Rock music has found its way into movies for decades, and has also paved the way for movies about the bands and singers themselves. In just the last few years we’ve seen films celebrating the likes of Queen and Elton John; now there’s a David Bowie project on the way (though Ultimate Classic Rock notes there’s no release date as of yet).
Rather than look at these biopics and band documentaries though, we want to use this piece to look back on some of the best rock soundtracks we’ve heard. Here are a few movies in which rock lifted things to a next level of awesomeness.
Almost Famous
A movie about an aspiring rock journalist named William Miller who joins a rising rock band on tour couldn’t not have an amazing rock soundtrack. Classic rock songs from Led Zeppelin, Allman Brothers Band, The Who, and Black Sabbath, among others, are sprinkled throughout the movie, giving it a great feeling of pure badassery throughout the protagonist’s journey to find himself (in part through music). It’s the kind of soundtrack you just get lost in, in the very best of ways.
Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure
This is an endearing movie about two idiot high school teenagers with a dream to start a band. In order to be able to stay together, they need to pass a history test. And the way they learn about history is interesting, to say the least.
This is a movie that’s had a long-running impact on fans. It produced its own Game Boy game, inspired a now-defunct experience at Universal Studios, and per Gala Spins inspired a slot machine game that’s still active online. Not to mention it’s spawned a few sequels. Even with this bizarre, sprawling legacy though, the film’s soundtrack may be the most enduringly awesome thing about it.
Big Hero 6
Yes, we’re adding an animated movie here, but only because it deserves to be included! Big Hero 6 tells the story of a young robotics prodigy, Hiro, and a newly acquired friend named Baymax, given to Hiro by his late brother. While the movie sounds like it’s going to be full of melancholy angst, we promise it’s not — largely thanks to a soundtrack that’s pure fun.
“Immortals” by Fall Out Boy is there to make sure everyone’s pumped up and ready to go, leaving that melancholy by the wayside. And if you think rock music is an odd fit for films aimed at younger audiences, be aware that this is far from an isolated example. Billboard noted recently that Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump is back at it with a new song for Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends (a Disney Junior series).
Guardians Of The Galaxy
Known for its OST, this movie is going to be on every amazing rock music-in-film list ever. A movie where Star Lord and his group of extraterrestrial scoundrels go on the run was always bound to have action-packed scenes, but it wound up having music to match. It’s important to note, though, that not all of the music is just for the audience; it plays an important part in the movie itself.
The main character, Star Lord (or Peter Quill), is given a cassette mixtape by his dying mother. This mixtape — “Awesome Mix Vol. 1” — features tracks from Bowie, Blue Swede, The Runaways, Marvin Gaye, and more. It has to make you wonder what we’re going to hear in Guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3 –– a film Deseret News notes we may soon be learning more about.
Goodfellas
Ah, a classic. Director Martin Scorsese loves putting rock in his films, even (and especially) during scenes where you initially think it wouldn’t work. Surprise! Like most everything else Scorsese tries, it does. This legendary mob flick features music from The Who, Derek & The Dominos, and, of course, the Rolling Stones — whose “Gimme Shelter” has been featured in several Scorsese films.
High Fidelity
In this movie, music snobs Rob, Barry, and Dick hang out at Rob’s music store and pretty much never leave. The movie follows them as Rob wants to review and remember his five top breakups and the relationships before them. Of course, his anguish has to be paired with Bruce Springsteen’s “The River” (and Springsteen even makes a cameo — even if it’s just in Rob’s head).
As you can see, rock music permeates the movie world, finding its way into films of every genre and across eras. And why shouldn’t it? As such a dynamic and multi-faceted musical genre, it offers all sorts of creative ways for directors to design soundtracks.
