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11 Unexpectedly Brilliant 90s Movie Soundtracks You Need to Revisit
The 90s were a golden era for movies, but let's be honest, sometimes the soundtracks were just as unforgettable. Beyond the blockbusters and iconic scenes, there were some seriously underrated musical gems adding depth and emotion to films you might have forgotten. Get ready to rediscover some auditory treasures!
1. Singles (1992)
Singles, released in 1992, perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the Seattle grunge scene. Its soundtrack became a defining collection of the era, and the film's depiction of young adults navigating love and life resonated deeply with audiences. The movie's raw energy and authentic portrayal of the music scene made it a cultural touchstone of the 90s.
"Singles" wasn't just a movie; it was a grunge manifesto. The soundtrack perfectly encapsulated the Seattle sound, launching (or cementing) the careers of bands like Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains. It's a time capsule of a very specific, very cool moment in music history.
2. Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo + Juliet" modernized Shakespeare's classic for a 90s audience. Its vibrant visuals, modern soundtrack, and young cast resonated with teenagers, making it a defining film of the decade. The film captured the angst and passion of the original story in a fresh, exciting way.
Baz Luhrmann's hyper-stylized "Romeo + Juliet" didn't just update Shakespeare; it reinvented it for the MTV generation. The soundtrack, featuring The Cardigans, Radiohead, and Garbage, was a crucial part of that reinvention, blending alternative rock with operatic drama.
3. Trainspotting (1996)
Trainspotting, released in 1996, was a darkly comedic and unflinching look at heroin addiction in Scotland. Its raw portrayal of drug use, coupled with a killer soundtrack and stylish direction, made it a defining film of the 90s. The film's impact resonated with audiences, sparking conversations about addiction and youth culture.
"Trainspotting" was a visceral and unflinching look at heroin addiction, but its soundtrack was surprisingly vibrant and eclectic. From Iggy Pop to Blur to New Order, the music perfectly captured the film's energy, both manic and melancholic.
4. The Crow (1994)
The Crow, released in 1994, became a cult classic known for its dark and gothic atmosphere. Brandon Lee's tragic death during filming added a layer of somberness to the film's themes of revenge and loss. Its soundtrack and visual style heavily influenced 90s alternative culture.
Dark, gothic, and undeniably cool, "The Crow" soundtrack was a who's who of 90s alternative rock and industrial music. The Cure, Nine Inch Nails, and Rage Against the Machine all contributed to the film's brooding atmosphere, making it a perfect match for the film's tragic story.
5. Clueless (1995)
As if! Clueless, the 1995 teen comedy, perfectly captured the zeitgeist of the 90s. Cher Horowitz's Beverly Hills lifestyle, iconic fashion, and valley girl slang made it a cultural phenomenon. The film's witty dialogue and updated Emma adaptation resonated with audiences, making it a timeless classic.
As if we could forget! "Clueless" wasn't just a fashion statement; it was a cultural phenomenon. The soundtrack, filled with bubblegum pop and alternative rock, perfectly captured the film's lighthearted and satirical tone. It's a total Betty!
6. Empire Records (1995)
Empire Records, released in 1995, captured the angst and energy of 90s youth culture. The film's soundtrack, filled with alternative rock hits, became a defining sound of the era. Its story of a record store fighting against corporate takeover resonated with many who valued independent music and culture.
"Empire Records" is a celebration of music, friendship, and sticking it to the man. The soundtrack, featuring Gin Blossoms, Better Than Ezra, and The Cranberries, is a perfect blend of 90s alternative and power pop. It's a reminder that music can save the day.
7. Spawn (1997)
Spawn burst onto the scene in 1997, bringing a dark and gritty anti-hero to the big screen. While the movie had mixed reviews, its visual style and edgy tone captured the spirit of the '90s comic book craze. Spawn's over-the-top action and demonic imagery made it a memorable, if flawed, entry in the superhero movie landscape of the decade.
The Spawn soundtrack was a wild experiment, pairing hard rock and metal bands with electronic artists. The result was a chaotic, but undeniably memorable, mix of genres that perfectly complemented the film's dark and gritty visuals.
8. The Saint (1997)
The Saint (1997) brought a modern twist to the classic character, Simon Templar. Val Kilmer's disguises and the film's techno-thriller elements captured the spirit of the 90s action genre. Its memorable soundtrack and fast-paced plot made it a popular choice for moviegoers during its release.
Before Orbital did the music for Event Horizon, they contributed an awesome track to the soundtrack for The Saint. But that's not all, this soundtrack is full of incredible electronic music from artists like Moby, Underworld, and Sneaker Pimps.
9. Judgment Night (1993)
Judgment Night (1993) was a gritty action thriller that brought together hip-hop and rock music with a dark, urban storyline. The soundtrack, featuring collaborations between artists like Run-DMC and Biohazard, and Onyx and Therapy?, became a cultural phenomenon. The film's intense atmosphere and unique musical pairings made it a memorable, if somewhat controversial, entry in 90s cinema.
An interesting attempt to mash up Hip Hop and Rock. The Judgment Night soundtrack is very hit or miss for most people, but the gems on the album are definitely worth checking out if you haven't heard it before.
10. Batman Forever (1995)
Batman Forever brought a vibrant, neon-soaked aesthetic to the Batman franchise in the 90s. Val Kilmer donned the cowl, facing off against villains Two-Face and the Riddler in a visually striking and action-packed adventure. The film's memorable soundtrack and over-the-top performances cemented its place as a quintessential 90s superhero flick.
Seal's "Kiss from a Rose" might be the most famous track from "Batman Forever", but the rest of the soundtrack is a surprisingly diverse mix of pop and rock. From U2 to PJ Harvey, there's something for everyone on this surprisingly solid superhero soundtrack.
11. Space Jam (1996)
Space Jam blended live-action with animation, teaming Michael Jordan with Looney Tunes characters. It was a cultural phenomenon of the 90s, with a catchy soundtrack and memorable visuals. The movie captured the hearts of kids and adults alike, becoming a beloved classic.
Come on and slam! "Space Jam" wasn't just a movie; it was a cultural event. The soundtrack, featuring R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly" and Monie Love's "Ladies Anthem", was just as iconic as the film itself. It's a slam dunk of 90s nostalgia.
So, there you have it – 11 unexpectedly brilliant 90s movie soundtracks that deserve a second listen. These albums weren't just background noise; they were integral parts of the films they accompanied, adding depth, emotion, and a whole lot of 90s attitude. What are some of your favorite 90s movie soundtracks? Share your picks in the comments below!