Sing along, relive your younger years, or simply enjoy some wonderful music.

Summer often means travel, and for many of us that means hours in the car. If you’re looking for something beyond the same old playlists or podcasts, consider putting on a favorite—and maybe long-forgotten—movie soundtrack. We posted the original movie soundtrack article in 2023, but there were SO many more excellent soundtracks that I didn’t have room for, I decided to write a sequel.

It’s even more fun if you’re traveling with kids. By the time you’ve reached your destination, you’ll probably know every word to “Let It Go” from Frozen or “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from Toy Story.

Here are the ones that rose to the top in my research and personal preferences. This list brings back fun memories.  There are still many more great soundtracks that I didn’t have room to include, and I didn’t want to overwhelm you!  I can’t wait to start listening.

Movie Soundtracks Worth Adding to Your Summer Playlists:

Some of the Greats:

• American Graffiti – “Rock Around the Clock”, “Runaway”, 41 original tracks that all became hits!
• Pulp Fiction – One of the coolest collections of songs ever assembled for a movie.
• Pirate Radio — Pirate Radio is packed with 1960s rock, pop, and soul hits.  “Wouldn’t it be nice” Beach Boys, “All Day and All of the Night”, The Kinks, and much more. It’s also a wonderful PG13 story with Bill Nighy.
• Notting Hill –– a mix of romantic pop, R&B, and classic soul songs. The album is filled with love songs that match the tone of the film.
• Good Morning, Vietnam! –Great nostalgic 1960s rock, soul, and pop hits with Robin Williams’ hilarious, manic on-air radio broadcasts.

Road Trips With All Ages:

• The Lion King – Music by Elton John.  “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.”
• Frozen –Especially “Let It Go.”
• Toy Story – Especially Randy Newman’s “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”
• Moana – “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome”.
• Encanto – “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”
• Beauty and the Beast –“Be Our Guest”, won multiple Academy Awards.
• The Little Mermaid – “Under the Sea”, won Grammys and Academy Awards, blends Broadway show tunes with calypso beats.
• Aladdin — One of Disney’s most energetic and theatrical soundtracks.
• The Greatest Showman (not Disney, but definitely worth the download)
• HELP! The Beatles, always fun.

For Instrumental Music Lovers

These are perfect if you want music that enhances the drive without encouraging everyone to sing over it.

• Star Wars – John Williams’ unforgettable themes.
• The Lord of the Rings – Howard Shore’s sweeping orchestral score.
• Jurassic Park – Majestic and uplifting.
• Interstellar – Hans Zimmer’s powerful, modern masterpiece.
• Schindler’s List – Beautiful, emotional, and timeless.

• Up — “Married Life” is the most popular. The opening ‘orchestral’ (telling the story without words) tracks are considered some of the most ‘emotionally efficient’ pieces of film music ever written.

For Something Different

• Guardians of the Galaxy – Seventies pop and rock hits that everyone seems to know.
• Coco – Rich with Mexican musical traditions and heart.
• Tarzan – Phil Collins wrote these songs that became classics.

Soundtracks That Hold Their Own as Albums

• Purple Rain
• Saturday Night Fever
• O Brother, Where Art Thou?
• Pulp Fiction
• Almost Famous
• Pirate Radio
• Guardians of the Galaxy

Whether your destination is across town or across the country, the right soundtrack can make the drive feel a little shorter and a lot more memorable.

If you are wondering why some of the best movie soundtracks aren’t listed here, check out our original article on the topic, you will find them here!

The post More of The Best Movie Soundtracks – For Your Summer Road Trip appeared first on Sharp Eye.