When it comes to iconic movie music, there are a few soundtracks that stand out as not just complementing the film, but practically defining it. We’re talking about the kinds of soundtracks that became so popular, they took on a life of their own outside the theater.

Take Guardians of the Galaxy for example. Who doesn’t immediately think of Star-Lord dancing to “Come and Get Your Love” when they think of that movie? Its 70s and 80s music selections gave the film a distinct tone and also led to the soundtracks selling by the millions. You can’t hear “Hooked on a Feeling” now without picturing Chris Pratt picking a fight with a prison guard over his precious Walkman.

Then there’s the soundtrack from Dirty Dancing. Put on “The Time of My Life” and you’re immediately transported to that climactic dance scene. Or “Hungry Eyes” – suddenly Patrick Swayze’s blatant annoyance over Jennifer Grey’s constant laughter flash before you. The music and movie became forever intrinsically linked in pop culture.

Other classic soundtrack examples that truly left their mark include Cocktail with hits like “Kokomo,” Beaches and “Wind Beneath My Wings,” and The Big Chill bringing Motown classics to a new generation. Their selections encapsulate the feeling of the movies themselves.

I feel like I’d be remiss if I left out a couple of my personal favorites. Sleepless in Seattle had a fantastic soundtrack that blended classic standards like “Stardust” and “As Time Goes By” with the modern cover of “When I Fall in Love” by Celine Dion and Clive Griffin. And the soundtracks from the first two Shrek movies are near perfection, in my opinion.

So what are some of your favorite movie music moments that became permanently attached to films? Which soundtracks do you think defined entire cultural eras? Let’s chat about the movie magic created when visuals and music come together absolutely perfectly. The floor is yours!

Feature Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán