We’ve all been there. You go to the theater excited to see the latest blockbuster, only to be let down by a disappointing film. But as you sit through the credits, you can’t help but tap your foot to the catchy tunes on the soundtrack. Suddenly, you find yourself humming those songs for days on end, completely forgetting about the subpar movie.

It’s a phenomenon that happens more often than you might think. A movie may falter, but the accompanying soundtrack can save the day and become a hit in its own right. It’s the perfect example of how music can transcend the visual medium and stand on its own.

But what makes a soundtrack stand out from the rest? It could be the diverse mix of genres, the iconic artists involved, or the way the songs perfectly complement the movie’s scenes. Whatever the case may be, these soundtracks have a way of resonating with audiences long after the credits roll.

In this list, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most memorable soundtracks that are way better than the movies they’re in.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

11 Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)

     Universal Pictures

The steamy romance may not have set the box office on fire, but the soundtrack of Fifty Shades of Grey was a different story. Featuring a mix of sultry pop hits from the likes of Ellie Goulding, The Weeknd, and more, the soundtrack perfectly captured the sensual mood of the film. One track that really stood out was “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding, which became a massive hit and cemented itself as one of the most iconic songs of the decade.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

10 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 (2014)

     Lionsgate

The third installment in the Hunger Games franchise, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, may not have lived up to its predecessors, but its soundtrack nearly saved the day. Featuring an eclectic mix of artists, including Lorde, Coldplay, and The National, the soundtrack impeccably portrayed the dystopian mood of the film. A track that really made its mark was “Yellow Flicker Beat” by Lorde, which became an instant fan favorite and helped to solidify the young artist’s place in the music industry. Not to forget “The Hanging Tree” by James Newton Howard, which elevated the palette of the movie by rallying a cry for freedom.

9 The Bling Ring (2013)

     A24

This crime drama may not have set the world on fire, but The Bling Ring had an outstanding soundtrack. Featuring a mix of hip-hop hits from the likes of M.I.A., Kanye West, and Britney Spears, the soundtrack expertly conveyed the youthful energy of the film. One tune that really made an impression was “Give It 2 Me” by Madonna, which became an instant dance floor hit and helped to reignite the pop icon’s career.

8 Sucker Punch (2011)

     Warner Bros.

Zack Snyder’s action-fantasy was greeted with a lot of expectations prior to its release, but Sucker Punch failed to live up to its hype. However, despite the film’s shortcomings, it managed to deliver some fun hits. Featuring a diverse lineup of rock and metal hits from the likes of Bjōrk, Queen, and more, the soundtrack effortlessly captured the intensity and chaos of the film. The standout track on this soundtrack was “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” by Emily Browning, which also helped launch the actress’s singing career. The hard-hitting and upbeat nature of the soundtrack perfectly matched the fantasy world of the film and made it a memorable listening experience for fans.

7 Suicide Squad (2016)

     Warner Bros. Pictures

Despite being a blockbuster hit, Suicide Squad received mixed reviews. But its soundtrack was a total hit. Featuring a star-studded lineup of artists, including Skrillex, Rick Ross, and Twenty One Pilots, the soundtrack managed to capture the chaotic energy of the film. One particular standout was “Heathens” by Twenty One Pilots, which became an instant fan favorite and soared to the top of the charts.

6 Tron: Legacy (2010)

     Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

This sci-fi sequel fell short in wowing audiences with its plot, but the soundtrack of Tron: Legacy sang a series of fantastic tunes. The iconic score by the electronic duo Daft Punk encapsulated the futuristic world of the film and elevated it to new heights. One tune that really caught our attention was “Derezzed,” which was a stepping stone for the duo’s place in the music industry. The unique blend of electronic beats and futuristic sounds made this soundtrack a standout and a must-listen for fans of the genre.

5 The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009)

     Summit Entertainment

The second installment in the Twilight franchise may not have been the best film, but its soundtrack allowed a whole new peek into the story. The Twilight Saga: New Moon featured a mix of indie and alternative hits from the likes of Death Cab for Cutie, Band of Skulls, and more, the soundtrack perfectly captured the moody and romantic mood of the film. A few tracks that that really stood out were “Meet Me on the Equinox” by Death Cab for Cutie, “Possibility” by Lykke Li, and “The Twilight Hour” by Sea Wolf, which really gripped the sombre air of the movie.

4 City of Angels (1998)

     Showtime

City of Angels is a romantic drama that failed to set the box office on fire. But despite the film’s mediocrity, its soundtrack was a different story. Featuring a mix of pop and rock hits from the likes of Aerosmith, Alanis Morissette, and more, the soundtrack was a spot on representation of the heartache and emotion of the film. A track that really made its mark was “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls, which became an instant hit and helped to launch the band’s career into the stratosphere.

3 Batman Forever (1995)

This superhero blockbuster may not have been the best film in the Batman franchise, but the soundtrack did try its best to leave an impressionable mark. Batman Forever featured a mix of rock and pop hits from the likes of Seal, U2, and more. The soundtrack perfectly grabbed the essence of the dark and brooding mood of the film. The standout track on this soundtrack was “Kiss From a Rose” by Seal. The moody and atmospheric nature of the soundtrack perfectly matched the themes of the film and made it a memorable listening experience for fans.

2 Empire Records (1995)

Empire Records tried delivering everything a coming-of-age film could, and yet, it failed to hit the charts with its story. However, the soundtrack really blew out minds by featuring a mix of indie and alternative hits from the likes of Edwyn Collins, Gin Blossoms, and more. The soundtrack captured the youthful and rebellious spirit of the film to the tee. A memorable track on this soundtrack was “Glycerine” by Bush, which became an instant hit and helped to launch the band’s career. The upbeat and energetic nature of the soundtrack perfectly matched the themes of the film.

1 Reality Bites (1994)

This indie cult classic was set on its path to create history, but it was the soundtrack that actually did the work. Featuring a mix of alternative hits from the likes of The Knack, Lenny Kravitz, and more, Reality Bites had a soundtrack that embodied the post-college malaise of the film. The track that made an impression was “My Sharona” by The Knack. The catchy and upbeat nature of the soundtrack perfectly matched the themes of the film and made it a noteworthy recollection for viewers.