Top 10 Movie Soundtrack Songs You Forgot Were Awesome

“Rad” (1986)


There’s just no other way to say it: everything about 1986’s “Rad” feels Capital-E eighties. The accompanying soundtrack definitely underlines this sentiment, thanks to such bangers as “Send Me An Angel” by Real Life. John Farnham also contributed a few songs to the OST, including the epic “Thunder In Your Heart” and our pick, “Break The Ice.” This sets the tone for “Rad’s” tale of bitchin’ BMX, effectively serving as the film’s main theme. This is montage music at its very best, amplified by Farnham’s soaring vocals and palpable sincerity. Subtlety? Irony? Get the heck out of there. “Break The Ice” just wants to get radical.

“Scarface” (1983)

We’re so, so glad that famed producer Giorgio Moroder was tapped to work on the score and soundtrack to 1983’s “Scarface.” Director Brian De Palma’s remake is steeped in blood, sweat and style from top to bottom, and Moroder’s soundtrack is the perfect accompaniment. The soundtrack’s main theme, “Scarface (Push It to the Limit),” shows up during the epic montage of Tony Montana’s rise to power; and it’s everything you want in such a scene. “Push It to the Limit” practically crackles with electrical energy as the up-tempo groove reflects Montana’s relentless drive for success. Meanwhile, the lead vocal of Paul Engemann essentially narrates that “razor’s edge” of danger upon which Montana will dance…until his inevitable demise.

“Return of the Living Dead Part II” (1988)

You may not recognize Australia’s Joe Lamont by name, but you might recognize his voice. This singer-songwriter appeared on a number of high-profile soundtracks during the ‘80s, particularly in the horror genre. “Flesh to Flesh” is probably Lamont’s best overall tune, however, a standout cut from “Return of the Living Dead Part II.” This comedic sequel to the 1985 original benefits from its rock and pop soundtrack, with “Flesh to Flesh” booming as the main characters escape zombies. The hooks here are big enough to catch an ocean of sharks, while Lamont’s vocals sound strong and melodic. And that chorus? Well, it’s the sort of “to die for” anthem that’s allowed “Return of the Living Dead Part II” to live on for horror fans.

“Killer Klowns from Outer Space” (1988)


The overall career arc of The Dickies exists more in a traditional punk space than this soundtrack cut for “Killer Klowns from Outer Space.” This is what makes the deviation so cool, however, since the tune is a fun main theme for an insanely imaginative movie. “Killer Klowns” plays up that classic, carnival-esque theme we all remember from the circus, combining it with The Dickies’ punk pedigree. The verses, meanwhile, are moody and suitable for the film’s legacy as an ‘80s horror classic. The guitar solo also rocks with reckless abandon, while the lyrics of “Killer Klowns” nicely echo the film’s plot. Not bad, considering The Dickies’ lead singer actually hadn’t yet seen the finished product!

“Shocker” (1989)

The soundtrack to 1989’s “Shocker” is a treasure trove of diamonds for heavy metal fans. Killer cuts from Bonfire and Dangerous Toys abound on this LP, but it’s the main theme by The Dudes of Wrath that takes the cake. This was a supergroup compiled for this session that included Paul Stanley of Kiss, Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee, Dio’s Vivian Campbell, and more. They all bring the thunder. It’s Stanley’s presence that’s particularly welcomed, since Kiss generally didn’t deal with horror themes within their music. But the coda of “Shocker” surprises with a melodic, anthemic twist that feels more in Stanley’s wheelhouse, as The Dudes of Wrath rock and roll their way through Wes Craven’s twisted mind.

“Pet Sematary Two” (1992)

It was a case of musical kismet between the “Pet Sematary” franchise and Ramones. The punk rock legends have appeared, in one way or another, in both original films, as well as via Starcrawler’s cover in the 2019 remake. “Poison Heart” from “Pet Sematary Two” remains somewhat underrated, however, a ghoulishly gothic anthem with an absolutely amazing chorus. The accompanying video for “Poison Heart” echoes this sentiment with an evocative clip that proved Ramones could expand their musical horizons beyond pure punk. The tune is melancholic, with a driving rhythm by drummer Marky Ramone. What more can we say? “Poison Heart” kills.

“A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master” (1988)

It’s a shame that actress Tuesday Knight’s musical contribution to “A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master” wasn’t released on the film’s original soundtrack. “Nightmare,” after all, essentially serves as the entry’s main title theme, with Knight as its lead actress. Still, fans never forgot this haunting tune from this “Elm Street” installment. Knight’s presence and charm as an actress were also retained with her singing career, as “Nightmare” feels suitably cinematic, with a ghostly lead vocal. Knight has contributed a number of songs to television and film productions since “Nightmare,” but the 2015 release of this single served as a welcomed reminder of just how cool this song was back in ‘88.

“Super Fly” (1972)

The Blaxploitation boom of the 1970s remains a treasure trove of soulful soundtrack cuts that helped define a decade. Curtis Mayfield was at the forefront of this genre, alongside Isaac Hayes and his “Theme from Shaft.” Mayfield’s soundtrack album to 1972’s “Super Fly” is frankly a masterpiece, but “Freddie’s Dead” stands out as a true classic of the era. The tune’s funky wah-wah, fuzz bass and groovy drums appear in an instrumental form on the film proper, while Mayfield’s album version features an amazing lead vocal. It ultimately doesn’t matter which version you rock, however, because “Freddie’s Dead” is absolutely guaranteed to get you moving.

“The NeverEnding Story” (1984)


Isn’t it funny how certain, generation-defining movies live on, while others fall by the wayside? “Stranger Things” may have helped “The NeverEnding Story” remain within the public consciousness, but those eighties kids who lived through it the first time ‘round are probably nostalgic. “The NeverEnding Story” was a hit for the solo career of Kajagoogoo singer Limahl, an impossibly heartfelt and melodic soundtrack cut for the ages. Composers Giorgio Moroder and Keith Forsey utilized then-contemporary synthesizer sounds for the U.S. cut of the film. This stands in contrast with the German version of “The NeverEnding Story,” whose score by Klaus Doldinger is comparatively more traditional. Who are we fooling, though? We want our eighties, and we want it now!


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

The Gin Blossoms’ Melancholic Sound of the Nineties

The Best Fake Band Ever?

The Voice of Stan Bush Can Do No Wrong

“The Return of the Living Dead” (1985)

It’s one of the most perfect punk and pop soundtracks for one of the most perfect punk horror films ever conceived. Death Rock progenitors 45 Grave had already released “Partytime” on their 1984 debut album prior to giving it a heavier facelift for this film a year later. The newly-dubbed “Zombie Version” contained new lyrics that fit in with the film’s undead plotlines, while also retaining that scream-a-long-able chorus. Frontwoman Dinah Cancer’s superbly snotty vocals fit the song perfectly, snarling along to 45 Grave’s riff-attack and spooky synth accompaniment. “The Return of the Living Dead” had an OST that got the dead out of their graves, ready to rock, but it was 45 Grave that helped lead the charge.

Which soundtrack cuts live in your head, rent-free? Let us know in the comments!