Top 22 Film Soundtracks from the 2000s

Following the success of compiling the greatest songs from movie soundtracks of the 1980s and 1990s, it was only natural to create a list for the 2000s. What stood out during this decade was the noticeable decline in soundtrack popularity after the turn of the century, as digital platforms enabled listeners to purchase individual tracks instead of full albums. This shift turned curated soundtracks into niche collectibles, primarily cherished by physical media enthusiasts and a few visionary directors.

Despite this trend, the 2000s still offered a wealth of exceptional soundtracks. Narrowing them down to the very best demands a discerning ear and the ability to set aside personal preferences in favor of universally beloved classics.

1. High Fidelity (2000)

Given John Cusack's history of starring in films with soundtracks packed with timeless hits, it’s no wonder he brought a stellar lineup of tracks to this movie, which he co-adapted from Nick Hornby’s novel. The story follows a Chicago record store owner, and the music reflects Cusack’s own eclectic tastes.

The film showcases Cusack’s diverse musical preferences, with characters referencing artists like Ryuichi Sakamoto and The Chemical Brothers. The soundtrack, however, is a mix of timeless gems from The Kinks, The Velvet Underground, and Love, alongside modern classics by Royal Trux, Stereolab, and The Beta Band. The latter’s track “Dry The Rain” is cleverly used to illustrate the magic of discovering an unexpected hit while browsing a record store.

2. American Psycho (2000)

Mary Harron’s adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’s American Psycho masterfully critiques toxic masculinity and consumer culture, complemented by a soundtrack that distills the best of ‘80s pop, rock, and hip-hop. Alongside John Cale’s haunting piano score, the album includes remixes of David Bowie, The Cure, and Eric B. and Rakim’s iconic “Paid in Full,” as well as one-hit wonders like Information Society’s “What’s On Your Mind (Pure Energy)” and M/A/R/R/S’s unforgettable “Pump Up The Volume.” While the soundtrack omits the murderous favorites by Huey Lewis and Whitney Houston, the included tracks are more than enough to dominate any playlist.

3. Love & Basketball (2000)

Gina Prince-Blythewood’s ode to young women who defy gender norms through sports was a cinematic triumph. Its soundtrack, however, elevated the film by capturing the journey to adulthood, blending contemporary tracks from artists like Lucy Pearl, Donell Jones, and Angie Stone with timeless classics such as Guy’s “I Like,” Roger’s “I Want To Be Your Man,” and the iconic party anthem, Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock’s “It Takes Two.”

4. The Virgin Suicides (2000)

Sofia Coppola’s debut film, adapted from Jeffrey Eugenides’s novel, exudes a dreamlike quality, enhanced by a dual release of a score by French band Air and a soundtrack filled with 1970s AM radio hits. Air’s “Playground Love” sets the tone for the wistful, melancholic mood, complemented by tracks like Todd Rundgren’s “Hello It’s Me,” The Hollies’ “The Air That I Breathe,” and Gilbert O’Sullivan’s poignant “Alone Again (Naturally).”

5. Almost Famous (2000)

Cameron Crowe, a filmmaker with an unparalleled love for music, delivers his masterpiece with Almost Famous. The soundtrack mirrors the film’s deeply personal narrative, featuring tracks like Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer,” which achieved legendary status through the movie. Crowe’s journey from Simon & Garfunkel’s “America” to Thunderclap Newman’s “Something In The Air,” interspersed with original tracks from the fictional band Stillwater, captures the essence of youthful discovery and the soundtrack of growing up.

6. Dancer in the Dark (2000)

Regardless of opinions on Lars von Trier’s minimalist storytelling, his collaboration with Björk in this unconventional musical is a masterpiece. By incorporating diegetic sounds from the film’s environments, von Trier and Björk craft a vivid, mechanical yet beautiful musical experience. Tracks like the lively “Cvalda” and the introspective “I’ve Seen It All,” featuring Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, showcase a balance of heaviness and grace. Though the film reflects a specific era in cinema, its music ensures its lasting impact.

7. O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

The Coen Brothers, already known for their versatility, achieved musical acclaim with this Depression-era semi-musical. With T-Bone Burnett at the helm, the soundtrack features covers and original songs inspired by the era, reviving gospel and Appalachian music in a way that resonated deeply with audiences. The Grammy-winning original “I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow” became a cultural touchstone, cementing the film’s place in music history.

8. Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)

Adapted from Stephen Trask and John Cameron Mitchell’s stage musical, Hedwig and the Angry Inch chronicles the tumultuous journey of Hedwig, a German rock singer (played by Mitchell), whose career is hijacked by Tommy Gnosis (Michael Pitt), her younger lover and musical partner.

While the soundtrack might seem like an easy inclusion due to its theatrical origins, much like the music in Bill Condon’s Dreamgirls, its uniqueness and Mitchell’s directorial prowess elevate it. Tracks like “The Origin Of Love” stand out as one of the most beautiful love songs of the past 20 years, with Mitchell and Trask delivering a captivating musical duel as Hedwig and Gnosis.

9. Josie and the Pussycats (2001)

Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont’s big-screen adaptation of the Archie comic and Hanna-Barbera series struggled at the box office but eventually gained a cult following. The soundtrack, featuring contributions from pop and punk icons like Babyface, Letters From Cleo, and Matthew Sweet, perfectly captured the fictional band’s vibe and mirrored the mall-punk sound that dominated the era.

10. Moulin Rouge! (2001)

While Brian Helgeland’s A Knight’s Tale came close to being the decade’s postmodern masterpiece with its use of modern jock jams in a Medieval setting, Baz Luhrmann’s Parisian-set jukebox musical stole the spotlight. The film follows a young poet (Ewan McGregor) who falls for a cabaret actress (Nicole Kidman). Luhrmann spent over two years securing song rights, ultimately turning classics like Nat King Cole’s “Nature Boy” and Labelle’s “Lady Marmalade” into modern pop anthems.

11. The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Selecting a single Wes Anderson soundtrack to define his style is nearly impossible, but The Royal Tenenbaums stands out as a bridge between his indie beginnings and mainstream success. The film’s use of Nico and Nick Drake aligns with their resurgence in popularity, while Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmas Is Here” adds a melancholic yet tender touch to the story. Anderson’s ability to blend music with his quirky, heartfelt narratives leaves audiences deeply moved.

12. About A Boy (2002)

This Nick Hornby adaptation, directed by Chris and Paul Weitz (American Pie), features a score by Badly Drawn Boy, marking a pivotal moment for indie artists transitioning into film. Damon Gough’s work, including standout tracks like “Something To Talk About” and “Silent Sigh,” captures the film’s bittersweet yet hopeful tone. The music underscores the coming-of-age journey of both Nicholas Hoult’s character and Hugh Grant’s reluctant mentor.

13. Brown Sugar (2002)

Rick Famuyiwa’s second film, following 1999's The Wood, features a soundtrack that perfectly encapsulates the unique sound of rap and R&B in 2002. Mos Def, who stars in the film, delivers memorable lyrical performances, while Erykah Badu’s “Love Of My Life (An Ode To Hip Hop)” stands as a timeless homage to the genre. Contributions from The Roots and Mary J. Blige further solidify the soundtrack’s place as a memorable celebration of hip-hop culture.

14. 8 Mile (2002)

Eminem’s semi-autobiographical film 8 Mile not only marked his acting debut but also became a defining moment in his music career. The iconic track “Lose Yourself” captures his relentless drive to succeed, earning him an Oscar. The soundtrack also highlights members of his group D12 and features guest appearances from artists like Xzibit, Nas, Rakim, Gang Starr, and 50 Cent, who later starred in his own biopic, Get Rich or Die Tryin'.

15. City Of God (2002)

Often compared to a Brazilian Goodfellas, Fernando Meirelles’s groundbreaking film radiates the vibrant energy of São Paulo, complemented by a score from Antonio Pinto and Ed Cortes that vividly captures its setting. The soundtrack, featuring artists like Azimuth, Hyldon, and Raul Seixas, immerses viewers in the era between the 1960s and 1980s, as characters chase their criminal dreams. This musical backdrop not only enriches the narrative but also introduces global audiences to the richness of Brazilian music.

16. Bad Boys II (2003)

Executive-produced by P. Diddy, the Bad Boys II soundtrack boasts contributions from some of the biggest names in music, past and present. Tracks like “Show Me Your Soul,” featuring Diddy, Pharrell, Lenny Kravitz, and Loon, and Jay-Z’s “La-La-La,” both produced by the Neptunes, highlight the album’s star power. Nelly’s “Shake Ya Tailfeather,” Beyoncé’s “Keep Giving Your Love To Me,” and Justin Timberlake’s “Love Don’t Love Me” further cement the soundtrack’s legacy, alongside the collaboration between Notorious B.I.G. and 50 Cent on “Realest N*ggas.”

17. Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Edgar Wright’s meticulous approach to music mirrors that of Quentin Tarantino and Wes Anderson, as seen in the Shaun of the Dead soundtrack. A seamless mix of original compositions and curated classics, the album showcases Wright’s creative genius. Pairing Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now” with Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel’s “White Lines (Don’t Do It)” and blending Goblin’s “Zombi” from Dawn of the Dead with Zombie Nation’s “Kenrkraft 400” demonstrates his unparalleled flair. Tracks like Lemon Jelly’s “Soft” provide moments of calm, perfectly aligning with Wright’s expert control of pacing and tone.

18. Garden State (2004)

Zach Braff’s directorial debut, often remembered as a charming yet occasionally overly sentimental rom-com, left a lasting impact with its soundtrack. Featuring tracks from Coldplay, The Shins, Zero 7, Remy Zero, and Thievery Corporation, the album captured the essence of mid-2000s rock. As the music industry fragmented into subgenres and streaming platforms, this soundtrack became a nostalgic snapshot of a fading musical monoculture.

19. Grindhouse (2007)

Quentin Tarantino, much like Wes Anderson, is known for his impeccable musical choices. In Death Proof, his segment of Grindhouse, he strikes a perfect balance between soundtrack and score. From Jack Nitzsche’s “The Last Race” to T. Rex’s “Jeepster” and the rediscovered gem “Hold Tight” by Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, Tarantino’s selections are so masterfully integrated that they become inseparable from the film’s most iconic moments.

20. Once (2007)

Once captivated audiences with its heartfelt romance and enchanting music. Directed by John Carney, the film tells the story of a Dublin busker (Glen Hansard) who forms a deep connection with a young woman (Markéta Irglová), leading to a collaboration that produces stunning music. The film not only introduced Hansard, lead singer of The Frames, to a global audience but also captured the real-life chemistry between the co-stars. Their song “Falling Slowly” became the emotional centerpiece of the film and earned them an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

21. I’m Not There (2007)

Todd Haynes’s unconventional biopic of Bob Dylan features a star-studded lineup of artists reinterpreting Dylan’s iconic songs. Eddie Vedder’s take on “All Along The Watchtower,” Karen O’s rendition of “Highway 61 Revisited,” and Jeff Tweedy’s version of “Simple Twist of Fate” are just a few highlights from the first disc. The second disc includes Charlotte Gainsbourg’s haunting “Just Like A Woman” and Antony & The Johnsons’ soulful “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.” This soundtrack is a fresh and captivating reimagining of Dylan’s greatest hits.

22. Bronson (2009)

Nicolas Winding Refn’s stylized portrayal of British criminal Michael Peterson, brought to life by Tom Hardy, is complemented by a soundtrack as bold and eclectic as the film itself. The Walker Brothers’ “The Electrician” sets an eerie, romantic tone, while tracks by Pet Shop Boys and New Order reflect the film’s restless energy. Refn’s use of opera and classical music adds emotional depth, with Glass Candy’s “Digital Versicolor” anchoring the film firmly in the modern era.