Movie soundtracks have the power to elevate the cinematic experience, evoking emotions and enhancing storytelling. Over the past decade, several soundtracks have stood out for their artistic brilliance and cultural impact. Here’s a list of some of the best movie soundtracks from the last ten years:
The Best Movie Soundtracks of the Past Decade
- “La La Land” (2016)
Composed by Justin Hurwitz, the soundtrack of “La La Land” blends jazz and orchestral elements, perfectly complementing the film’s themes of dreams and romance. Songs like “City of Stars” and “Audition (The Fools Who Dream)” captured hearts and earned multiple accolades, including Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.
- “Black Panther” (2018)
Produced by Kendrick Lamar, the “Black Panther” soundtrack is a dynamic blend of hip-hop and African influences. The album features contributions from artists like SZA, The Weeknd, and Travis Scott, with tracks such as “All the Stars” and “King’s Dead” reflecting the film’s themes of power and identity. The soundtrack garnered critical acclaim and won the Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media.
- “A Star Is Born” (2018)
Featuring the powerful vocals of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, the soundtrack of “A Star Is Born” includes standout tracks like “Shallow,” which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The album encapsulates the journey of love and ambition, showcasing Gaga’s range and emotional depth.
- “The Greatest Showman” (2017)
With its anthemic songs composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the soundtrack of “The Greatest Showman” became a cultural phenomenon. Tracks like “This Is Me” and “Rewrite the Stars” celebrate individuality and resilience, making the album a favorite for many.
- “Inside Out” (2015)
Composed by Michael Giacchino, the soundtrack for Pixar’s “Inside Out” beautifully captures the emotional complexity of the film. The score is a mix of poignant melodies and playful tunes that reflect the internal struggles of its characters, enhancing the storytelling experience.
- “Dune” (2021)
Hans Zimmer’s score for “Dune” is a monumental work that combines traditional orchestration with synthetic sounds. The soundtrack is atmospheric and immersive, perfectly mirroring the epic scope of the film. Tracks like “Paul’s Dream” and “The Spice Must Flow” stand out for their depth and auditory grandeur.
- “Frozen II” (2019)
Building on the success of its predecessor, the “Frozen II” soundtrack features songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Tracks like “Into the Unknown” and “Show Yourself” delve into themes of self-discovery and courage. The soundtrack received both commercial success and critical acclaim.
- “The Shape of Water” (2017)
Alexandre Desplat’s haunting score for “The Shape of Water” is a blend of lush orchestral arrangements and poignant melodies that enhance the film’s fairy tale-like quality. The soundtrack perfectly matches the film’s themes of love and acceptance, earning Desplat an Academy Award for Best Original Score.
- “Hereditary” (2018)
Composed by Colin Stetson, the score for “Hereditary” is chilling and atmospheric, creating an eerie tension throughout the film. The unconventional use of sound and music captures the emotional turmoil and horror experienced by the characters.
- “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018)
The soundtrack and score for “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” feature a mix of hip-hop and pop, with artists like Post Malone, Swae Lee, and Lil Wayne contributing tracks. The music is vibrant and aligns with the film’s energetic tone, helping to redefine superhero soundtracks.
These soundtracks represent a diverse range of musical styles and genres, each contributing to the films’ emotional resonance and storytelling power. The past decade has seen exceptional musical creativity in cinema, making it a rich period for movie soundtracks.