Great music and great film go better together than popcorn and butter. And though not every movie on our soundtrack list is plucked from the critically acclaimed film canon, each and every one of the following soundtracks is something to be admired, enjoyed, and celebrated. Because there’s nothing like an epic soundtrack to transport a viewer to another time, bring a theater full of strangers to tears, or complement a narrative so well that one simply cannot exist without the other. Ahead, we’re doling out 30 times sight and sound made sweet, sweet music together.
Dirty Dancing
The musical team behind the naughty little romance drama that rocked the Bible Belt back in the ’80s had a good understanding that the only way to truly get your freak on is to do so as a silky soundtrack sets the mood. Featuring a discography ranging from soulful hits (Otis Redding’s “These Arms of Mine”) to a Patrick Swayze original (“She’s Like the Wind”), the album set up shop at the number one spot on Billboard’s chart for months—and remains a heap topper for anyone who can’t get enough of Johnny and Baby having the time of their lives.
The Bodyguard
Yes, the on-screen romance between Bodyguard
leads Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner is palpable. And, sure, the film, though choking on melodramatic goo at times, is a nostalgic and fun re-watch. But the soundtrack is pure honey. Heavily featuring the vocal gymnastics of one of the greatest singers of all time…