Music has the power to make a film better or worse, therefore a movie’s soundtrack serves as a sonic time capsule that’s there to mirror the theme of the film, define its tone, and celebrate the musicians who contributed to bringing the film to life. From beloved to underrated to instant classics, here are 10 must-stream movie soundtracks!
1. Barbie The Album
Soundtrack highlight: “Dance The Night” by Dua Lipa
With original songs by artists ranging from Billie Eilish and Nicki Minaj to Dua Lipa and HAIM, this year's Barbie soundtrack has been celebrated by cinephiles and music lovers alike for its multi-genre celebration of identity, self-confidence, and, of course, Barbie Land.
2. Birds of Prey: The Album
Soundtrack highlight: “Lonely Gun” by CYN
2019’s highly-anticipated Harley Quinn spinoff from DC brought audiences on a wild and colorful journey with the help of its impeccably-curated soundtrack featuring artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Normani, and Halsey.
3. Cruella
Soundtrack highlight: “Stone Cold Crazy” by Queen
Disney’s 2021 Cruella de Vil origin story inspired a soundtrack comprised of well-known hits like Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” and Blondie’s “One Way or Another'', while Florence + the Machine wrote an original track for the album entitled “Call Me Cruella”.
4. Elvis
Soundtrack highlight: “Vegas” by Doja Cat
For the lush and grandiose Elvis biopic, director Baz Luhrmann produced a soundtrack made up of original Elvis Presley recordings and Austin Butler’s renditions for the film, as well as re-interpretations of Presley’s beloved discography from Kacey Musgraves, Jazmine Sullivan, and many more.
5. Music From Baz Luhrmann’s Film The Great Gatsby
Soundtrack highlight: “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey
Nearly a decade before Elvis, Baz Luhrmann and Jay-Z collaborated on the official soundtrack for Luhrmann's zany, Leonardo DiCaprio-led adaptation of The Great Gatsby with contributions from Lana Del Rey, Beyoncé, and Sia.
6. La La Land
Soundtrack highlight: “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” by Emma Stone
From Pasek and Paul and Justin Hurwitz, the La La Land soundtrack stands the test of time for its charming nod to musicals of Hollywood’s Golden Age with vocal contributions from the film's stars Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, and John Legend.
7. The Lion King: The Gift
Soundtrack highlight: “Find Your Way Back” by Beyoncé
In 2019, Beyoncé curated an album of original music for Disney’s computer-generated adaptation of The Lion King. The soundtrack was met with multiple Grammy nominations and high praise for its bold and authentic exploration of African music.
8. Love, Simon
Soundtrack highlight: “Sink In” by Amy Shark
Bleachers frontman and frequent Taylor Swift collaborator Jack Antonoff provided a handful of original songs in 2018 for the soundtrack of the coming-of-age rom-com, Love, Simon. The album would go on to spawn a Top 10 hit with Khalid and Normani’s collaboration, “Love Lies”.
9. Promising Young Woman
Soundtrack highlight: “Toxic” by Anthony Willis
For director Emerald Fennell’s Oscar-winning black comedy, a soundtrack of original music and pop-hits came together to help bring a whimsical and eerie soundscape to the film, anchored by an unforgettable dedication to Paris Hilton’s underrated bop “Stars Are Blind”.
10. A Star Is Born (2018)
Soundtrack highlight: “I’ll Never Love Again” by Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper defined the year for both music and film upon the release of A Star Is Born with the former winning an Oscar and a Grammy for writing and performing the mega-hit “Shallow”, respectively.
Happy listening!