10 Movie Soundtracks Every Rock Fan Needs On Their Playlist

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Every remarkable film deserves its unique, fitting score. A score has the power to amplify emotions, intensify suspense, or turn a humorous scene into a laugh riot. The exceptional movie scores often transcend the boundaries of the screen, becoming standalone pieces with their own identity. Sometimes they function as thematic playlists, other times they serve as time capsules, offering a glimpse into a particular era. They can also simply provide excellent ambient music.

Since the iconic film “Blackboard Jungle,” rock ‘n’ roll has played a significant role in cinema soundtracks, either setting the tone or being integrated into the narrative itself. Every dedicated rock enthusiast should curate a playlist with an array of movie soundtracks (not just compilations from documentaries). These 10 titles span over five decades and offer tracks to match any mood you might find yourself in.

10. American Graffiti

1973

In 1973, “American Graffiti” was released, but its accompanying album titled “41 Original Hits From The Soundtrack Of American Graffiti” offers a near-perfect introduction to the Rock ‘n’ Roll era’s golden hits, which were actually from a decade or more before. The movie chronicles a group of teenagers and their escapades on a single night in 1962, with the soundtrack featuring music that echoes the tunes they would have listened to during that particular night.

This album showcases a variety of prominent artists from that era, such as Bill Halley, Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and Booker T. With genres like rock ‘n’ roll, doo-wop, and soul, the music effectively portrays the time period. The collection, ranging from “Crying In The Chapel” to “Surfin’ Safari,” offers approximately two hours of music that makes this compilation both instructive and enjoyable.

9. Dazed And Confused

1993

Similar to the movie “American Graffiti,” “Dazed and Confused” follows a group of teenagers from a specific time period, in this instance, their final day of school in 1976. Just as the soundtrack mirrors the music these kids would have enjoyed, it is filled with hard rock hits from the early to mid-’70s. Essentially, it serves as a personalized playlist for that era.

The film’s soundtrack was so impressive that it deserved a second album, but the original version still stands out as superior. It’s tough to beat its consistency and flow, from Rick Derringer to Black Sabbath, there are no skipped beats. Even the ballads like “Love Hurts” by Nazareth and “Tuesday’s Gone” by Lynyrd Skynyrd maintain the overall mood while providing a slight pause in tempo.

The original soundtrack is the best, it doesn’t get much better than this one. From start to finish, there are no weak links like Rick Derringer to Black Sabbath, and even the slower songs keep the tone going without slowing things down too much.

8. Pulp Fiction

1994

The soundtrack of “Pulp Fiction” might have been particularly memorable due to one song, Dick Dale’s “Misirlou.” His iconic rendition not only set the tone for the film, but it also ignited a renewed fascination for surf rock in various forms. Its incorporation within this movie significantly reshaped the definition of coolness during that time period, making it challenging to envision the movie poster without “Misirlou” playing subconsciously in your mind.

However, the remainder of the album mirrors this style, preserving the unique, stylish vibe that was fundamental to Quentin Tarantino’s filmmaking. Instead of sticking with popular picks like Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” he opted for some unconventional selections to suit his movie, such as the Urge Overkill rendition of “Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon.” Today, this album still resonates with the ambiance of Pulp Fiction, a testament to its enduring appeal.

7. Trainspotting

1996

Similar to how the film Pulp Fiction utilized its soundtrack to intensify its portrayal of a gritty universe filled with drug abuse and existential turmoil, Trainspotting immerses viewers in a similar world – one plagued by addiction and introspection. However, unlike the grimy setting it depicts, the movie’s soundtrack is far from dismal. It boasts an eclectic mix of genres such as punk, Britpop, techno, and more, creating a vibrant sonic landscape that encompasses a multitude of moods and styles.

Starting with Iggy Pop’s “Lust For Life” infuses the playlist with vigor, hinting at the complex emotions ahead, unlike Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day” which carries a distinctly different vibe within the film context compared to a real perfect day. The Britpop tunes, including tracks by Blur, Pulp, and Elastica, set an ideal introduction, while Primal Scream bridges the gap towards techno, with Underworld’s “Born Slippy .NUXX” being a significant example. Ultimately, this soundtrack serves as a memento of the movie and a valuable exploration of music history.

6. Grosse Pointe Blank

1997

It appears that films centered around crime tend to have fantastic soundtracks as a natural consequence. In the film Grosse Pointe Blank, John Cusack plays a hitman who returns home for his class reunion, and throughout his chaotic journey, exceptional music seems to be in tow. The soundtrack boasts punk, ska, and related genres, yet it also incorporates classic rock (with a surprisingly beautiful Pete Townshend remix) and even some heavy metal tunes.

This album functions as an excellent introduction to the ska genre, seamlessly blending with rock and metal classics from bands like the Clash, the Jam, Faith No More, and Johnny Nash. It creates a harmonious flow that leads listeners effortlessly from one genre to the next, ultimately connecting styles in a way that feels natural and coherent, similar to how the movie’s overall tone is maintained.

5. Boogie Nights

1997

In a delightful blend of disco and pop rock tunes, Boogie Nights illuminated an otherwise dark-growing film. This soundtrack thrives wonderfully beyond its silver screen setting, mimicking a nostalgic mixtape from the late ’70s and early ’80s. It gathers both chart-topping hits and overlooked gems for an energetic and uplifting listening experience.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the unique blend of tunes that make up this soundtrack. Tracks such as “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys, “Spill The Wine” by Eric Burdon and War, and “Sister Christian” by Night Ranger truly set the stage, yet it’s not just a simple compilation that makes it intriguing – it’s the clever mix that elevates it.

Tracks like Walter Egan’s “Magnet And Steel,” a must-not-confuse-with “flint and steel,” and Melanie’s “Brand New Key” help set the tone for the work, giving it an undeniable charm. Add to that gems like “Best Of My Love” and “Jungle Fever,” and what you have is nothing short of a timeless soundtrack, a true classic.

4. Rushmore

1998

Wes Anderson’s collection of soundtracks was quite remarkable, yet it was the one for “Rushmore” that left the deepest impression. This movie tells an unusual story about a student at a private school, and Anderson carefully crafted its soundtrack around British invasion music. However, he skillfully steered clear of the most predictable picks. By selecting songs from bands like The Creation, Unit 4 + 2, and Chad & Jeremy, he managed to maintain a cohesive feel while adding some delightful twists.

The music for the movie is part of the soundtrack, composed by Mark Mothersbaugh, who gained fame as a co-founder of Devo. While Mothersbaugh’s score doesn’t have a rock vibe, it maintains the film’s atmosphere and offers a sonic storyline. The composition’s design ensures that iconic songs like “A Quick One, While He’s Away” by The Who and “Ooh La La” by Faces retain the same powerful impact they had on-screen.

3. High Fidelity

2000

Indeed, I can’t help but include “High Fidelity” on my list. In this captivating film, John Cusack delves into his character as a music aficionado, and the depth of his character’s musical knowledge is beautifully reflected in the movie’s soundtrack. If the song “Dry the Rain” managed to move five copies of The Three EPs by The Beta Band within the film, it’s not hard to imagine that it sparked a surge of interest among viewers, making it a standout track in this compilation.

The remaining tracks on this soundtrack are a blend of indie gems (such as Smog and Stereolab) alongside unexpected picks from well-known artists, including “Everybody’s Gonna Be Happy” by the Kinks and “Most Of The Time” by Bob Dylan. Jack Black’s rendition of “Let’s Get It On” finds its way onto the album, a seemingly absurd concept that fits perfectly within this collection. Most notably, this soundtrack feels like an old-school mix tape, one meticulously and thoughtfully compiled.

2. Almost Famous

2000

The soundtrack for “Almost Famous” added to its credibility among music enthusiasts because the movie was partially inspired by Cameron Crowe’s early years as a music journalist. Set in 1973, the Grammy-winning soundtrack serves as a snapshot of that era. It showcases various genres, including folk, hard rock, R&B, and prog, capturing the peaks of the early ’70s across different styles of music.

In the movie, many songs merely popped up briefly, but Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” played a crucial role in one of its most impactful moments. For devoted fans, this song serves as the glue that binds the soundtrack together. The compilation features tracks from The Who, Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers Band, and others, often creating a boisterous atmosphere while maintaining a diverse tempo. It seems like we’ve resurrected 1973 radio, with just the best picks being played.

1. Guardians Of The Galaxy

2014

In Marvel’s movie Guardians of the Galaxy, the music played a significant part, with main character Peter Quill reliant on his mom’s mix tape for solace during his journeys. It was only fitting, then, that the compilation album Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1 became available and garnered widespread success. Just as Peter Quill would be, these songs are typically lively and easy to appreciate. Of course, we can expect him to listen to “Hooked On A Feeling” and “I Want You Back.

This doesn’t make everything predictable, and the unexpected twists are what make it enjoyable. Neither 10cc nor the Raspberries were expected choices, despite their excellent tracks. The addition of “Come and Get Your Love” drew more focus to Redbone, whose reputation should be greater than a one-hit wonder. Their status as a one-hit wonder might describe some of the other artists here, but combining them offers an out-of-this-world listening experience.

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2025-06-05 20:59