5 of the Best Soundtracks From 2000s Movies

The 2000s, particularly in the early years, was a great time for film. And likewise, it was a great time for soundtracks. Many of the best films from that era boast soundtracks that reflected both the musical trends at the time, as well as the subject matter of the films. It was impressive, to say the least. Without further ado, let’s dive into five of the best soundtracks from 2000s movies! This list might just give you a healthy dose of nostalgia.

1. ‘Queen Of The Damned’ (2002)

Released during nu-metal’s heyday, the soundtrack to the vampire flick Queen Of The Damned featured a number of alt-rock and nu-metal hits. It was produced by Jonathan Davis of Korn, so it makes sense why the soundtrack played out the way it did. The motion picture album features Linkin Park, Disturbed, Deftones, Papa Roach, and more.

2. ‘American Psycho’ (2000)

The Mary Harron-directed adaptation of the well-known book American Psycho is a legendary piece of work that is still revered (though often critically misunderstood) today. It painted a picture of 1980s excess in a way that hadn’t been done before, and its soundtrack lent a hand in that particular type of ambiance. 

John Cale’s score was gorgeous. The soundtrack also featured everything from New Order to The Cure to M/A/R/R/S to David Bowie. The famed scene that features Huey Lewis didn’t make it to the official soundtrack, but we’d still say this is one of the best film soundtracks from the 2000s.

3. ‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ (2000)

This loveable 2000 film wasn’t quite a musical, but music played an important part. O Brother, Where Art Thou?’s soundtrack ended up being quite brilliant. T-Bone Burnett created an excellent collection of songs that included both iconic covers and tracks that were inspired by real-life famous counterparts. The film’s most famous song “I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow” even nabbed a Grammy.

4. ‘8 Mile’ (2002)

Some say 8 Mile was self-indulgent, while others hailed it for depicting the rags-to-riches story inspired by Eminem quite beautifully. Regardless, this film was all anyone was talking about in 2002. Naturally, the Eminem-led soundtrack is similarly stellar. The soundtrack features a laundry list of apt guest performances from the likes of Xzibit, Gang Starr, 50 Cent, Nas, and a few other 2000s hip-hop icons.

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5. ‘I’m Not There’ (2007)

It only makes sense that a surreal biopic about Bob Dylan would have an iconic soundtrack. The 2007 film’s musical background featured excellent and unusual covers that just seemed to work. Eddie Vedder covers “All Along The Watchtower”, Charlotte Gainsbourg sings “Just Like A Woman”, and Antony & The Johnsons tenderly cover “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”. Even if a film wasn’t involved, it would be a great album.

Photo by Getty Images

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