THE LION GUARD - "The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar" - The epic storytelling of Disney's "The Lion King" continues with "The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar," a primetime television movie event premiering SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22 (7:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel. (Photo by Disney Junior via Getty Images)

The world of entertainment is a multi-billion-dollar industry today. So much goes into crafting a quality movie, and people often take movie soundtracks for granted. Some important aspects of making good movies include developing a compelling story or script and finding the right cast of actors to execute a believable script performance.

Beyond the acting and storytelling, many other things go into making a great movie. Having great visual effects can go a long way in enhancing the telling of a great story. Visual storytelling is a part of moviemaking more than ever. Having a large budget is not essential to creating a good movie. Developing an excellent movie trailer can also make a huge difference.

Directors and writers have much more flexibility in what they can achieve if a larger budget allows for more compelling visuals. Among all of these important pieces of movie making, one of the most overlooked pieces is utilizing an excellent soundtrack that pairs perfectly with the movie.

Movie Soundtracks and Profitable Movies

Some of the most profitable movies ever include “Avatar, Avengers: Endgame, Titanic, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, and The Lion King.” All of these movies have absolutely phenomenal storytelling and an incredibly talented cast. In addition to the plots and actors, every film mentioned also contains visually spectacular imaging and effects.

Movie soundtracks
(Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images)
A photo shows an original Darth Vader helmet used during the filming of Star Wars Episode 5 “The Empire Strikes Back”, the latest acquisition of the Miniature and Cinema Museum in Lyon, eastern France, on June 13, 2024. (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE / AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER CHASSIGNOLE/AFP via Getty Images)

They also have iconic soundtracks or musical performances. A great movie soundtrack is effective because it elevates the overall feeling of the film to the point where fans are hit with multiple sensations. These sensations can make any movie much more memorable.   

While a movie franchise like Star Wars or Lord of The Rings contains more of a musical composition than a soundtrack, it’s still magical. Looking at what movies have the best soundtracks, we’re basing the criteria on musical pieces with songs that also made it to mainstream radio and pop culture. Find out which seven movie soundtracks rank above them all below.

  • Tarzan

    Phil Collins was simply a god when he put together this movie soundtrack. All of the songs work so beautifully with the movie; I dare say this is the greatest movie soundtrack ever made. The world owes Phil Collins for that.

  • The Lion Kings

    The Lion King and The Lion King 2 both feature amazing soundtracks. They both have 100% original soundtracks, with nothing reused in the sequel.

  • Moana

    Moana probably has one of the most magical soundtracks I’ve ever heard. Certainly, as far as Disney movies go. But even beyond that, this film brings together people from different cultures to appreciate the tribal sound of these songs. The songs are still great for kids and adults to learn and sing along to! 

  • The Breakfast Club

    An unforgettable 1980s movie. It has all the classic feelings of every hit 80’s movie, yet it remains an iconic film. Wang Chung, Elizabeth Daily, and Simple Minds are just a few groups that were featured on the soundtrack of the movie.

     

  • Forrest Gump

    With musical performances by Creedence Clearwater revival, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and others, Forrest Gump is truly a fantastic movie with an incredible soundtrack.

  • Saturday Night Fever

    It is a deep soundtrack playlist featuring some incredible tracks. Some include Staying Alive, How Deep is Your Love, Night Fever, Boogies Shoes, If I Can’t Have You, and more! 

  • The Bodyguard

    A movie soundtrack that should not be lost to the ages! With the legendary Whitney Houston at the helm, “The Bodyguard” features one of the most iconic soundtracks of all time.

     

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