Top 24 Classic Movie Soundtracks That Captivated Generation X, Millennials

Journey to the West can be considered a legendary movie that is deeply ingrained in the childhood of every generation. Despite being rerun many times, the film never loses its appeal to viewers of all ages. Directed by Ngô Thừa Ân, the masterpiece was first released in 1986. In 1990, Journey to the West was screened in Vietnam and won the hearts of many Generation X and Millennials.

Aside from the success of the film, its soundtrack also mesmerizes audiences. Even after many years, Journey to the West continues to resonate with viewers, and its theme song is still a favorite ringtone for many.

Movie: Journey to the West

Song Title: The Path We Walk
Artist: Tưởng Đại Vi

Romance of Luong Son Ba and Chu Anh Dai is a beautiful yet tragic love story that once captivated many viewers. The unconventional love affair in the movie between the couple Luong Chuc was likened to Romeo and Juliet of England. The television series premiered in 2000 and was produced by Taiwan, causing a sensation across Asia. The talented young cast, including La Chi Tuong as Luong Son Ba and Tran Gia Huy as Chu Anh Dai, left a profound impression, particularly in the original version.

Alongside the tremendous success of the film, the original song 'Far Away' became an anthem and ringtone for the Generation X and Millennials at that time, immortalizing itself in the hearts of listeners.

Movie: Romance of Luong Son Ba and Chu Anh Dai

Song Title: Far Away

Artists: Hong Bo Dieu and Ly Duyet Quan

Journey of Love was a sensation among young audiences back in the day. Right from its early episodes, the series garnered widespread popularity across Asia. It premiered in Vietnam in 1998 – 1999, introducing stars like Zhao Wei, Ruby Lin, Alec Su, and Zhou Jie as leading favorites among the youth.

The soundtrack also played a significant role in its success. Even now, just hearing the soul-stirring melodies of the songs from the series would surely evoke nostalgia in the hearts of the Generation X and Millennials. A standout track, 'Since You Arrived,' once haunted the memories of fans: “Thank the heavens, thank the earth – Thank fate for allowing me to meet you – Since you arrived, life has been a series of miracles – Amidst pain and joy – Intertwined into radiant memories.”

Series: Journey of Love
Song Title: Since You Arrived
Artist: Zhao Wei

The Thief Who Stole Hearts is a beloved historical drama series. It catapulted Truong Dinh and Tieu Anh Tuan to television stardom. The series resonated with audiences for its philosophical themes intertwined with humor and joy.

Moreover, the upbeat and charming melody of the Happy New Year soundtrack by China Dolls enchanted viewers and received endless praises.

Series: The Thief Who Stole Hearts

Song Title: Happy New Year

Artist: China Dolls

Like a Dream is a beloved love triangle that audiences adored and warmly embraced. The series debuted in 2003 and became a hit eagerly sought after by audiences of that time. With its remarkable storyline, the glittering cast including Truong Ve Kien as Doi Xuan Dan, Quan Vinh Ha as Cat Tuong, Tran Hao as Nhu Y, propelled the series to the hearts of the audience.

The cheerful melodies of the Like a Dream song only added to the brilliance of the series. Even to this day, this song continues to flutter the hearts of those belonging to the 8X, 9X generation.

Series: Like a Dream

Song Title: Like a Dream

Artist: Triệu Vy

The 8X and 9X generation surely have not forgotten losing sleep over the classic series New Farewell River starring Triệu Vy, Lâm Tâm Như, Tô Hữu Bằng, and Cổ Cựu Cơ. It wasn't just the youth of that time; even our parents were fond of the series back then.

The soundtrack of New Farewell River once mesmerized the audience. And even now, whenever that melody is played again, viewers can't help but reminisce. The theme song of the series, performed by Triệu Vy with her clear, poignant voice, deeply resonated with the audience. After many years, viewers still hold a special affection for this legendary series.

Series: New Farewell River

Song Title: Deep Love, Misty Rain

Artist: Triệu Vy

Justice Bao is a famous upright official of China. The image of Bao Gong with his dark complexion and the half-moon mark on his forehead has deeply ingrained in the hearts of countless fans. The series, aired in 1993 with 236 episodes, attracted the attention of many television viewers thanks to its compelling performances and intriguing plot. Justice Bao sparked a storm across Asian countries with its innovative crime-solving theme.

The outstanding soundtrack 'Dream of Love on the Lotus Pond' also left a profound impression on the audience. Over the years, whenever that song plays, viewers of the 8X, 9X generation remember vividly the special emotions that Justice Bao brought.

Series: Justice Bao

Song Title: Dream of Love on the Lotus Pond

Artist: Lý Khắc Cần

As a film that gathers a cast of outstanding appearance and acting talents of the Chinese film industry, The Imperial Rouge is a timeless masterpiece directed by Liu Guoquan. Although 13 years have passed, the impression of the film still remains vivid. Following the success of the film is the shining performance of the trio of actors Tran Khon, Dong Kiet, and Lyu Diec Phi. The content of the film is very authentic, criticizing the remnants of feudal society while praising the spirit of rising up, the desire for freedom, and the precious love of the younger generation.

The main song used in the film is Scent of Memories, sung with emotional and sincere voices, making the film truly impressive. The lyrics of the song express the heartfelt emotions of the two main characters dedicated to love: “If love tells us to move forward - We will love to the end - If the heart dies in glorious radiance - Love will be reborn in the ashes”.

Film: The Imperial Rouge

Song Title: Scent of Memories

Artist: Sa Bảo Lượng

Mistakenly Riding the Bridal Sedan Chair is the most intriguing Chinese historical drama beloved by fans, from professional actors to sweet soundtrack enthusiasts. Prominent in the plot of the film is the surprising misunderstanding that leads to a destined marriage. Since then, people have often passed on the saying: “Not afraid of riding the sedan chair mistakenly, only afraid of marrying the wrong husband.”

The soundtrack is equally captivating, as the profound melody of the song can make fans forget everything and sit next to their TV to watch this fascinating film.

Film: Mistakenly Riding the Bridal Sedan Chair

Song Title: Serene Dance of Yangzhou

Artist: Ly Thu

In 2001, the Meteor Garden series premiered in Taiwan, marking the beginning of idol dramas. No longer featuring sad endings, this series brought a breath of fresh air with its strong influence across Asia. At that time, finding someone who didn't know about the F4 group was truly rare. Fifteen years later, Meteor Garden remains a legendary series in the hearts of those from the 80s and 90s.

The stunning cast, including outstanding performances by Barbie Hsu, Jerry Yan, Vic Chou, brought unforgettable moments of sweetness to the audience. Despite many idol dramas released afterward, Meteor Garden remains the number one monument that evokes nostalgia.

The sweet and impressive soundtrack, performed by F4, was another major highlight of the series that further endeared it to the audience.

Film: Meteor Garden
Song Title: Can’t Lose You
Artist: F4

12 years ago, Red Apple Villa made a big splash among Vietnamese fans. This idol drama completely captivated the audience with its handsome actors and beautiful actresses, along with its familiar romantic storyline. The enthusiastic reception and enchanting scenes mesmerized viewers.

Undeniably, the success of this series relied heavily on its outstanding soundtrack. Even now, the song 'The House of Apple' has never been forgotten by the 80s and 90s generation.

Film: Red Apple Villa

Song Title: The House of Apple

Artist: Unknown

It can be said that First Love was the first Korean drama to ignite Korean culture in Vietnam, leaving deep emotions with television enthusiasts. The names San Hyeok (Chan Hyuk) and San Woo (Chan Woo) surely left an unforgettable impression on fans. The drama premiered in Vietnam in 1996, and its lingering legacy, like its name 'First Love,' is truly unforgettable.

The viewership rate of First Love at that time was about 65.8%, a record never seen before, demonstrating the intense allure of first love. The drama elevated the fame of Choi Soo Jong, Bae Young Joon, and Lee Seung Yeon to new heights.

The song 'Everlasting' was chosen as the main theme song of the series. This song perfectly encapsulated the essence of first love and continually evokes nostalgia and emotion among the audience.

Film: First Love

Song Title: Everlasting

Artist: Stratovarius

The drama first aired in 2005, and it held the record for the highest ratings until 2008. The Frog Prince captivated audiences with its compelling storyline and stellar cast including Minh Dao, Vuong Thieu Vy, Tran Kieu An. After the series ended, it left viewers with endless regrets.

Both the opening and ending songs of the series were performed by the group 183 Club. Alongside the success of the drama, its soundtrack also won the hearts of the audience.

Series: The Frog Prince

Song Title: Alluring Scheme
Artist: 183 Club

Winter Sonata is a famous and highly popular South Korean drama. Released in 2002, the series captured the hearts of many fans with its captivating storyline. Especially, Winter Sonata was voted as the most beloved drama by Japan.
The love story of Joon Sang (Bae Yong Joon) and Yu Jin (Choi Ji Woo) faced numerous obstacles, but in the end, they found happiness together. Viewers were impressed by the romantic snowy scenes.

Winter Sonata is like a warm gift to the audience, and its excellent soundtrack has revived the series in the hearts of viewers every time they hear the heartfelt lyrics of the song.

Series: Winter Sonata

Song Title: From the Beginning Until Now

Artist: Ryu

Doctor Brothers is one of the pioneering dramas that brought South Korean TV series deep into the hearts of audiences since the 90s. Released to viewers in 1997, the series revolves around two young doctor brothers facing the difficulties and hardships in the medical field, highlighting the noble character of a doctor. Alongside, love, hatred, and the struggles of the medical profession are emphasized. The success of the series brought a new wave of South Korean dramas to the Vietnamese market. After airing, TV viewers were familiar with the names of actors: Son Chang Min, Jang Dong Gun, Lee Young Ae…

The main song in the series is How I Love You – a track closely associated with the renowned singer Engelbert Humperdinck. With a powerful and robust voice, it adds significant allure to the series.

Series: Doctor Brothers
Song Title: How I Love You
Performed by: Engelbert Humperdinck

Cinderella's Glass Shoes is a vibrant and poignant tale of life, first aired in 2002. The series encompasses the spectrum of human emotions, familial bonds, love, and the lofty values of humanity, as well as the darker aspects of society. Its conclusion leaves audiences with a lingering sense of regret, yet deep within lies a message to impart. The poignant scenes and emotional depth portrayed by the cast will forever reside in the hearts of viewers. An old series, but its message remains deserving of admiration.

The main song in the series, Mend My Heart, performed by the sweet voice of Park Wan Kyu, has brought tears to the audience's eyes countless times due to its melancholic and heart-wrenching melody, and the sorrow for the tragic ending of the series.

Series: Cinderella's Glass Shoes

Song Title: Mend My Heart
Performed by: Park Wan Kyu

Cinderella's Glass Slippers is part of the KBS television network's Four Seasons of Love series. This series once dominated the Vietnamese market during the autumn of 2000. The average rating of the series was 36.8%, peaking at 46.2%. It solidified the position of Korean culture in the hearts of fans and elevated Song Seung Hun and Song Hye Kyo to the ranks of top stars adored by many fans. However, it also tells a melancholic love story with an unhappy ending, leaving many feeling regretful.

The soundtrack of the series, the song Find Me performed by Jung II Young, with its crisp vocals and sweet melody, has touched the hearts of countless listeners.

Series: Cinderella's Glass Slippers

Song Title: Find Me

Performed by: Jung II Young

12 years ago, the appearance of the 'most beautiful woman in Korea' Kim Tea Hee and the talented actor Kim Rea Woon in the series Love Story in Harvard caused quite a stir among fans. With highly invested scenes and excellent performances from this well-matched couple, the series became even more impressive. After the series, the fame of both Kims spread across Asia, making them the most beloved stars.

The song Enamored was chosen as the main theme song of the series and delighted listeners. Every time the song played, a wave of emotions flooded in.

Series: Love Story in Harvard

Song Title: Enamored

Performed by: Kim Jung Woon

Eternal Blossoms is one of the tear-jerking dramas of the early 2000s, leaving many viewers emotional. The story revolves around the resilient girl Young Ju, who overcomes numerous obstacles to find happiness. The stellar cast including Park Jin Hee, Ryu Jin, and Choi Min Young delivered extremely heartfelt performances, capturing the hearts of countless fans.

Particularly noteworthy is the success of the series' theme song. Even now, whenever one listens to the song “Melancholic Melody,” it's impossible not to be moved by the soulful melody: “Even every day, every day swallowing tears, I can still live - My life is a sadness without end, then one day, it will also be tired.”

Series: Eternal Blossoms

Song Title: Melancholic Melody
Performed by: Woo Seung Ha

Southern Land is one of the Vietnamese films that has left a special mark in the hearts of audiences due to its vivid portrayal of the lives of farmers during the French colonial period.

Unlike many modern television dramas today, Southern Land authentically depicted the harsh lives of Vietnamese farmers during that era. Not only the content of the series, but also its soundtrack has touched the hearts of viewers. Through the years, whenever one accidentally hears the soundtrack of Southern Land somewhere, many from the 80s and 90s generations can't help but feel choked with emotion.

Film: Southern Land
Song Title: Song of the Southern Land
Performed by: Tô Thanh Phương

The drama series Happy Home can be considered a legend of the land of kimchi. Premiering in 2004, the series not only won numerous awards but also showcased the stellar performances of its cast. Song Hye Kyo rose to become a goddess of the Korean entertainment industry, Bi Rain successfully ventured into Hollywood, and Han Eun Jung and Kim Sung Soo made significant strides in their careers. With such a remarkable imprint, it's hard for the 80s and 90s generations to forget. Happy Home was also adapted into a film script with the same title by director Vu Ngoc Dang.

Until now, the soundtrack of Happy Home, performed by Bi Rain himself, has been widely embraced and has become the ringtone of many fans.

Film: Happy Home

Song Title: Full House

Performed by: Bi Rain

Suddenly Want to Cry is the second television series directed by Vu Ngoc Dang. This humorous and romantic series tells the story of the special love between wealthy heir Bao Nam (portrayed by Luong Manh Hai) and the orphaned roadside book seller Truc (portrayed by Tang Thanh Ha).

The song Suddenly Want to Cry, the soundtrack of the series, won the award for 'Most Beloved TV Series' in 2008-2009, and it continues to be one of the most impressive soundtrack for the 80s and 90s generations.

Series: Suddenly Want to Cry
Song Title: Suddenly Want to Cry
Performed by: Minh Thu

Thousand Flowers Glasses is one of the films adapted from the works of writer Nguyen Nhat Anh. This film is imbued with humor, depicting the ups and downs of student life, mischievous and interesting antics, as well as deep and meaningful life lessons. For the audience, especially those from the 80s and 90s generations, Thousand Flowers Glasses can be considered a psychological book of student life.

Over time, the melody of Welcoming the Sunlight, the soundtrack of Thousand Flowers Glasses, continues to evoke nostalgia for the 80s and 90s generations.

Film: Thousand Flowers Glasses
Song Title: Welcoming the Sunlight
Performed by: Bich Ngan

The Great Sage (2006) is a film adapted from the novel of the same name by writer Kim Dung. The 2006 version focuses on the love story between Xiao Long Nu (portrayed by Liu Yifei) and Yang Guo (portrayed by Huynh Hieu Minh). The plot of the film remains unchanged from the original work. However, some details have been omitted, and some new elements have been added, with less emphasis on the martial world aspect but still maintaining the essence of the original. One of the highlights of The Great Sage is its outdoor scenes. Thanks to beautiful cinematography and careful execution, the film has been highly praised for its visual appeal.

And of course, for those belonging to the 80s and 90s generations, The Great Sage is a beautiful part of their childhood. For them, Unrivaled Under the Sky - the opening theme song is one of the most anticipated songs.

Film: The Great Sage
Song Title: Unrivaled Under the Sky
Performed by: Zhang Liang Yin