I’m certain people have experienced the same situation I have a few times: thinking while watching a movie, “this is pretty bad, but the soundtrack is absolutely killer.” Or thoughts to that extent at least.
Take, for example, Tron: Ares. The latest in Disney’s sci-fi franchise, starring Jared Leto, was released in cinemas to huge fanfare, but as of writing looks to be a box office flop, with Deadline Hollywood reporting that the film is set to lose over $132 million after opening to only $106.4 million worldwide - compared to it’s estimated budget of $347.5 million, including production and advertising.
Yet for all the comments on the acting and plot, there have been celebratory remarks for the soundtrack, helmed by Oscar-winners Nine Inch Nails. It wouldn’t be the first time such illustrious names were part of the franchise’s soundtrack, either.
So what are some great examples of “Good Soundtrack, Bad Movie”? We’ve picked our 13 (and controversially one even my partner doesn’t quite agree with), with soundtracks that were overwhelmingly well received. But the movie itself? Not so much.
9. Sucker Punch (2011)
Zack Snyder’s fantasy-action flick was lambasted for its messy narrative, overly sexualised visuals, and confusing multiple realities. Yet, the film's musical centrepiece is one of its most compelling aspects. The soundtrack consists of dark, orchestral, and often haunting covers of classic songs, featuring the film’s star Emily Browning on tracks like the Eurythmics' 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)' and The Smiths' 'Asleep.' The album also includes contributions from Björk and Emilíana Torrini, giving the chaotic film an unexpectedly artistic sound. | Warner Bros. Pictures
10. Maximum Overdrive (1986)
This notoriously cheesy horror film is Stephen King's only directorial effort, and it's a critical laughingstock (15% RT score) about trucks coming to life. The entire film is essentially a very long music video for AC/DC, who recorded their album Who Made Who specifically for the movie. The hard rock soundtrack—featuring hits like the title track and 'You Shook Me All Night Long'—delivers constant, raw energy, providing the only real thrills in a movie that utterly lacks subtlety or cinematic quality. | De Laurentiis Entertainment Group (DEG)
11. The Last Airbender (2010)
M. Night Shyamalan’s adaptation of the beloved Nickelodeon cartoon is an infamously terrible film with a rare 5% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the disastrous writing, casting, and execution, the film’s score is a beautiful anomaly. Veteran composer James Newton Howard delivered a sweeping, emotive, and technically brilliant orchestral score that completely underserves the cinematic mess. The grandeur of the music stands as a frustrating reminder of the great film that could have been. | Paramount Pictures
12. Waterworld (1995)
A legendary Hollywood flop due to its bloated budget and messy production, Kevin Costner's dystopian epic was savaged by critics upon release. While the movie failed to find its footing, composer James Newton Howard created a suitably grand, heroic, and emotional score that conveys all the sweeping post-apocalyptic scope the film aimed for. The sheer scale and quality of the music contrast sharply with the film's reputation for watery extravagance and disappointment. | Getty Images