Music opinion: Five movie soundtracks that have stood the test of time
I can’t be the only person who, without fail, always leaves the cinema with a new favourite song.
As exciting as the new music is, however, some soundtracks just stick, no matter how long it’s been since watching the film.
Music News Blitz’s Megan Hamilton explores her top five timeless movie soundtracks.
Back to the Future
Play Huey Lewis & The News and I can practically see Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) clinging onto the back of a truck as if the movie is playing out in front of me.
Its mix of blatantly 80s synth and stereotypical 50s cheese makes for a nostalgic listening experience that puts you straight in the main character’s shoes.
Leave it to one of the most iconic films about time travel to boast one of the best-remembered soundtracks of the era.
Kingsman
Although some may write it off as a typical action flick with little substance, the ‘Kingsman’ film contains some of the most memorable music moments of 2010s cinema.
Those who have seen the film will remember Eggsy (Taron Egerton) doing donuts in a stolen car to Dizzee Rascal’s ‘Bonkers’, or Harry Hart (Colin Firth) succumbing to mind control in a church while Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘Free Bird’ guitar solo blares.
In stark contrast to the violence of the final fight scene, ‘Give It Up’ by KC & The Sunshine Band provides comedic relief that pretty much summarises the whole film’s dynamic.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Great films, greater soundtracks - underrated music from popular films
The Royal Tenenbaums
Wes Anderson is a man of many talents, and one of them is having a real knack for putting together an amazing soundtrack.
His films always seem to capture a retro feeling, in part due to his use of music, and this film is no different.
Featuring names like Van Morrison, The Rolling Stones, Ramones, Bob Dylan… ‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ has a list that could go on forever.
Blade Runner
A bit of an odd one out is the mostly instrumental work of Vangelis for the original Blade Runner, which set the tone for soundtracks to come, while also remaining completely unique.
Roy Batty’s (Rutger Hauer) monologue during the song ‘Tears In Rain’ is ingrained in our cultural memory, featuring in one of the film’s most renowned scenes as the character grapples with his humanity (or lack thereof) on the rooftops of a dystopian Los Angeles.
When Harry Met Sally
Harry Connick Jr.’s list of covers makes up the movie’s soundtrack, full of big-band swing and crooner classics.
Consider ‘Autumn In New York’, ‘It Had To Be You’, and ‘Winter Wonderland’; you might not think of them as the most recognisable songs, especially Connick Jr.'s versions, but they come together like a hug in music form.
READ NEXT: Olivia Rodrigo wants to come to Leeds? Star-spotting around the city
