The 5 Most Iconic Movie Soundtracks of All Time

Sometimes, too much of a good thing does exist. Case in point: with myriad streaming networks and millions of songs at our disposal, it still feels impossible to decide what to listen to. For those who simply can’t bear to repeat the same Spotify playlist one more time or spin Pandora’s wheel of songs, which may leave you listening to “Landslide” for the thousandth time, soundtracks provide a welcome respite. Over the past century, some of the world’s most beloved films have also given us soundtracks so wonderful they’ve become icons on their own merit, too. If you need some music to keep you company, check out these incredible movie soundtracks:

Help!: One of the most iconic music movies of all time, the soundtrack to Help! is a crash course in Beatles appreciation for fans. With hits like “I’ve Just Seen a Face,” “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away,” and “Yesterday,” this soundtrack stands on its own two feet, even for those who haven’t seen the film. While many of its tracks are among the Beatles’ more sombre and romantic tunes, it also has plenty of upbeat songs, like the film’s title track and “Dizzy Miss Lizzy,” both perfect for a dance party when you’re moving into a new home or for any time you need a little pick-me-up.

The Big Chill: While a movie about death may seem an unlikely source of merriment,
The Big Chill’s soundtrack is full of musical catharsis for listeners and fans of the film. Packed to the gills with R&B, soul, and funk music, like The Temptations’ classic “My Girl,” Smokey Robinson and The Miracles’ “The Tracks of My Tears,” and Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” this soundtrack is sure to get you in the mood to dance.

Amelie: Yann Tiersen’s soundtrack to 2001 French hit Amelie is mostly without words, but its stunning music speaks volumes. Played primarily on piano, with occasional accompaniment from guitars, harpsichords, vibraphones, and banjos, these delicate songs are dreamy, but not distracting, making them the perfect background music for quiet days at home.