Looking Back at the Best Sports Movie Soundtracks of All Time
Great writing, impressive camera work, and quality acting are essential elements of an amazing movie experience. But the soundtrack is just as important, as music can communicate what the characters are thinking and feeling on a deeper level.
This is especially true when it comes to sports movie soundtracks, many of which have gone on to claim a place in history and the public consciousness well after a movie has been released. Music in sports movies serves numerous purposes, from highlighting victories to underlining the hard work necessary for the main character to achieve their goals.
The following are some of the most iconic sports movie soundtracks, and what makes them so effective at moving audiences.
Chariots of Fire
The soundtrack for the 1981 film Chariots of Fire is so notable that it has eclipsed the movie itself in terms of recognition. The film recounts the story of two runners from different backgrounds as they both pursue victory during the 1924 Olympics. In particular, the main theme perfectly illustrates the hard work, determination, and sacrifice it takes to become an elite athlete. It also communicates the thrill of winning when up against unbelievable odds.
The Karate Kid
For any person who’s been the new kid in town, The Karate Kiddefinitely resonates. New Jersey transplant Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) finds himself at odds with a martial arts gang in his new hometown of Los Angeles. What follows is Daniel’s tutelage in the arts thanks to the wise old teacher Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita). The film culminates in a martial arts tournament, which features the rousing number ‘You’re the Best Around’, which accompanies Daniel as he trounces the competition.
The Natural
A favorite of dads everywhere, The Natural tells the tale of Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford), a baseball player past his prime and struggling against adversity. The film is steeped in epic love and respect for the sport of baseball, which is reflected in its soundtrack. The score that plays over the film’s final moments is particularly sublime, as Hobbs slams a homerun right into the stadium lights to win the game.
Rocky
It’s hard to find a more iconic soundtrack than Rocky when it comes to sports movies. Written by and starring Sylvester Stallone, this 1976 classic practically invented the genre as it’s known today. While the movie contains many memorable musical moments, the ‘Gonna Fly Now’ training montage is a soaring and inspirational homage to underdogs everywhere. The Rocky franchise also includes many other notable tracks, such as ‘Eye of the Tiger’ and ‘Heart’s on Fire’.
As a content creator, you must have a solid selection of sports production music to ensure your videos resonate with your target audience. With an extensive catalog spanning many genres, Universal Production Musicis a content creator’s best option when scoring videos.
We carefully curate selections on your behalf to ensure you can find what you need easily, with categories like action, comedy, drama, and more. We also pre-clear our selections for easy licensing, which means you simply choose the best tracks and export them to your content. Please contact us today for more information or to begin selecting music for your next project.