BEYOND THE NOTES
Photo by Tara Radmard
February 26, 2025 | Katherine Cruz-Alvarez
It's the most wonderful time of the year—or, for non-movie fans, Oscar season. With Hollywood's biggest night just around the corner, it is the perfect time to celebrate one of filmmaking's most powerful tools. From sweeping original scores to perfectly timed needle drops, the right song or soundtrack can elevate a film's emotional impact and make a scene unforgettable. Whether it made us cry, cheer, or sit in stunned silence, here are some of our favorite soundtracks and music moments — the ones that made us say, "Wow, music is so good."
Movie SoundtracksCan you imagine Saturday Night Fever (1977) without the Bee Gees' iconic falsetto melodies? Or The Breakfast Club (1985) without Simple Minds' triumphant "Don't You (Forget About Me)." When done right, music becomes an inseparable part of the storytelling, shaping the tones, emotions, and even the cultural legacy of a movie. Here are some of our favorites:
Interstellar (2014) — Hans ZimmerPicked By: Carlee L.
The docking sequence hits like a sonic shockwave. Hans Zimmer's thunderous organ score swells as the scene unfolds, and you can feel your heart pounding. Interstellar is more than just a sci-fi epic — it is an emotional rollercoaster with Zimmer injecting every second with an adrenaline rush. This soundtrack undoubtedly carries the film, propelling you through space and time as though you are floating alongside Matthew McConaughey.
Mulan (1998) — Jerry Goldsmith, Matthew Wilder, and David ZippelPicked By: Tara Radmard
You can’t hear "I'll Make a Man Out of You" without immediately wanting to drop everything and train for battle. Just as Mulan challenges the damsel in distress trope, the soundtrack to her story defies expectations similarly. Dramatic percussion and swelling crescendos take the place of other princesses' delicate strings and adorable humming from woodland creatures. You're left ready to take that career risk, sign up for that marathon, or do both.
Wicked (2024) — Stephen SchwartzPicked By: Aditi Sreenivas
This movie's triumphant score made everyone a theater kid. The beloved Broadway hit made a dazzling transition to film, seamlessly blending its iconic melodies with breathtaking visuals and innovative filmmaking. This film captures the energy of live theater through its larger-than-life musical numbers. Every sweep of the camera through a group of dancers put the audience in the center of the performance, making them feel like they were front row to the most talked-about show in town. Even the most reluctant music skeptics probably caught themselves belting "Defying Gravity" in the shower.
Challengers (2024) — Trent Reznor, Atticus RossPicked By: Hailey Benzvi
Aside from providing TikTok editors with the best content, Challengers and its score made every serve or glance feel like a life-or-death situation. The pulsing beats aren't just background noise but a central character that keeps the atmosphere charged. The music keeps you on edge with club-like intensity, pushing you to anticipate the next move in this web of manipulation.
Needle DropsA well-placed needle drop—when a preexisting song is used in a film—can transform a scene, elevating it from great to iconic. Whether it's a high-energy montage or a heart-wrenching scene, these songs leave an impact long after the credits roll.
“Perfect Day” — Hoku (Legally Blonde, 2001) Picked By: Jodi Chung
Arguably one of the most iconic movie intros of all time, this bubbly pop anthem sets the tone for Elle Woods' cheery, confident world as she prepares for what she believes will be a perfect day. No matter what year it is, this song transports us to a sunny Friday in the 2000s, where we're sporting a Juicy Couture tracksuit and the blondest hair you've ever seen.
“Visions of Gideon” — Sufjan Stevens (Call Me By Your Name, 2017) Picked By: Katherine Cruz-Alvarez
When searching for the sound of unfulfilled longing, "Visions of Gideon" immediately comes to mind. Every time I watch Elio stare into the fireplace, silent for over three minutes, I still get chills. Sufjan Stevens' somber melodies force us to sit with Elio in his quiet devastation, reeling from the news of Oliver's imminent marriage to a woman. The sparse, haunting arrangement amplifies the rawness of his sorrow, turning Stevens’ music into a vessel for the emotions Elio cannot articulate. Lyrics like "I have loved you for the last time" give voice to the painful finality Elio struggles to accept. The words linger—like his love—aching, unresolved, and forever etched in memory. This song doesn’t just capture heartbreak; it makes us mourn a love we never had.
“Bennie And The Jets” — Elton John (27 Dresses, 2008) Picked By: Leah Snyderman
Katherine Heigl and James Marsden drunkenly butchering "Bennie And The Jets" in a dive bar is one of the most unexpectedly endearing rom-com moments ever. It's a shame Hollywood didn't tap into Marsden's offbeat charm more often, as his energy perfectly balances the scene's awkward hilarity. He's a little offbeat, but you can't help but root for him and swoon at his surprisingly smooth vocals. Their chemistry makes this chaotic, off-key, and infectious moment make you wish to jump into the scene and sing along.
“Thriller” — Michael Jackson (13 Going On 30, 2004) Picked By: Sophia Cortez
If someone tells you they never wanted to be Jenna Rink, they're lying. Leading a full-blown dance sequence to "Thriller" at a party while wearing the iconic rainbow-striped slip dress? Cinema. This moment is goofy, nostalgic, and pure magic — and it makes us wish every awkward party had a coordinated dance number (and Mark Ruffalo).
“party 4 u” by Charli XCX (Bottoms, 2023)Picked By: Hailey Benzvi
Like the rest of Bottoms, the film's ending nails Gen Z culture with effortless skill. The use of a Charli XCX deep cut in one of the film's most surprisingly sentimental moments is cheeky and striking. The track's atmospheric soundscape frames Isabel and Josie as the only two people in the world, setting the scene for their long-awaited kiss. The scene is so sweet that it almost makes you forget they just murdered a group of football players in absurdly violent ways.
Movies would be nothing without music. A horror movie without haunting piano notes loses its tension. A romantic drama without a sweeping orchestral melody never quite tugs at the heartstrings. Music deepens storytelling and heightens emotions — often without a single word spoken. At this year's Oscars, amidst betting on winners and critiquing fashion choices, take a moment to think about your favorite music moment from this year. Did it make you see a character differently or understand a scene deeper? Whatever the impact, one thing is for certain: music is the soul of cinema. So next time you watch a film, listen — because the right song can change everything.
LATEST