Movie soundtracks often go under-appreciated but here are some excellent ones that you should consider listening to on your walk to class!

1. ParaNorman

ParaNorman is a stop-motion movie about a young, outcast boy who can talk to ghosts, so the soundtrack reflects his feelings of youthful isolation and otherworldly adventure. Composed by Jon Brion, this soundtrack has melodies that are haunting and sweet.

Sample Song(s): Norman Tries to Keep it Cool/Grandma’s Got Your Back, Norman’s Walk

2. Punch Drunk Love

Barry Egan is a timid, shy man leading a lonely life on top of the stresses of constant beratement by his sisters. He falls in love with his sister’s coworker, but their relationship is threatened when Egan falls victim to an extortionist. Also composed by Jon Brion, this film takes a darker, more adult look at melodies of isolation. The minimalist melodies are still there, but they are more melancholy.

Sample Song(s): Here We Go

3. The Theory of Everything

This beautifully shot film has an equally gorgeous (and Oscar nominated and Golden Globe winning) score to accompany it. Johann Johannsson, an Icelandic musician, composed the soundtrack that combines heavy emphasis on piano and strings to create large, sweeping classical melodies that range everywhere somber to triumphant.

Sample Song(s): The Theory of Everything, Rowing, Cambridge 1963

4. Mad Max: Fury Road

Mad Max is a movie in constant motion so it fits that the soundtrack is a fast-paced, thunderous whirlwind of power. Tom Holkenborg (aka Junkie XL) created a soundtrack with immense power, which relies on heavy percussion and dissonance while simultaneously incorporating grand orchestral elements that resemble old Hollywood sagas.

Sample Song(s): My Name is Max, Blood Bag

5. Little Miss Sunshine

Unapologetically weird, heartbreaking, and uplifting, Little Miss Sunshine has a soundtrack that supports the touching narrative through indie rock and folk music. The film centers around a little girl (and her often unstable but lovable) family on their road trip to a beauty pageant. The score reflects her youthful optimism with light melodies and whimsical instruments, but juxtaposes them with overarching themes of darkness and deep harmonies, showing that the combination of the two makes a stronger, more interesting score (and family).

Sample Song(s): (And) the Winner Is, Do You Think There’s a Heaven?, We’re Gonna Make It