The Music Lingering in the Air: The Classic Soundtracks in 15 Movies of the 2010s

1. The Shape of Water 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 450771, ID: 5580390
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The Shape of Water’s soundtrack, composed by Alexandre Desplat, is a hauntingly beautiful and evocative score that captures the film’s magical and romantic essence. The music seamlessly blends with the visuals, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that transports the audience into the world of Elisa and the amphibious creature. Desplat’s score is a key element in making The Shape of Water a captivating and unforgettable cinematic experience.
2. Blade Runner 2049 2017，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 677620, ID: 1856101
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Blade Runner 2049’s soundtrack, composed by Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch, is a masterful continuation of the original film’s iconic score. The music is both haunting and futuristic, perfectly capturing the dystopian world of the film. The soundtrack enhances the film’s visual and emotional impact, making Blade Runner 2049 a worthy successor to the original. Zimmer and Wallfisch’s collaboration is a testament to the power of music in creating an immersive cinematic experience.
3. The Hateful Eight 2015，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 667218, ID: 3460252
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The Hateful Eight’s soundtrack, composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone, is a masterclass in creating tension and atmosphere. The music is both haunting and beautiful, perfectly complementing Tarantino’s dark and violent narrative. Morricone’s score adds depth to the characters and their motivations, making The Hateful Eight a gripping and unforgettable cinematic experience. The soundtrack is a testament to Morricone’s genius and his ability to elevate any film he works on.
4. Tron: Legacy 2010，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 358189, ID: 1104001
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Tron: Legacy’s soundtrack, composed by Daft Punk, is a groundbreaking fusion of electronic and orchestral music that perfectly complements the film’s futuristic visuals. The music is both exhilarating and immersive, creating a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience. Daft Punk’s score is a key element in making Tron: Legacy a standout film in the sci-fi genre. The soundtrack is a testament to the duo’s talent and their ability to push the boundaries of film music.
5. Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) 2014，IMDB Rating: 7.7, IMDB Votes: 670448, ID: 2562232
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Birdman’s soundtrack, composed by Antonio Sánchez, is a masterful blend of jazz percussion and classical pieces that perfectly complements the film’s chaotic and surreal atmosphere. The innovative use of drums creates an intense, almost hypnotic rhythm that mirrors the protagonist’s descent into madness. This unique score not only enhances the film’s narrative but also stands out as one of the most memorable soundtracks of the 2010s.
6. Whiplash 2014，IMDB Rating: 8.5, IMDB Votes: 1007940, ID: 2582802
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Whiplash’s soundtrack, featuring original jazz compositions by Justin Hurwitz, is a tour de force that drives the film’s relentless pace and emotional intensity. The music, particularly the titular track “Whiplash” and “Caravan,” captures the raw energy and passion of the characters, making it an integral part of the film’s storytelling. This electrifying score is a standout in the decade, perfectly encapsulating the film’s themes of ambition and obsession.
7. The Revenant 2015，IMDB Rating: 8.0, IMDB Votes: 884045, ID: 1663202
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The Revenant’s haunting soundtrack, composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Alva Noto, is a mesmerizing blend of ambient and orchestral music that enhances the film’s stark and brutal landscape. The score’s ethereal quality adds a layer of depth to the film’s narrative, reflecting the protagonist’s struggle for survival and redemption. This evocative soundtrack is a testament to the power of music in elevating the cinematic experience.
8. Moonlight 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.4, IMDB Votes: 334622, ID: 4975722
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Moonlight’s soundtrack, composed by Nicholas Britell, is a beautiful fusion of classical and hip-hop elements that perfectly captures the film’s emotional and lyrical storytelling. The use of the “chopped and screwed” technique adds a unique texture to the score, reflecting the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and identity. This innovative and poignant soundtrack is a standout of the 2010s, enhancing the film’s powerful narrative.
9. Dunkirk 2017，IMDB Rating: 7.8, IMDB Votes: 748754, ID: 5013056
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Dunkirk’s soundtrack, composed by Hans Zimmer, is a masterclass in creating tension and suspense through music. The use of the Shepard tone, a continuously ascending pitch, creates an unrelenting sense of urgency that mirrors the film’s high-stakes narrative. This groundbreaking score is a key element of the film’s immersive experience, making it one of the most memorable soundtracks of the decade.
10. Ah-ga-ssi 2016，IMDB Rating: 8.1, IMDB Votes: 176317, ID: 4016934
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Park Chan-wook’s ‘The Handmaiden’ (Ah-ga-ssi) is a visually stunning and emotionally charged film, with a soundtrack that perfectly complements its intricate plot and lush cinematography. Jo Yeong-wook’s score, blending traditional Korean instruments with modern orchestration, enhances the film’s tension and romance, making it an unforgettable auditory experience. The music’s ability to evoke the era and the characters’ emotions is truly remarkable, adding depth to an already captivating story.
11. The Neon Demon 2016，IMDB Rating: 6.1, IMDB Votes: 104817, ID: 1974419
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Nicolas Winding Refn’s ‘The Neon Demon’ is a hypnotic and visually striking film, with Cliff Martinez’s electronic score serving as its pulsating heartbeat. The soundtrack’s eerie and mesmerizing quality perfectly captures the film’s dark and surreal atmosphere, making it an integral part of the viewing experience. Martinez’s music elevates the film’s exploration of beauty and obsession, creating a hauntingly beautiful auditory landscape.
12. Arrival 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.9, IMDB Votes: 782937, ID: 2543164
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Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Arrival’ is a masterful sci-fi film, with Jóhann Jóhannsson’s haunting score adding a layer of emotional depth and complexity. The soundtrack’s use of vocal elements and minimalist orchestration creates an otherworldly atmosphere that perfectly complements the film’s themes of communication and connection. Jóhannsson’s music is both evocative and thought-provoking, enhancing the film’s impact and leaving a lasting impression.
13. The Master 2012，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 187592, ID: 1560747
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Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘The Master’ features a mesmerizing score by Jonny Greenwood, whose compositions add a layer of intensity and intrigue to the film. Greenwood’s use of dissonant strings and haunting melodies perfectly captures the film’s psychological complexity and the tumultuous relationship between its characters. The soundtrack’s ability to evoke a sense of unease and fascination is a testament to Greenwood’s genius, making it an unforgettable auditory experience.
14. If Beale Street Could Talk 2018，IMDB Rating: 7.1, IMDB Votes: 52825, ID: 7125860
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Barry Jenkins’ ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ is a poignant and beautifully crafted film, with Nicholas Britell’s lush and emotive score enhancing its emotional resonance. The soundtrack’s use of strings and jazz elements creates a rich and soulful auditory experience that perfectly complements the film’s themes of love and injustice. Britell’s music is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, adding depth to the film’s powerful narrative.
15. The Tree of Life 2011，IMDB Rating: 6.8, IMDB Votes: 185064, ID: 0478304
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The Tree of Life is a visually stunning and deeply philosophical film that explores the meaning of life and the universe. The soundtrack, composed by Alexandre Desplat, is a beautiful and haunting accompaniment to the film’s imagery. The music perfectly captures the film’s themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The Tree of Life is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.