1. Pulp Fiction
No brainer. This collection of sultry numbers plays like a perfect mix tape a friend made and even though that deplorable Statler Brothers song is on there, you give it a pass simply because the rest is so lovely.
2. Trainspotting
Another no brainer. Why shouldn’t a film that shows the enjoyment and horrors of narcotics have a narcotic soundtrack?! Songs rarely get as narcotic as Blur’s “Sing” do. Plenty of incentive alone to give this soundtrack a spin on repeat.
3. Paper Moon
If you don’t like music that predates the 50’s, this soundtrack is not for you but lord almighty, it is a wonderful trip through the early days of radio in the best possible way.
4. Swingers
Don’t let the fact that Big Bad Voodoo Daddy appears twice on this soundtrack be a deal breaker. Whether you’re ever having a cocktail party with friends or by yourself, this is a more than appropriate soundtrack to have spinning.
5. Snatch
A very eclectic collection that proves yet again that Guy Ritchie’s soundtracks are far better than his films.
6. Poetic Justice
Where to start?! Pete Rock & CL Smooth, 2Pac, Stevie Wonder & Naughty By Nature all the same soundtrack?! Splendid from start to finish.
7. Ghost World
I once screamed bloody murder at a party in high school because somebody said the music in this film was “sketchy”. I was correct to do so. Ghost World‘s soundtrack includes so many nearly forgotten songs that objectively helped shape the sound of rock & roll as we know it. So much roots music and one of the best opening songs to a film ever.
8. Kids
One of the most underrated soundtracks out there. It’s eclectic. It’s strange. It’s also oddly cohesive and much like the film it shadows, it’s something most parents at the time likely wouldn’t enjoy which is very appropriate.
9. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
While this initially never had an official soundtrack release, somebody sent an email to the right person and the soundtrack was finally released 30 years later. While torturous prior to the internet’s popularity, it was worth the wait.
10. Broken Flowers
You can’t go wrong when Holly Golightly, Brian Jonestown Massacre, and Marvin Gaye all in one spot. While the film itself had mixed reviews, it’s soundtrack was perfect. Jim Jarmusch has always had a great ear for song placement and Broken Flowers’ soundtrack exemplifies that perfectly.
