Most Memorable Movie Soundtracks of the 90s

First on our list of movie soundtracks of the 90s is from the movie Reality Bites. This movie was Ben Stiller’s directorial debut, which featured a mix of alternative rock and nostalgic hits.

The breakout song “Stay (I Missed You)” by Lisa Loeb topped the charts and became synonymous with the film. Other memorable tracks included The Knack’s “My Sharona” and Squeeze’s “Tempted,” which complemented key scenes.

The soundtrack’s blend of established artists and up-and-coming 90s bands like Dinosaur Jr. and the Juliana Hatfield Three. Even today, the soundtrack from this film is a reminder of the era’s spirit of youth and possibility.

Empire Records nailed the 90s alt-rock vibe with a soundtrack that still holds up today. The movie told the story of a bunch of record store misfits. The film included songs like Gin Blossom’s radio hit “Til I Hear It From You,” while The Cranberries‘ “Liar” showed off Dolores O’Riordan’s insane pipes.

The true appeal from this movie soundtrack from the 90s was in the lesser-known tracks. Coyote Shivers‘ “Sugarhigh” and Better Than Ezra’s “Circle of Friends” captured that restless teenage energy perfectly.

For a lot of 90s kids, Empire Records was their music bible. It turned people on to new bands and cemented others as music royalty. Decades later, this soundtrack still feels like a bunch of cool kids hanging out at the record store in town.

Another one of the top movie soundtracks of the 90s was Trainspotting. This album nailed the vibe of Edinburgh’s underground scene.

Kicking off the soundtrack was Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life“. The track perfectly captured the movie’s mix of euphoria and desperation. Likewise, Underworld’s “Born Slippy Nuxx” became the unofficial anthem of the film, playing in clubs long after the credits rolled.

Each song added to the on-screen madness, but also stood on its own. The soundtrack’s cult status proved it struck a chord with audiences way beyond the movie theater. It introduced a generation to both Britpop stars and punk legends, creating a time capsule of 90s cool.

Up next is the soundtrack from the 1998 teen movie Can’t Hardly Wait. This album mixed rock, hip-hop, and pop songs that were all popular in the late 90s.

Some of the best songs on it were “Can’t Get Enough of You Baby” by Smash Mouth, “Paradise City” by Guns N’ Roses, and “Can’t Hardly Wait” by The Replacements. The music fit the movie’s story about the excitement of finishing high school and graduation. Many people who were teenagers then still love this soundtrack, as it reminds them of their own time as a teen in high school.

Sex. Manipulation. Revenge. Cruel Intentions definitely wasn’t your typical 90s romance, but it sure packed a punch. This movie took teenage love to dark places in 90s Manhattan, and its soundtrack was just as seductive as the movie. It captured all the manipulation and sexual tension on screen.

Placebo’s cover of “Every You Every Me” truly nailed the vibe of the entire movie. The soundtrack also included Counting Crows “Colorblind,” which became so intimately linked to the movie that you can’t hear it without picturing that airport escalator scene. Lastly, The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony” closed off the soundtrack. It stood on its own as a killer 90s playlist.

What makes this soundtrack truly special was how it wove through the story, building up the drama at all the right moments.

Also Read: The Best Romance Movies of the 90s

Singles brought Seattle grunge scene to the big screen. At the same time, its soundtrack became a defining album of the decade. The soundtrack featured original songs by actual grunge artists who were portrayed or referenced in the film. This gave it an authentic edge over other movies from the decade. It also complemented the film’s story of young love and friendship.

Pearl Jam, then still up-and-comers, contributed tracks like “State of Love and Trust,” while Alice in Chains delivered the hit “Would?” Additionally, there were songs by The Smashing Pumpkins like “Drown“. That being said, the soundtrack wasn’t all grunge. It also mixed in Paul Westerberg‘s pop and a Jimi Hendrix classic, reflecting the diverse Seattle music scene.

Interestingly, most of Matt Dillon’s wardrobe in the movie actually belonged to Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament. As grunge exploded in popularity during the decade, the Singles soundtrack served as both a launchpad for new artists and a snapshot into an important moment for 90s rock.

Last but not least on our list of movie soundtracks of the 90s is Quentin Tarantino‘s crime film, Pulp Fiction. It mixed surf rock, soul, and pop from the 60s and 70s. The film’s music became inseparable from its iconic dance scenes.

The soundtrack opened with Dick Dale’s surf rock anthem “Misirlou,” instantly setting the film’s retro tone. Other standout tracks include Chuck Berry’s “You Never Can Tell,” which accompanied John Travolta and Uma Thurman’s famous twist contest scene, and Dusty Springfield’s sultry “Son of a Preacher Man.” The album also featured Kool & the Gang’s “Jungle Boogie“, further cementing its soul and R&B influences.

Tarantino’s knack for reviving forgotten gems is evident in the inclusion of the Statler Brothers’ “Flowers on the Wall” and The Tornadoes‘ “Bustin’ Surfboards.” These lesser-known tracks found new life and appreciation through the film.

Ultimately, Pulp Fiction‘s soundtrack not only complemented the movie’s narrative but also stood on its own, influencing music tastes and DJ playlists for years to come.

Related: 10 Most Memorable Movie Soundtracks of the 80s