A Comprehensive List of My Favorite Movie Soundtracks

Ahhh music… a wonderful art that brings people together. A form of storytelling without words; a peaceful ambiance. 

Music is also very useful for writers. It makes great background noise for when we have to type out novels. Songs can be collected into a playlist for certain projects or characters. Heck, songs themselves could inspire a new story. 

It may be hard to find music that serves the purpose you need. The Lord of the Rings soundtrack may be great for when you are writing an epic fantasy adventure, but probably not when you are writing a fluffy contemporary romance. What movie soundtrack even goes with a fluffy contemporary romance?! 

Using my self-deemed movie soundtrack skills, I have put together a list of great (and somewhat obscure) movie soundtracks and other instrumental music to help you find what you’re looking for. 

Music for Fantasy Stories 

• Lord of the Rings- Perfect for when you need to do chores or math. Epic adventures, tall mountains, longing for home… This soundtrack has everything. 
• Shadow and Bone- Scheming cellos + cloudy days. 
• Pirates of the Caribbean- If the word adventure had to be captured in music, this would be it. 
• How to Train Your Dragon- I’m sure at some point in your life you’ve heard about this soundtrack, but seriously, it’s amazing. Green hills + fluffy clouds + rocky cliffs. GO LISTEN TO IT. 
• Luca- Sunshine + beaches + friendship
• Chronicles of Narnia- Whimsy at it’s finest. 
• Prince of Egypt- A slightly nostalgic, but amazing soundtrack.  

Music for Historical Fiction Stories 

• Emma (2020)- Just imagine if frilly lace and bright green lawns became music. 
• Pride and Prejudice (2005)- Relaxing piano + sunsets. 
• Harry Potter- Dusty bookshelves + snowflakes falling. 
• The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly- Hot sunshine + galloping horses. 
• Anastasia- Magical twirling skirts. (I love listening to this video) 
• Phantom of the Opera- Okay, hear me out. Even though this is a musical, which is definitely not instrumental music, it is so atmospheric. Dramatic opera, sparkly costumes, perfect for a historical drama.

Music for Outdoorsy Adventure Stories

• How to Train Your Dragon- Seriously, listen to this. You will not regret it. 
• The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly- This is also great to listen to when you are road tripping through the desert. 
• Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron- A Hans Zimmer masterpiece. Grass blowing in the wind + snow capped mountains + railroads. 
• Big Bend- This is technically a soundtrack to a really cool documentary about Big Bend National Park, but a movie soundtrack nonetheless. This is what keeps me alive through the winter. 
• Indiana Jones- Typical action/adventure, but still amazing. 

Music for Fluffy Contemporary Stories 

• Pride and Prejudice (2005)-This is one of the most relaxing soundtracks ever. 
• Moonrise Kingdom- Brick buildings + brightly colored raincoats.
• Big Bend- Epic outdoorsiness.
• Charlie Brown- A slightly vintagey, but fun and nostalgic soundtrack. 
• Oh Brother Where Art Thou- Summertime + folk songs galore. 

Honorable Mentions

• Sassafras Stomp- This is a fiddle music band that my entire family adores. Their music is especially great for barn dances and autumn. 

• Explosions in the Sky- This is another band my family loves. If you liked the Big Bend soundtrack, check out all of their other (instrumental) songs! 
• Ambient Mixer – Not music, but still great to listen to when writing. 
• Crackling fire noises…
• Or rain noises…
• Or noises that are happening out in your backyard (although that might include some dog barking) Either way, writing outside comes with its own type of music. 

Alright folks, have at it! Try some new music, or maybe use it to create a playlist for your current WIP. What do you like to listen to when you write? What are your favorite movie soundtracks? Thanks for reading, have a great rest of your day! 

-Hannah

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