Films need a musical score that keeps their audience engaged and awake. Without realizing it, movie soundtracks are our emotional triggers for any moment in a story. They build suspense, elevate our mood at the right times, and make us cry with unrelenting emotion. When the movie’s bad, the soundtrack can be there to keep us distracted from the pitiful acting performances. This imbalance can be recognized in movies we may love or hate.
We thank these 8 remarkable movie soundtracks that outshined the movie. Without them, we’d probably have our movie tickets refunded.
1. It Follows
Disasterpeace’s chilling electronic score for It Follows will have your blood pumping in the first five seconds. The soundtrack is comparable to The Shining and Insidious in the sense that it was the driving force for the film’s success. With an insanely bizarre plot line (comprised of a curse spread through sexual intercourse), this movie is not as great as its creepy, jarring music. Rather than relying on frightening visuals, the soundtrack was what made us hold our breaths, hide behind tangled fingers, and immaturely scream in a public movie theater. Listen to the soundtrack below, but, be warned, it will put you on your toes.
courtesy of vox.com
2. Step Up Revolution
With a cast full of insanely talented dancers, the acting in this movie was destined to be downright terrible. Besides the acting aspect, dance movies are well-known for their killer choreography, visuals, and, of course, soundtracks. Safe to say, this upbeat music selection of familiar as well as hole-in-the-wall artists did not fail. The dance hall remixes of mainstream artists such as Ne-Yo, Jennifer Lopez, and, yes, even Justin Bieber are catchier and more memorable than any actors’ line.
courtesy of slantmagazine.com
3. Burlesque
What do you get when you put Christina Aguilera and Cher in a Burlesque movie? You get powerhouse riffing, professional excellency, and a hell of a lot of raw, jazzy sex appeal. The movie’s plot line was predicted from the start. Small home-town girl moves to LA with big dreams, gets an extremely attractive and unethical romantic partner, and coincidentally gets her big break at the end. With a 36% on Rotten Tomatoes and a Golden Globe for Best Original Song, it’s safe to say that Cher and Christina should stick to what they know best.
courtesy of ew.com
4. 8 Mile
While this movie is not bad, it would be nothing without the insane lyrical ingenuity of Eminem. The movie is focused on the dream to make it big as a rap artist, so it makes sense that this masterpiece of hip-hop outshined most parts of the film. With soundtrack features including Nas, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and Eminem. The gritty, angry and authentic score describes the film perfectly. One thing is for certain, “Lose Yourself”, without a doubt, still one of the greatest hip hop songs of all time.
courtesy of yardbarker.com
5. Fifty Shades of Grey
This controversial motion picture was laughable, but the music had us feeling the erotic, romantic relationship between Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. With sexy numbers by Annie Lennox, Beyoncé, Rolling Stones, Sia and The Weeknd, this R&B/jazz infused movie soundtrack had us feeling like Anastasia’s first walk into Mr. Grey’s office. The album was No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in the movie’s first week of release, while the movie received a nomination for Worst Picture at the 36th Golden Raspberries Awards.
courtesy of express.co.uk
6. 500 Days of Summer
Although this movie can stand on its own two legs, the soundtrack integrates an indie-alternative feel that defines the entire movie. The movie will leave you despising Zoey Deschanel’s character but loving the tracks behind the screen. Folk and indie-alternative giants such as The Smiths, Regina Spektor, Simon & Garfunkel and other artists successfully paint the tainted love story that exists between the two main characters.
courtesy of imdb.com
7. Perks of Being A Wallflower
Like any other movie based on a best-selling novel. Perks of Being A Wallflower was enjoyable but lacked important details that make any reader want to tear their hair out. The trance-inducing soundtrack is filled with cassette classics including “Heroes” and “Come on Eileen”. Its overall feel can be best described as nostalgic; as if we’re eagerly listening to an exclusive mixtape made for us by our significant other in the 90’s. The soundtrack’s soft grunge excellence outshines the movie.
courtesy of standard.co.uk
8. Twilight: New Moon
The Twilight Saga is known for an off-putting, stoic Kristen Stewart and pretty-boy pained Robert Pattinson. The second film in the cult series, New Moon, rightfully received a 4.7/10 from Rotten Tomatoes. In short, the cast ruined the potential of Stephanie Meyer’s fantastic plotline. All we received in return was an awkwardly empty soap opera trying way too hard to sell at the box office. The soundtrack, on the other hand, is far from empty. The enriched warm indie, pop, and alternative sounds are unique. Mixed with old and new faces, check out this remarkable full movie soundtrack below.
courtesy of cantonrep.com
Movies and music go hand in hand when pulling off a great picture. As shown by these 8 remarkable movie soundtracks, sometimes, music can trump the movie.
Comment below with soundtracks that deserve to be on our list!