The 10 most underrated movie soundtracks of the 1980s
The article argues that several 1980s film soundtracks deserve renewed attention, despite being overshadowed by better-known hits. It points to how the decade made movie music a popular genre, with songs and scores helping films leave a mark on popular culture.
Among the examples discussed are *Popeye*, whose Harry Nilsson songs outlasted the film’s short theatrical run, and *American Pop*, which uses music by Bob Dylan, The Doors and others to trace an immigrant family’s story. It also highlights the comic musical number “The Inquisition” from *A History of the World: Part 1* and Clint Eastwood’s musical work on *Honkytonk Man*. The supplied article text ends mid-sentence, so it does not include the full list of ten.
- Some overlooked 1980s film soundtracks have endured better than their films.
- *Popeye* features original songs by Harry Nilsson.
- *American Pop* links popular music to a family’s history.
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In the 1980s, film soundtracks became popular in their own right, combining songs and instrumental music with cinema. Well-known soundtrack hits often get the attention, while music from less celebrated films can be overlooked.
A soundtrack may use songs by existing artists, new music written for a film, or both. For example, *American Pop* uses music by Bob Dylan and The Doors to follow an immigrant family across generations, while *Popeye* features songs written by Harry Nilsson.
These soundtracks connect films with the music and popular culture of their time. Looking back at lesser-known examples can show how music helped shape a film’s tone and how audiences remembered it.