A List of The 11 Highest-Grossing Film Soundtracks

by Charles Vallena

Some songs just ring a moment in your life, whether it is from an experience, an event, or a movie. Most of the time, movies get an awesome and memorable soundtrack that you feel like part of you just lived through with the characters.

A movie’s soundtrack plays a big role with its impact with the audience. There are songs you immediately associate with the movie, and that song-movie relationship will last for people to enjoy. If you’re wondering what film soundtracks have stood the test of time, here are the highest-grossing soundtracks from world-famous movies.

Making Your Own Film Soundtrack

It's fair to say that the best film soundtracks can inspire and excite at the very least, making them some of the most iconic and impactful songs available to listen to. This passion and flare is something that isn't easy to master, but it's more than possible for you to start making your own film soundtrack to see just how well your own skills stack up against those in the industry! Making your own film soundtrack can be such a fun experience, as it allows you to look deeper into the film you choose to create music for so that you can make sure the vibe is just right. You'll probably need some musical equipment if you want to make a soundtrack yourself, so start with a microphone, recording device and the best looper pedal you can find. If you have any musical skill in the form of instrument playing, then be sure to include this in your soundtrack. 

Listening to the many amazing film soundtracks described above can be a great way to find inspiration for your own soundtrack efforts. There are so many skilled and dedicated composers that work tirelessly to create such standout and recognizable songs, so watching or hearing them in action can be a great way to ignite your curiosity and spark your imagination. 

1. The Bodyguard

The iconic version of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” is among the many reasons why The Bodyguard holds the record of the greatest-selling soundtrack album from film. This was released in 1992 and it stars Whitney Houston herself and Kevin Costner. This soundtrack has sold over 42 million copies worldwide. The iconic song from the movie has been a staple in a lot of singing competitions, and the film played a big role in its fame.

2. Saturday Night Fever

The Bee Gees rose to fame in the 70s with their disco-pop music genre. And with Saturday Night Fever, their popularity peaked especially with their songs on the soundtrack. The film came out in 1977 with John Travolta as the main lead. It is a disco movie that just puts the audience in the groove. The soundtrack alone has sold millions of copies across the country and made the disco fashion trend for years. 

3. Purple Rain

They say that anything Prince touches turns into gold. The movie Purple Rain is no exception as it has been a massive hit, especially with its soundtrack. This has been considered as his greatest work with most of his songs in the film. Purple Rain is his semi-autobiographical manifesto and it has been certified 13 times platinum. It has also sold millions of copies worldwide. The soundtrack is surely a hit for those who want something to perk them up with disco music.

4. Forrest Gump

The 1994 wonder film which starred Tom Hanks not only has a great plot and storyline, but also has an incredible soundtrack. The rock music industry of the early 20th century was shaped with this soundtrack. You’ll be star struck with artists in this soundtrack as it features Elvis Presley, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Three Dog Night, and many more. It has sold over 12 million copies, and is a world-famous soundtrack for rock music lovers.

5. Dirty Dancing

The chemistry of Jennifer Gray and Patrick Swayze is definitely undeniable in Dirty Dancing. This classic dance film has captured the viewers with its funky soundtrack. The music has sold over 11 million copies worldwide. The song “I Had The Time Of My Life” has graced so many first dances on wedding receptions. The iconic choreography has been a staple in major adaptations and event performances worldwide.

6. Titanic

The award-winning film that is Titanic has gained the hearts of film lovers with its romantic take on the real-life disaster of the boat. It starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, both with exceptional talent on their love story. The film itself won multiple awards and even broke a lot of box-office records.

Aside from the exceptional take of the historical Titanic that sank in 1912, the film has an amazing soundtrack that is still treasured to this day. The famous “My Heart Will Go On” from Celine Dion has topped a lot of charts and sold over 30 million units all over the world.

7. The Lion King

If you are looking for a film soundtrack you can spend a Sunday morning with a cup of coffee and your family, the movie Lion King has an exceptional set of songs that has been passed down from generation to generation. This has been a family movie staple and the famous songs still live even to this day.

The superstar Elton John has sung some songs in the soundtrack, which has sold more than 15 million copies all over the world. The animated musical is family-friendly with a very calming and catchy set of songs.

8. Grease

The smash hit of Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta has made a lot of people put on their dancing shoes and get on with some moves. It has been renowned with different awards in 1978. Grease has sold more than 8 million copies of its soundtrack and people have been begging for more. Even if it was set in the 70s, it has still been among the highest-grossing musical films of all time.

9. Footloose

Another film that is based on music and dancing is Footloose. This has been released in 1984, which has blessed the film industry with Kevin Bacon’s wit and talent. This movie is all about a town that has banned dancing and music, and is actually based on some real events in Oklahoma. Other amazing stars that have graced this film include Dianne Wiest, Lori Singer, Chris Penn, and Sarah Jessica Parker.

10. Space Jam

The movie that debuted Michael Jordan’s film career has a heart-pumping soundtrack that people adored. It featured the song “I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelly and “For You I Will” by Monica. The songs were a hit in 1997, and it sold 6 million copies.

11. The Little Mermaid

Disney made its name with the animated musicals that they have released. The Little Mermaid had multi-platinum sales all over the world, and has been a staple for most kids born in the late 80s and 90s. Even after decades that it has been released, people still clamor for this soundtrack for their kids this time. 

The soundtrack has songs written by Alan Menken, and has sold more than 6 million units worldwide. The sales might even rise even more with its live-action film in the theaters.

Conclusion

A movie’s soundtrack is something film and music lovers anticipate. It shapes the film and it also invites more people to get into the movie. From the release of the trailer up the credits, the movie score is something that people will never forget. The highest-grossing soundtracks are proof that people’s love for music can go beyond idolizing one artist, but encompassing through films that it has been related to.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Charles Vallena is the author, and editor-in-chief of TheGuitarJunky.com, an online music blog  dedicated to helping aspiring musicians become real musicians. He provides expert insights, guides, lessons, and reviews on acoustic guitars, keyboard, drums, and other music instruments. Follow Guitar Junky on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Reference: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/567464/best-selling-movie-soundtracks-of-all-time