(DML Top 20 Lists - Great Soundtrack Films ranked)

Honorable Mention

Flash Gordon (1980), Director: Mike Hodges, rated PG

Pathetic Earthlings... Who Can Save You Now?

Starring: Sam J. Jones, Melody Anderson, Ornelia Muti, Max Von Sydow, Topol, Timothy Dalton, Brian Blessed, Peter Wyngarde

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Pathetic earthlings. Hurling your bodies out into the void, without the slightest inkling of who or what is out here." – Emperor Ming

Why watch this? ... to enjoy some swashbuckling action, and jam with Queen!

Plot Summary: To escape Earth, which is being tormented by alien attacks, Flash Gordon, Dale Arden, and Dr. Hans Zarkov unwillingly embark on a space journey and land on the planet Mongo. There, they are immediately confronted by the tyrannical Emperor Ming the Merciless, whose desire is to destroy Earth. Ming's actions force the trio to join forces with the various inhabitants of Mongo to thwart the emperor's plan and save Earth from annihilation.

Dad's Preview: This is a colorful, campy fantasy film, offering a fitting homage to the old Flash Gordon serials of the 1930's. It's a welcome return to innocence. Von Sydow is perfectly cast as the ultra-evil Ming The Merciless. It may seem hokey at times, but never stops being fun. The movie's soundtrack was performed by Queen, and they do a stellar job of blending eerie, other-worldly sounds with good old hard rock!

Starling Prod. Famous Films; Universal Pictures

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #20 Top

Dirty Dancing (1987), Director: Emile Ardolino, rated PG-13 for adult situations

First dance. First love. The time of your life.

Starring: Patrick Swayze, Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach, Cynthia Rhodes, Jack Weston, Jane Brucker, Jack Weston, Lonny Price

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"Nobody puts Baby in a corner." - Johnny

Why watch this? A great coming-of-age story centered on summer camp and dancing.

Plot Summary: Frances "Baby" Houseman is a young woman vacationing with her family at a Catskills resort in the summer of 1963. There, she becomes infatuated with Johnny Castle, the resort's dance instructor. As Baby steps in to help Johnny with a performance, their relationship deepens, exploring themes of love, class differences, and personal growth.

Dad's Preview: Much has been written about this romantic dance movie, and with good reason. It's smart, fun and very saucy. The leads are great. It has been rumored that Swayze and Grey fought the duration of filming. On screen, though, they make beautiful music. I also must tip my hat to supporting actors Jerry Orbach, as Baby's concerned father, and Cynthia Rhodes, a pregnant dancer with no one to turn to. Finally, my sweet Mom loved this little flick about naughty dancing. Perhaps Mom wasn't as sweet as I thought! And yes, I'm blushing.

Great American Films, Limited Partnership;
Vestron Pictures

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #19 Top

Footloose (1984), Director: Herbert Ross, rated PG

He's a big-city kid in a small town. They said he'd never win. He knew he had to.

Starring: Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer, John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest, Chris Penn, Sarah Jessica Parker, John Laughlin, Frances Lee McCain

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"I just don't know that I believe in everything you believe in. But I believe in you." - Ariel, to her father, the town preacher

Why watch this? It's so much deeper than a teen Rom-Com about dancing. It's about the fear of change.

Plot Summary: Ren McCormack, a Chicago teenager, moves to the small, conservative town of Bomont where rock music and dancing have been outlawed. Ren struggles to adapt to the new environment and butts heads with the local authorities and residents, particularly the strict minister, Reverend Shaw Moore. Driven by his love for music and dance, Ren, with the help of the minister's rebellious daughter Ariel, sets out to challenge the town's ban and fight for the right to hold a school prom.

Dad's Preview: Small towns. They are lovely and idyllic. They are often religiously conservative, where everybody knows everybody's business. The powerful churches do things like ban rock and roll and dancing. This level of control always creates rebels, many are children of pastors. This film's setting reflects these traits, and it's a perfect setting. All actors excel here, and I really began to like Kevin Bacon as a result. The best performance, however, is by John Lithgow, as the stern pastor, who really captures our hearts. He's resistant to new ideas, afraid for his daughter's soul, and genuinely unsure about how to handle things - he's wonderfully human.

IndieProd; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #18 Top

Lost in Translation (2003), Director: Sofia Coppola, rated R for sexual content

Sometimes you have to go halfway around the world to come full circle

Starring: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris, Fumihiro Hayashi, Akiko Takeshita, Take

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"You're probably just having a mid-life crisis. Did you buy a Porsche yet?" - Charlotte

Why watch this? So little happens, but it's still so amazing to watch.

Plot Summary: An aging movie star and a young woman, both feeling adrift and disconnected in their lives, find themselves coincidentally staying at the same Tokyo hotel. Facing their own personal crises amidst the bustling, unfamiliar city, they forge an unexpected and comforting bond. Their brief, intense connection provides solace and a shared understanding, offering a momentary escape from their individual feelings of isolation and uncertainty.

Dad's Preview: On rare occasions, genius is found in something quiet and subtle. In a nod or a wink. Sometimes the story emerges from what doesn't happen. Restraint. Longing. Silence. This film follows an odd plot in an foreign city where two lonely American characters connect, thus finding someone with whom they can communicate. It's not outrageous... or loud. It just is what it is, and that is delightful.

American Zoetrope, Elemental Films;
Focus Features

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #17 Top

This is Spinal Tap (1984), Director: Rob Reiner, rated R for language, crude humor

Prepare to crank those amps up to eleven

Starring: Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Rob Reiner, June Chadwick, Tony Hendra, Bruno Kirby

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Well, I'm sure I'd feel much worse if I weren't under such heavy sedation." - David St. Hubbins

Why watch this? It's entertaining to watch these faux rock stars, and their screwed-up values.

Plot Summary: British heavy metal band Spinal Tap is on their ill-fated 1982 United States tour. The film chronicles the band's struggles with declining popularity, botched performances, and internal squabbles, offering a satirical look at the music industry. Ultimately, it captures the band's relentless pursuit of success despite numerous setbacks and their exaggerated sense of self-importance.

Dad's Preview: This is the original film that coined the term "mockumentary". Director Carl Reiner and the three lead actors: Guest, McKean and Shearer, immerse us into the world of '80's heavy metal rock and roll. It's as outrageous and over-the-top as the music it parodies. The band is about success and more, more, more - all with hilarious results. This same team of actors would go on to give us Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best In Show (2000) and several more fine films spoofing the odd aspects of our existence.

Karen Murphy; Embassy Pictures

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #16 Top

Wayne's World (1992), Director: Penelope Spheeris, rated PG-13 for crude humor

You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll hurl.

Starring: Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Rob Lowe, Tia Carrere, Brian Doyle-Murray, Laura Flynn Boyle, Donna Dixon, Meat Loaf, Chris Farley

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"That bass player's a babe. She makes me feel kinda funny, like when we used to climb the rope in gym class." – Garth Algar, speaking of Cassandra

Why watch this? Don't over-think it. Just sit back, and let this movie make you laugh.

Plot Summary: Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar host a popular public-access television show from Wayne's parents' basement. A slick television producer discovers the show and offers them a chance to bring "Wayne's World" to a wider audience. However, their journey from basement to big time is fraught with challenges, testing their friendship and artistic integrity.

Dad's Preview: There's much to love in this frolic through, rock and roll, as seen from the couch of two goofy teens, just trying to set the standard for slackery. Myers' positivism is as infectious as Carvey's sheepish lack of confidence; all traits many guys can relate to. What started as an excellent skit on SNL, WW seamlessly transitioned to the big screen. It's a heck of a fun ride when Bohemian Rhapsody is blasting!

Lorne Michaels; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #15 Top

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000), Directors: Joel and Ethan Coen, rated PG-13

Sometimes, you have to lose your way to get back home

Starring: George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson, Chris Thomas King, John Goodman, Holly Hunter, Charles Durning, Daniel von Bargen, Wayne Duvall, Frank Collison, Stephen Root

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"You seek a great fortune, you three who are now in chains. You will find a fortune, though it will not be the one you seek. But first... first you must travel a long and difficult road, a road fraught with peril. Mm-hmm. You shall see thangs, wonderful to tell." – Blind Seer

Why watch this? This is a fun, poetic American fable that feels very familiar.

Plot Summary: Loosely based on Homer's Odyssey, this comedy drama follows three escaped convicts – Ulysses Everett McGill, Pete, and Delmar – as they embark on a journey through Depression-era Mississippi. Their aim is to reach Everett’s home and recover a hidden treasure before the area is flooded to create a new lake. Along the way, they encounter a series of eccentric characters, evade a relentless lawman, and inadvertently become folk music sensations.

Dad's Preview: It took me a second viewing to get this film, and it was worth it. The Coen brothers were ambitious here: let's retell The Odyssey, but in mid-Depression America, then we'll pepper the heroes' journey with American folk music, in effect making it an American story. It works, in a quasi-surreal way, thanks to music being in the background of many scenes. It was also a great idea to used three incredible actors in the leads. The journey is fraught with colorful encounters with many folks, each a test for the three travelers. Be sure and check out the film's soundtrack - it's a pretty darn good listen.

Touchstone Pics, Universal Pics, Studio Canal,
Working Title Films, Blind Bard Pictures;
Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #14 Top

Pulp Fiction (1994), Director: Quentin Tarantino, rated R for language, violence

You won't know the facts until you've seen the fiction.

Starring: John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Amanda Plummer, Maria de Medeiros, Ving Rhames, Eric Stoltz, Rosanna Arquette, Christopher Walken, Bruce Willis

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"I do believe Marsellus Wallace, my husband, your boss, told you to take ME out and do WHATEVER I WANTED. Now I wanna dance, I wanna win. I want that trophy, so dance good." - Mia

Why watch this? This odd, violent little film is one of QT's best. Plus it's nice to see Travolta dance again.

Plot Summary: This film intertwines the lives of two hitmen, a boxer, a gangster and his wife, and a pair of diner bandits in a series of interconnected, non-linear stories set in the Los Angeles criminal underworld. The film explores themes of crime, violence, dark humor, and redemption, as the characters face moral dilemmas and unpredictable situations.

Dad's Preview: This crime thriller/dark comedy is creatively arranged, with scenes occurring out of order. It features four stories that are loosely linked. It bounces between jovial, mundane and shockingly violent. All stars give great performances, and Tarantino makes sure that every character has quirks galore. I must add that some of the plot points are disturbing - namely "The Gimp in the basement" segment.

A Band Apart, Jersey Films; Miramax Films

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #13 Top

The Graduate (1967), Director: Mike Nichols, rated PG

This is Benjamin. He's a little worried about his future.

Starring: Ann Bancroft, Dustin Hoffman, Katharine Ross, William Daniels, Murray Hamilton, Elizabeth Wilson, Buck Henry, Norman Fell, Walter Brooke, Alice Ghostley, Marion Lorne

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"It's like I've been playing some kind of game, but the rules don't make any sense to me. They're being made up by all the wrong people. No. I mean, no one makes them up. They seem to have made themselves up." - Benjamin

Why watch this? College. Marriage. Protective Parents. Sometimes, it's too much.

Plot Summary: Upon returning home after college graduation, Benjamin Braddock finds himself adrift and uncertain about his future amidst the expectations of his wealthy parents. He soon embarks on a clandestine affair with Mrs. Robinson, an older, married friend of his parents. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he begins to develop feelings for Mrs. Robinson's daughter, Elaine, leading to a complex and dramatic love triangle.

Dad's Preview: This wonderful dramedy stings with satire about the American way of life in the 1960s. Young folks were demanded to color in the lines and follow the rules. Then came Vietnam and Watergate, so young adults began to doubt, as divorce rates rose. Hoffman is superb as our young idealist, unsure and impressionable. Then he meets her. Oh, Mrs. Robinson, so devious is your seduction. Ann Bancroft deserved Best Actress award. This little rebellious film said a lot about our culture at that time. Perhaps we need to heed the lessons of its music and message: Don't listen to grown-ups. It was nominated for seven Oscars, winning only one for Mike Nichols as Best Director.

Lawrence Turman Prod.; Embassy Pictures

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #12 Top

The Crow (1994), Director: Alex Proyas, rated R for violence, drug use

Believe In Angels

Starring: Brandon Lee, Ernie Hudson, Michael Wincott, Rochelle Davis, Bai Ling, Sofia Shinas, Anna Thomson, Tony Todd

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆ - near perfect

"People once believed that, when someone dies, a crow carries their soul to the land of the dead. But sometimes, something so bad happens that a terrible sadness is carried with it and the soul can't rest." - Sarah

Why watch this? It's dark and gothic, yet shining through is Jason Lee's charismatic light.

Plot Summary: Eric Draven, a musician, is brutally murdered along with his fiancée the night before their wedding. A year later, Eric is resurrected by a mystical crow, gaining supernatural powers. Guided by the crow, he seeks vengeance on the criminals who killed him and his fiancée. His only tether to humanity is his young friend, Sarah.

Dad's Preview: This anti-hero film just grabbed me and wedged itself into my soul. The story originated in The Crow comics by James O. Barr. There is such a sadness to this origin story. Things get violent as vengeance is extracted, but the film never loses its tenderness. Lead actor Jason Lee, the son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, was accidentally killed during filming. Thank goodness they were able to finish this treasure.

Entertainment Media Investment Corp.,
Pressman Film, Jeff Most Prod.;
Dimension Films, Miramax Films

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #11 Top

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), Director: Michael Gondry, rated R for language, sexuality

You can erase someone from your mind. Getting them out of your heart is another story.

Starring: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo, Elijah Wood, Tom Wilkinson, Jane Adams, David Cross, Deirdre O'Connell, Thomas Jay Ryan

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #7 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

"Meet me in Montauk..." – Clementine

Why watch this? It's the polar opposite of a RomCom, and the greatest movie about real love I have ever seen.

Plot Summary: Joel discovers his former girlfriend, Clementine, has had their relationship erased from her memory following a breakup. Out of despair, Joel decides to undergo the same procedure to erase Clementine from his own mind. However, as his memories are systematically removed, Joel begins to realize the importance of those experiences, even the painful ones. He attempts to resist the erasure process and hold onto the memories of Clementine, leading to a surreal and fragmented journey through his subconscious.

Dad's Preview: Perhaps the thing about romantic films (that turns me off) is that they usually end up sugar-coated, and frankly, unrealistic. This incredibly unique cinematic triumph bends reality to intelligently show us the ups and downs of a romantic relationship; the vulnerability of the human psyche; and the faint possibility that sometimes an imperfect love is still worth everything. This master class in filmmaking forever changed the way I view movies - I used to want to be entertained, now I search for films that impart meaning.

Anonymous Content, This is that;
Focus Features

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #10 Top

Goodfellas (1990), Director: Martin Scorsese, rated R for language, violence

"As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster."
-- Henry Hill, Brooklyn, N.Y. 1955.

Starring: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino, Frank Sivero, Tony Darrow, Mike Starr, Frank Vincent, Chuck Low

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"You took your first pinch like a man, and you learned the two most important things in life. You listenin'? Never rat on your friends, and ALWAYS keep your mouth shut." - Jimmy "The Gent" Conway

Why watch this? A superb mobster film with great performances from the film's stars.

Plot Summary: This epic chronicles the rise and fall of Henry Hill, an Irish-Italian American who, from a young age, became involved with the Mafia in a working-class Brooklyn neighborhood. He begins working for local gangsters and climbs the ranks, eventually becoming a trusted associate, alongside Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito. The film explores the allure and brutality of their lifestyle, showing how the trio navigate the world of organized crime through robberies, extortion and violence.

Dad's Preview: Another great Brooklyn mob film from Martin Scorcese. This is a great education on mob wise guys, and their code as they conduct numerous illegal activities. There are three main characters: Jimmy (De Niro), a truck hijacker and gangster; Henry (Liotta) who fences for Jimmy, and Tommy (Pesci), the pint-sized, loose-cannon muscle who loves to pick fights and commit murder. This film is violent and does not at all glamorize the lifestyle, but it's well-done, with some great performances. And Pesci, man, he's that one guy you never want to cross paths with, 'cause he'll kill ya.

Irwin Winkler Productions; Warner Bros.

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #9 Top

Jaws (1975), Director: Steven Spielberg, rated PG-13 for violence, scary scenes

The nation's #1 best-selling novel is now the year's most terrifying movie.

Starring: Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary, Murray Hamilton, Carl Gottlieb, Lee Fierro

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #1 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Jaws

"Well, this is not a boating accident! It wasn't any propeller, it wasn't any coral reef, and it wasn't Jack the Ripper! It was a shark." – Matt Hooper after examining the remains of Chrissie Watkins

Why watch this? It's Dad's top film, numero uno. It's ignited the love of film within a curious 10-year-old.

Plot Summary: Chief Martin Brody, new to the small island community of Amity, faces a terrifying challenge when a massive great white shark begins attacking beachgoers during the peak summer tourist season. Despite Brody’s efforts to close the beaches, the town's mayor, fearing economic repercussions, prioritizes tourism over safety. As the attacks escalate, Brody teams up with an expert marine biologist and a seasoned shark hunter to track and kill the formidable creature.

Dad's Preview: Jaws was the first major film from a young director named Steven Spielberg. It is adapted from Peter Benchley's bestselling book about a hungry great white shark dining on bathers off the New England coast. There is suspense at every turn thanks to deft direction and an incredible Oscar-winning, John Williams soundtrack. There's drama, dread, and some of the best jump-scares on film. The film perfectly captured the novel's mood, and added its own levels of character development, humor and bloody terror. After this movie, which stayed in theaters for OVER A YEAR, folks would start using the term "Summer Blockbuster".

Zanuck/Brown Co.; Universal Pictures

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #8 Top

Heavy Metal (1981), Director: Gerald Potterton, rated R

Louder and nastier then ever!

Starring: (voices talents of) John Candy, Richard Romanus, Joe Flaherty, Don Francks, Susan Roman, Caroline Semple, Al Waxman, Harvey Atkin, John Vernon, Eugene Levy

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"Uh, typical robot. The first Earth chick we see in 10 years and he has to make a play for her."– Edsel

Why watch this? It combines Sci-fi with some mischievous naughtiness.

Plot Summary: This adult animated anthology film is based on the science fantasy magazine of the same name. A sinister green orb, described as the sum of all evil, arrives on Earth and terrorizes a young girl, showcasing its destructive influence across different galaxies and dimensions through a series of fantastical stories. The vignettes feature various characters facing challenges and moral dilemmas often involving the orb, like a cynical taxi driver in a futuristic city or a warrior maiden tasked with avenging a ravaged civilization.

Dad's Preview: I remember finding Heavy Metal magazines hidden in my sister's bedroom closet. By flashlight, I leafed through its pages featuring spaceships, aliens races, graphic violence and, you guessed it, some nudity. I was beyond delighted to hear that the film version would feature music from by favorite bands (Sammy Hagar, Black Sabbath, DEVO, Journey, etc.). This anthology features a few of the mag's greatest hits, but they are tied together by the sum of all evils. My favorite segments features Den, a nerdy kid turned muscular hero in another dimension. Today, this racy film has quite a cult following, including me.

Guardian Trust Co., Canadian Film Dev. Corp.,
Famous Players, Potterton Prod.;
Columbia Pictures

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #7 Top

American Graffiti (1973), Director: George Lucas, rated PG

Where were you in '62?

Starring: Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith, Candy Clark, Mackenzie Phillips, Cindy Williams, Wolfman Jack, Bo Hopkins, Harrison Ford

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"We're finally getting out of this turkey town, and now you wanna crawl back into your cell, right? You wanna end up like John? You just can't stay seventeen forever." – Steve Bolander

Why watch this? 1962 - Hair grease, sock hops, hot rods and drive-in burgers.

Plot Summary: It's California in the summer of 1962, AND the last night of summer vacation for a group of friends who are about to leave for college. These teenagers, as they cruise the streets, deal with various dilemmas, and experience the classic rock and roll culture of the era. By the time morning arrives, each of them will have sorted out their issues and faced decisions about their future, marking a significant transition into adulthood.

Dad's Preview: This critically acclaimed film successfully captures the vibe of growing up in the early 1960's. The details are perfect, as are the performances by a crew of then-unknown actors. Some would go on to star in TV's '60's sitcom Happy Days. My favorite character is Terry "The Toad" Fields, a nerdy kid who cruises around and eventually picks up the rebellious Debbie. Their night together is, let's just say, memorable, as it involves drinking, parking (do the still call it that?), car theft, and a good fist fight. There was an innocence back then, my older brother's time, and it's nice to experience a little of it on screen.

Lucasfilm Ltd., The Coppola Co.;
Universal Pictures

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #6 Top

Shrek 2 (2004), Directors: Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, Conrad Vernon, rated PG

Once upon another time...

Starring: (the voice talents of) Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Julie Andrews, Antonio Banderas, Rupert Everett, Jennifer Saunders, Joan Rivers, Larry King, Cody Cameron, Conrad Vernon

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Oh, Shrek. Don't worry. Things just seem bad because it's dark and rainy and Fiona's father hired a sleazy hitman to whack you." - Donkey

Why watch this? Dare I say it's a bit better than the original? There, I said it.

Plot Summary: To please Fiona's human parents in the glamorous kingdom of Far Far Away, Shrek seeks a magical potion to transform himself, bringing a swashbuckling feline assassin named Puss in Boots along for the journey. Meanwhile, Fiona's vengeful Fairy Godmother schemes with her own son to tear the royal couple apart, using the magic of a twisted fairytale to rewrite their "happily ever after".

Dad's Preview: This delightful sequel, to a surprise DreamWorks animated hit, has all the original did, plus more. It is at least as good, if not a smidge better. Here the theme is what really occurs after "happily ever after", when life goes on and the groom has to get to know the in-laws. Throw in a scheming father-in-law, a demented fairy godmother, and an adorable, swashbuckling assassin-cat and you've got a fast-paced adventure cartoon that offers fun for children and adults alike. There are several cute Easter eggs related to pop culture, and the film's music, using familiar hits and original songs, rings true. Whether you liked the original or not, this film brings us home to our favorite, flatulent, green ogre.

DreamWorks Animation, PDI/Dreamworks;
DreamWorks Pictures

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #5 Top

Baby Driver (2017), Director: Edgar Wright, Rated R for language and violence

All you need is one killer track.

Starring: Ansel Elgort, Jon Bernthal, Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx, Eiza González, Micah Howard, Lily James, Morgan Brown, Kevin Spacey

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Sometimes all I want is to head West on 20 in a car I can't afford, with a plan I don't have, just me, my music, and the road." - Deborah

Why watch this? This fast-paced crime flick has a beating heart.

Plot Summary: Miles, called "Baby" is a getaway driver for a heist crew led by Doc. Baby just drives and he has a real knack for it. He also is aloof, always wearing sunglasses and listening to music on his earbuds (he suffers from tinnitus). Some members of the gang, namely Bats and Griff, don't like or trust the somber kid. What they all don't know is that he's got a new girlfriend and wants out of the robbery business.

Dad's Preview: This fast-paced actioner will hold your attention. The characters are right out of a Tarantino film, quirky and dangerous. The car chases, showcasing Baby's skills, are incredible. The real strength is how it's all tied together into such watchable package. A crime film like this, dealing with some really nasty people, can easily devolve and lose focus. Baby Driver leans into all the meanness and madness, keeps its path true, and somehow manages to find a little true romance along the road.

TriStar Pictures/MRC/Big Talk Productions/
Working Title Films; Sony Pictures

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #4 Top

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), Director: Edgar Wright, Rated PG-13 for adult themes

An epic of epic epicness.

Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Alison Pill, Kieran Culkin, Ellen Wong, Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

"Um, I guess... if we're gonna date, you may have to defeat my seven evil exes." – Ramona Flowers

Why watch this? There is not a second in this film that I don't love.

Plot Summary: Scott Pilgrim, a slacker musician living in Toronto, finds his comfortable life disrupted when he falls for the mysterious and enigmatic Ramona Flowers. To win her heart, however, he must defeat her seven evil exes, each with their own unique abilities and personalities. This journey forces Scott to confront his own flaws, past relationships, and insecurities, ultimately pushing him toward self-discovery.

Dad's Preview: I had sorta lost faith in the next generation of movies; maybe I was getting old and out of touch. Then I discovered Scott Pilgrim, and my faith was restored! Nestled sweetly within this video game of a story is a very fresh and interesting romance. It's so much fun! The lovingly odd Michael Cera is an amazing understated actor. I love the action, the songs (watch a video of all All Scott Pilgrim musical performances), the premise, its creativity - EVERYTHING!

Marc Platt Prod., Big Talk Films, Closed on
Mondays Ent., Dentsu; Universal Pictures

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #3 Top

Saturday Night Fever (1977), Director: John Badham, rated R for language, sexual situations

He is Tony Manero, king of the discos. Every guy wants to dance like him.
Every girl wants to be with him.

Starring: John Travolta, Karen Lynn Gorney, Barry Miller, Joseph Cali, Paul Pape, Donna Pescow, Bruce Ornstein, Julie Bovasso, Martin Shakar, Sam Coppola

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"Tony, the only way you're gonna survive is to do what you think is right, not what they keep trying to jam you into. You let 'em do that and you're gonna end up nothing but miserable!" – Frank Manero Jr.

Why watch this? This was Travolta's big film break-through.

Plot Summary: Tony Manero, a young Italian-American man in Brooklyn, faces the challenges of his dead-end job and aimless life by seeking refuge in his local discotheque every Saturday night. At the disco, he is the undisputed king of the dance floor, where his exceptional dancing skills earn him the admiration of others and offer a temporary escape from reality. His life takes a turn when he meets a girl named Stephanie, and together they decide to train for a large dance competition.

Dad's Preview: This ground-breaking film was the apex of 1977. It gave the world John Travolta and instantly made the Bee Gees musical superstars. It exposed many of us to the New York City party scene. Oh, and it started a musical phenomenon called "disco". The film, about an ordinary Italian lad named Tony Manero, manages to elevate a simple club's dance floor into a symbol of success. While dancing, you are a god, a king - so enjoy it, because tomorrow, it's back to the boring grind of normal life. The movie's double-album soundtrack would sit at number one for 24 straight weeks. Everything about this endeavor was a smash, and everybody was caught up in it.

Robert Stigwood Org.; Paramount Pictures

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #2 Top

Almost Famous (2000), Director: Cameron Crowe, rated PG-13 for language, sexual situations

Stillwater Runs Deep!

Starring: Patrick Fugit, Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Jason Lee, Frances McDormand, Anna Paquin, Fairuza Balk, Philip S. Hoffman, Zooey Deschanel

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 50 #31 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Almost Famous

"Aw, man. You made friends with them. See, friendship is the booze they feed you. They want you to get drunk on feeling like you belong." - Lester Bangs

Why watch this? It's the swan song about rock and rock in my era, you know, the awesome 70's!

Plot Summary: William Miller, at 15-years-old, is an aspiring journalist who gets a dream assignment: to write a cover story for Rolling Stone magazine. He embarks on a tour leg with the up-and-coming rock band Stillwater, experiencing the highs and lows of life on the road. William navigates the world of rock and roll, forming relationships with the band members and a groupie named Penny Lane, all while trying to maintain his journalistic integrity.

Dad's Preview: Much of the film's earnestness comes from the film's director, Cameron Crowe, who lived a life similar to young William Miller. He too was a Rolling Stone writer, and his wife is none other than Nancy Wilson, guitarist for Heart - So the man knows the rock world. Bill Crudup, as the incendiary Russell Hammond, is unforgettable. Kate Hudson's pretty darn good, too. It has great musical performances and a wonderful soundtrack documenting the last great years of Rock 'n' Roll.

DreamWorks Pics, Columbia Pics, Vinyl Films;
DreamWorks Dist. LLC

Top 20 Great Soundtrack Films #1 Top

Purple Rain (1984), Director: Albert Magnoli, rated R for nudity, sexuality, language

The man. The music. The movie.

Starring: Prince, Apollonia Kotero, Morris Day, Olga Karlatos, Clarence Williams III, Jerome Benton, Billy Sparks, Jill Jones, Wendy Melvion, Lisa Coleman, The Revolution, The Time, Appolonia 6

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★ - perfect

DML Top 100 #99 - Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review and Deep Dive of Purple Rain

"I can make you happy. If you just believed in me." - Francis L.

Why watch this? One of the best movies ever about an artist and his band.

Plot Summary: A talented but troubled musician, known as The Kid, struggles with a difficult home life and intense rivalries with other performers in the Minneapolis club scene. He attempts to forge a career with his band, The Revolution, while navigating a complex romance with an aspiring singer named Apollonia. The story explores The Kid's artistic journey as he confronts his personal demons, deals with a rival band, and learns to collaborate with his own band members.

Dad's Preview: I will forever maintain that Prince, and this film, helped me to find my sex appeal. Men I grew up around were pretty closed off about that topic. Prince helped me find my way. He exuded sexual charisma and confidence. Some of it was not completely masculine, yet women still loved him. It took the pressure off a need to appear macho, and that was more true to who I really am. The concert scenes are unforgettable. The soundtrack sat at No. 1 for 24 weeks! It's world-wide sales made it one of the best-selling albums of all time, and it won the Oscar for Best Original Song Score.

Purple Films; Warner Bros.