The 80s gave us some of the best films in cinematic history, accompanied by many iconic soundtracks. After thinking long and hard about it, here are 15 of the best soundtracks of the decade. Do you agree?
1. Top Gun (1986)
When Top Gun came out in 1986, it took people on a thrilling ride through the skies and gave them their first taste of music, symbolizing the movie’s high-octane action and romantic tension. Notable songs like “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin and “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins caught Maverick and his fellow fighter pilots’ adrenaline-fueled energy as they flew through the sky and dealt with the challenges of love and duty.
2. Purple Rain (1984)
Purple Rain, which came out in 1984, was Prince’s first movie. It left a lasting mark on bothfilms and music. The movie’s music, which included classic songs like “Purple Rain” and “When Doves Cry,” not only set the scene for the story of love and personal struggles but also made Prince a global superstar. The music became an important part of the story and stayed with people long after the movie was over.
3. Footloose (1984)
When it came out in 1984, Footloose danced its way into people’s hearts with its high energy and music that made everyone want to get on the dance floor. The best songs in the movie, like “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins and “Let’s Hear It for the Boys” by Deniece Williams, perfectly reflected the characters’ rebellious nature and young energy. The music became a rallying cry for breaking free from rules and dancing to show who you are.
4. Dirty Dancing (1987)
Dirty Dancing came out in 1987 with a soundtrack that gave the story of forbidden love and self-discovery more meaning and feeling. Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes’ unforgettable song “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from the movie became an instant hit because it showed the joy and passion of dance.
Other songs, like “Hungry Eyes” by Eric Carmen, added to the sweet feel of the movie and made the music an important part of the whole experience. Patrick Swayze’s “She’s Like the Wind” is another great one. This soundtrack was amazing front and back.
5. Pretty in Pink (1986)
Pretty in Pink summed up teen angst and romance in the 1980s with music that matched how the characters felt. The music in the movie, which included hits like “If You Leave” by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark and “Pretty in Pink” by The Psychedelic Furs, fit perfectly into the story and showed the hunger, uncertainty, and excitement of young love and self-discovery.
6. The Lost Boys (1987)
The Lost Boys was released in 1987, and it was a unique mix of horror and comedy about rebellious teens. The movie’s music was a big part of how creepy and interesting it felt. The music, which included “Cry Little Sister” by Gerard McMann and “People Are Strange” by Echo & the Bunnymen, fit the story of young monsters and the group of friends who were determined to stop them perfectly.
7. Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
The 1987 film Good Morning, Vietnam brought audiences to the cinema in tears and laughter. The Vietnam War was the setting for the movie, and the music was a mix of classic rock and Motown hits. Some of the best songs, like “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong and “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf, set a sad and nostalgic mood for Robin Williams’s character’s flippant humor.
8. Flashdance (1983)
In 1983, the movie Flashdance amazed people with its exciting dance scenes and music that symbolized the dance craze of the time. The movie’s most famous songs, like “Flashdance… What a Feeling” by Irene Cara and “Maniac” by Michael Sembello, showed how Alex Owens felt about his dreams and what he wanted out of life. The music not only drove the dance scenes in the movie, but it also inspired a whole generation to go after their dreams.
9. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
When it came out in 1984, Beverly Hills Cop had Eddie Murphy’s comedic skills and a soundtrack that set the mood for its action-packed story. Some of the most famous songs from the movie, like “Axel F” by Harold Faltermeyer and “The Heat Is On” by Glenn Frey, became known for the film’s funny and powerful parts. The music made Axel Foley’s antics in the posh world of Beverly Hills even more exciting.
10. The Goonies (1985)
In 1985, the movie The Goonies took people on a treasure-hunting journey that was both heartwarming and exciting. The movie’s music, which had songs like “The Goonies’ R’ Good Enough” by Cyndi Lauper and “Fratelli Chase” by Dave Grusin, showed how the main characters felt as they explored underground tunnels and faced danger at every turn.
11. Back to the Future (1985)
Back to the Future came out in 1985 and has been a standard ever since. It combines science fiction and comedy in a way that will never get old. The movie’s soundtrack, with songs like “The Power of Love” by Huey Lewis and the News, matched Marty McFly’s energetic and exciting time-traveling adventures. The music added to the movie’s most famous scenes and helped it stay popular over time.
12. The Breakfast Club (1985)
In 1985, the movie The Breakfast Club brought together a group of high school kids from different backgrounds who all had their own problems and goals. The movie’s music, which included “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds and “We Are Not Alone” by Karla DeVito, captured the essence of teenage angst and the search for identity. The music gave the characters’ stories more meaning and spoke to people of all ages.
13. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
The 1982 movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High gave an honest look into the lives of high school kids as they dealt with love, friendship, and growing up. The film’s music, which included hits like “We Got the Beat” by The Go-Go’s and “Somebody’s Baby” by Jackson Browne, captured both the carefree spirit of youth and the challenges of adolescence. The music became an essential part of the film’s story, which was funny and easy to understand.
14. The Karate Kid (1984)
The Karate Kid came out in 1984 and told a heartwarming story about finding a guide and learning about yourself. The movie’s music, which included songs like “You’re the Best” by Joe Esposito and “Cruel Summer” by Bananarama, showed Daniel LaRusso’s rise from martial arts underdog to champion. The movie was about being determined, making friends, and trying to be your best.
15. The Blues Brothers (1980)
In 1980, a film called The Blues Brothers combined the worlds of blues and comedy into one wild musical adventure. John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd gave legendary performances on the film’s soundtrack, which included classic hits like “Soul Man” and “Gimme Some Lovin'” by legendary guest acts. The movie was full of energy, fun, and a celebration of the blues because of the music.
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Featured Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.