Normally, each week, we challenge our writers to choose the best movie under a certain topic for a Best Ever Challenge, which counts down from 10 to one. But this week, with the release of the third Guardians of the Galaxy flick, we’re giving our writers the chance to rave about their favorite movie soundtrack. So no top 10 list this week — just a collection of people writing about music and movies that mean a lot to them! Let us know @SiftPop what your favorite movie soundtrack is!
A Good Person
When making a list about best movie soundtracks, you must talk about Zach Braff, because every one of his projects is full of bangers. Take his most recent movie, A Good Person. The soundtrack is absolute fire, featuring 12 songs, two of which are sung by star Florence Pugh; it really elevates the movie. The movie may not have been everyone’s favorite, but I have been listening to that soundtrack almost daily since it came out. Why discuss Braff here? Because as a director, and even as an actor on Scrubs, he has always had some input on the songs going into a movie. “Wake Up With the Sun” by Odessa is one that has been stuck in my head. But the two that hit deep are the ones sung by Pugh: “I Hate Myself” and “The Best Part” are not only amazing songs, but they hit at some truly emotional aspects of the film. Music can make a project if the song can catch the emotional aspect of the moment. I can listen to this soundtrack on repeat and never get tired of it. (Austen Terry)
Baby Driver
In my mind, Baby Driver is a musical. The way Edgar Wright directs it feels like it was written with the soundtrack in mind, and Wright has confirmed as much himself. When I first watched it, I knew only a handful of songs, like “Nowhere to Run” and “Never Never Gonna Give You Up,” but afterwards, I found myself loving every song on this soundtrack. While I never had a reason to question Wright’s musical taste, it just felt like each song went hand in hand with each other, and worked together to make this experience so special. Sure, the visual flairs combined with the music are what make Baby Driver my number 30 film of all time, but the soundtrack itself is undeniably great. It does what every soundtrack should strive for: Make the song forever associated with the film. Now, whenever I hear “Bellbottoms,” “Debora”, and “Focus,” I picture scenes in my head. But even more than that, songs I was familiar with, I can’t hear apart from this movie anymore. In the same way that Guardians of the Galaxy has forever changed my association with songs like “Come and Get Your Love” and “Hooked on a Feeling,” Baby Driver has made its soundtrack so intertwined with the film, which is so good. I have seen it a ton of times, but I’ve listened to the soundtrack more than that, and every time I hear even one song, I immediately want to watch the whole movie over again. (Aaron Schweitzer)
The Big Lebowski
Why is the soundtrack so effective for The Big Lebowski? The Coen brothers were not concerned about having the biggest songs possible in their soundtrack. They just cared about crafting the right songs for the right scenes, which turned the offbeat and strange homage into the instant cult classic that it is. The most layered use is certainly The Gypsy Kings’ version of “Hotel California.” The Dude’s (Jeff Bridges) biggest enemy is The Jesus (John Turturro)… a Hispanic pederast. The Dude’s least favorite band… The Eagles. Cue The Jesus’ theme song from The Gypsy Kings, and you have one layered use of a song that you would never expect to be so meaningful. There is even a healthy use of Bob Dylan and vintage cowboy music. But the most famous song in the flick? “Just Dropped In.” That Gutterballs sequence is one of the boldest and most engaging of the Coen brothers’ filmography, with its surrealist imagery and hilarious visuals. (Shane Conto)
Black Panther
Black Panther: The Album is one of my favorite soundtracks of the last 10 years. Why? My number one rapper, Kendrick Lamar, curated an album with some heavy hitters: former labelmates Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, and ScHoolboy Q, along with Future, Khalid, The Weeknd, and others, to match the film’s themes. The songs have meaning throughout the film, between the characters and their thoughts and actions — mainly focusing on T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) and Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) as we hear “I am T’Challa” or “I am Killmonger” throughout certain tracks by the curator himself. Also, it was February 2018, and we got our first Black superhero who represented royalty, which became a cultural reset for fans of the superhero and the music. 14 non-skipping bangers consist of mixing Afrobeats, R&B, and rap, and with the Academy award-nominated “All The Stars” by Lamar, featuring SZA, this was one of the top soundtracks of 2018. The fans confirmed the hype as the soundtrack went on the Billboard 200, going platinum, and snagging accolade after accolade, including an Album of the Year nomination at the 2019 Grammys. Also, Black Panther: The Album is still #18 on the Soundtracks Billboard five years later. It is still doing numbers, and it is the best MCU soundtrack. Yeah, I said it.(Chantal Ashford)
Donnie Darko
Few movies are harder to separate from their soundtracks than Richard Kelly’s angsty genre-bender Donnie Darko. From the film’s dreamlike opening scene, we are treated to “The Killing Moon” from Echo & the Bunnymen as Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) rides his bicycle home under the ominous haze of the early morning light. Kelly later replaced this track with the more synthesizer-based “Never Tear Us Apart” from INXS in the director’s cut — a choice that many fans of the theatrical cut rebuke, but don’t believe their lies! Both songs work as excellent mood-setters for the film in their own right. As the film progresses, Kelly’s penchant for montage allows for one unforgettable sequence, beginning with a single unbroken shot, in which the incredible “Head Over Heels” by Tears for Fears plays as we navigate the layout of Donnie’s archetypical 1988 high school. Between a bop like Duran Duran’s “Notorious,” and a haunting cover of “Mad World” from Gary Jules playing over the film’s melancholic ending sequence, Kelly’s dynamite soundtrack choices provide the film with a timeless resonance, the likes of which most filmmakers can only dream to achieve. (Foster Harlfinger)
Empire Records
Empire Records released in the mid-’90s to little fanfare. It was a box office bomb, making just $300 thousand on its $10 million budget. Yikes. But this little film that could is now, decades later, considered a cult classic. This success is due in large part, outside of the film’s relatability, nostalgia, and comedy, to its iconic soundtrack. Plucked right out of MTV at the height of its influence, and distinctly representing the ‘90s, this soundtrack encapsulates contemporary teenage passion, angst, and lust for life. It was, frankly, even more popular than the movie itself in ‘95. It charted as high as #63 on the Billboard 200, and released three singles, two of which charted in the Top 50, with the lead single “Til I Hear It From You” by Gin Blossoms peaking at #9. Damn. Add in other memorable tracks like “A Girl Like You” by Edwyn Collins, “Free” by The Martinis, “I Don’t Want to Live Today” by Ape Hangers, and “Sugarhigh” by Coyote Shivers, and it’s not hard to see how this soundtrack represented the times, spoke to audiences, and helped make this film the cult hit it is today. Hell, that’s not even counting the almost 40 additional songs that were in the film but didn’t make the official soundtrack! Empire Records, the film and the soundtrack, are absolute bangers. Be sure to treat yourself to them as often as you can… or at least every April 8 for Rex Manning Day. (Heath Lynch)
Garden State
Like it or not, the Garden State soundtrack deserves its place on this list. You might think the movie and its accompanying setlist should be forever relegated to indie infamy, but the downtempo soft rock of this album was extremely popular upon its release in 2004, even perceived by some as profound, including “Let Go” by Frou Frou, the moody “Don’t Panic” by Coldplay, and even older tracks, “One of These Things First” by Nick Drake, and “The Only Living Boy in New York” by Simon & Garfunkel, which serves as a spiritual core of the story during a beautifully crafted scene that finds Andrew (Zach Braff) and Sam (Natalie Portman) sharing their first kiss. In his directorial debut, Braff hand picked all the songs, describing it as a mix CD with all the music that he felt was scoring his life at the time he was writing the screenplay. He even sent a copy of the actual mix CD, along with the screenplay, to prospective actors he hoped would help bring his vision to life on the big screen. If you’ve seen the film, then to this day you can instantly recognize the opening tambourine hits of “New Slang” by The Shins, and in that way, Portman’s character, Samantha, was right when she swore that it would change your life. Garden State is often remembered in the spirit of retrospective mockery, but it was once an indie darling, and its highly effective and affective soundtrack has a lasting legacy. (Jonathan Fedee)
Good Morning, Vietnam
My dad had a few movie soundtracks that we loved to listen to as kids. The one that was by far my favorite, though, was Good Morning, Vietnam. Sporting a catalog of some of the greatest rock n’ roll tracks ever, the soundtrack is an infectious collection of soulful and catchy bops from the time period. Songs like “I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown, “I Get Around” by the Beach Boys, “Sugar and Spice” by the Searchers, and “Game of Love” by Wayne Fontana and the Mindbenders are all featured, among many others. All of them are played over clips of the movie, with the highlight being “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. That moment in the movie is tough to stomach. While there’s a beautiful song playing in the background, it shows the atrocities and destruction of the Vietnam War. The secret weapon of this soundtrack, though, is the irresistible charm and manic energy of DJ Adrian Cronauer (Robin Williams). With seven different clips showing his spitfire style of comedy, Williams slays this role, and shows why he’s one of the best comedians of all time. We’re never going to get anyone like him ever, and the Good Morning, Vietnam soundtrack is perhaps the greatest showcase of Williams’ talent, along with the original Aladdin soundtrack. If you’re someone who likes timeless music with bits of standup comedy, this soundtrack is among the best to ever do it. (Mike Hilty)
I, Tonya
Craig Gillespie’s I, Tonya is a biographical black comedy about disgraced figure skater, Tonya Harding, which recounts the tumultuous events leading up to her role in the injury of Nancy Kerrigan. Given the fact that Harding’s life story is tumultuous and tragic, it makes sense that this movie accompanied by an equally edgy and emotional soundtrack, and its heavy hitters make it stand out: Fleetwood Mac, Supertramp, Heart, Violent Femmes, and more. But the intention behind each song in the movie makes it a true winner. It’s clear that music director Susan Jacobs put an immense amount of thought into every track chosen. Cliff Richard’s “Devil Woman” emphasizes Harding’s difficult relationship with her mother from childhood. Heart’s “Barracuda” demonstrates Harding’s grit and determination during training. The emotion felt when Harding divorces her abusive husband Jeff Gillooly is magnified tenfold by Supertramp’s “Goodbye Stranger.” Jacobs also cleverly uses music for levity, with Laura Branigan’s “Gloria,” which can be heard during an unsettling part of the movie. I, Tonya’s talented cast, dark humor, and retelling of a story that took over headlines, make an incredible movie. And the soundtrack that the kids would say is filled with “certified bops,” is the cherry on top. (Diana Gebbia)
Kingsman: The Golden Circle
Yes, yes, yes, I know. You’re not going to get any argument from me. The “Free Bird” fight scene from Kingsman: The Secret Service is one of the best needle drops in film history. However, looking at the whole body of work, I think Kingsman: The Golden Circle is stronger overall. Admittedly, having an enslaved Sir Elton John as a literal plot point in your movie doesn’t hurt things in that regard. His discography is used to perfection here (four times, according to IMDb). As someone who’s always had “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” on top of my personal Elton John power rankings, that being the backing track for the final fight is perfection. John Denver also makes multiple appearances, and the movie makes you shed a tear over “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” If those legends aren’t enough, they sprinkle in Prince and Buddy Holly for good measure, and (though not technically part of the film) setting your respective trailers to “My Way,” “My Generation,” and “Sharped Dressed Man” was further evidence that a sonic genius was at work on this film. (Jake Bourgeois)
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Although it may not be full of epic needle drops or big choreographed numbers, few soundtracks help to establish the tone of a film more than that of O Brother, Where Art Thou? To help build out the world of their Great Depression-era retelling of Homer’s Odyssey, the Coen brothers chose to highlight classic American folk music such as “Big Rock Candy Mountain” and “Stay on the Sunny Side.” The music also factors in during key plot movements, mostly through the formation of the Soggy Bottom Boys, a musical group formed by the film’s main trio of Ulysses, Pete, and Delmar (George Clooney, John Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson, with singing dubbed by Dan Tyminski, Harley Allen, and Pat Enright, respectively), and their breakout song “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow.” Throughout the film, this soundtrack helps to build atmosphere and emphasize the struggles faced by Ulysses in his voyage home, but notably the soundtrack was able to find success outside of the cinema as well, charting number one on the Billboard 200, and winning a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. This is an excellent soundtrack that not only supports the film it was produced for, but is able to stand alone as a great compilation of classic Americana. (Jake Hjort)
Pulp Fiction
Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, one of the best films of the ’90 and maybe the 20th century, is iconic in the world of cinema. This ultra-violent, time-jumping masterpiece has a lot going for it, but one element that might be the most iconic is its soundtrack. Tarantino uses an eclectic mix — sometimes campy, sometimes groovy, but all around fitting in the world of L.A. criminals who like to have weird conversations. What makes it feel even more natural is almost all the music in Pulp Fiction is diegetic — in other words, the songs we hear in the film are playing in the world of these characters. The radio switches around and eventually lands on Kool and the Gang’s “Jungle Boogie” when Jules and Vincent are driving in the beginning. Chuck Berry’s “C’est la Vie” plays over the speakers when Vincent and Mia join the dance contest at Jack Rabbit Slim’s, which of course leads to the iconic scene with the two of them when Mia puts on Dusty Springfield’s “Son of a Preacher Man” when she brings Vincent home. Another cool thing about the film’s soundtrack itself is that it features audio from the film, such as dialogue between Pumpkin and Honey Bunny, the Royale with cheese conversation, and the Ezekiel 25:17 speech. These additions and so many more really cool songs add to the already very cool vibe that Pulp Fiction’s soundtrack delivers. (Jacob Kinman)
Remember the Titans
Listen, baaaaaby! There’s not a song I don’t love on the soundtrack for Disney’s Remember the Titans. They get you rocking and rolling with this fantastic and moving story. When the Titans are trouncing their opponents on the football field, it gets the blood pumping listening to “Up Around the Bend” by Creedence Clearwater Revival or “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum. If you want to put a little pep in your step, listen to the beautiful sound of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Heck, even the Titans themselves get on the singing with their own renditions of “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye,” and when they sing “We are the Titans.” There’s so much to enjoy on this soundtrack, historical inaccuracies be damned! This is a great watch with some killer tunes. (Sam Nichols)
School of Rock
School of Rock is memorable for a lot of reasons. I think one we can all agree one is for how lovable Jack Black is as this slacker-turned-role-model. But another great memorable aspect is the film’s use of classic rock music. The movie is a huge love letter to the golden age of rock ‘n roll, and chooses to showcase it with some amazing picks. Some real classics from the genre like “Back In Black” by AC/DC, “My Brain is Hanging Upside Down (Bonzo Goes to Bitburg)” by the Ramones, and of course the iconic use of “Immigrant Song” By Led Zeppelin. That last one stands out especially for how Led Zeppelin typically hated the use of their music in movies and advertising. Black filmed a plea with over 1,000 participants in the crowd asking the band to use their song before finally getting permission. But overall, I just think that School of Rock is a really good time, and you can’t go wrong with it. It’s a movie I recommend to anyone of any age group, and if you still haven’t seen it by now, I highly urge you add it to your list, or to move it up as soon as possible. I have a hard time believing that you’ll walk away with anything other than a smile on your face and a nice tune stuck in your head. (Alex Henderson)
Space Jam
When I was in the seventh grade, I won a copy of the Space Jam soundtrack at a school dance, in a Star Wars trivia contest, and I will remember it for “All of My Days.” Probably the nerdiest sentence ever, but “That’s The Way (I Like It).” Being “The Winner” of this CD made me “Fly Like an Eagle” through the gym to collect my prize! I put in my headphones and began listening to my new soundtrack on the way home from that dance. Ignoring my friends like that may have been “Buggin’,” but I made it up to them. When my one friend asked if everyone could listen to the soundtrack through the bus speakers, I said, “For You I Will.” Dear reader, “I Turn to You” now and ask you to imagine how much fun that night was to a bunch of 13-year-olds. Personally, “I Found My Smile Again.” That ride home was off the hook; we were all turned “Upside Down (‘Round-N-Round’)” with excitement, and it was so much fun “I Believe[d] I [Could] Fly!” Just as we were listening to “Hit ‘Em High (The Monstars’ Anthem),” we arrived at my stop, and the night came to a close. Although I will always have a “Basketball Jones” for that night of memories, the best part was getting to listen to this album on repeat for years to come! That is my story, I’ve “[Given] U All That I’ve Got,” so hopefully this will inspire you to purchase this album so you too can, get up and slam and welcome to the Space Jam! (Nick Ferro)
Suicide Squad
Along with the good action, David Ayer’s Suicide Squad has a pretty good soundtrack in the old DCEU. The soundtrack has a nice mix of hip-hop, rock, and alt-pop for some nice tracks. The film follows some of Batman’s deadliest villains, such as Joker heartthrob Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), the Clown Prince of Crime himself, Joker (Jared Leto), and Deadshot (Will Smith). The soundtrack collaborates with huge artists, such as Lil Wayne, Logic, Wiz Khalifa, Imagine Dragons, Kehlani, Grimes, and The Black Keys. One of the main tracks is “Heathens” by Twenty One Pilots, which plays at the beginning of the credits. Skrillex and Rick Ross made quite a banger for our villains with “Purple Lamborghini.” Ross’s taste for flavor, and Skrillex’s sound, are really music to your ears. The edgy soundtrack gives a dark but entertaining vibe in a society where bad meets evil. The film got no mercy from critics, who cited its bad script and pacing troubles. However, the music does a good enough job of capturing gritty, comical tones. In this universe, the film aims to show how bad and anarchic everyone is; the soundtrack does just that. It is captivating because it makes you feel uncomfortable emotions you wouldn’t typically see in soundtracks. It may be tempting to just write off the soundtrack due to some gripes on the film, but the soundtrack gives off the exact vibe that the movie aimed for viewers to feel. (Christian Grullon)
Top Gun
During the summer of ‘86, you couldn’t turn on the radio and listen for more than 20 minutes without hearing “Danger Zone” or “Take My Breath Away,” and we have Top Gun to thank for that. “Take My Breath Away” would go on to win both the Academy Award and Golden Globe for best original song, and “Danger Zone”would peak at number two on Billboard, with the soundtrack as a whole becoming the best selling of 1986. “Danger Zone” has become so iconic and synonymous with Top Gun, that when compiling music for Maverick, the decision was made to use the original track over a new recording. Kenny Loggins’ chart topping hit has also become incredibly prevalent throughout pop culture, popping up everywhere from late night comedy bits to becoming Sterling Archer’s favorite catch phrase (I love it when he just randomly squeals “Danger Zone”). Those two iconic songs alone would be enough to land Top Gun on any list of ultimate soundtracks, but when you add in tracks from Ottis Redding, Jerry Lee Lewis, Cheap Trick, Miami Sound Machine, and The Righteous Brothers, you get an auditory experience that is pure perfection. Next time you’re scrolling through Spotify for a fresh playlist, definitely give the Top Gun soundtrack a chance, and become one of the over nine million already rocking out to this beloved classic. (Patrice Downing)