Popular Movie Soundtracks

Popular Movie Soundtracks

What would a movie be without good sound effects and music? Whether it’s a rockin’ beat or a tearful love song, moviegoers often remember a movie from its music. We take a look at some of the most popular movie soundtracks and their film counterparts.

The Bodyguard

1992’s “The Bodyguard” starred Kevin Costner as Frank Farmer, a professional who is hired to guard singing sensation, Rachel Marron (Whitney Houston). Houston performed on most of the film’s soundtrack including the mega hit “I Will Always Loved You” (written by Dolly Parton), “I Have Nothing” and “Run to You”. The Oscar and Grammy nominated soundtrack has sold around 17 million copies since its release.

Dirty Dancing

Baby (Jennifer Grey) falls in love with the dance instructor, Johnny (Patrick Swayze), at the resort where her family is visiting in this 1987 movie. The “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack contains classic songs such as “Be My Baby” by the Ronettes as well as such songs as “Hungry Eyes” by Eric Carmen and “She’s Like the Wind” (sung by the movie’s star, Patrick Swayze). However, it was the Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes song, “(I’ve Had) The Time of my Life” that garnered an Oscar for best song. The movie’s soundtrack has sold over 11 million copies.

Footloose

Dancing and rock music were out of the question in this 1984 movie starring Kevin Bacon, John Lithgow and Sarah Jessica Parker. The Oscar and Grammy nominated soundtrack included Kenny Loggins’ title song “Footloose”, “Almost Paradise” by Mike Reno and Ann Wilson from Heart and “Let’s Hear it for the Boy” by Denise Williams. The “Footloose” soundtrack has sold around 8 million copies since its release.

Forrest Gump

Tom Hanks won an Oscar for this 1994 film which dramatized the life events of Forrest Gump. The Oscar nominated soundtrack features a variety of music from the film’s different eras including “Lovesick Blues” by Hank Williams and “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd. The “Forrest Gump” soundtrack has sold around 12 million copies.

Grease

This popular 1978 musical starred John Travolta, Olivia Newton John and Stockard Channing. Not only did the cast appear on the big screen, but most of their vocals can be found on the movie’s soundtrack. However, it’s Olivia Newton John’s “Hopelessly Devoted to You” that garnered an Oscar nomination. The “Grease” soundtrack has sold over 8 million copies since its release.

The Lion King

1994’s “The Lion King” told the story of Simba (voice of Jonathan Taylor-Thomas and Matthew Broderick) who is tricked by Scar (voice of Jeremy Irons) into thinking that he is responsible for his father’s (voice of James Earl Jones) death. The movie’s soundtrack, featuring the singing of many of the film’s stars, included such favorites as “Circle of Life” and “Hakuna Matata”. However, it was the Tim Rice and Elton John penned “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” that garnered an Oscar. “The Lion King” soundtrack has sold over 10 million copies.

Purple Rain

Music icon, Prince, starred in “Purple Rain” (1984) as The Kid. Besides his onscreen work, Prince also wrote and performed (with his band, The Revolution) most of the songs on the movie’s soundtrack including “I Would Die 4 U”, “Let’s Go Crazy”, “When Doves Cry” as well as the title song. Co-star Morris Day wrote the song “Jungle Love” which he performed with the Time. The Oscar and Grammy winning soundtrack has sold around 13 million copies.

Saturday Night Fever

Who doesn’t know the words to “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees (Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb)? The trio wrote and sang most of the songs on the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack including “How Deep Is Your Love”, “Night Fever” and “You Should be Dancing”. Other notable songs include “Boogie Shoes” by K.C. and the Sunshine Band and “Disco Inferno” by the Trammps. The movie, which was released in 1977, made John Travolta a dancing sensation for his portrayal of Tony Manero. The movie’s soundtrack has sold an estimated 15 million copies.

Titanic

The 1997 film about the ill fated luxury liner was not only a blockbuster, but the movie’s first soundtrack has sold almost 11 million copies to date. While mostly a musical score, the soundtrack included the power ballad, “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion, which won an Oscar and Grammy for best movie song.

Top Gun

Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer and Kelly McGillis starred in this high flying 1986 film. The soundtrack, which has sold over 9 million copies, included the Kenny Loggins rocker “Danger Zone”. However, it was the haunting “Take My Breath Away” by the band Berlin that was the Oscar for best song.

These soundtracks, movies and more can be found at Amazon and Half.com.