10 Movie Soundtracks From The 1970s That Made The Movie Better

The 70s was also known as an era for music in film. Some of the most iconic movie soundtracks ever were born during this decade, with hits like Rocky, Jaws, and Halloween becoming ingrained in pop culture. Aside from these musical scores, other groundbreaking soundtracks also left a lasting impact on movie fans. These musical pieces stood alone as exceptional works of musical art. Here are some of the most influential movie soundtracks from the 1970s.

The Godfather (1972)
Francis Ford Coppola’s The Godfather is a classic, not only because of the compelling story of a crime family but also for its moving soundtrack. Coppola brought in Italian composer Nino Rota to give the film a score. Rota didn’t disappoint and filled the movie with emotion, perfectly capturing the themes of power, family, and tragedy. Paramount executives initially had doubts about using Rota’s music. Luckily, Coppola stood firm and the soundtrack became an essential part of the movie’s success. Without Rota’s haunting melodies, it’s hard to imagine The Godfather being as iconic as it is today.

Super Fly (1972)
Blaxploitation films thrived in the 1970s, and Super Fly was one of the standouts, thanks in part to its powerful soundtrack. Curtis Mayfield, a soul legend, created a socially conscious album that matched the gritty vibe of the film. The Super Fly soundtrack is a cornerstone of 1970s music, rivaling even Shaft for its cultural impact. Mayfield’s tracks, including “Pusherman” and “Freddie’s Dead,” gave a voice to the struggles depicted in the movie and elevated the entire genre.

The Harder They Come (1973)
Sometimes a soundtrack outshines the movie itself. That’s what exactly happened with the movie The Harder They Come. This Jamaican film introduced reggae music to a broader audience, years before Bob Marley even became a global sensation. Jimmy Cliff, who also starred in the film, contributed hits like “Many Rivers to Cross” and the title track. The Maytals’ “Pressure Drop” became a reggae anthem that became an influence on many future artists. This soundtrack was a cultural moment that expanded the world’s musical taste.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show didn’t gain much attention when it first came out on the cinema screen. However, its quirky, campy appeal grew over time. By 1978, both the movie and its soundtrack had achieved cult status. Songs like “Time Warp,” “Dammit, Janet,” and “Sweet Transvestite” became beloved by fans, who still sing along at midnight showings of the film. The soundtrack stayed relevant for nearly 50 years, making it one of the most celebrated albums from a movie.

Star Wars (1977)
Few soundtracks are as instantly recognizable as Star Wars. John Williams’ grand score, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, set the tone for one of the most influential franchises in history. The powerful “Main Theme” has become synonymous with the series, playing over every opening crawl. Other tracks like “Imperial Attack” and “Cantina Band” perfectly match the scenes they accompany.

Saturday Night Fever (1977)
Disco ruled the late 1970s, and no film captured the era quite like Saturday Night Fever. With the Bee Gees delivering most of the music, the soundtrack became a massive success, selling 16 million copies. Tracks like “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever” are now synonymous with disco, and John Travolta’s iconic dance moves cemented the soundtrack’s place in pop culture. Although disco’s popularity eventually faded, the Saturday Night Fever album remains one of the most defining soundtracks of the 1970s retro vibe.

Suspiria (1977)
While disco was dominating the mainstream, progressive rock was also having a moment. The Italian band Goblin created a haunting score for Dario Argento’s horror film Suspiria. Their eerie, atmospheric music added layers of dread to the film, turning it into a terrifying experience. The band’s use of synthesizers and electronic elements helped build tension, and their work on Suspiria has since become a classic in both the horror and prog-rock genres.

Grease (1978)
The nostalgia for the 1950s was alive and well in the 1970s, and Grease was the perfect movie that tapped into that sentiment. Unlike American Graffiti, which used a mixtape of oldies, the Grease soundtrack was a collection of original songs that captured the energy of the era. Hits like “You’re the One That I Want” by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, along with Frankie Valli’s title track, made the soundtrack an instant success. Fans embraced the music, and Grease became one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time, with nearly 40 million copies sold.

Midnight Express (1978)
Italian composer Giorgio Moroder broke new ground with his electronic score for Midnight Express. His use of synthesizers was cutting-edge at the time, and it earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Score. The main theme and the track “Chase” are standout examples of Moroder’s innovative approach to music. His work on Midnight Express paved the way for future electronic soundtracks in the 1980s and beyond.

The Last Waltz (1978)
Though it was a concert film, The Last Waltz was far from ordinary. Directed by Martin Scorsese, it chronicled the final performance of The Band, a group that helped shape Americana music. The soundtrack features unforgettable performances of classics like “The Weight” and “Up on Cripple Creek,” along with collaborations with legends like Bob Dylan and Neil Young. The Last Waltz was a collection that celebrated musical artistry and a fitting farewell to one of the most influential bands of the era.