Since the Academy Awards are just around the corner, I thought I would compile a list of my favorite soundtracks of all time. They aren't necessarily from my favorite movies of all time but all the songs on the soundtracks evoke different emotions and/or memories connected to the films or a particular time in my life.
1. Dirty Dancing (1987)
It's no secret how much I love Dirty Dancing and I love the soundtrack, one of the best-selling of all time, just as much. I have the Ultimate Dirty Dancing album which features every song from the movie, even the wonderfully awful Kellerman's anthem, in the order in which it appears.
Favorite tracks:
- (I've Had) The Time Of My Life - Jennifer Warnes & Bill Medley
- Hungry Eyes - Eric Carmen
- She's Like The Wind - Patrick Swayze
- Love Man - Otis Redding
- Love Is Strange - Mickey and Sylvia
2. The Next Best Thing (2000)
Let's be honest, it wasn't the best movie by any stretch but its soundtrack certainly provided some redemption with all of the songs hand-picked by Madonna. It includes her version of American Pie and her hugely underrated ballad, Time Stood Still.
Favorite tracks:
- Time Stood Still - Madonna
- American Pie - Madonna
- Boom Boom Ba - Métisse
- Bongo Bong – Manu Chao
- Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? – Moby
3. The Adventures Of Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert (1994)
Along with Muriel's Wedding, Priscilla is my favorite Australian film of all time. The movie about two drag queens and a transgender woman who take a cross-country road trip in a tour bus named Priscilla boasts a fabulous, fun-filled soundtrack.
Favorite tracks:
- I've Never Been to Me – Charlene
- Finally (7 Choice Mix) – CeCe Peniston
- I Love the Nightlife (Disco 'Round) – Alicia Bridges
- Go West – Village People
- Shake Your Groove Thing [Original 12 Mix] – Peaches & Herb
4. Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Teenage me was slightly obsessed with Baz Luhrmann's interpretation of Shakespeare's best known tale of star-crossed lovers. I later wrote a paper on how the imagery and symbolism in the film are connected to the major themes of the original play. The soundtrack also did extremely well, reaching number 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. An aside: I am currently on the hunt for a limited edition of the soundtrack on blue and orange vinyl.
Favorite tracks:
- Young Hearts Run Free - Kym Mazelle
- Kissing You - Des'ree
- Lovefool - The Cardigans
- #1 Crush - Garbage
- Talk Show Host - Radiohead
5. Moulin Rouge (2001)
Another soundtrack from another glamorous and glittering Baz Luhrmann masterpiece, starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. The album features reimagined cover versions of well known songs, except for Come What May, which is the only original song on the "spectacular spectacular" soundtrack.
Favorite tracks:
- Come What May - Nicole Kidman & Ewan McGregor
- Rhythm Of The Night - Valeria
- Lady Marmalade - Christina Aguilera, P!nk, Mya & Lil' Kim
- Elephant Love Medley - Nicole Kidman & Ewan McGregor
- Because We Can - Fatboy Slim
6. Love Actually (2003)
The romantic Christmas comedy centering around ten (mostly) interconnected love stories has an impressive soundtrack featuring contemporary pop and rock hits as well as timeless songs from artists of bygone years. The music captures the film's poignant and joyous moments perfectly, making it an outstanding soundtrack.
Favorite tracks:
- Jump (For My Love) - The Pointer Sisters
- Songbird - Eva Cassidy
- Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell
- I'll See It Through - Texas
- Too Lost In You - Sugababes
7. Footloose (1984)
Despite a ridiculous plot about a town where dancing is forbidden, the iconic 80s film boasts a foot-stomping soundtrack whose title track encourages listeners to "cut loose, totally loose". The album was number one on the US Billboard 200 chart from April to June 1984. It was rereleased in 1998 with four bonus tracks.
Favorite tracks:
- Footloose - Kenny Loggins
- Let's Hear It for the Boy - Deniece Williams
- Almost Paradise (Love Theme from Footloose) - Mike Reno and Ann Wilson
- Holding Out for a Hero - Bonnie Tyler
- Hurts So Good - John Mellencamp
8. Pretty Woman (1990)
The timeless tale of a wealthy businessman and a pretty prostitute. The title was inspired by Roy Orbison's 1964 song Oh Pretty Woman, one of several hits featured on the film's soundtrack, which has been certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Favorite tracks:
- It Must Have Been Love - Roxette
- King Of Wishful Thinking - Go West
- Wild Women Do - Natalie Cole
- Fallen - Lauren Wood
- Oh Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison
9. Prêt-à-Porter (1994)
Despite lukewarm to savage reviews, the satirical film about the fashion industry featured a solid soundtrack with a a balance of infectious uptempo songs (like the super catchy Here Comes The Hotstepper) and more mellow and groovy tracks - the perfect accompaniment to any runway show!
Favorite tracks:
- Here Comes the Hotstepper - Ini Kamoze
- Martha - Deep Forest
- These Boots Are Made For Walkin' - Sam Phillips
- Pretty (remix) - The Cranberries
- My Girl Josephine - Super Cat
10. Who's That Girl (1987)
Madonna's 1987 film was slammed by critics but has gone on to develop somewhat of a cult status and her character, Nikki Finn, who is falsely accused of murder, occupies a special place in the hearts of fans - as does the soundtrack to the film. The title track went on to become Madonna's sixth number one on the Billboard Hot 100 while the soundtrack itself was a commercial success.
Favorite tracks:
- Who's That Girl - Madonna
- Causing A Commotion - Madonna
- The Look Of Love - Madonna
- 24 Hours - Duncan Faure
- Can't Stop - Madonna
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