The 2010s saw a resurgence in the importance of music in films. Movie soundtracks became more than just background noise; they became an integral part of the storytelling process. Filmmakers recognized the power of music to evoke emotions, set the tone, and create a memorable experience for audiences. The decade saw a wide range of movies with exceptional soundtracks, from indie darlings to big-budget blockbusters. In this essay, we will explore the best movie soundtracks of the decade, highlighting their impact on the films and their enduring appeal.
1. La La Land (2016)
La La Land, directed by Damien Chazelle, is a modern romantic musical that pays homage to the classic Hollywood musicals of the past. The film’s soundtrack, composed by Justin Hurwitz, features a blend of original songs and jazz standards that capture the essence of the film’s nostalgic charm. The soundtrack won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Score and Best Original Song for “City of Stars.” The film’s opening number, “Another Day of Sun,” sets the tone for the movie’s lively and optimistic spirit, while the haunting “Audition” showcases Emma Stone’s character’s longing for stardom. The soundtrack’s catchy and memorable tunes have made it a fan favorite, with many considering it one of the best movie soundtracks of all time.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1 (2014)
Guardians of the Galaxy, directed by James Gunn, is a superhero film that takes place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film’s soundtrack, curated by Gunn himself, features a selection of classic rock and pop songs from the 1970s that perfectly capture the film’s lighthearted and nostalgic tone. The soundtrack includes hits like “Hooked on a Feeling,” “Go All the Way,” and “Spirit in the Sky,” which have become synonymous with the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. The soundtrack’s success led to the creation of a sequel, Awesome Mix Vol. 2, which continued to showcase Gunn’s love for classic rock and pop. The Guardians of the Galaxy soundtracks have become iconic, with fans worldwide singing their praises.
3. The Greatest Showman (2017)
The Greatest Showman, directed by Michael Gracey, is a musical biographical drama based on the life of P.T. Barnum. The film’s soundtrack, composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, features a range of original songs that showcase the film’s themes of acceptance, love, and the power of music. The soundtrack includes hits like “This is Me,” “The Greatest Show,” and “A Million Dreams,” which have become anthems for many fans. The soundtrack’s success led to a live tour, with the film’s cast and a live orchestra performing the songs to sold-out crowds. The Greatest Showman’s soundtrack has become a cultural phenomenon, with its messages of acceptance and empowerment resonating with audiences worldwide.
4. Baby Driver (2017)
Baby Driver, directed by Edgar Wright, is a musical action film that tells the story of a young getaway driver who is forced to work for a crime boss. The film’s soundtrack, curated by Wright, features a selection of classic rock, pop, and R&B songs that perfectly capture the film’s energetic and cool tone. The soundtrack includes hits like “Bellbottoms,” “Harlem Shuffle,” and “Nowhere to Run,” which have become synonymous with the film’s adrenaline-fueled action scenes. The soundtrack’s success led to a Grammy nomination for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. Baby Driver’s soundtrack has become a fan favorite, with many praising its unique use of music to enhance the film’s action-packed narrative.
5. Black Panther (2018)
Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler, is a superhero film that takes place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film’s soundtrack, composed by Ludwig G?ransson, features a range of original songs that showcase the film’s African roots and themes of empowerment. The soundtrack includes hits like “All the Stars,” “King’s Dead,” and “Pray for Me,” which have become anthems for many fans. The soundtrack’s success led to a Grammy nomination for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media. Black Panther’s soundtrack has become iconic, with its Afro-futuristic beats and powerful lyrics capturing the film’s themes of identity, culture, and pride.
6. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
The Grand Budapest Hotel, directed by Wes Anderson, is a comedy-drama that tells the story of the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous hotel in the fictional Republic of Zubrowka. The film’s soundtrack, composed by Alexandre Desplat, features a range of original songs and classical pieces that capture the film’s whimsical and nostalgic tone. The soundtrack includes hits like “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “Gustave’s Theme,” and “The Lutz Cake,” which have become synonymous with Anderson’s unique filmmaking style. The soundtrack’s success led to a Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score. The Grand Budapest Hotel’s soundtrack has become a fan favorite, with its quirky and charming tunes capturing the film’s offbeat humor and visual charm.
7. Drive (2011)
Drive, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, is a crime drama that tells the story of a stunt driver who moonlights as a getaway driver for criminals. The film’s soundtrack, composed by Cliff Martinez, features a range of original songs that capture the film’s atmospheric and moody tone. The soundtrack includes hits like “Drive,” “Nightcall,” and “Under Your Spell,” which have become synonymous with the film’s neon-lit nightscapes and retro vibe. The soundtrack’s success led to a Grammy nomination for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media. Drive’s soundtrack has become a cult classic, with its pulsating synths and dreamy melodies capturing the film’s noir-inspired atmosphere and Ryan Gosling’s stoic performance.
8. The Great Gatsby (2013)
The Great Gatsby, directed by Baz Luhrmann, is a romantic drama based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel. The film’s soundtrack, composed by Luhrmann and Craig Armstrong, features a range of original songs and jazz standards that capture the film’s lavish and decadent tone. The soundtrack includes hits like “Lana Del Rey – Young and Beautiful,” “Gatsby’s Theme,” and “Over the Love,” which have become synonymous with the film’s opulent visuals and tragic love story. The soundtrack’s success led to a Grammy nomination for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. The Great Gatsby’s soundtrack has become a fan favorite, with its lush and extravagant tunes capturing the film’s grandiose and romantic spirit.
9. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, directed by Ben Stiller, is a comedy-drama that tells the story of a man who escapes his mundane life through daydreams. The film’s soundtrack, composed by Theodore Shapiro, features a range of original songs and indie rock classics that capture the film’s quirky and offbeat tone. The soundtrack includes hits like “Everest,” “Feel the Wind,” and “Major Tom (Coming Home),” which have become synonymous with the film’s stunning visuals and feel-good message. The soundtrack’s success led to a Grammy nomination for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’s soundtrack has become a fan favorite, with its upbeat and catchy tunes capturing the film’s sense of adventure and imagination.
10. The Big Sick (2017)
The Big Sick, directed by Michael Showalter, is a romantic comedy-drama based on the real-life
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