Iconic Movie Soundtracks from the ’80s to Now
A great movie soundtrack can transport you back to a specific moment in time.
From classic ballads to upbeat anthems, these soundtracks defined their eras and continue to influence music lovers today.
Let’s take a journey through some of the most iconic movie soundtracks from the ’80s, ’90s, and now.
The ’80s: Timeless Hits
“Footloose” (1984) – With tracks like Kenny Loggins’ title song and Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero,” this soundtrack brought energy and rebellion to the big screen.
“Top Gun” (1986) – Featuring “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins and “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin, this soundtrack captured the adrenaline and romance of the film.
“Purple Rain” (1984) – Prince’s masterpiece not only defined the film but became one of the greatest albums of all time.
“Dirty Dancing” (1987) – With “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, this soundtrack remains a dancefloor favorite.
“Beverly Hills Cop” (1984) – Harold Faltermeyer’s “Axel F” and Glenn Frey’s “The Heat Is On” gave this action-comedy its iconic sound.
The ’90s: Chart-Topping Ballads
“The Bodyguard” (1992) – Whitney Houston’s unforgettable “I Will Always Love You” helped make this soundtrack one of the best-selling albums of all time.
“Titanic” (1997) – Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” became a global anthem, perfectly capturing the film’s emotional journey.
“Pulp Fiction” (1994) – A mix of surf rock, soul, and pop classics, including “Misirlou” by Dick Dale and “Son of a Preacher Man” by Dusty Springfield.
“Romeo + Juliet” (1996) – With tracks like “Lovefool” by The Cardigans and “Kissing You” by Des’ree, this soundtrack gave the Shakespeare adaptation a modern twist.
“Clueless” (1995) – Featuring “Kids in America” by The Muffs and “Supermodel” by Jill Sobule, this soundtrack captured the vibe of the decade.
The 2000s & Now: Modern Classics
“Moulin Rouge!” (2001) – A bold mix of pop hits like “Lady Marmalade” and “Come What May” redefined movie soundtracks for the new millennium.
“A Star Is Born” (2018) – Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s “Shallow” became an instant classic, winning multiple awards and topping charts worldwide.
“Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014) – Packed with nostalgic hits like “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede and “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone.
“Frozen” (2013) – “Let It Go” by Idina Menzel became a global sensation, making this soundtrack one of Disney’s biggest hits.
“La La Land” (2016) – With songs like “City of Stars” and “Another Day of Sun,” this soundtrack brought jazz back to the big screen.