There’s a moment in every unforgettable film or series when music becomes more than background — it becomes the heartbeat. Whether it’s the haunting strings of Stranger Things, the perfectly timed needle drops in Euphoria, or the timeless magic of The Lion King, the soundtrack doesn’t just accompany the visuals it defines them.
In today’s golden age of streaming, soundtracks are storytelling tools, emotional triggers, and cultural markers all in one. Let’s break down how music is shaping and sometimes stealing the spotlight in film and TV.
Music as Storyteller
Long before dialogue hits, music sets the emotional tone. Think about how Hans Zimmer’s score builds tension in Dune, or how Labrinth’s genre-bending production in Euphoria practically becomes a character of its own. Music provides subtext, enhances mood, and foreshadows moments before they unfold.
In Stranger Things, Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” wasn’t just a song — it was a lifeline for Max, and a metaphor for trauma, escape, and memory. It’s a prime example of how one track, placed just right, can resurrect a decades-old hit and drive emotional stakes sky-high.
Soundtracks as Cultural Force
In recent years, shows like Insecure, Atlanta, and Queen Charlotte have used music not just for mood, but for cultural curation. These soundtracks blend contemporary artists with classics, helping define a cultural identity. They’re not just playlists — they’re statements.
Music supervisors (like Insecure’s Kier Lehman or Euphoria’s Jen Malone) are the unsung heroes here. Their taste can shape the vibe of an entire show, spotlight emerging artists, and even spark viral moments.
From Soundtrack to Stardom
Film and TV are launching pads for music careers. After Twilight, Paramore gained new fans. After The O.C., indie rock exploded. And after Barbie, artists like Billie Eilish, Tame Impala, and Ice Spice reached audiences beyond their usual fanbases — all thanks to savvy soundtrack placement.
Even legacy tracks are finding second lives. Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” soared up the charts after a viral TikTok and TV syncs. The result? A music-television feedback loop where soundtracks and scenes elevate each other.
Soundtrack Albums Are Back
We’re in the midst of a soundtrack renaissance. Films like Black Panther, Barbie, and Into the Spider-Verse dropped curated albums that feel more like star-studded compilations than traditional scores. These albums aren’t afterthoughts — they’re experiences, sometimes chart-toppers in their own right.
Artists love it too. It’s a way to blend visual and sonic art. Think Kendrick Lamar curating Black Panther: The Album, or Mark Ronson overseeing Barbie: The Album with a pink-soaked palette of sound.
Streaming, Syncs & the New Music Economy
Streaming shows have made sync licensing a booming business. With more shows, more content, and more demand for vibe-setting music, artists (especially indie and unsigned) are earning major exposure — and income — through sync placements.
For many musicians, a Netflix feature is the new radio play. It introduces their song to millions — in a powerful emotional context — with the potential to go viral.
Final Scene
In a world where content is king, music is its crown. It elevates good scenes to iconic ones. It brings tears, chills, and sometimes even dance breaks. Whether it’s a classic orchestral score or a Gen Z alt-pop drop, the marriage of music and screen is deeper than ever — and it’s changing the way we discover, consume, and connect with both art forms.
So next time you catch yourself Shazaming a track mid-scene or rewinding just to feel the beat drop again, know this: the soundtrack did its job.
What’s the most unforgettable use of music in a movie or show you’ve seen? Drop your take using #HashtagMusic — we’re all ears.
