Listmania!
My Favorite Movie Soundtracks (in no order)
By an Amazon.com customer
High FidelityHigh Fidelity by Various Artists
Buy new: $10.97 / Used from: $5.38
Like the book, it makes you want to be a DJ and experience every genre there is.
Love ActuallyLove Actually by Various Artists
Buy new: $8.97 / Used from: $4.34
A really great compilation of songs that were carefully chosen and convey the mood of the movie perfectly. Craig Armstrong's original music for the movie is beautiful, too.
Billy Elliot (2000 Film)Billy Elliot (2000 Film) by Stephen Gately
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $2.58
With The Jam's "Town Called Malice," The Clash's "London Calling," and T-Rex taking care of most of the album, it's a great 70's and 80's compilation.
I Am Sam - Music From and Inspired By the Motion PictureI Am Sam - Music From and Inspired By the Motion Picture by Various Artists
Buy new: $18.98 / Used from: $2.49
You can't do much better than having amazing contemporary artists like Rufus Wainwright, Ben Folds, and Grandaddy covering Beatles songs.
About a BoyAbout a Boy by Badly Drawn Boy
Buy new: $11.98 / Used from: $6.50
Badly Drawn Boy composed this whole thing just for the movie, and it's equally impressive as a score and a regular release of songs. Damon Gough is a pop music genius and an accomplished wordsmith.
A Clockwork Orange: Wendy Carlos's Complete Original ScoreA Clockwork Orange: Wendy Carlos's Complete Original Score
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $9.99
Walter/Wendy Carlos took a lot of steps revolutionizing synthesizer use with this soundtrack, and it's refreshing to hear her arrangements of Classical music--especially set to a Kubrick film.
Almost FamousAlmost Famous by Various Artists - Soundtracks
Buy new: $9.97 / Used from: $5.99
Basically any Cameron Crowe film is guaranteed to have a great soundtrack, but this is the best example because it's autobiographical and the movie is about popular music itself.
Garden StateGarden State by Various Artists
Buy new: $8.97 / Used from: $2.66
You really can't make a list like this without the Garden State ST. Zach Braff made a playlist that perfectly embodies the spirit of his movie.
Say Anything: The Original Motion Picture SoundtrackSay Anything: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Various Artists
Buy used from: $0.75
Another Cameron Crowe movie, but a particularly quiet one where the music takes more precedence than in most. The soundtrack is what made Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" legendary.
Over the HedgeOver the Hedge by Ben Folds
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $2.94
Ben Folds is just a genius songwriter. A tailored "Rockin' the Suburbs" with a WillShat cameo, a Clash cover, and more. I haven't even seen the movie yet.
Shrek - Music From the Original Motion PictureShrek - Music From the Original Motion Picture by Various Artists - Soundtrack
Buy new: $9.97 / Used from: $1.99
Rufus Wainwright's "Hallelujah," Eels' "My Beloved Monster," and Jason Wade covering "You Belong to Me" are standouts. Covers a lot of pop subgenres in one swoop and keeps everyone happy.
O Brother, Where Art Thou?O Brother, Where Art Thou? by Various Artists - Soundtrack
Buy new: $10.97 / Used from: $3.99
T Bone Burnett is probably the best soundtrack producer in the business. He makes soundtracks reach success on a lot of different levels, and this is the perfect example.
NewsiesNewsies by Original Soundtrack
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $6.99
Oh, it's just fun.
Star Wars TrilogyStar Wars Trilogy by John Williams
Buy new: $59.98 / Used from: $37.49
Really any John Williams score is going to be great, but Star Wars really is the most representative and successful.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975 Film)The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975 Film) by Richard O'Brien
Buy new: $10.99 / Used from: $4.45
A great rock record disguised as a soundtrack. Even though it's nothing secret now, you still feel like it's something cool you found in an alley...and you don't want you mom to see.
Donnie Darko - Original Soundtrack & ScoreDonnie Darko - Original Soundtrack & Score
Echo & the Bunnymen, Tears for Fears, Duran Duran, and an awesome Gary Jules cover of "Mad World." Michael Andrews also wrote an amazing score to go along. The whole thing is nostalgic and haunting.
Pretty In Pink: Original Motion Picture SoundtrackPretty In Pink: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Various Artists
Buy new: $7.97 / Used from: $3.13
It goes along with the rest of the John Hughes flicks having great 80's soundtracks. This one boasts most of the songs you hear on those 80's love compilations on TV.
The Royal TenenbaumsThe Royal Tenenbaums by Various Artists
Buy used from: $4.30
Mark Mothersbaugh, The Clash, Velvet Underground, Elliott Smith, Nick Drake, The Ramones, Bob Dylan...come on. Rushmore covers the same genres and greatness.
Never Been Kissed: Music From The Motion PictureNever Been Kissed: Music From The Motion Picture by Various Artists
Buy new: $7.97 / Used from: $1.39
Cute, aching love songs by The Smiths, The Beach Boys, Jimmy Eat World, R.E.M., John Lennon, et al.
Forrest Gump: The Soundtrack - 32 American Classics On 2 CDsForrest Gump: The Soundtrack - 32 American Classics On 2 CDs by Various Artists
Buy used from: $0.38
The best place to get a lifetime of chart-toppers. And not just chart-toppers but the songs that defined time periods.
Mr. Holland's Opus: Original Motion Picture SoundtrackMr. Holland's Opus: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Shawn Stockman (of Boyz II Men)
Buy new: $8.98 / Used from: $0.25
Along the same lines as Forrest Gump, but Mr. Holland's Opus is more geared toward Beatles fans. "Cole's Song" and "An American Symphony" are reasons alone to buy the CD.
ThumbsuckerThumbsucker by The Polyphonic Spree
Buy new: $13.98 / Used from: $2.24
A score by Polyphonic Spree and a few songs thrown in by Elliott Smith. Even if you don't see the movie, it's perfect music for an afternoon drive by yourself.
The Nightmare Before Christmas: Original Motion Picture SoundtrackThe Nightmare Before Christmas: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Danny Elfman
Buy used from: $6.97
Danny Elfman produces amazing soundtracks, with The Nighmare Before Christmas being the most memorable, mostly because he has written for a musical as well as writing the film score.