classic film noir that tells the story of a disillusioned screenwriter who falls for a faded movie star. The film’s moody, atmospheric score perfectly captures the film’s themes of obsession and betrayal.
33. It’s a Wonderful Life
The score for It’s A Wonderful Life is one of the most memorable and recognizable of all time. Composed by Dimitri Tiomkin, the soundtrack perfectly captures the heart and soul of the classic Christmas film. From the joyous main theme to the more sentimental moments, the score is full of emotion and nostalgia. It’s no wonder that the film’s score is one of the most popular of all time.
34. The Third Man
The Third Man features one of the most iconic film scores of all time, composed by Anton Karas. The eerie, unforgettable zither music perfectly captures the dark, seedy atmosphere of the film’s setting. It’s a truly masterful piece of work that enhances an already great film to near perfection.
35. North by Northwest
North By Northwest is a classic thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Eva Marie Saint, James Mason and Cary Grant. The soundtrack was composed by Bernard Herrmann and is widely considered to be one of the best ever written. It features an iconic main theme that perfectly captures the suspense and excitement of the film. The rest of the score is just as impressive, with Herrmann expertly using music to heighten the drama and tension. The result is a truly classic movie soundtrack that is essential listening for any fan of film music.
36. Once Upon a Time in the West
Once Upon A Time In The West’s soundtrack was composed by Ennio Morricone and has been cited as one of the greatest of all time. It is notable for its use of unconventional instruments such as harmonicas, trumpets, and whistles, which create a unique sound. The music has been praised for its ability to evoke the film’s setting and characters, as well as for its catchiness and memorability.
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37. Taxi Driver
There’s no denying that Taxi Driver has one of the most iconic movie soundtracks of all time. Featuring a mix of classic pop, jazz, and R&B tunes, it perfectly captures the film’s gritty, urban setting. Martin Scorsese’s use of music is masterful, and the soundtrack is an essential part of the movie’s overall atmosphere.
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38. The Omen
Jerry Goldsmith’s score for The Omen is nothing short of chilling. It perfectly captures the horror and suspense of the film and is one of the most memorable movie soundtracks of all time. From the eerie opening notes of “Ave Satani” to the chilling finale, the music is an essential part of the film’s impact.
39. Jaws
John Williams’ score for Jaws is one of the most famous and recognizable movie soundtracks of all time. Featuring the now-iconic “shark theme,” the music perfectly captures the suspense and terror of the film. The soundtrack is an essential part of the movie’s overall impact and has become one of the most popular and well-known scores in all of cinema.
40. TRON: Legacy
The 2010 sequel to the cult classic TRON, TRON: Legacy features an incredible score by Daft Punk. The music perfectly captures the film’s futuristic setting and is an essential part of the movie’s overall atmosphere. From thumping beats to soaring melodies, the soundtrack is a true masterpiece.
41. The Terminator
The Terminator soundtrack is one of the most iconic and well-known movie soundtracks of all time. Composed by Brad Fiedel, the score perfectly fits the tone of the film and has become almost as iconic as the movie itself. It is full of dark, atmospheric, and foreboding tracks that perfectly set the mood for the film. It’s a must-listen for any fan of the movie or movie soundtracks in general.
42. Blade Runner
Blade Runner is one of the best movie soundtracks of all time. The music is dark and atmospheric, and perfectly enhances the mood of the film. The soundtrack features a mix of electronic and orchestral music and is truly unforgettable.
43. Aliens
The 1986 sci-fi classic Aliens is considered one of the best movie soundtracks of all time. It is intense and suspenseful, perfectly complementing the film’s action-packed scenes. The main theme is particularly memorable and has been used in countless subsequent films and TV shows. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or not, there’s no denying that the soundtrack is a work of art.
44. Hook
Hook is a 1991 film directed by Steven Spielberg, and its soundtrack is just as iconic as the movie itself. The music is playful and whimsical, perfectly capturing the spirit of the film. The main theme is particularly beautiful and memorable. If you’re a fan of the movie or of movie soundtracks in general, the Hook soundtrack is a must-listen.
45. Gravity
The 2013 film Gravity was a critical and box office success, and its soundtrack played a large role in its impact. The score, composed by Steven Price, is a beautiful and haunting work that perfectly captures the film’s themes of isolation, loss, and hope.
46. The Matrix
Composed by Don Davis and featuring a mix of orchestral and electronic music, the original score for The Matrix was released in 1999 and received critical acclaim. The film’s success led to two sequels, both of which had their own accompanying soundtracks.
The music for The Matrix trilogy has been praised for its innovation and creativity, with the score particularly lauded for its use of choral work and Davis’ unique take on the film’s cyberpunk setting. The soundtracks for all three films have been released commercially, and have been well received by fans and critics alike.
47. Star Wars
One of the most iconic movie soundtracks of all time, John Williams’ score for Star Wars is unforgettable. From the stirring main theme to the excitement of “The Imperial March,” the soundtrack has become as iconic as the movies themselves. With its mix of classic Hollywood scoring and otherworldly sounds, it is truly one of a kind.
48. Apocalypse Now
One of the most popular movie soundtracks of all time is Apocalypse Now. The soundtrack helped to set the mood for the film and made it more realistic for viewers. It is a perfect example of how a great soundtrack can add to the movie experience.
49. Pan’s Labyrinth
Pan’s Labyrinth is one of the most haunting and beautiful films ever made, and its soundtrack is just as impressive. Featuring a mix of classical music, traditional Spanish folk songs, and original compositions, its soundtrack is atmospheric and evocative. It’s the perfect accompaniment to Guillermo del Toro’s dark fantasy film and makes it one of the best movie soundtracks of all time.
50. Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Star Trek: The Motion Picture is one of the most iconic and well-loved movie soundtracks of all time. With its mix of familiar and new faces, the movie had something for everyone, and the same can be said of the soundtrack. The main theme, composed by Jerry Goldsmith, is one of the most recognizable pieces of music in film history, and it perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the album.
51. Casino Royale
Casino Royale is one of the best movie soundtracks of all time. The music is composed by David Arnold and features a mix of action, suspense, and romance. The tracks “You Know My Name” and “The Look Of Love” are two highlights from the album.
52. Jurassic World
Jurassic World is one of the best movie soundtracks of all time. The music in this movie is composed by Michael Giacchino, and it definitely helps to set the tone for the film. The songs in this movie range from heart-pounding action sequences to more emotional and tender moments. Either way, the soundtrack perfectly complements the scenes in the movie.
53. The Sound of Music
The Sound Of Music is one of the most beloved movie musicals of all time. The soundtrack features some of the most iconic and memorable songs in cinematic history, including “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss,” and of course, “The Sound of Music.” The film’s score was composed by Richard Rodgers, and this film remains to be one of the most popular and best-selling movie soundtracks of all time.
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54. The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard Of Oz is one of the most classic and well-loved films of all time. Its soundtrack is just as iconic, featuring classics like “Over The Rainbow” and “We’re Off To See The Wizard.” Even if you’ve never seen the film, chances are you know at least a few of the songs from this classic movie soundtrack.
55. The Hunger Games
Hunger Games is one of the most popular movie soundtracks of all time. The music is intense and beautiful, and it perfectly captures the mood of the film. The album features tracks by some of the biggest names in music, including Arcade Fire, The Civil Wars, Taylor Swift, and more. It’s an essential listen for any fan of the movie.
That wraps up our list of choices for movie soundtracks. We love the way these works of art bring us into the individual films and help create the atmosphere and backdrops to the films they belong to. Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know by contacting us today.
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As the Head Editor and Writer at Music Grotto, Liam helps write and edit content produced from professional music/media journalists and other contributing writers. He works closely with journalists and other staff to format and publish music content for the Music Grotto website. Liam is also the founding member of Music Grotto and is passionate in disseminating editorial content to its readers.
Liam’s lifelong love for music makes his role at Music Grotto such a rewarding one. He loves researching, writing and editing music content for Music Grotto.
