Movies to Watch With a Candle Lit and the Volume Up

 Let’s cut to the chase. What makes a movie great is not Brad Pitt’s body or The Rock’s kick-ass special effects, it’s all about the music baby. I have been called to action to let you all in on some of my all-time favorite movie soundtracks.   

Pulp Fiction   

We are starting this list with the most obvious, any film Quentin Tarantino has directed. Specifically; Pulp Fiction. I fell in love with Mia Wallace when she frolicked around the living room singing, “Girl you’ll be a woman soon” By Urge Overkill and then overdosed. Good times.   

500 days of Summer 

Is it obvious that I love The Smiths? Because I am a Smiths kind of girl. This movie is so much more than a sad Smiths song though. It’s got Feist, Hall and Oates, Regina Spektor, and The Pixies. All those feel-good bands to distract you from a falling apart love story happening before your eyes.   

Zodiac    

Play this movie at my wedding. I’m looking at you, Ted Cruz. You would call me a little weird if I told you how many times I’ve watched this movie. But can you blame me? Mark Ruffalo is my knight and shining armor every time. A classic film paired with classic tunes from Steely Dan, Marvin Gaye, and Donavan. Nothing gets me more in the mood than an unsolved American crime story.   

Across the Universe

This masterpiece is on Netflix… FOR NOW. Take some time out of your “busy” life and get a ticket to ride down Beatles lane. I may be biased but… Beatles music is my favorite music. My favorite scene is when they do a beautiful rendition of “Don’t let me down” just like John and the boys did on a rooftop. Plus, a Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin character? Say less.   

Where the Wild Things Are   

Shout out Karen O and THE KIDS for bringing a classic children’s book to life. They did it with so much grace and good justice. You can catch me putting myself to bed with this soothing masterpiece quite often.  

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist   

Of course, a movie about finding a band in New York City is going to have a soundtrack to match the awesomeness that is this movie. From the beginning, you are brought in to fall in love with “Lover” by Devendra Banhart. The rest is history.  

Scott Pilgrim vs the World

Say it with me. Michael Cera is a national treasure. Good girl. A movie about a band…. needs the greatest soundtrack. The Rolling Stones, Beck, and music from Cera’s band from the movie, Sex Bomb Omb, we had no choice but to stan.  

Marie Antoinette   

My favorite and most aesthetically pleasing movie to ever watch. There is no way to describe Kristen Dunst destroying Versailles day by day but iconic. The soundtrack has a take one wouldn’t expect. Features from The Cure, New Order, Bow Wow Wow, and The Radio Dept. You’ll want to watch her spend France’s money all over again.  

Someone Great  

Opening with UGK and Outkast’s, Intl Players Anthem, I was immediately hooked. A story about big love growing in two different directions. This soundtrack is the bomb. From Jesse Reyes, Frank Ocean, LCD Sound System and a Selena moment. This is a film not to pass up.  

Selena  

Which brings me to shine a light on our Mexican queen, Selena. God bless and may she be smiling down on all of us. If you don’t know the history of Selena that is okay because you know her most popular bops, “Como La Flor” and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom.” Jennifer Lopez does her too well and makes us fall in love with our gorgeous Selena all over again. Watch this movie when you miss your Abuela.  

Guardians of the Galaxy (Both 1 and 2)  

I had to add this movie. Why? Because this movie has all of the classic hits in it and James Gunn knew exactly where to put them. It also brought “Come and get your love” by Redbone back and featured on every commercial now.   

I could go on for days but I would so much rather love to hear about your favorite movie soundtracks. I’ve attached a playlist featuring some I mentioned. Enjoy and get your groove on. 

movie soundtrack playlist

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