Sometimes you don’t want to focus too hard on the music that you’re listening to. These movie soundtracks provide just the right ambiance for studying, reading, or working, and they’re all conveniently available on Spotify.
10
The Social Network—Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
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Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross were once best known for their collaboration in the group Nine Inch Nails, but have since carved out arguably more impressive careers as film score composers. The Oscar-winning soundtrack for The Social Network represents some of their finest work and serves as a masterclass in ambient electro minimalism.
This haunting, meditative collection of repetitive, synthesizer-heavy tunes is perfect for keeping your mind engaged without distraction. I can imagine it working well when coding, performing focus-based tasks, or reading late at night.
9
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty—Theodore Shapiro
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Critics may have panned Ben Stiller’s 2013 remake of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, but its soundtrack was a resounding success. With its soaring orchestration on tracks like “Into the Harbor” and “Stretching Montage,” it truly captures the theme of escapism and self-discovery that underpins the whole movie.
Not counting Jose Gonzalez’s songs from the official soundtrack playlist, Theodore Shapiro’s score is both subtle and emotional. I’d recommend it as background music while brainstorming or engaging in any creative activity.
8
Pride & Prejudice—Dario Marianelli
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While I’m no great fan of costume drama, Dario Marianelli’s score for Joe Wright’s Pride & Prejudice (2005) is one of the most impressive soundtracks in recent cinema. It is timeless in its execution, with a stripped-down approach based primarily on piano and string quartet, that’s reminiscent of the parlor music of the Georgian era.
While it’s undoubtedly intricate, it is also subtle enough not to distract you while reading, writing, studying, or simply relaxing at home. This is an excellent soundtrack to listen to while letting your thoughts wander.
7
The Grand Budapest Hotel—Alexandre Desplat
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Alexandre Desplat’s whimsical and tightly arranged scores are the perfect fit for Wes Anderson’s unique style of movies, and this is no better demonstrated than with his work on The Grand Budapest Hotel. Its quirky use of balalaikas, zithers, and other European folk instruments adds to its appeal, giving it a colorful and playful aesthetic.
As a whole, the soundtrack is a dynamic mix of relaxed and upbeat tracks, which flows like a storybook. It’s well-suited to finding inspiration for creative pursuits or as a source of fuel for the imagination.
6
Amélie—Yann Tiersen
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As a self-proclaimed francophile, I was immediately drawn to the Amélie soundtrack. Yann Tiersen’s accordion-led melodies and piano-driven compositions are instantly recognizable, with an evident Parisian vibe that evokes the streets of Montmartre and the quintessential French café culture.
Tiersen’s music has an intimate quality that draws you into the movie, but which works equally well as background music. I have listened to it while working solo at my writing desk, but it would also work while simply sipping coffee on a rainy afternoon.
5
Blade Runner 2049—Hans Zimmer & Benjamin Wallfisch
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Sci-fi fans will fondly remember Vangelis’ dark and brooding score for the original Blade Runner movie. Hans Zimmer & Benjamin Wallfisch’s 2017 expansion of the universe runs with this theme, using deep, rumbling bass frequencies and heavy reverb to paint a rich cinematic soundscape.
This spacious, slow-moving, and immersive score is ideal for late-night listening. Its dystopian overtones are best suited to a low-lighting ambience and for tapping into an introspective mindset.
4
Tron: Legacy—Daft Punk
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Here, the French electronic duo Daft Punk blended their signature sound with orchestration, which turned out to be ideal for the sci-fi movie Tron: Legacy. The result is one of the most dynamic scores in recent memory, which is emotionally rich and futuristic in its execution.
Tracks like “The Grid” and “Adagio for TRON” are standouts that seamlessly blend driving electronica with sweeping cinematic pads. This type of music is great for motivation, and when engaged in high-energy tasks like designing, brainstorming, or doing household chores.
3
Arrival—Jóhann Jóhannsson
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Those seeking a more ambient and minimalist musical accompaniment will appreciate Jóhann Jóhannsson’s work on Arrival. Here, the Icelandic composer relies on vocal textures, processed sounds, and ambient drones to reflect the film’s themes of language and time.
I like this score for its contemplative and haunting undertones. It has an urgent quality that makes me feel like I’m doing something of great importance, even when I’m engaged in menial tasks, like organizing my Gmail inbox.
2
Finding Nemo—Thomas Newman
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I’m a great fan of Pixar’s work in general, but Finding Nemo is inarguably some of the studio’s best work, and Thomas Newman’s score is a large contributor to its success. The soundtrack flows like the ocean itself, with calm, fluid qualities and an occasional sense of wonder.
Newman’s blend of percussive instruments, with sweeping orchestration and ambient textures, makes the Finding Nemo score a fitting accompaniment to light work, family dinners, or when organizing tasks.
1
Gladiator—Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerrard
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The Oscar-winning score to the historical epic Gladiator is a fitting entry to close this list. Composed by Hans Zimmer with vocals by Lisa Gerrard, this soundtrack has an emotional depth that is dynamic and, at times, hauntingly beautiful.
While it has its moments of high drama, much of the album is calm and introspective. With its blend of solemn melodies and ambient flourishes, it is ideal for contemplation and reflection.
The fact that they are designed to accompany visual media makes these musical masterpieces perfect for creating ambience as a soundtrack to your lifestyle. With their seamless transitions and lack of distracting lyrics, they serve to improve focus, inspire, aid relaxation, and assist the thought process.
Best of all, they are available on Spotify. One day, I’ll get around to cherry-picking my favorite tracks from various soundtracks to create a background music playlist spanning all genres and moods, for the ultimate cinematic soundscape.
