Music is deeply subjective. Clearly, there are countless biopics that could make a case for the top spot of any soundtrack list. And anything from The Lion King's original soundtrack would be easily be in contention.
So, defining “killer soundtrack” here will uniquely mean a high-energy collection of music with extensive attitude and personality. Further still, soundtracks featuring a single artist will be omitted in favor of variety or obscurity. So will musicals, wherein the music is diegetic, and thus strictly tied to one particular story. Results may differ by opinion, but these musical landmarks are always fun to revisit.
Reality Bites
Reality Bites remains a somewhat underrated little romance movie. It explores intriguing themes with a neat self-awareness but it’s a tricky satire to digest, studying the particulars of its '90s generation. The grunge scene on display results in a soundtrack that functions as a perfect time capsule. Even with some larger bands at hand, the soundtrack captures the independent mood of its decade. A few classics are sprinkled in, like Alice Cooper and that iconic scene featuring the Knack, adding some edge. Still, the soundtrack occasionally dips into romantic charm, which helps the rock breathe. After all, if everything is forte, nothing is.
The Wedding Singer
The Wedding Singer is one of Adam Sandler’s most endearing romances, and a far more accessible comedy than the majority of his filmography. It also beat everyone to the punch with copious and shameless '80s nostalgia, which recently became a massive trend. But Sandler’s protagonist is a clever device that pardons a soundtrack abundant with popular '80s hits. The Smiths, Billy Idol, and New Order all show up organically because of the movie’s titular job. It’s a fun love letter to the decade, with enjoyable humor and a sweet love story.
Boogie Nights
This frenetic movie is exhausting to behold. It is unapologetically graphic in its depictions of sex and addiction. But the characterization is brilliant, and the story is thematically boiling from beginning to end. Boogie Nights traverses the porn industry in its rugged 1970s era, and the music is a crucial piece of that identity.
It carries all of the necessary attitude to reflect the time and the gripping characters, including everything from Hot Chocolate to Marvin Gaye. On the surface, the film essentially invites its audience into one big, immersive party. The emotional content just happens to make its soundtrack feel even more alive and kinetic.
Guardians Of The Galaxy
The cornerstone of Guardians of the Galaxy and its intriguing protagonist Star Lord is actually the opening scene. When the context is later revealed, this imbues the entire soundtrack with meaning. Outside of the film's emotional core, its story is a massive, flashy roller coaster ride with a dozen laughs per minute.
The epic space adventure, contrasted with older classics, turns out to be a fantastic fit. The music isn’t just Peter’s identity, but humanity’s, and Peter eventually uses it as a distraction to save the day. The film and soundtrack are equally radiant with fun and thrills, including The Runaways and Redbone alike.
Dazed And Confused
Richard Linklater is consistently interested in exploring the “day in the life” story in his films, and American Graffiti, determined to paint a detailed picture of a decade — the 1970s — to the tune of its greatest hits.
The result is a stunning level of authenticity and a soundtrack that covers nothing but essential listening. In fact, the music drives the film because there isn’t much plotting; it’s more of a ride, straight down memory lane. For those unfamiliar, Dazed and Confused is a remarkable window, with a constant influx of catchy music from the likes of Foghat and Kiss.
American Graffiti
Another soundtrack that is defined by the era depicted on screen, in this case the '60s. As such, most of the music compiled from a single genre. However, American Graffiti is certainly thorough, venturing from tender romance to spirited festivities. Further, the story notably captures a sense of change and finality.
The plot itself details this well enough already, through its racing and relationships and ruminations on the future. But the single instance of referencing the Beach Boys and the decline of rock and roll feels particularly impactful through contrast. The sheer amount of music in the film is simply staggering, a joy for fans and unexpectedly welcoming for newcomers.
High Fidelity
High Fidelity is about a record store owner who can’t stop making lists, which is surely a strange livelihood. But he does get to discuss music all day long, with some fellow enthusiasts who just enjoy hanging around. Consequently, the entire runtime of the film is brimming with literally dozens of songs, covering a vast range of genres. It’s an absolute gold mine of obscurity and classics alike, driving the protagonist’s mood and character definition.
There has to be something for everyone in this movie, and it’s a fun way to explore new territory. It’s also one of the more convincing and compelling romance films, with a stellar performance from John Cusack.
The Royal Tenenbaums
Director Wes Anderson is nothing less than brilliant, and his many recognizable films are well renowned for their lovable quirks. There is a very particular style of writing and camerawork that distinguishes Anderson, resulting in the most accessible arthouse films imaginable. With odd yet witty characters, snappy dialogue, and unusual plots, his stories are open to a truly expansive musical variety.
The Royal Tenenbaums' soundtrack is especially haunting or lively at will, and snugly fit its corresponding characters or imagery. The story itself and its idiosyncratic characters are frequently upbeat or fascinating. It so naturally demands great music from the likes of the Ramones and the Clash.
Baby Driver
Baby Driver, Edgar Wright’s hilarious action-thriller, is also surprisingly romantic and is consequently filled with extremes. There is constantly a heightened sense of emotion and style, both in its dramatic sequences and brisk action. There are few movies that make obscurity so accessible and enjoyable. The protagonist’s tinnitus is a truly sympathetic agent for non-stop music on screen. The titular Baby is always dancing or listening to something fresh and unexpected. It is integral to his struggle and personality. The soundtrack simply reflects Edgar Wright’s unstoppable creativity and vision, right from the opening scene.
Pulp Fiction
Many of Quentin Tarantino’s films are steeped in pop culture, and there are others that could easily compete here. But Pulp Fiction will probably remain his masterpiece, and creates his own unique environment through a stunningly expansive soundtrack.
That sheer sense of colorful originality is infectious, particularly with its humor, heart and unabashedly provocative nature. Each musical selection utterly empowers the intent of the accompanying scene, as crucial to the mood of the film as Tarantino’s biting dialogue. It would have been impossible to imagine a movie opening with surf rock yet introducing Bruce Willis with Al Green.
