Top 20 Greatest Video Game Soundtracks of All Time

Top 20 Greatest Video Game Soundtracks of All Time

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the greatest video game soundtracks ever made! We’ll be looking at original scores, and only including one entry per franchise.

#20: “Halo 3” (2007)

Martin O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori had already delivered two stellar soundtracks before “Halo 3.” But with the franchise’s first use of a live orchestra, the duo created magic. The end of the original trilogy was accompanied by an appropriately climactic soundtrack. O’Donnell and Salvatori repurposed their previous tracks while adding plenty of new ones. With haunting string and piano arrangements, intimidating percussion, and a choir with perfect harmonies, it captured galactic warfare flawlessly. It didn’t matter what section of the game you were in; the music carried us through each tense moment, culminating in a climax that was both satisfying and impressive.

#19: “Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest” (1995)

Certain games we play as kids have soundtracks that become emotional powerhouses over time, able to reach into our memories and bring it all flooding back. “Donkey Kong Country 2” is such a game. Don’t get us wrong; it has more than nostalgia going for it. Composer David Wise perfected what he had done with the original game, 1-upping himself in terms of atmosphere and memorability. The soundtrack is packed with wonderful beats that evoke the jungle setting. But there are also fun, shanty-like tunes to fit the pirate aesthetic, as well as more reflective pieces like the fan-favorite “Stickerbrush Symphony.” Simply put, Wise nailed the tone of each and every level.

#18: “Shadow of the Colossus” (2005)

In this dark tale, players must seek out and defeat imposing Colossi in order to save someone they love. While the sheer stature and superb art direction do plenty to establish each creature’s glory, the music does so just as well. Each confrontation comes with unique music, lending all of them another layer of originality. Kow Otani’s score can often be melancholic in the most beautiful of ways, but it also instills in you a palpable sense of wonder. The composer knew when to be subtle and pull back, just as he was adept at hitting us with a wave of emotions. The result is an atmospheric marvel.

#17: “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” (1992)

Sonic’s first sequel had some big shoes to fill in pretty much all categories. Thankfully, Sega expanded in the best ways possible, including the music. Masato Nakamura returned to score “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” giving players one of the greatest retro game soundtracks in existence. Everything brimmed with energy, pairing phenomenally with the lead character and level design. It’s so easy to get these tunes stuck in your head, thanks to ridiculously catchy hooks and some impressive bass that gives them all significant oomph. From the endlessly enjoyable “Chemical Plant Zone” to the absolutely rockin’ “Metropolis Zone,” it’s a treat for the ears.

#16: “God of War” (2018)

Sony tried a lot of new things with 2018’s “God of War.” To match the more cinematic approach, it brought on composer Bear McCreary, primarily known for his work in film and TV. Needless to say, it was a match made in Heaven, or should we say Valhalla? McCreary’s work is a blend of fantastic influences. He took inspiration from previous games, including their overall booming nature, but complimented them with softer pieces to pair with Kratos’ seasoned characterization. He also made sure to use as many authentic Nordic instruments as possible, crafting something that felt both familiar and entirely original. It’s no surprise it won McCreary a handful of awards.

#15: “Silent Hill 2” (2001)

One might think a survival horror game would have a very specific type of soundtrack. The fact that “Silent Hill 2’s” music surprises us, and is incredible in its own right, earns it endless recognition. Sure, there are plenty of songs here that sound like what you’d expect; creepy tones and tense drums bring the town to life almost as well as its monsters. But with a skilled musician like Akira Yamaoka at the helm, the soundtrack goes above and beyond. Yamaoka’s use of piano is almost peaceful, clashing with the setting. Tracks like “Promise” are downright beautiful, while incorporations of rock elements in songs like “Theme of Laura” are surprisingly catchy.

#14: “Journey” (2012)

The indie darling, “Journey,” attempts to convey its story and themes without any dialogue or exposition. Naturally, music plays a key role in delivering its message. Austin Wintory crafted a stunning companion for the player’s adventure. By heavily relying on the cello to represent the main character, Wintory gave them a greater sense of self, which would be joined dynamically by other instruments as the player experienced different elements. It’s gorgeous to listen to on its own. But playing alongside it is truly remarkable as it adds another level to what makes “Journey” a special game. It was the first game soundtrack to be nominated for a Grammy and it’s easy to see why.

#13: “Cuphead” (2017)

Sometimes, the power of a video game soundtrack simply lies in its ability to make you want to get up and move. “Cuphead” impressed almost everyone when it debuted thanks to its high difficulty and extremely charming visuals inspired by old cartoons. To fit its retro flair, composer Kristofer Maddigan relied on jazz and big band musicians. With every squealing horn and woodwind, every quick drum beat, and every prancing piano note, it feels as if you’ve been transported to the 30s. Maddigan’s work on “Cuphead” is not only a phenomenal video game soundtrack, but it’s also one of the best and most successful Jazz albums in years.

#12: “Mega Man 2” (1989)

A lot of old school games have wonderful chiptune soundtracks. Yet, all these years laters, we find our hearts still full of love for “Mega Man 2.” Composer Takashi Tateishi drew on his background from performing in a band to create the memorable melodies. Maybe that’s why every single track is such a lively bop that they can almost distract from the task at hand. No matter which Robot Master you choose to go after first, the music of their level will have you grinning from ear to ear. A lot of retro fans believe “Mega Man 2” to have the best soundtrack on the NES, and we have to say we agree.

#11: “Celeste” (2018)

There are multiple elements that make “Celeste” a game worth celebrating, from its tender handling of mental illness to its tough but extremely rewarding platforming. Lena Raine’s enchanting score does just as much for Madeleine's journey as everything else. There are obvious retro inspirations, but Raine goes much further than calling back to the 16-bit era. Each of the main characters have their own instrument, which is manipulated to fit the tone of every scene and level. More importantly, every piece of music is attuned to Madeleine’s current mental state. Where some songs are hopeful and spirited, others are downcast, gloomy, and, in some key moments, alarming. Raine captured a wide spectrum of emotions while remaining catchy as Hell.

#10: “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” (2015)

Honestly, we’ll never pass up an opportunity to applaud “The Witcher 3.” The score from composer Marcin Przybyłowicz is such an achievement, it completely blew away his work on the predecessor. Every tune evokes some element of a grand fantasy adventure. Feelings of anger and suspense that come from facing a great beast, jaunty tunes after a hard-won victory, and quieter, somber pieces for the despair found in every corner of the Continent; in every instance, the musicians knock it out of the park. That’s not to mention the heavy use of traditionally Slavic instruments, which lend “The Witcher 3” a distinct sound to set it apart from the many others in its genre.

#9: “Nier: Automata” (2017)

As we’ve seen, some of the best video game soundtracks are those that not only fit with their worlds, but enhance them. Keiichi Okabe’s score for “Nier: Automata” is a study in brilliance when it comes to this mentality. Many of the tracks are fittingly melancholic, yet somewhat peaceful, complementing the overgrown, post-apocalyptic setting superbly. As strong as the score is, which is very, it also ties in with the narrative and themes. Certain pieces will repeat as the overall plot is revealed through several playthroughs, yet will be slightly different. Not only is it extremely cool to hear how it changes in-game, but it’s one of several features that keeps the game from becoming repetitive.

#8: “Chrono Trigger” (1995)

Yasunori Mitsuda is a legendary composer in certain circles. But there’s no game in his extensive repertoire that has better attributed to that status than “Chrono Trigger.” The 1995 Super Nintendo classic is still regarded as one of the greatest RPGs ever made, with Mitsuda’s score being a high point amongst many others. The music is so dynamic, evolving to fit different time periods and moods, that it felt epic and cinematic long before games started moving in that direction. With some help from “Final Fantasy’s” Nobuo Uematsu, Mitsuda created a soundtrack that not only fits his game, but defines it for the better. “Chrono Trigger” is incredible, but it would be a little less so without Mitsuda’s work.

#7: “Red Dead Redemption 2” (2018)

One of the biggest things “Red Dead Redemption 2” is praised for, other than weaving a compelling narrative, is how it immerses you into the life of the Old West. The music does this marvelously. Composed by the talented Woody Jackson, the soundtrack genuinely feels like it comes from an old Hollywood Western. In fact, Jackson implemented instruments that were used in movies just like those. Beyond fitting perfectly with the game’s tone and world, parts of it could also change depending on the player’s decisions throughout the game, making it a bit more tailored to your experience. Jackson and his collaborators truly put in the work, earning several awards in the process.

#6: “Hades” (2020)

Darren Korb has composed soundtracks for every game from developer Supergiant Games to date. And while they’re all certainly worthy of praise, “Hades” sits at the top. For a story about the Prince of the Greek underworld trying to escape, Korb played it both subtly and explosively depending on the scene. The use of traditional Greek instruments helped to build up the setting while being catchy to boot. However, as soon as you hit a round of combat, Korb’s rock influences smash down the door, completely reinventing each melody. That and the few vocal tracks paint the picture of a composer at the top of his game, and we can’t wait to see what he does next.

#5: “Final Fantasy VII” (1997)

When it comes to “Final Fantasy” soundtracks, there are several entries beloved by fans that could be argued as the best. Today, we’re going with the bonafide classic that changed the face of video games. Nobuo Uematsu is clearly a God among men, having worked on multiple installments. He reworked some of his previous tracks to fit with this new era while crafting others that would become instant favorites. The soundtrack effortlessly bounces between styles. At times, it can be funky and sleek for the sci-fi setting, while at others it can be heroic with triumphant horns, and even further filled with despair in tracks like Sephiroth’s “One-Winged Angel.”

#4: “Super Mario Galaxy” (2007)

Mario’s games have always featured great music. But with “Super Mario Galaxy,” Nintendo outdid itself. Mahito Yokota worked alongside Koji Kondo, composer on several older games, to bring the mascot into a new era. It was Nintendo’s first time using a live orchestra, which more than paid off. Otherwise, there’s no way the soundtrack could’ve captured the awe and wonder of space as strongly as it did. Echoing harps and piano, powerful, sweeping string ensembles, and plenty of engaging hooks made venturing to each planet an unparalleled delight. Thankfully, it never lost the sense of joy found in previous Mario music, instead elevating it to new heights. From the enchanting Observatory theme to the victorious Gusty Garden Galaxy, it’s pure video game ecstasy.

#3: “Undertale” (2015)

There are multiple reasons “Undertale” blew up on the internet when it debuted. The fact that it was made by a single person, including its music, is impressive regardless. But that it turned out this good is almost unheard of. Toby Fox, like many modern indie developers, took inspiration from the 16-bit era. However, through modern advancements, “Undertale’s” music features an unmatched level of energy and charisma. Each boss fight is accompanied by a tune more catchy and impressive than the last. Fox also knew the importance of leitmotifs, weaving them in and out of subsequent songs to match the story. The whole soundtrack is remarkably dynamic, on top of being celebrated by the community.

#2: “Persona 5” (2017)

“Persona 5” may just be the most stylish entry in one of gaming's coolest franchises. We hesitate to think what it would be like without Shoji Meguro’s incredible soundtrack, so important it was in creating the game’s tone. Meguro was inspired by acid jazz, with its expressive nature finely attuned to modern day Tokyo. The game’s most popular tracks feature singer Lyn Inaizumi, whose vocals are almost as smooth as the game’s crime-solving hero. However, even the game’s instrumental tracks effortlessly drip with cool, making even the most mundane of activities exciting. “Persona 5’s” music is something we’ll never grow tired of, meaning the eventual “Persona 6” will have a high bar to pass.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Castlevania: Symphony of the Night” (1997)
Michiru Yamane’s Eerie Score Enhances This Gothic Horror Masterpiece

“Grim Fandango” (1998)
Peter McConnell’s Big Band and Jazz Influences Make This Crime Caper Soar

“Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater” (2004)
A Stunning Foray into Spy Themes from Harry Gregson-Williams and Norihiko Hibino

“The Last of Us” (2013)
Gustavo Santollalla’s Music is Beautifully Sorrowful

“Doom” (2016)
Mick Gordon’s Distorted Metal is Almost Impossible to Hear Without Banging Your Head

#1: “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” (1998)

Like “Final Fantasy,” there are many entries in “The Legend of Zelda” that could be argued for having the best music. “Wind Waker” very nearly made this list. But in the end, there is no game soundtrack, within this series or otherwise, that is as iconic or influential as “Ocarina of Time.” Koji Kondo’s music here has been celebrated for more than two decades as a work of true genius. Each track is intrinsically linked to their settings and characters and, in some cases, is even more recognizable. From the Spanish-inspired “Gerudo Valley” to the beautifully somber “Title Theme” to the evocative dungeon themes like the Forest and Spirit Temples, there is nothing here that could ever disappoint.

What’s your favorite video game soundtrack of all time? Share your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to subscribe for more great videos every day!