My Fave Five: Movie Soundtracks

Countless things go into making a good film, and music choice is one of them. There have been plenty of iconic needle drops, but some movies go a step further by featuring great tunes throughout their entire runtime.

While everyone has their own opinions, these are the five movie soundtracks that bring me the most joy.

#5: Cars

Released in 2006, “Cars” is one of the first movies I remember watching as a kid. While the Pixar classic’s track listing isn’t as long as the next four on my list, the film makes the songs it does include count.

This was my introduction to legendary songs like Chuck Berry’s “Route 66” and Tom Cochrane’s “Life is a Highway,” which Rascal Flatts expertly covered specifically for this soundtrack.

Additionally, Sheryl Crow’s dazzling intro “Real Gone” and The Chords’ memorable doo-wop track “Sh-Boom” also help make “Cars’” music truly stand out.

#4: Black Panther

Ryan Coogler’s “Black Panther” is one of Marvel’s best standalone films, and it’s complimented by its soundtrack. Curated by Kendrick Lamar, the album features music “from and inspired by” the movie.

Major names such as The Weeknd, SZA, Khalid, Travis Scott, Future and Lamar himself are featured, while other impressive artists like Anderson .Paak, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock and Vince Staples also make appearances.

While I love almost every song here, the true standouts, as Maggie Day knows, have to be the massive hit “King’s Dead” and the end credits track “All The Stars.”

Lamar’s ad-libs and Rock’s verse on the former are too entertaining to resist, while the latter made audiences feel like they were ascending out of their seats at the film’s end. The ensemble certainly left their mark on this one.

#3: Top Gun

“Top Gun” makes its music count more than any other movie I’ve seen. The song choices are deliberate and add to the story across this fantastic 1986 flick. Besides that, the songs are also just flat-out amazing.

Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone” provides the perfect theme song for all the action, while Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away” fits soundly around the love story between Maverick and Charlie.

Beyond the songs recorded for the movie, the use of Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls Of Fire,” Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” and The Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” perfectly encapsulate the type of music these characters grew up on and enjoy.

You’d have to be heartless not to love watching Maverick and Goose belt out “Great Balls Of Fire” together.

#2: Rocky IV

A true contender for No. 1, “Rocky IV’s” soundtrack is about as 80’s as it gets. Some may call it cheesy, but I truly believe most of the songs are genuinely awesome.

Already you’re equipped with three staples of the Rocky franchise in “Eye Of The Tiger,” “Gonna Fly Now” and “Going The Distance.”

But the franchise took it to another level during this fourth installment. The pure electricity of James Brown’s “Living In America” during Apollo Creed’s entrance is what many fans will immediately think of, and rightfully so.

However, I also think Survivor’s intro track, “Burning Heart” perfectly captures the theme of the movie. There are several other fun additions, but my personal favorite is Robert Tepper’s “No Easy Way Out,” which I unironically listen to all the time.

This movie is unapologetically goofy, and that’s reflected in its track listings. I’ll never not defend “Rocky IV.”

#1: Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2

Admittedly, all three Guardians collections have a case to be on this list but, for variety's sake, I only chose Vol. 2’s collection. The reason this is my favorite Peter Quill playlist is because it’s filled with songs I first heard during this movie but now listen to all the time.

For starters, this soundtrack introduced me to major artists like ELO, Fleetwood Mac and Glen Campbell by using some of those artist’s biggest hits.

Beyond this, it’s the “smaller” songs I’ve especially grown to adore. Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah’s “Lake Shore Drive” and Looking Glass’ “Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl)” are sharply written sleeper hits that are now some of my favorite songs across any era or genre.

Throw in Beatles member George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” and Cat Stevens’ emotional “Father to Son” and you’ve got the makings of the greatest cinematic soundtrack of all time.

Joe Tuman is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email joentuman@gmail.com.