18 Retro Movie Soundtracks from the ’90s That Are Forgotten
These 18 movie soundtracks from the 1990s had strong music but have mostly been forgotten over time.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
The 1990s were a major decade for movie soundtracks across different genres. Many albums included well-known artists and reflected the music culture of the time. While some stayed popular, these 18 have quietly faded from public attention.
1. Empire Records (1995)
Justin Higuchi on Wikimedia Commons
The Empire Records soundtrack featured bands like Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and The Cranberries. The album reflected the alternative and indie rock scene of the mid-1990s. Though the movie struggled in theaters, the music gained a following. Today, it is mostly remembered by fans of ’90s rock and cult films.
2. Judgment Night (1993)
Regime Management on Wikimedia Commons
This soundtrack was unique for its original collaborations between hip-hop and rock artists. It included pairings such as Slayer with Ice-T and Helmet with House of Pain. The album created a new style that later influenced rap rock and nu metal. Despite its innovation, it is rarely discussed today.
3. Singles (1992)
Lugnuts on Wikimedia Commons
The Singles soundtrack featured major grunge bands including Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains. It captured the sound of Seattle at the height of the genre’s popularity. The soundtrack performed well on the charts and received strong reviews. Over time, it has been overshadowed by other grunge-era albums.
4. The Crow: City of Angels (1996)
State Library of Queensland, Australia on Wikimedia Commons
This sequel soundtrack included artists like Hole, White Zombie, and Korn. It continued the dark, industrial tone of the original The Crow soundtrack. The music matched the atmosphere of the film but did not reach the same level of popularity. It is not often remembered, even among fans of the series.
5. Cool World (1992)
Javier Perez Montes on Wikimedia Commons
The Cool World soundtrack included songs by David Bowie, Moby, and My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult. It mixed electronic, rock, and dance genres. The film was poorly received, which affected the soundtrack’s visibility. However, the music shows a strong representation of early ’90s experimental styles.
6. Great Expectations (1998)
rufus on Wikimedia Commons
This album featured tracks from Tori Amos, Pulp, Scott Weiland, and Chris Cornell. It had a soft, emotional sound that reflected the romantic tone of the film. The soundtrack was well produced and fit the movie’s visual style. Today, it is rarely mentioned among notable ’90s soundtracks.
7. Tank Girl (1995)
FlickreviewR on Wikimedia Commons
The soundtrack included music by Björk, Ice-T, and L7. It had a loud, punk-influenced sound that matched the movie’s rebellious tone. Though the film was a box office failure, the music stood out for its energy and variety. It has since become a lesser-known example of ’90s alternative soundtracks.
8. The Saint (1997)
Sony Music Entertainment on Wikimedia Commons
This album featured artists such as Orbital, Daft Punk, and The Chemical Brothers. It leaned heavily into electronic and techno music. The soundtrack fit the modern spy theme of the film. Despite its strong lineup, it did not stay in the public spotlight.
9. Spawn (1997)
Megaforce Records on Wikimedia Commons
The Spawn soundtrack paired electronic artists with rock and metal bands. It included songs by Metallica with DJ Spooky and Filter with The Crystal Method. This fusion created a dark, fast-paced sound. The album was innovative but did not maintain lasting popularity.
10. Batman Forever (1995)
Flickr user Mrmatt on Wikimedia Commons
The soundtrack featured U2, Seal, The Flaming Lips, and PJ Harvey. Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose” became a major hit and won several Grammy Awards. The rest of the album had a mix of pop, rock, and alternative songs. While the hit single is still known, the full album is not often revisited.
11. The Cable Guy (1996)
Samuel Wiki on Wikimedia Commons
This soundtrack included tracks from Radiohead, Cypress Hill, and Porno for Pyros. It combined rock, hip-hop, and alternative music. The dark tone of the movie was supported by the soundtrack’s uneasy mood. Today, the album is mostly forgotten despite its solid lineup.
12. Dead Presidents (1995)
Heinrich Klaffs on Wikimedia Commons
The soundtrack used classic soul and funk songs from the 1970s. It featured James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, The Isley Brothers, and Al Green. The music reflected the time period shown in the film. Although it was well curated, the album no longer gets much attention.
13. Stealing Beauty (1996)
Black Kite on Wikimedia Commons
This soundtrack included mellow songs from Portishead, Hooverphonic, Liz Phair, and Billie Holiday. The tone of the music matched the calm, reflective mood of the film. It focused on themes of youth and emotional growth. While critically appreciated, it has since faded from public view.
14. Virtuosity (1995)
Scott Sandars on Wikimedia Commons
The soundtrack combined electronic and hip-hop tracks. It included music by Tricky, Juno Reactor, and Lords of Acid. These artists matched the film’s science fiction theme. The album did not gain much attention and remains mostly forgotten.
15. Mallrats (1995)
Hunter Kahn on Wikimedia Commons
The Mallrats soundtrack featured artists such as Weezer, Bush, and Silverchair. It reflected the style of mid-1990s alternative and punk-influenced rock. The film became a cult hit, but the soundtrack was less recognized. It is rarely mentioned in conversations about soundtracks from that era.
16. The Basketball Diaries (1995)
Dave Mitchell on Wikimedia Commons
This film about drug addiction had a dark and emotional soundtrack. It included tracks from Pearl Jam, The Cult, PJ Harvey, and Jim Carroll. The music added depth to the film’s serious themes. Though the film gained critical respect, the soundtrack has been largely overlooked.
17. Wild Things (1998)
Neal Jennings on Wikimedia Commons
The soundtrack featured jazz and trip-hop styles that matched the movie’s suspenseful mood. Artists included Esthero, Amon Tobin, and a score by George S. Clinton. The music created a cool, understated atmosphere. Despite this, the album did not maintain long-term interest.
18. Mad Love (1995)
Jason Persse on Wikimedia Commons
The soundtrack featured songs by The Sundays, Mazzy Star, and Cowboy Junkies. It had a soft, emotional tone that matched the story of young romance and mental health. The music helped support the film’s themes. It did not gain strong sales and was forgotten over time.