100 Best movie and TV soundtracks of all time to listen to while social distancing

Summit Entertainment

100 best movie and TV soundtracks of all time to listen to while social distancing

The connection between visual media and music goes back to the dawn of cinema itself. Even during the silent era, there was a musician perched in the theater, playing deftly alongside the moving images. In the time since, movies or TV shows and music have formed a mutually beneficial relationship. One of the most famous examples: “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion, a song that helped make “Titanic” a meteoric smash hit, while also benefiting from the film’s unstoppable popularity.

There is no shortage of top-notch soundtracks from any given era. Many heighten the film or show’s atmosphere while some just represent a terrific collection of songs. The best of these soundtracks are powerful enough to stick with us for a lifetime. And at a time when up to 97% of Americans are under stay-at-home orders, the arts—whether music, film, or visual arts—have served as a welcomed distraction and even a therapeutic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To determine the best movie and TV soundtracks of all time, Stacker mined data from Billboard to rank the top 100 out of 1,675 soundtracks. The list is based on Billboard’s methodology and ranking (centered primarily on retail and digital sales in the U.S.), along with the soundtrack’s performance on the Billboard 200 chart. The story features several soundtracks that made it onto the list in the last year to compete for the coveted "Best Soundtrack" award at this year's Billboard Music Awards. 

Counting down from #100, here are the best movie and TV soundtracks of all time.

Editor's note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we at Stacker understand the difficult adjustment to isolation as well as the severe impact on many readers' lives and families. We acknowledge this list is not a solution. We do hope it provides at minimum some reprieve.

You may also like: Songs that dominated Billboard charts the longest

Apple Corps

#100. Yellow Submarine

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: March 1, 1969

The Beatles were initially unimpressed with the animation for “Yellow Submarine,” though the bandmates later changed their minds. As a result, they only put together a few new songs for the soundtrack, relying on songs from previous releases. Side two consists of classical-style instrumentals composed and arranged by the band’s producer, George Martin. Both the album and film endure as psychedelic classics.

Touchstone Pictures

#99. I'm Breathless

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: June 23, 1990

Pop legend Madonna was on top of the world in 1990, releasing chart-topping albums and starring in Hollywood films. In 1990’s “Dick Tracy,” however, she did both—in addition to playing a lead role, she released “I’m Breathless,” a Broadway-style soundtrack to accompany to the movie, and a fully realized album in its own right.

Centropolis Film Productions

#98. Godzilla - The Album

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: June 13, 1998

While 1998’s “Godzilla” was widely considered a box office dud, its soundtrack was a popular slice of '90s music culture. Featured on the album are singles from Jamiroquai, The Wallflowers, and Diddy (then known as Puff Daddy). Diddy’s offering, “Come With Me,” received substantial rotation on MTV and the radio, in particular. The song samples a famous Led Zeppelin song, which Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page contributed to on the soundtrack.

GK Films

#97. Bohemian Rhapsody

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: March 2, 2019

"Bohemian Rhapsody" shattered box office records to earn the distinction of highest-grossing music biopic in the U.S. and around the world, nudging "Straight Outta Compton" into second place. But for all the fanfare surrounding the film and its soundtrack, the album failed in one regard: By not including a new song on the setlist, “Bohemian Rhapsody” neglected to have a shot at Best Song at the Academy Awards. 

Disney Channel

#96. Hannah Montana 3

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: July 25, 2009

Years before she shocked audiences with her 2013 VMA performance, Miley Cyrus played a wholesome girl with a secret alter ego on Disney’s “Hannah Montana.” Given that Cyrus’ character was a pop star, it’s no surprise that the series and movie  produced a range of hit soundtracks. Among them was “Hannah Montana 3,” which features songs from the third season, including the singles "He Could Be the One" and "Let's Get Crazy."

You may also like: The most famous actor the same age as you

Summit Entertainment

#95. La La Land

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: Jan 28, 2017

Damien Chazelle’s 2017 hit musical “La La Land” is still fresh on everyone’s minds, as are its catchy songs. Featuring performances by the film’s stars, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, the soundtrack covers a range of styles, energies, melodies, and moods. Its most popular number, “City of Stars,” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Paramount Pictures

#94. Get Rich Or Die Tryin'

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: Nov 26, 2005

Not to be confused with 50 Cent’s debut album of the same name, “Get Rich Or Die Tryin'” is the soundtrack to the 2005 film in which he starred. As one might expect, the soundtrack features a bevy of gangster rap songs performed by 50 Cent with fellow artists from his G Unit Label. While the movie underperformed at the box office, the album went triple-platinum, selling more than 3 million copies.  

Paramount Pictures

#93. Mission: Impossible 2

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: May 27, 2000

The second “Mission Impossible” movie has always been something a franchise oddball and the soundtrack is similarly unsubtle. It comes loaded with songs from head-banging outfits like Limp Bizkit, Foo Fighters, Buckcherry, and Rob Zombie. The soundtrack and film may have made loads of money in their respective markets, but thankfully the franchise itself got back on track for the next installment.

Warner Bros.

#92. The Great Gatsby: Music From Baz Luhrmann's Film

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: May 25, 2013

Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann built his reputation on pairing classic stories with hyperkinetic visuals and modern music, and 2013’s “The Great Gatsby” was no exception. Executive produced by Jay-Z, the film’s soundtrack hosts a bevy of hot talent, with three hit singles: "Young and Beautiful," "A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)," and "Bang Bang." As Rolling Stone put it: “This ain’t your great-grandfather’s West Egg.”

Robert Stigwood Organisation

#91. Tommy

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: May 31, 1975

Director Ken Russell and The Who adapted the band’s best-selling 1969 album “Tommy” for the big screen. Along with the film version came an updated soundtrack, overseen by songwriter and guitarist Pete Townshend. In addition to The Who, the album featured contributions from artists like Elton John, Eric Clapton, and Tina Turner, all of whom also appeared in the film.  

You may also like: 25 most popular Emmy-nominated shows of 2019

New Line Cinema

#90. Above The Rim

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: April 23, 1994

Released at the height of Death Row Records’ popularity, the soundtrack to 1994’s “Above the Rim” features a range of artists from the hip-hop label. Standing out from the pack was hit single, “Regulate,” by Nate Dogg and Warren G. One of the film’s stars, rapper Tupac Shakur, only made one appearance on the soundtrack.

Walt Disney Pictures

#89. High School Musical 3: Senior Year

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: Nov. 8, 2008

The “High School Musical” franchise ranks among the most successful in Disney Channel’s history. Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, and the rest of the gang came back with an arsenal of hit tracks on the soundtrack for “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.” Peaking at #2 on the Billboard 200, the album spent a total of 37 weeks on the chart.

Warner Bros.

#88. New Jack City

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: May 25, 1991

“New Jack City” is the story of an inner-city drug kingpin and the cop trying to take him down. Playing the cop is actor and rapper Ice-T, who was still in the midst of a formidable hip-hop career at the time of the film’s release. He contributed one of the soundtrack’s most infectious songs: “New Jack Hustler.” Also featured: Keith Sweat, Color Me Badd, and The 2 Live Crew.  

Paramount Pictures

#87. Love Story

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: March 6, 1971

“Love Story” is a tragic romance in which the city of Paris plays an important role. It was only natural that a seasoned French composer handle the music duties. That composer was Francis Lai, known for sweeping, melodramatic melodies. The album was a best-seller, and Lai won that year’s Academy Award for Best Original Music Score.

Columbia Pictures Corporation

#86. Bye Bye Birdie

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: Oct. 5, 1963

Hit Hollywood musicals and chart-topping soundtracks go hand in hand, as was the case with 1963’s “Bye Bye Birdie.” Dick Van Dyke reprised his former Broadway role as aspiring songwriter Albert Peterson, providing numerous vocals for the soundtrack. Co-stars Janet Leigh, Bobby Rydell, and Ann-Margret are featured on the soundtrack as well.

You may also like: Best Meryl Streep movies

New Line Cinema

#85. Hairspray

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: Aug. 11, 2007

Zac Efron was still part of the “High School Musical” universe when he starred in this popular 2007 adaptation of the Broadway play and cult film. He performed five songs on the best-selling soundtrack, including its lead single, “Ladies’ Choice.” Fellow stars Nikki Blonsky, James Marsden, John Travolta, Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah, Ricki Lake, and Amanda Bynes also lend their vocals.

Twentieth Century Fox

#84. Romeo + Juliet

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: Jan. 18, 1997

Baz Luhrmann injected copious amounts of modern flair into this iconic adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy. In addition to setting the story in a contemporary world, Luhrmann incorporated a soundtrack that hit the zeitgeist bullseye, featuring bands like Garbage, Radiohead, and Butthole Surfers. It was followed by a second soundtrack, which included the film’s original score, snippets of dialogue, and leftover songs.

Miramax

#83. Chicago

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: Feb. 8, 2003

Based on the Broadway musical, “Chicago” was a veritable smash hit, making more than $300 million at the worldwide box office, and winning six Academy Awards. The soundtrack was a chart-topping, award-winning behemoth, featuring striking performances from the film’s stars. One of its songs, “All That Jazz,” made the American Film Institute’s list of the “100 Greatest Songs in American Movies.”  

Twentieth Century Fox

#82. Star Wars

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: Sept. 10, 1977

Can you imagine the Star Wars franchise without the iconic themes from composer John Williams? Among his contributions: the “Main Title” theme, which first appeared on the original 1977 soundtrack, a double album that’s been reissued numerous times. “The Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme),” appeared on the soundtrack to 1980’s “The Empire Strikes Back.”

Focus Features

#81. Fifty Shades Of Grey

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: Feb. 28, 2015

True to the film, the “Fifty Shades of Grey Original Soundtrack” comes loaded with sultry songs from a range of contemporary artists. Two lead singles were released ahead of the album: “Earned It” by The Weeknd, and “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding. Both singles reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, while the album itself peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200.

You may also like: The most famous actress born the same year as you

Touchstone Pictures

#80. Cocktail

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: Jan. 7, 1989

Bolstered by two #1 hit singles—“Kokomo” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”—the “Cocktail Original Soundtrack” sold 4 million copies and became a fixture at parties across the country. In addition to those radio staples, the album features some classic cover tunes, including “Rave On” by John Cougar Mellencamp, “Hippy Hippy Shake” by the Georgia Satellites, and “All Shook Up” by Ry Cooder.

Paramount Pictures

#79. Romeo & Juliet (1969)

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: July 12, 1969

The soundtrack to Franco Zeffirelli’s “Romeo & Juliet” was a major success, and Italian composer Nino Rota provided the film’s most essential melodies. The soundtrack also includes snippets of dialogue from Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, who played the two lead roles.   

Warner Bros. Family Entertainment

#78. Space Jam

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: April 5, 1997

Look no further than the “Space Jam Original Soundtrack” for an iconic lineup of late '90s R&B artists like D’Angelo, R. Kelly, Monica, Seal, and Salt-N-Pepa. Ultimately, the album went platinum six times, thanks to the strength of its lead single: “I Believe I Can Fly.”

Paramount Pictures

#77. Forrest Gump

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: Aug. 13, 1994

Given that “Forrest Gump” chronicled some of the country’s most formative moments, it was only natural that the soundtrack would follow suit. Virtually every song is a perennial radio staple, and quintessential track from each era. As a result, the soundtrack is essentially a compilation of America’s greatest music.

Walt Disney Pictures

#76. Moana

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: Jan. 21, 2017

Where there’s a hit Disney movie, there’s a hit soundtrack. Naturally, 2016’s “Moana” was no exception to the rule—the soundtrack sold in massive numbers. Songwriting superstar Lin-Manuel Miranda (of “Hamilton” fame) wrote a number of the songs, including “How Far I’ll Go,” which was nominated for both a Golden Globe and Academy Award.

You may also like: Most famous musician born the same year as you

Touchstone Pictures

#75. Beaches

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #2
- Date of soundtrack peak: June 10, 1989

Bette Midler lent her acting talent and vocal chops to 1988’s “Beaches,” a film about the on-and-off relationship between two close friends. While her cover of oldies tune “Under the Boardwalk” was used to promote the film in advance, it was “Wind Beneath My Wings” that took the world by storm, peaking at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s still considered one of Bette Midler’s most popular songs.

Paramount Pictures

#74. Howard Stern Private Parts: The Album

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Mar 15, 1997

In 1997, the self-proclaimed “King of All Media” Howard Stern starred in “Private Parts,” an autobiographical film based on his memoir. While Stern is largely known for his quick wit and candid interview style, he’s also a music aficionado. The movie soundtrack doesn’t just feature a swath of classic songs, it has Stern himself performing vocals on two tracks.  

Def Pictures

#73. Gridlock'd

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Feb. 15, 1997

Another popular release from Death Row Records, “Gridlock’d” featured Tupac Shakur on two tracks. Fellow labelmate Snoop Dogg joined Shakur for the song “Wanted Dead or Alive.” Shakur was murdered in Las Vegas before the movie and its soundtrack were released.

20th Century Fox Television

#72. Glee: The Music, The Power Of Madonna (EP)

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: May 8, 2010

Over the course of six seasons, the hit TV show “Glee” paid tribute to a slew of popular artists, including Madonna. On the adjoining EP release—which reached #1 on the Billboard 200—the cast covered classic tunes “Like a Prayer,” “Express Yourself,” “Vogue,” and “Like a Virgin.” It was the first EP released from the show, followed by 10 others.   

Frank DeMaria // Flickr

#71. Loso's Way (Soundtrack)

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Aug. 15, 2009

For the most part, “Loso’s Way” from rapper Fabolous is more a proper studio album than it is an official soundtrack. The Deluxe Edition includes a DVD featurette, starring Fabolous and Styles P, Jadakiss, Swizz Beatz, and DJ Khaled. In the short film, Fabolous is shot while leaving a restaurant, and encounters a run-in with the police on his way to the hospital. Naturally, the drama is all set to best-selling hip-hop music.

You may also like: Can you answer these real 'Jeopardy!' questions about movies?

Disney Channel

#70. Descendants

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Aug. 22, 2015

When the Disney Channel’s “Descendants” franchise was initially conceived, it reportedly wasn’t supposed to be a musical. Once accomplished choreographer Kenny Ortega was brought on board, however, things went in a different direction. The rest is chart-topping soundtrack history.  

Lionsgate

#69. The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 And Beyond

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: April 7, 2012

“The Hunger Games” franchise kicked off in 2012, raking in more than $690 million at the worldwide box office, and cementing Jennifer Lawrence’s A-list status. “The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 And Beyond” includes a number of songs inspired by—but not featured in—the film, performed by Arcade Fire, Maroon Five, Neko Case, Taylor Swift, and others.

Columbia Pictures Corporation

#68. Bad Boys II

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Aug 2, 2003

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprised their roles as hilarious Miami cops in Michael Bay’s “Bad Boys II,” with a soundtrack featuring Notorious B.I.G., Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z. The song “Shake Ya Tailfeather,” spent four weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.

20th Century Fox Television

#67. Glee: The Music, Journey To Regionals (EP)

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: June 26, 2010

On the heels of the Madonna EP came “Glee: The Music, Journey To Regionals,” which included six songs from the season one finale. Released on the same day the episode aired, the album contains covers of three Journey songs, one Queen song, a Lulu song, and “Over the Rainbow” from the “The Wizard of Oz.” Needless to say, fans were all over it.

Paramount Pictures

#66. Roustabout

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Jan. 2, 1965

The King of Rock appears on the soundtrack to 1964’s “Roustabout.” The film follows Presley signing up for the circus, with the soundtrack featuring songs like “It’s Carnival Time” and “Carny Town.” Like any number of Elvis Presley albums, this one proved incredibly popular. Meanwhile, the film itself is considered to be one of the music legend’s better big-screen endeavors.

You may also like: 100 best John Wayne movies

Universal Pictures

#65. Fifty Shades Darker

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: March 4, 2017

Another “Fifty Shades” movie means another hit soundtrack of seductive songs. This time, artists like Taylor Swift, Rita Ora, Corinne Bailey Rae, Halsey, Nick Jonas, and Nicki Minaj contribute to the famously risque franchise. "I Don't Wanna Live Forever" by Taylor Swift and Zayn Malik was the album’s lead single, breaking the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Some of score composer Danny Elfman’s theme music is also included on the soundtrack, though his complete score was released as a separate album.

Warner Bros. Pictures

#64. A Star Is Born (Soundtrack)

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Oct. 20, 2018

"A Star Is Born" was up for Top Soundtrack at this year's Billboard Music Awards (May 1), but lost to "The Greatest Showman." The performance at the 2019 Academy Awards between Lady Gaga and the movie's producer, director, and star Bradley Cooper was a performance to remember. Cooper hinted on "The Ellen DeGeneres Shows" that he seeks to reunite with Lady Gaga in a one-night-only performance featuring all the songs (and reading of the script) from the movie.

Universal Pictures

#63. Pitch Perfect 2

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: May 30, 2015

Like “Glee” for the big screen, the “Pitch Perfect” franchise centers on the world’s most dysfunctional a capella group, and retains a massive fanbase. A number of those fans scooped up the soundtrack to the second installment, which features abridged covers of “Wrecking Ball,” “Thong Song,” “Bootylicious,” and “Lady Marmalade.” Side effects of listening may include spontaneous outbursts into song and dance.  

Paramount Pictures

#62. Dreamgirls

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Jan. 20, 2007

Originally a Broadway hit, "Dreamgirls" became an award-winning box-office smash in 2006. Appearing in the film and on the soundtrack are Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé, and Jamie Foxx. Eddie Murphy—who had once released a hit single in the mid-1980s—also lends vocals to a few songs. The soundtrack was released in both one- and two-disc versions, with the latter including every song from the film, plus a few bonus tracks.

Imagine Television

#61. Empire: Original Soundtrack From Season 1

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: March 28, 2015

Fox’s “Empire” came out swinging in its first season, setting sordid drama against stirring music. Thanks to the first season’s favorable reviews, Columbia Records released an official soundtrack, which likewise garnered no shortage of acclaim from fans and critics alike. Numerous seasons and soundtracks followed.  

You may also like: Most influential celebrities on social media

Universal Pictures

#60. Les Miserables

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Jan. 19, 2013

In 2012, this Broadway musical arrived on the big screen with a bevy of stars, including Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried, and Sacha Baron Cohen. For the soundtrack, each cast member performed classics like “Master of the House,” “I Dreamed a Dream,” and “On My Own.”

Death Row Records

#59. Murder Was The Case

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Nov. 5, 1994

Audiences might not remember much about the 18-minute short film, “Murder Was the Case,” in which Snoop Dogg makes a deal with the devil in order to avoid death. The soundtrack rendered a greater impression, thanks to tracks like “Natural Born Killaz” by Dr. Dre and Ice Cube, and “What Would You Do” by The Dogg Pound. Ironically, it was The Dogg Pound’s song—and not Dre and Cube’s song—that was featured on the soundtrack to Oliver Stone’s “Natural Born Killers” the same year.

Universal Television

#58. Miami Vice

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Nov. 2, 1985

In the mid-1980s, “Miami Vice” was the quintessence of cool, as was its chart-topping soundtrack. After opening with Jan Hammer’s iconic theme music, the album dives into a number of cultural artifacts, such as “You Belong to the City” by Glenn Frey, and “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins.  

Warner Bros.,

#57. Batman (Soundtrack)

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: July 22, 1989

Before Christopher Nolan’s celebrated trilogy, there was Tim Burton’s “Batman,” and its best-selling soundtrack by Prince. While the album is among Prince’s lesser efforts, it does contact the hit single, “Batdance,” which gave way to a massively popular music video. Danny Elfman’s iconic score was released as a separate album.

Columbia Pictures Corporation

#56. Michael Jackson's This Is It (Soundtrack)

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Nov. 14, 2009

King of pop Michael Jackson was in the midst of mounting a major comeback tour before his untimely passing in 2009. In the wake of his death, “This Is It” was released as a documentary, taking viewers behind the scenes as Jackson and his troupe prepared for the tour. The film came with a two-disc soundtrack, featuring the singer’s greatest hits.

You may also like: Ranking The Best Years in Movie History

Universal Pictures

#55. The Sting

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: May 4, 1974

“The Sting Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” is loaded with great ragtime melodies, with one tune in particular: Scott Joplin’s "The Entertainer." This instrumental is performed by Marvin Hamlisch, and helps establish an old-timey atmosphere, even if ragtime wasn’t particularly popular during the 1930s.

Imagine Entertainment

#54. 8 Mile

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Nov. 16, 2002

The soundtrack for rapper Eminem’s semi-autobiographical “8 Mile,” was an irrefutable success. The standout track: “Lose Yourself,” which broke a record in becoming the longest-running #1 rap single of all time. The soundtrack also includes songs from Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Xzibit, and others.

Temple Hill Entertainment

#53. The Twilight Saga: New Moon

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Nov. 7, 2009

What good would a movie about teenage vampires and werewolves be without a number of dramatic hit songs? Thom Yorke, Muse, The Killers, and Death Cab for Cutie all contributed to this soundtrack. Originally slated for release on Oct. 20, 2009, the launch was pushed up four days due to overwhelming demand.

Columbia Pictures Corporation

#52. Men In Black - The Album

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: July 26, 1997

Will Smith was a bona fide double threat by the 1990s, headlining blockbuster films and releasing hit singles. Smith starred in 1997’s “Men in Black,” simultaneously releasing a single of the same name. As a result, the movie and soundtrack both grabbed the #1 spots on their respective charts.

20th Century Fox Television

#51. Glee: The Music, Volume 3: Showstoppers

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: June 5, 2010

Released on the heels of the Madonna EP, this wildly successful compilation contains songs from the second half of the first season. Fans could also purchase individual digital downloads. As a result, Olivia Newton-John—who appeared on a cover of her own song, “Physical”—landed on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the first time in more than a decade.

You may also like: Lyrics to 50 famously misunderstood songs, explained

Universal Pictures

#50. Curious George (Soundtrack)

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Feb. 25, 2006

The 2006 animated adaptation of the children’s classic, “Curious George,” may have underperformed at the box office, but its soundtrack was a smash hit, and the first to reach #1 on the Billboard 200 in three years. The album’s success was helped by the fact that singer-songwriter Jack Johnson appears on every song, extending the music’s appeal to a broader demographic. Appearing alongside Johnson on certain tracks are G. Love, Matt Costa, and Ben Harper.  

Entertainment Media Investment

#49. The Crow

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: June 4, 1994

1994’s “The Crow” is a grim film set in a gothic atmosphere, which explains its once-huge following among adolescents. The film’s soundtrack is relentlessly dark, overflowing with angry vocals and industrial sounds from the decade’s hottest alternative artists. Highlights include “Big Empty” by Stone Temple Pilots, “Dead Souls” by Nine Inch Nails, “Darkness” by Rage Against the Machine, “Ghostrider” by Rollins Band, and many others.  

Columbia Pictures Corporation

#48. La Bamba

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Sept. 12, 1987

A movie about the short-lived career of 1950s music icon Ritchie Valens, “La Bamba” features a number of the singer’s most enduring hits, including the title song, “Donna,” and “Come On, Let’s Go.” Lou Diamond Phillips plays Valens in the film, with singer David Hidalgo providing the vocals. Hidalgo’s band, Los Lobos, plays on most of the soundtrack. Rock legend Bo Diddley also appears with a cover of his own hit song, “Who Do You Love?”  

Universal Pictures

#47. Furious 7

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: April 25, 2015

The seventh “Fast and Furious” movie delivers no shortage of exotic locales, jaw-dropping action sequences, and explosive showdowns. The music is similarly guaranteed to get the adrenaline flowing, featuring a range of contemporary hip-hop and electronic dance music superstars like Flo Rida, David Guetta, Wiz Khalifa, and DJ Shadow. This one is a guaranteed party pleaser.

Walter Shenson Films

#46. Help! (Soundtrack)

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Sept. 11, 1965

After their previous soundtrack, “A Hard Day’s Night,” became one of the fastest-selling albums in the history of the music business, it was only natural that The Beatles would repeat the formula. The result was 1965’s “Help!” which made for an inferior film, but a remarkably consistent soundtrack. In addition to the title track, the album brought forth certifiable hits “Ticket to Ride” and “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away,” and that’s just on the U.S. version. On the U.K. release are even more classics, including “Yesterday.”   

You may also like: Best and worst Leonardo DiCaprio movies

Paramount Pictures

#45. Wayne's World

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: April 4, 1992

Representing a milestone in cinema and music alike, “Wayne’s World” features a famous head-banging scene involving Queen’s 1975 classic single, “Bohemian Rhapsody.” As a result, the song came roaring back to life, as did Queen’s popularity in the U.S. Between that and Tia Carrere’s inspired cover of “Ballroom Blitz,” the movie soundtrack sold in droves, eventually going double-platinum.

Fox Searchlight Pictures

#44. Juno

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Feb. 9, 2008

A quintessential indie movie deserves a quintessential soundtrack, and 2007’s “Juno” duly abides. Bringing the film’s quirks to life are songs from Belle & Sebastian, Sonic Youth, Cat Power, and Kimya Dawson. Also featured are a few bands from the classic rock era: The Kinks, The Velvet Underground, and Mott the Hoople.

Walt Disney Pictures

#43. Pocahontas

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: July 22, 1995

Disney’s “Pocahontas” represented a qualitative step down from previous hits like “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast,” but that didn’t mean it couldn’t still provide fans with a timeless tune. “Colors of the Wind” won Best Original Song at the 1996 Academy Awards. The song was written by Stephen Schwartz and Alan Menken, sung by Judy Kuhn in the film, and by Vanessa Williams during the end credits—and on the hit single.

Twentieth Century Fox

#42. Waiting To Exhale

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Jan. 20, 1996

Any mid-1990s album with Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, and Toni Braxton on it is guaranteed to succeed. It’s no surprise then that the soundtrack for “Waiting to Exhale” has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide. Both “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” and “Let It Flow” were #1 singles, while “Sittin' Up in My Room," "Not Gon' Cry," and "Count on Me" were all top 10 hits. With one exception, R&B prodigy Babyface wrote every song on the album, which was nominated for a whopping 11 Grammy Awards.  

Barwood Films,

#41. A Star Is Born (Soundtrack)

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Feb. 12, 1977

With Bradley Cooper’s acclaimed remake currently enrapturing audiences worldwide, now is the perfect time to revisit 1976’s “A Star is Born,” which was also a remake. Music legends Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson tackle the lead roles and perform on the soundtrack. Streisand won an Oscar for the album’s biggest hit, “Evergreen.”  

You may also like: 50 ways music has changed in the last 50 years

Hollywood Pictures,

#40. Dangerous Minds

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Sept. 2, 1995

The soundtrack to 1995’s “Dangerous Minds” includes some of the biggest names in 1990s R&B and hip-hop, however its success boils down to one particular hit single: “Gangsta’s Paradise.” Performed by Coolio with singer L.V., the song was a juggernaut, selling over 6 million copies worldwide. It also served as the perfect accompaniment to a film about a ex-marine (Michelle Pfeiffer) who struggles to connect with her inner-city students. Reprising her role from the film, Pfeiffer also appears in the award-winning music video for “Gangsta’s Paradise.”

Sig Shore Productions

#39. That's The Way Of The World (Soundtrack)

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: May 17, 1975

Starring members of funk/soul outfit Earth, Wind & Fire, 1975’s “That’s the Way of the World” explores racial biases within the music industry. A few months before the film debuted, the group released an album, which served as a proper studio effort and a movie soundtrack. The album’s lead single was “Shining Star,” a #1 hit that remains a dance floor staple to this day.

Touchstone Pictures

#38. Armageddon, The Album

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: July 18, 1998

Sometimes it takes just one song for a soundtrack to soar up the charts. For “Armageddon,” that song was “I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," by Aerosmith. Also included on the soundtrack were vintage classics like “Pusherman” by Curtis Mayfield, and “La Grange” by ZZ Top, along with original music by Jon Bon Jovi and Journey.

Walter Shenson Films

#37. A Hard Day's Night (Soundtrack)

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: July 25, 1964

Chronicling a day in the life of The Beatles, the 1964 movie “A Hard Day’s Night” follows the Fab Four as they run from legions of crazed fans, embark on various misadventures, and perform a variety of incredibly catchy songs. While the film is held in very high regard, pick up the wildly consistent soundtrack, which includes the title track, “Can’t Buy Me Love,” and “Tell Me Why,” among other hits.

Twentieth Century Fox

#36. Chariots Of Fire (Soundtrack)

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: April 17, 1982

The theme music for “Chariots of Fire” is so iconic that it’s taken on a life of its own. Greek composer Vangelis employs sweeping piano melodies over an epic backdrop of synthesizers and percussive beats. Fans can also check out Vangelis’ skillful soundtrack work for Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner” from the same year.

You may also like: Best miniseries available to stream

Walt Disney Pictures

#35. High School Musical 2

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Sep 1, 2007

The best-selling album of 2007 was this chart-topping behemoth from the Disney Channel. Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, and the rest of the “High School Musical” cast belted out a number of instant hits. More than just a stateside stunner, the album was a massive success around the world. In fact, India’s Times Music released its own Hindi language two-disc special edition, which contained extra songs inspired by the film performed by trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.

Apple Corps

#34. Let It Be (Soundtrack)

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: June 13, 1970

The Beatles were more or less falling apart by the time they sat down to record “Let It Be” in 1969. To make matters worse, a film crew was on hand for the sessions, capturing the band at a low point. The Beatles decided to shelve the album, which didn’t see the light of day until after they broke up. It sold well, nevertheless, containing a number of popular songs, including the title track. The documentary opened to little fanfare, and has since been relegated to obscurity, even if it does contain footage of the band’s famous rooftop concert.

Paramount Pictures

#33. Beverly Hills Cop

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: June 22, 1985

The soundtrack to “Beverly Hills Cop” comes straight out the mid-1980s playbook, complete with synth music and guilty pleasure pop songs. Harold Faltermeyer’s instrumental theme was so catchy that it became a worldwide hit single, while tracks like “New Sensation” and “Stir It Up” helped cement Patti Labelle’s solo career. Also featured are previously released classics like “The Heat is On” by Glenn Frey and “The Neutron Dance” by The Pointer Sisters.  

Marvel Studios

#32. Black Panther: The Album, Music From And Inspired By

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Feb. 24, 2018

As if Marvel’s “Black Panther” wasn’t dominant enough in 2018, it also yielded a #1 soundtrack, with original songs produced by hip-hop superstar Kendrick Lamar. Lamar teamed up with contemporary phenoms like The Weeknd, SZA, and Travis Scott to make the album. And a whopping eight songs from the album made the Billboard Hot 100.

Paramount Pictures

#31. Footloose

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: April 21, 1984

“Everybody get footloose!” So goes Kenny Loggins’ title song for this 1984 film, and audiences were happy to abide. Not only was the movie a box office smash, but the soundtrack launched six singles onto the Billboard Hot 100, with the title track and “Let's Hear It For The Boy” both reaching #1.

You may also like: 100 best movies of all time

Disney Channel

#30. Hannah Montana 2 (Soundtrack)/Meet Miley Cyrus

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: July 14, 2007

The soundtrack for the second season of “Hannah Montana” was also Miley Cyrus’ first official studio album. Sprawled across two discs are a range of lyrical themes, including teen romance, girl power, and living a double life, all performed by Cyrus as either herself or her famous alter ego. The album shot to #1 on the Billboard 200, and eventually went triple-platinum. 

Wadleigh-Maurice

#29. Woodstock

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: July 11, 1970

The most legendary concert of all time also makes for an monolithic triple LP album (or two-disc CD set). It contains a bevy of musical highlights from artists like Joan Baez, CSNY, The Who, Joe Cocker, Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, and numerous others.

Lawrence Turman

#28. The Graduate

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: April 6, 1968

Mike Nichols’ “The Graduate” is considered a quintessential film of the 1960s, and the folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel is widely considered a quintessential act from the same decade. Included on the soundtrack are hits like “Mrs. Robinson” and “The Sound of Silence,” the latter of which plays an instrumental role in setting the ending’s mood.  

Eon Productions

#27. Goldfinger

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: March 20, 1965

Playing an original song over opening credits scene is a well-established tradition in the James Bond universe, which goes all the way back to 1964’s “Goldfinger.” Shirley Bassey handled vocal duties, and would go on to sing the theme song for two other Bond films. The rest of the soundtrack is awash with adventuresome, 1960s-style orchestrals.

Walt Disney Pictures

#26. Hannah Montana: The Movie

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: May 2, 2009

Given the TV show’s momentum, it was only a matter of time before “Hannah Montana: The Movie” emerged. Its hugely popular soundtrack, on which Cyrus performs as both herself and her alter ego, includes contributions from Billy Ray Cyrus, Rascal Flatts, and Taylor Swift. It’s biggest hit was “The Climb.”

You may also like: Mistakes from the 50 best movies of all time

Universal Pictures

#25. Mamma Mia!

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Aug. 23, 2008

“Mamma Mia!” leapt off of Broadway and onto the big screen, crushing it at the worldwide box office. To give the music an authentic feel, ABBA member Benny Andersson not only participated in the film, he brought back some musicians from the original stage recordings. This resulted in one of the biggest success stories of the 21st century, on both the audio and visual fronts.

Twentieth Century Fox

#24. The Greatest Showman

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Jan. 13, 2018

“The Greatest Showman” is one of the biggest sleeper hits of the year, with a slow start before earning more than $400 million in global box office receipts. The soundtrack—which earned "Best Soundtrack" at this year's Billboard Music Awards—has likewise become a major success, especially in the U.K., where it was the longest #1 selling soundtrack in 50 years. Meanwhile, the song “This is Me” won Best Original Song: Motion Picture at the 75th Golden Globe Awards, and was nominated for Best Song at the 2018 Academy Awards. 

Atlas Entertainment

#23. Suicide Squad: The Album

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Aug. 27, 2016

While largely reviled by numerous fans and critics, “Suicide Squad” has nevertheless come out a winner. In addition to making more than $740 million at the box office, the film’s soundtrack is certified-platinum, and won a Kids' Choice Award. In accordance with the movie’s edgy vibe, the album is loaded with hip-hop, hard rock, and electronic dance music, or EDM.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

#22. Shaft

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Nov. 6, 1971

Soul singer Isaac Hayes wrote and performed on the soundtrack for 1971’s “Shaft,” winning an Oscar, two Grammys, and a Golden Globe. For those who have seen the movie, it’s impossible to even think of it without hearing Hayes’ unforgettable “Theme from Shaft.” The remainder of the album consists of instrumentals, infusing the film with a signature tonality.  

Twentieth Century Fox

#21. Titanic

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Jan. 24, 1998

According to legend, Canadian singer Celine Dion didn’t initially want to sing “My Heart Will Go On” for 1997’s “Titanic,” nor did director James Cameron want it included. Thankfully, savvier minds prevailed, as the song and movie are stronger than the sum of their already-formidable parts, making for an incredibly popular soundtrack.

You may also like: Fan campaigns that saved TV shows from cancellation

New Line Cinema

#20. Friday

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: May 13, 1995

Ice Cube co-wrote and starred in 1995’s “Friday,” performing the title song as well. The soundtrack’s biggest hit: “Keep Their Heads Ringin'” by Dr. Dre. From there, it explores a full range of hits and styles, featuring The Isley Brothers, Cypress Hill, Rick James, and the 2 Live Crew. No matter the era, one thing remains consistent: those feel-good vibes.

Atlas Entertainment

#19. City Of Angels

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: June 13, 1998

1998’s “City of Angels” was quickly forgotten, but its biggest single, “Iris” by The Goo Goo Dolls, became an enduring chart-topper. That wasn’t the only popular song to emerge from the best-selling soundtrack. Alanis Morissette’s “Uninvited” was also a big hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Top 40 Mainstream chart.

Disney Channel

#18. Hannah Montana

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Nov. 11, 2006

The first season of Disney’s “Hannah Montana” introduced audiences to Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus), her alter-ego, and her collection of killer songs. Both the music and series were instant hits, paving the way for a popular franchise. On the initial release, Cyrus sings eight songs and performs a duet with dad, Billy Ray. Its only single, “Best of Both Worlds,” was also the show’s theme song.

Paramount Pictures

#17. Flashdance

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: June 25, 1983

A year before “Footloose” took the country by storm, 1983’s “Flashdance” did the same thing to even greater impact. The soundtrack opens and closes with its two biggest hits: “Flashdance...What A Feeling” by Irene Cara, and “Maniac” by Michael Sembello. The album has ultimately sold more than 6 million copies in the U.S. alone.

Paramount Pictures

#16. Grease

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: July 29, 1978

One of the most celebrated soundtracks of all-time, “Grease (The Original Soundtrack from The Motion Picture)” opens with a title song from Frankie Valli, then cruises through a string of timeless hits. Performing on a number of tracks are the beloved film’s two stars: Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, belting out classics like “Summer Nights,” “You're The One That I Want,” “Greased Lightnin,'” and more.  

You may also like: Can you answer these real 'Jeopardy!' questions about music?

TriStar Pictures

#15. Sleepless In Seattle

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Aug. 21, 1993

Composer John Barry was initially approached to score 1993’s “Sleepless in Seattle,” but soon quit after discovering the film would consist primarily of songs. One of those songs was a cover of “When I Fall in Love” by Celine Dion and Clive Griffin, which became a huge hit. The soundtrack includes a number of romance-themed classics.

Walt Disney Pictures

#14. The Lion King

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: July 16, 1994

One of Disney’s best animated features yielded one of the studio’s most enduring soundtracks. With contributions from Elton John, Tim Rice, and Hans Zimmer, “The Lion King (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” opens on a high note and never really comes down. Packed between “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” are catchy classics like “Hakuna Matata,” and “I Just Can't Wait To Be King,” along with a bevy of instrumentals. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Music Score.

Paramount Pictures

#13. Top Gun

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: July 26, 1986

In 1986’s “Top Gun,” pilots headed into the danger zone, and the music went in along with them. The movie and soundtrack turned Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone” into a full blown mid-1980s anthem. On the more romantic side of things was “Take My Breath Away (Love Theme From "Top Gun)” by Berlin, a smash hit that went on to win both a Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Summit Entertainment

#12. Twilight

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Nov. 22, 2008

When the first “Twilight” movie arrived in theaters, hordes of mostly female teenagers feverishly picked up whatever the franchise tossed their way, though that’s not to say the success of the movie’s soundtrack was a fluke. It contains a variety of appropriately moody songs from Muse, Paramore, The Black Ghosts, Linkin Park, and even Robert Pattinson himself. The album sold better than any theatrical soundtrack since 2002’s “Chicago.”  

Great American Films Limited Partnership

#11. Dirty Dancing

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Nov. 14, 1987

Among all dance-themed 1980s movies, “Dirty Dancing” reigns supreme as having the best original songs and best-selling soundtrack. Who can argue with hits like “(I've Had) The Time Of My Life,” “Hungry Eyes,” and “She’s Like the Wind,” the last of which was performed by Patrick Swayze himself. Catchy singles are rounded out by a range of classics: “Be My Baby,” “Stay,” “Hey Baby,” and “In The Still Of The Night.”

You may also like: Controversial songs from the year you were born

Disney Channel

#10. High School Musical

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: March 11, 2006

“High School Musical” landed like a pop culture asteroid in 2006, as did its hugely successful soundtrack. It became the top-selling album of the year, and the first TV soundtrack to hit #1 since 1986’s “Miami Vice.” The movie also produced nine hit singles, and turned its stars into global phenomenons overnight. And to think, this was only the beginning.   

Universal Pictures

#9. O Brother, Where Art Thou?

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: March 23, 2002

When Depression-era adventure comedy “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” premiered in 2000, nobody could have guessed that its soundtrack would eventually sell nearly 8 million copies in the U.S. alone. Produced by T. Bone Burnett, the album offers mostly modern interpretations of songs from the respective bluegrass, folk, blues, gospel, and country genres. More than a massive seller, the soundtrack has also won numerous honors and awards, including Album of the Year at the Academy of Country Music Awards.

Walt Disney Pictures

#8. Mary Poppins

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: March 13, 1965

The songwriting team of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman wrote the music for “Mary Poppins,” winning two Academy Awards and a Grammy. A supremely talented cast brought their melodies and lyrics to life, with Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke performing memorable songs like "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," and "Chim Chim Cher-ee.” The result is pure whimsical magic.

Warner Bros.

#7. Purple Rain (Soundtrack)

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Aug. 4, 1984

To provide music for his semi-autobiographical film, Prince and his cohorts put together one of the most enduring albums of all time. “Purple Rain” hosts a slew of wildly addictive songs, including “Let’s Go Crazy,” “When Doves Cry,” “I Would Die 4 U,” and the title track. If Prince’s substantial legacy were to boil down to one album, it might be this soundtrack.

Walt Disney Pictures

#6. Frozen

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Jan. 18, 2014

The biggest song from Disney’s “Frozen” is “Let It Go,” and listeners continue to sing it it nearly five years later. As a result, the soundtrack sold millions of copies, spent weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and became the best-performing soundtrack since “Titanic.” The song won an Academy Award, which actress and singer Idina Menzel enthusiastically accepted.

You may also like: Best Grateful Dead albums of all time

Marvel Studios

#5. Guardians Of The Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Aug. 23, 2014

As any fan of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise can attest, “awesome music” plays a vital role to the point that Peter Quill’s mixtape is more a less its own character. Since he left Earth in 1988, his cassette is filled with first-rate tunes from the '60s, '70s, and '80s. Along for the ride: “Hooked on a Feeling,” “Moonage Daydream,” “I Want You Back,” and numerous others.

Robert Stigwood Organization

#4. Saturday Night Fever

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Jan. 21, 1978

The Bee Gees reinvented themselves as disco kings in the mid-1970s. That made them the perfect candidates for 1977’s “Saturday Night Fever.” Thanks to the Bee Gees’ contributions like “Stayin’ Alive,” “Jive Talkin',” and “How Deep is Your Love,” along with tracks like “Boogie Shoes” and “Disco Inferno” (performed by other artists), the album rocketed to success, remaining the second best-selling soundtrack in U.S. history.  

Warner Bros.

#3. The Bodyguard

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Dec. 12, 1992

Whitney Houston hit a high note both literally and figuratively when she recorded the song “I Will Always Love You” for “The Bodyguard,” a movie in which she also starred. Two other Houston songs, “I’m Every Woman” and “I Have Nothing,” also broke the top five on the Billboard Hot 100. Consequently, the soundtrack became one of the best-selling albums of all time.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

#2. Doctor Zhivago

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Nov. 5, 1966

French composer Maurice Jarre produced iconic instrumentals For 1965’s “Doctor Zhivago,” including “Lara’s Theme,” a tune that would later provide the basis for the hit song, “Somewhere, My Love.” The film won five Oscars at the 1966 Academy Awards, including Best Original Music Score.

Robert Wise Productions

#1. The Sound Of Music

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
- Date of soundtrack peak: Nov. 13, 1965

The hills have been alive with “The Sound of Music” for decades, paving the way for the perennial success of the film and its extraordinary soundtrack. Like the play upon which it’s based, the movie features songs now sung around the world, including “Do-Re-Mi” and “My Favorite Things.” As timeless as a soundtrack can get, the album reached #1 on the Billboard 200 in 1965, and has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide in the time since.

You may also like: Primetime TV shows that have stood the test of time

Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Frankly and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@franklymedia.com