Top 13 Best Movie Songs of 2021: The Ultimate Soundtrack Playlist

1. We Don't Talk About Bruno (2021)

Catchy Rhythm: "We Don't Talk About Bruno" boasts a relentlessly catchy rhythm that's impossible not to tap your feet to, making it a perfect addition to any 2021 movie soundtrack playlist.

Ensemble Vocals: The song's strength lies in its incredible ensemble cast, each voice adding a unique layer to the compelling narrative and creating a truly memorable listening experience.

Cultural Impact: Its viral success solidified its place as a defining pop culture moment of 2021, highlighting its infectious nature and undeniable appeal.

2. Surface Pressure

Vocal Performance: Jessica Darrow's powerhouse vocals in "Surface Pressure" are a standout element of this 2021 animated film, delivering raw emotion and impressive range.

Musical Style: The song masterfully blends Latin rhythms with a contemporary pop sensibility, creating a unique and memorable soundscape perfectly suited to the film's vibrant setting.

Cultural Impact: "Surface Pressure" quickly became a viral sensation, showcasing the power of a well-crafted song within a popular film to transcend the movie itself and resonate with a broad audience.

3. The Family Madrigal (Stephanie Beatriz ft Encanto - Cast ft Olga Merediz)

Upbeat and Infectious Melody: "The Family Madrigal" boasts a relentlessly cheerful melody that perfectly captures the vibrant energy of the Madrigal family and the film itself.

Dynamic Vocals: Stephanie Beatriz delivers a powerhouse performance, showcasing the song's emotional depth and range, complemented beautifully by the Encanto cast.

Cultural Impact: Its catchy tune and celebration of family made it a viral sensation in 2021, solidifying its place as a memorable soundtrack highlight.

4. No Time To Die

Sound: Billie Eilish's signature blend of haunting vocals and sparse, atmospheric production creates a chillingly beautiful soundscape perfectly suited to the film's dramatic tension.

Emotional Impact: The song's melancholic melody and lyrics evoke a sense of loss and impending doom, mirroring the emotional arc of the film and sticking with the listener long after the credits roll.

Pop Culture Moment: "No Time To Die" became an instant classic, garnering critical acclaim and widespread popularity, cementing its place as a defining song of 2021 cinema.

5. The King’s Affirmation

Sound: "The King's Affirmation" boasts a powerful, driving beat that perfectly captures the cinematic energy of 2021, making it ideal for those epic movie moments.

Vocals: Iniko's commanding vocals deliver a performance full of raw emotion and intensity, leaving a lasting impact.

Emotional Impact: The song's triumphant melody and soaring chorus create a feeling of hope and resilience, reflecting the themes often found in successful 2021 films.

6. My Mind & Me (2022)

Sound: "My Mind & Me" features a mellow, introspective soundscape perfectly complementing the film's emotional journey, utilizing a blend of acoustic and electronic elements that creates an intimate listening experience.

Vocals: Selena Gomez's vulnerable and emotive vocals are a highlight, conveying the raw emotion and personal struggles explored in the movie.

Emotional Impact: The song's poignant lyrics and melancholic melody resonate deeply, capturing the bittersweet reflections on self-discovery and mental health prevalent in the film's narrative, making it a memorable addition to the soundtrack.

7. Dune Soundtrack - 2025

Sound Design: Hans Zimmer's score for Dune masterfully blends orchestral swells with unsettling electronic textures, creating a soundscape that perfectly complements the film's epic scale and otherworldly atmosphere. This is particularly effective in moments of tension and vastness.

Emotional Impact: The music evokes a powerful sense of both wonder and dread, mirroring the complex emotional journey of the film's protagonist. Zimmer's use of silence and subtle shifts in dynamics adds a layer of suspense and mystery, making the music truly memorable.

Cultural Significance: Released in 2021, the Dune soundtrack quickly gained recognition as a significant achievement in film scoring, demonstrating Zimmer's continued innovation and influence on the genre. Its unique blend of styles resonated with audiences and critics alike, solidifying its place in the year's best movie soundtracks.

8. Dos Oruguitas (2021)

Heartfelt Vocals: Sebastián Yatra's emotive delivery in "Dos Oruguitas" perfectly captures the film's poignant themes of family and resilience, making it a truly unforgettable listening experience.

Memorable Melody: The song's gentle melody and understated instrumentation create a beautiful soundscape that enhances the emotional impact of the lyrics, adding to its staying power.

Cultural Impact: "Dos Oruguitas" transcended the movie's success, becoming a critically acclaimed and widely loved song of 2021, demonstrating its resonance with audiences globally.

9. Gonna Be You

Song Title: Gonna Be You

Artist: Belinda Carlisle, Cyndi Lauper, Dolly Parton, Gloria Estefan, Debbie Harry

Powerhouse Vocals: The all-star lineup delivers a vocal performance that's both uplifting and incredibly powerful, showcasing each singer's unique style.

Anthemic Quality: "Gonna Be You" possesses an undeniable anthemic quality perfectly suited for a feel-good movie moment, making it instantly memorable and singable.

Nostalgia Factor (2021 Context): While not from 2021, its inclusion in a film that year likely tapped into a wave of 80s/90s nostalgia, enhancing its impact and relatability for audiences.

10. Fearless Hero - 2025

Song Title: Fearless Hero

Artist: Antonio Banderas

Memorable Vocals: Banderas's rich baritone voice lends a powerful and emotional weight to the track, perfectly capturing the conflicted heroism of the film's narrative.

Epic Soundtrack Placement: "Fearless Hero" effectively uses sweeping orchestral arrangements that build tension and release, fitting seamlessly into the film's climactic moments of 2021.

Emotional Resonance: The song's blend of vulnerability and strength resonates deeply, creating a powerful emotional impact that lingers long after the credits roll.