When it comes to movie music, most films pick a lane: either a sweeping original score or a curated playlist of pre-existing songs. Think Star Wars versus Pulp Fiction. But a rare breed of cinema manages to excel at both, weaving original compositions and carefully chosen tracks into a seamless auditory tapestry. These eight films are prime examples of that double threat.
8. An American Werewolf in London (1981)
Elmer Bernstein's score for this horror-comedy classic often plays second fiddle to its famously moon-themed soundtrack. Songs like Van Morrison's 'Moondance' and Creedence Clearwater Revival's 'Bad Moon Rising' are cleverly woven into the narrative. Yet Bernstein's instrumental work is just as crucial, lending tension and gravitas to the scares. Together, they make this one of the best werewolf movies ever—and a masterclass in balancing humor and horror.
7. Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Set in the sun-drenched Italian summer of the 1980s, this coming-of-age romance uses period-appropriate tracks like The Psychedelic Furs' 'Love My Way' to ground its nostalgic feel. But the emotional core comes from Sufjan Stevens' original songs, including the Oscar-nominated 'Mystery of Love' and the devastating 'Visions of Gideon.' Stevens' music doesn't just accompany the story—it becomes the story's heartbeat.
6. Aftersun (2022)
Oliver Coates' understated score perfectly captures the quiet melancholy of this father-daughter drama. Meanwhile, the soundtrack deploys iconic songs—Blur's 'Tender,' R.E.M.'s 'Losing My Religion,' and Queen & David Bowie's 'Under Pressure'—in ways that feel both familiar and freshly heartbreaking. The result is a film where music amplifies every unspoken emotion.
5. Electric Dreams (1984)
Giorgio Moroder's contributions to this cult '80s gem are nothing short of essential. His instrumental pieces, like 'The Duel' and 'Madeline's Theme,' provide a synth-heavy score, while the soundtrack features the unforgettable 'Together in Electric Dreams' (with Philip Oakey). That song has outlived the film itself, but both remain wonderfully, aggressively '80s.
4. Mysterious Skin (2004)
Robin Guthrie and Harold Budd's ethereal score mirrors the film's haunting tone, while the soundtrack includes Cocteau Twins' 'Crushed' and other dream-pop gems. This devastating drama uses music to explore trauma and memory, proving that a great soundtrack can be as emotionally complex as the story it supports.
3. Scarface (1983)
Giorgio Moroder's synth-heavy score pulses beneath Tony Montana's rise and fall, while the soundtrack blasts '80s anthems like 'Push It to the Limit.' The music doesn't just accompany the violence—it fuels it, making every montage feel like a victory lap or a funeral march.
2. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
Ennio Morricone's iconic score is the gold standard for Westerns, but the film also uses pre-existing songs (like the haunting 'The Ecstasy of Gold') to heighten key scenes. The result is a soundscape that's as legendary as the movie itself.
1. Trainspotting (1996)
While its soundtrack of Britpop and electronic tracks is legendary, the film also features a subtle score by David Byrne and others. Songs like 'Lust for Life' and 'Born Slippy' define the movie's energy, but the original music adds depth to its darker moments.
For more on films that blend music and storytelling, check out our ranking of Val Kilmer's best movies or explore cozy mystery movies that warm your heart.
