Music

Most influential soundtracks in the history of animated cinema

Explore the soundtrack albums that have left an indelible mark on animated cinema. Discover the scores and songs that not only visually complemented films but also became cultural phenomena in their own right. From Disney classics to modern hits, this selection highlights the music that defined generations of viewers and elevated the art of animation. Delve into the impact of these compositions, which extend beyond the screen, influencing popular culture and the music industry.

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  1. 1

    Soul (2020)

    283 Global Votes
    • First time Reznor and Ross composed for animated film

      (+4)

    Praised for its incredible soundtrack that combines jazz with electronic elements, exploring deep themes of life and purpose. Its innovative approach to jazz music and its integration into the narrative make it a contemporary masterpiece.

  2. 2

    Up (2009)

    162 Global Votes
    • Outstanding and timeless music

      (+4)

    It won the Oscar for Best Original Score, notable for its ability to evoke deep emotions and tell a story without words in its opening minutes. It is a masterful example of how music can be another character in the film, with an unforgettable main theme.

  3. 3

    Coco (2017)

    93 Global Votes
    • Features textured mariachi sound

      (+4)

    Coco's soundtrack won the Oscar for Best Original Song for 'Remember Me (Recuérdame)' and had a significant musical impact, celebrating Mexican culture. Its music is fundamental to the film's identity, merging elements of classical music, jazz, and rock.

  4. 4

    Encanto (2021)

    30 Global Votes
    • First movie soundtrack to hit No. 1 since 2019

      (+4)

    It had a significant musical impact, with 'We Don't Talk About Bruno' topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five consecutive weeks, a record for an original song from a Disney animated film. Its commercial success and the popularity of its songs solidify it as one of the most influential soundtracks of the recent decade.

  5. 5

    Tarzan (1999)

    27 Global Votes
    • Enhances emotional resonance without interrupting pacing

      (+4)

    Phil Collins' songs, such as 'Two Worlds' and 'You'll Be In My Heart,' are considered classics and were a huge part of many people's childhoods. The soundtrack is distinctive for its pop-rock style, which perfectly integrated with the film's action and emotion.

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  7. 6

    The Boy and the Heron (2023)

    14 Global Votes
    • Features a 37-track musical score

      (+4)

    Joe Hisaishi's score, a frequent collaborator of Hayao Miyazaki, is legendary and feels like a reflection on his cinematic journey. Hisaishi is an iconic composer in Japanese animation, and his work in this film continues his legacy of creating evocative and timeless soundtracks.

  8. 7

    KPop Demon Hunters (2026)

    13 Global Votes
    • Features venomous lyrics as a battle cry

      (+4)

    Music is the 'narrative engine' of this Netflix film, combining action, fantasy, and Korean pop culture, with a rock, percussion, and electronic layers foundation. It is a current example of how animation integrates modern musical genres like K-pop and rock to create an immersive and culturally relevant experience.

  9. 8

    Wolfwalkers (2020)

    5 Global Votes
    • Features original score by Bruno Coulais

      (+4)

    The score by Bruno Coulais and the band Kíla is described as 'timeless' and transports the viewer to the heart of the forest with its mysticism and mystery. It demonstrates the ability of independent animation to create high-quality soundtracks with deep cultural roots.

  10. 9

    Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

    0 Global Votes
    • First commercially issued feature film soundtrack

      (+4)

    This soundtrack is fundamental for being a pioneer in integrating songs into animated narrative, establishing a model that future Disney musicals would follow. Its influence laid the groundwork for the genre and demonstrated the power of music to advance the plot and develop characters.

  11. 10

    Pinocchio (1940)

    0 Global Votes
    • Won two Academy Awards for Best Original Music Score

      (+2)

    Pinocchio's soundtrack is iconic for including 'When You Wish Upon a Star,' which became Disney's theme song, symbolizing magic and dreams. It was the first Disney film to win an Oscar for Best Original Score, consolidating its legacy.

  12. 11

    The Little Mermaid (1989)

    0 Global Votes
    • Pushed Disney animation into new territory

      (+4)

    This soundtrack, composed by Alan Menken, marked the beginning of the 'Disney Renaissance' with vibrant and catchy songs like 'Under the Sea,' which won an Oscar. It revitalized the animated musical genre and demonstrated music's ability to drive narrative and emotion.

  13. 12

    Aladdin (1992)

    0 Global Votes
    • Opened up a new world for Disney in the 90s

      (+3)

    With songs like 'A Whole New World,' an Oscar winner, Aladdin's soundtrack is known for its sublime lyrics and its ability to transport the viewer to a fantasy world. It remains one of Disney's most beloved and recognizable, with themes that endure in collective memory.

  14. 13

    The Lion King (1994)

    0 Global Votes
    • Features songs by Elton John and Tim Rice

      (+4)

    Considered one of the highest-grossing and most acclaimed soundtracks, with themes like 'Circle of Life' and 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' becoming instant classics. Its cultural and emotional impact is undeniable, raising the standard for music in animation.

  15. 14

    The Prince of Egypt (1998)

    0 Global Votes
    • Soundtrack is grand and beautiful

      (+4)

    This soundtrack, featuring Stephen Schwartz and Hans Zimmer, is a powerful alternative to Disney's, demonstrating that animation can address serious themes with a grand and emotional score. Often overlooked, its musical depth complements an epic narrative.

  16. 15

    The Iron Giant (1999)

    0 Global Votes
    • Features an original score composed by Michael Kamen

      (+4)

    Michael Kamen's emotional music elevated this story of friendship and sacrifice, with a warm, melancholic, and heroic orchestra that turned the film into a cult classic. Its musical impact continues to grow, combining childlike sensitivity with adult drama.

  17. 16

    The Incredibles (2004)

    0 Global Votes
    • Influenced by '50s and '60s thriller and spy soundtracks

      (+4)

    Michael Giacchino's jazz-influenced soundtrack brought a fresh and sophisticated sound to animated cinema. It demonstrated music's versatility for action and superhero genres in animation, being praised for its originality.

  18. 17

    Turning Red (2022)

    0 Global Votes
    • Features songs by Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell

      (+4)

    It features for the first time a fictional boy band, '4*Town,' with catchy 2000s-inspired melodies, composed by Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell. It reflects contemporary musical trends and the integration of popular artists into animated soundtracks, connecting with a young audience.

  19. 18

    Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

    0 Global Votes
    • Groundbreaking achievement in music and animation

      (+4)

    Included among the most influential recent animated soundtracks, known for its innovative style and its ability to thrill the viewer. Its music is a crucial component of its visual and narrative identity, setting a new standard for animated superhero films.

  20. 19

    DAVID (2026)

    0 Global Votes
    • Celebration of music and artists

      (+4)

    Described as a top-tier animated musical with very good songs, and praised for its biblical fidelity and artistic richness. It represents a recent animated musical production that seeks significant impact in both its narrative and its music, standing out in the current landscape.