Soundtracks are arguably the most underrated aspect to a film. These 11 films use both classic and original tracks to guide their characters and help story lines. Whether you watch a movie for the first time or for the third time, there’s a lot to learn from the highlighted songs embedded in these movies.

1.  “Palo Alto”

Via: Tribeca films

Standout Track: “You’re Not Good Enough” by “Blood Orange”  

“You’re Not Good Enough” oozes with the angst that all of James Franco’s characters carry throughout the film. The album’s somber beats and indie techno touches describe the aimless and party lifestyle of modern teens to a tee.

2.   “Reservoir Dogs:”

Via: Miramax

Standout Track: “Stuck In The Middle With You” by “Stealers Wheel”

This groovy 1970s song plays on the warehouse radio during the only torture scene within the film; making Michael Madsen’s dancing that much more disturbing. While Quentin Tarantino is the messiah of Hollywood violence, he pushes the brutality further by playing this oddly happy and sentimental song. Even with his debut film, he masterfully emphasizes his signature scenes without darkening them too much.   

3. “Ghost World:”

Via: imdb.com

Standout Track: “Jaan Pehchan Ho” by Mohammed Rafi

This Indian dance hit from 1965 opens the dark comedy with an offbeat kind of fun that sticks throughout the entire film. The old rock ‘n’ roll and blues tracks work surprisingly well with the coming of age tale, highlighting the character’s oddities.

4. “Guardians of the Galaxy:”

Via: marvel.com

Standout Track: “Come And Get Your Love” by Redbone

Thanks to this sci-fi blockbuster, young generations know and love great 70s hits from bands like “10cc,” “Blue Swede,” and “The Jackson Five.” The music department for “Guardians of the Galaxy” hit a home run choosing songs that kids can experience for the first time and adults can reminisce about. The nostalgic songs trickled throughout the film also add more zest and creativity to the recycled space adventure story line.

5. “Donnie Darko:”

Via: imdb.com

Standout Track: “Mad World” by Gary Jules

While this psychological drama features an array of moody british bands from the 80s like “Joy Division,” “The Church” and “Echo And The Bunnymen,” Gary Jules rendition of “Mad World” goes beyond sullen. Thanks to its haunting message and pivotal placement at the end of the film, this single is an automatic classic.

6. “Goodwill Hunting:”

Via: Miramax

Standout Track: “Say Yes” by Elliott Smith

At several points within the Oscar winning film, Elliot Smith sings what Will Hunting, Matt Damon’s character cannot say. The chronically sad Smith accompanies Hunting throughout the film evoking what lies beneath his stubborn exterior. Other songs like “Fisherman Blues” by “The Waterboys” remind us that while Hunting has a tough journey, he’s not always stuck in his old ways.

7. “Clueless:”

Via: imdb.com

 Standout Track: “Alright” by “Supergrass”

Played during one of the many montages within the 1995 teen classic, “Alright” is the perfect coming-of-age song for Cher, the heroine in “Clueless” and all her friends. Featuring the obscure 90s cover of “Video Killed the Radio Star” by “The Presidents of the United States” and “Rollin’ With The Homies,” by Coolio,  the “Clueless’” soundtrack shows us that the 90s was the best time to be a teenager.

8. “500 Days of Summer:”

Via: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Standout Track: “There is a Light That Never Goes Out” by “The Smiths”

Once Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt share the lyrics from “The Smiths’” desperate love song within the elevator, you know their relationship is ill-fated. The soundtrack follows their up and downs with songs like “You Make My Dreams” by “Hall & Oates” and “Simon and Garfunkel’s” “Bookends.” While their relationships ends unfortunately, with the help from the soundtrack we are reminded that there is always hope for love.

9. “Submarine:”

Via: Dimension Films

Standout Track: “Stuck On the Puzzle” by Alex Turner

Another quirky coming-of-age tale, “Submarine,” features five original songs from “Arctic Monkey’s” Alex Turner. The songs follow Oliver’s relationship struggles from his new girlfriend to his unhappy parents, with beautiful ease. Turner’s acoustic songs like “Piledriver Waltz” and “Glass in the Park” are solemn but capture young Oliver’s blossoming emotional maturity.

10. “The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou:”

Via: imdb.com

Standout Track: “Queen Bitch” by David Bowie

Master of film music, Wes Anderson, chose David Bowie’s songs and Portuguese Bowie covers sung by Seu Jorge to chronicle his 2004 film. The comedic drama starring Bill Murray has a soundtrack that is as quirky as Anderson himself. Jorge’s beachy renditions add to the oceanic theme, but it’s Bowie’s “Queen Bitch” at the end of the film that signifies Zissou’s cool attitude and newfound victory.  

11. “Juno:”

Via: Fox Searchlight Pictures

Standout Track: “Anyone Else But You” by “The Moldy Peaches”

The array of indie music spanning from the 1960s through the 2000s featured in “Juno” help this low-budget film soar. The sweet and honest songs are the core of “Juno’s” message. With “Anyone Else But You” playing during the birth of Juno’s baby we are reminded how absurd but happy life often is.