Mixing an exceptionally-made movie with the perfect soundtrack takes a movie to a brand new level, creating a culture-defining moment and today we’re taking a look at the best-selling movie soundtracks to date.
The perfect soundtrack and movie pairings do not happen often, so when they do, something stays with viewers for years to come. So movies genuinely offer something for everyone, whether it is a tear-jerking ballad, a foot-tapping beat, or power-house sing-a-long tracks.
We take a look at just a handful of the best selling movie soundtracks below:
1. The Bodyguard
The Bodyguard soundtrack is number one on the list of best-selling movie soundtracks of all time, earning a spot in the Guinness World Records book.
This is thanks to Whitney Houston’s stunning, soul-shattering performance, which helped to cement her ‘music legend’ status. Since its release in 1992, the soundtrack has banked many accolades, including three Grammy award nominations, one for ‘Best Album of the Year’, and for a long time held Houston as the best-selling female artist of all time – a title that Madonna recently took.
The biggest song from the movie ‘And I Will Always Love You’, unbeknownst to many, was initially written by Dolly Parton. The song spent numerous weeks at the top of the charts and is still a beloved power ballad today.
2. Pulp Fiction
Quentin Tarantino is not just known for his legendary movies but also his impressive musical ear. The songs he chooses to feature in his best-selling films are almost always integral to the plot, as they are perfectly paired with each scene.
It is virtually impossible to think of a Tarantino classic that doesn’t have music carefully placed at each corner. A prime example is Pulp Fiction, which combines funk, country, rock, and soul music.
The film’s soundtrack was credited for bringing back the ‘surf-rock’ genre when released. The soundtrack was an instant best-seller, selling 1.6 million copies within the first month of the film’s release. Including songs such as “Bustin’ Surfboards” by the Tornadoes and “Son of a Preacher Man” by Dusty Springfield, this soundtrack still can rock any 21st-century party.
3. Dirty Dancing
Have we not attempted the iconic Dirty Dancing lift at one point with ‘Time of My Life’ playing in the background? When it was released, no one could have predicted how this delightful soundtrack would still age so well today.
Artists such as Lionel Richie, Daryl Hall, and Donna Summer, amongst others, turned down recording for this small, low-budget film with two unknown actors.
The soundtrack to this film shot straight to the top of Billboard’s album chart, where it stayed for a whopping four months. Today, the album has sold over 11 million copies worldwide, earning its rightful place as one of the best-selling movie soundtracks.
4. Grease
Released in 1978, the Grease soundtrack has songs you will still hear proudly at clubs, parties, karaoke bars – you name it.
This movie musical starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta was an instant smash hit.
This soundtrack sold over 8 million copies worldwide, with the nation still singing “You’re the One That I Want” almost 50 years later.
5. Saturday Night Fever
Undoubtedly, 1977 was the year of John Travolta for music and cinema fans. When someone thinks of disco, you instantly have to think of Saturday Night Fever. This iconic movie was a breakout role for John Travolta as an actor and one of the best dancers ever featured in cinema at the time.
Today, the movie soundtrack continues to be enjoyed worldwide, showing off delicious dance moves with the opening beats of ‘Stayin’ Alive.’ The beauty behind the album comes from none other than The Bee Gees, featuring some of their greatest hits like “More Than a Woman,” “Night Fever,” and “How Deep is Your Love.”
After The Bodyguard, it has sold the most copies in history of any film soundtrack, bringing home the Grammy award for “Best Album of the Year” and being the only disco album to do so.
6. The Lion King
We can always associate Disney with music, but which has the best-selling soundtrack? The Lion King! Released in 1994, this Disney classic that Shakespeare’s Hamlet and the Bible inspire is an animation masterpiece.
From start to finish, the film takes you on a journey full of excitement, entertainment, and emotion. The same can be said about the soundtrack. Selling over 15 million copies, the Lion King soundtrack is composed by music legend Hans Zimmer.
It features songs from Tim Rice and Elton John, with household favorite tracks like ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight’ and ‘Hakuna Matata.’ Best of all, these songs stay true to the movie’s location by featuring tones from South Africa, perfectly accompanying the beautiful landscape shots in the film.
