Do you have a new home theater system? Surround sound is an amazing way to watch a movie because the sound makes you feel like you are part of the action.
From big explosions to squealing brakes to a piercing scream in a scary movie, the right sound at the right time can greatly enhance your enjoyment as a viewer. Below are 23 of the best surround sound movies. Check them out today to get the most out of your system.
1. The Dark Knight
The ultimate Batman movie highlights the Dark Knight’s battle with The Joker for Gotham City. This film is one of the all-time great superhero movies, and it’s made even more classic because it’s a posthumous film with Heath Ledger, who plays the Joker. Your surround sound system will make you feel like you’re in Gotham itself.
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2. Bird box
![Bird Box | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/o2AsIXSh2xo/0.jpg)
This is another film where the silence amplifies the noise. The premise of the movie requires the characters to not use their eyesight and rely on their hearing. That means there are extended sequences with complete silence only to be punctured by sharp sounds. You’ll jump repeatedly through this horror movie.
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3. Saving Private Ryan
You’ll feel like you’re storming the beach of Normandy in the first 20 minutes of this war epic from Steven Spielberg. It immediately opens with troops unloading from boats and making their way to the beach, and it’s a nonstop onslaught of gunfire and action from that point forward. World War II may not be a time you want to visit, but that’s what will happen in this epic war masterpiece.
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4. Gravity
![Gravity - Official Main Trailer [2K HD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OiTiKOy59o4/0.jpg)
Sandra Bullock and George Clooney light up the film in this award winning picture. Outer space films are ripe for outstanding audio, and this film executes adding immersive sounds that make for great viewing with surround sound.
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5. American Sniper
![American Sniper - Official Trailer [HD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/99k3u9ay1gs/0.jpg)
This is one of a few movies on this list where the quiet sequences only elevate the sound that occurs later in the movie. This is a story based on one of the most accomplished snipers in American military history.
As you can imagine, snipers have to remain silent most of the time, which means there are many silent parts of the movie. But that only sets up the tension for when the guns erupt and shots start firing. Check out American Sniper for one of the best war movies around.
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6. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Sound plays a major role in the Star Wars saga. From the sound of a lightsaber igniting to Darth Vader’s patented breathing, some of the sounds are recognizable instantly. That’s true in The Force Awakens, the first film in the latest trilogy. Surround sound is the only way to watch it.
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7. Elvis
This over-the-top biopic of the King of Rock is a musical extravaganza, which makes it perfect for your surround sound system. It follows The Colonel, Elvis Presley’s sketchy manager, as he discovers the young musician playing at an open mic night.
Elvis climbs the ladder of fame all the way to being the biggest star in the world until he eventually dies from his addiction to prescription drugs. It’s an epic tale with amazing music that will only be amplified by your surround sound system.
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8. Real Steel
Set in the near-distant future, this movie is about a revolutionized boxing world in which robots are boxers. A boy and a trainer get a robot ready for the big fight. Every clang of steel hitting steel will jump out of your speaker and into your living room.
9. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was one of the first movies filmed in a new system called Dolby Atmos. It enhances the sound of every possible action, and you’ll hear everything from swords to dialogue to even the sound of hobbits walking through The Shire. This film won an Oscar for its sound, and it’s easy to see why. It is a great film, and the sound only makes it better.
10. Resident Evil: Apocalypse
Want an immersive movie experience with some jumps and scares? This is the movie for you. Resident Evil: Apocalypse’s score and sound are amazing. You’ll feel like you’re in the movie fighting zombies and monsters with the main characters.
11. Avengers: Endgame
What would this movie be without the biggest superhero movie of all time? You’ll experience every battle with Thanos in this Marvel epic. The final showdown where the dead Avengers return will undoubtedly leave chills down your spine.
12. Fury
War is fast and furious, and so are the sounds. From tanks to gunshots to artillery blasts, you’ll experience everyone in this World War II epic. Your surround sound will amplify the sound of tanks rolling over Europe, and you’ll feel like you’re part of the action.
13. Transformers: The Last Knight
Transformers movies are action-packed spectacles, and this one is no exception. From fights to even the sounds of the transformers shifting, every sound rings out clear as day from your surround sound system. Watch the Transformers battle their enemies with crystal-clear sound in this action epic.
14. Pacific Rim
![Pacific Rim - Official Main Trailer [HD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5guMumPFBag/0.jpg)
Another robot movie classic, this film involves robots that fight each other in the Pacific Ocean and humans who have to deal with their destruction and chaos. It’s a massive action film with multiple battle sequences, and it’s the perfect movie for surround sound.
15. Aquaman
One of the biggest and best movies in the DC universe, this action-hero epic focuses on everyone’s favorite underwater superhero. It’s not easy to accurately capture life below water on film, but Aquaman does it. The sounds of fish, water rushing by, and more will make you feel like you’re below the sea and part of the action.
16. A Quiet Place
Quiet is a big part of this movie. It’s even part of the name. Yet another movie where silence plays a big role.
In this film, any noise attracts the monsters, making every sound a life-threatening event. There are long stretches with no sound at all. That silence creates tension and when there’s noise, you know the monsters are right behind. You’ll be jumping in your seat all night with this one.
17. Mad Max: Fury Road
![Mad Max: Fury Road - Official Main Trailer [HD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/hEJnMQG9ev8/0.jpg)
The action starts in this one and never really stops. Set in an apocalyptic future where gangs fight each other in the desert, Mad Max: Fury Road is an action film masterpiece. From unique vehicles to weapons and even crazy rock organs, the sounds are an integral part of the movie. You’ll love it on a big screen with surround sound.
18. Inception
This mind-bending classic starring Leonardo DiCaprio questions what happens in our dreams and whether we can really control them. It’s a whip-smart action film with plenty of gunfights, car chases, and more.
The end will leave you questioning your reality, but you won’t question the quality of your surround sound system. The sound in this one is fantastic.
19. WALL-E
Another animated movie and this one is a classic. Sound is so important in WALL-E because it’s the only thing that tells the story in the first third of the movie; there is no dialogue in that part. There are only Wall-E’s actions and random robot sounds that communicate the cute robot’s feelings and thoughts.
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20. Suicide Squad
![Suicide Squad - Official Trailer 1 [HD]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CmRih_VtVAs/0.jpg)
Suicide Squad opens with a chaotic city scene and continues until the heart-stopping climax. You’ll hear every gunshot, explosion, and fight sequence along the way. Join Harley Quinn and the rest of the squad in this funny but action-packed superhero film that celebrates the bad guys for once. This will highlight your surround system’s capabilities but also keep you completely entertained.
21. Bohemian Rhapsody
![Bohemian Rhapsody | Official Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mP0VHJYFOAU/0.jpg)
Surround sound isn’t just for gunshots and explosions. It’s also great for big sound and music. Music doesn’t come much bigger than Queen, one of the most popular bands of all time.
Bohemian Rhapsody follows Freddie Mercury and his band on their path from relative unknowns to worldwide fame, and ultimately, until his death from AIDS. The music never stops in this one, and you’ll think you’re in the front row of a Queen concert.
22. Spiderman: Into the Spider-verse
Even animated films can have amazing sound. Spiderman: Into The Spider-Verse is a perfect example. From its pounding hip-hop soundtrack to its thrilling action sequences, this version of Spiderman is a nonstop rollercoaster ride. Miles Morales and his friends bring one of the best Spiderman movies ever, and your surround sound will only enhance the experience.
23. Godzilla vS. Kong
High impact action films are perfect for having a fully-fledged audio masterpiece. Godzilla VS. Kong delivers in box-office entertainment appeal, and it’s perfect for fans of giant monster movies to watch and listen to.
Your surround sound system will greatly enhance your viewing of any of these movies and more. Movies are made for the big screen, but with the right speakers, they’ll be as great at home. Check out these movies today to really get the full effect of your sound system.
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.