Top 10 Times Soundtracks Unexpectedly Slapped
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Times Soundtracks Unexpectedly Slapped. For this list, we’ll be looking at soundtracks not just for the songs themselves, but for the way the songs are used in the movie. To be clear, we’re not including musicals or film scores. Strictly soundtracks. Did we miss your favorite movie soundtrack? Sound off in the comments.
#10: “Lady Bird” (2017)
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We’re pretty adamant that this list is about soundtracks and not scores, but if we made a list about movie scores, this one would likely make the cut. It’s just an amazing score. But we’re here to tell you that the soundtrack is just as awesome, if not more so. With there being a musical inside the movie, the soundtrack is loaded up with several songs by the legendary Stephen Sondheim. And if that isn’t epic enough, you’ve got a very eclectic combination of sound courtesy of Alanis Morissette, Reel Big Fish, the Dave Matthews Band, and more.
#9: “Twilight” (2008)
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Whether you loved this movie or hated it, there is no denying that its soundtrack is pretty killer. It even won Favorite Soundtrack at the American Music Awards in 2009. Well, with bands like Paramore, Linkin Park, and Muse it’s no surprise. Talk about genius soundtracks. This movie picked songs that not only suited the overall tone of the film, but were also by bands that were super popular at the time. And, fun fact, the Iron & Wine cut used in the movie was chosen by Kristen Stewart, Bella Swan herself.
#8: “Black Panther” (2018)
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Pretty much everything about this movie is beyond epic, so we expected nothing less from the soundtrack. Director Ryan Coogler asked artist Kendrick Lamar to produce a few songs for the movie, but Lamar one upped that request by writing a full album. Lamar also collaborated with the film’s score composer, Ludwig Göransson, who had actually traveled to Africa and recorded music to use in his compositions. According to Lamar, he had created a soundtrack that worked on its own rather than simply as an extension of the movie. We have to agree. Upon release the soundtrack was adored by both critics and audiences. The song “King’s Dead” even won a Grammy.
#7: “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
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You got classics like Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation,” Salt-N-Pepa’s “Push It,” “One Week” by the Barenaked Ladies and of course, “Hypnotize” by Biggie himself. With these bolstering the already awesome narrative, it’s no wonder this movie has earned cult classic status. That scene where Patrick sings “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” to Kat in front of the whole school is nothing short of legendary. And don’t forget the cover of Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me” by Letters to Cleo. It is the perfect ending to an already stellar movie.
#6: “Romeo + Juliet” (1996)
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Although all the dialogue is still in Shakespearian pentameter, Baz Luhrmann took many liberties to modernize one of the most famous tragedies of all time. The characters have guns and cars and so forth, but one of the most important of those liberties is the use of music. The music used to tell the story is out of time with the setting of the movie. Bands like Garbage and Radiohead definitely didn’t exist back in Shakespeare’s time, but they definitely enhance this version of the groundbreaking love story.
#5: “Shrek” (2001)
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Whenever people think of Shrek, they still think about that Smash Mouth song, “All Star,” from the opening sequence, or hearing the song reminds them of Shrek. The two things are practically synonymous. The song is perfect for Shrek’s introduction. And what about that awesome WWE style fight scene to Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation?” Nothing short of iconic. And we can’t forget “Hallelujah.” It is simultaneously sad and uplifting during the montage showing our heroes separated. Every song in this movie is not only good on its own, but serves a specific purpose in the storytelling. You can’t ask for anything more from a soundtrack. And, by the way, the sequel’s soundtrack totally holds up.
#4: “Holes” (2003)
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We could probably just throw out “Dig It,” written and performed by the D-Tent Boys themselves, and drop the mic and walk away right there. But every single song in this movie not only perfectly accents the scenes they are in, but in fact, enhances them. “Dig It” was born of the actors just goofing around on the bus on the way to set, and became an anthem for the movie. How cool is that? That montage showing Kissin Kate Barlow’s descent from school teacher to bank robber is incredibly accompanied by TK. And you remember the “If Only” song from the book? Also accounted for on the soundtrack. Incredible.
#3: “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012)
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The music in this movie is practically a character of its own. The soundtrack isn’t background music designed to direct the viewing audience to feel a certain way. It is the soundtrack to the characters’ lives. The music unites all of our heroes. Speaking of heroes, the song of the same name by David Bowie is emblematic of Sam, Patrick, and Charlie’s feelings of infinity when they fly through the tunnel in one of the film’s most memorable scenes. The dance sequence, where they all move to “Come On Eileen” by Dexy’s Midnight Runners, is so much fun and brilliantly edited to show not only Sam and Patrick’s carefree nature, but also Charlie’s shyness. And of course, we can’t forget the epic “Rocky Horror” scene.
#2: “Tarzan” (1999)
Although the songs are all original and specifically written for this movie, unlike many similar Disney movies, the characters don’t sing the songs in lieu of their dialogue, so this is technically not a musical. Phill Collins is an award winning music legend, so you’d expect these songs to be good, but wow, did he put his all into it. He even won a Grammy for this soundtrack. With songs like “Strangers Like Me” and “You’ll Be In My Heart,” it’s no surprise he won. There’s a joke among fans of this movie that goes that Phil Collins didn’t need to go as hard as he did on this soundtrack - but we’re glad he did.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Cheaper by the Dozen 2” (2005)
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“Clueless” (1995)
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“Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014)
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“Licorice Pizza” (2021)
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“Begin Again” (2013)
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#1: “The One” (2001)
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It's rare to find such a hardcore soundtrack for any movie. Most tend to use more universally liked genres and styles, or recent pop hits to appeal to larger audiences. But every single song on this soundtrack seems to have been chosen specifically to enhance the scene that it is a part of. When “Down With the Sickness” kicks in it’s not just some new song added in arbitrarily. It is woven into the scene to enhance its intensity. It's not just that the songs themselves are great songs, it's the way they are used in the movie that make this soundtrack so excellent. It is criminal that no CD was ever released.
