The importance of soundtracks cannot be understated, and there are so many great ones attached to the brilliant series’ on Netflix. Join us to take a look at our top picks for the best Netflix soundtracks – from the nostalgic to the devastatingly haunting. Caution – potential spoilers ahead!
Best Netflix Soundtracks (TV): Our Top 8
1. Stranger Things
Music by Michael Stein & Kyle Dixon
The above dynamic duo have been responsible for Stranger Things‘ unforgettable soundtrack since the show’s beginning. Using analog tones, 80s synth and a heavy dose of atmosphere, this music perfectly mirrors the characters, storylines and setting. This soundtrack pays homage to classic 80s horror, encompassing us totally in the show from the get go.
Above is a super interesting breakdown of the show’s music from the composers Dixon and Stein themselves – make sure to check it out!
2. The Rain
Music Supervisors: Lynn Fainchtein and Ignacio Burgoa
As the show’s primary music supervisor, Fainchetein has assembled a stellar collection of music for this Danish sci-fi apocalypse series about deathly rain. Many have noted that the soundtrack to The Rain is as integral as both the plot and the acting.
In the clip above, note how the frantic strings, cinematic arrangement and modern electronic sounds fuse together to emphasise the anguish on-screen. Great stuff!
3. Peaky Blinders
Music Supervisor Amelia Hartley (13 episodes)
For a show set in the 1920s, the musical choices are somewhat unexpected. Instead of adopting the standard string soundtracks used in English period pieces, Peaky Blinders features edge punk and rock. With a soundtrack including PJ Harvey, Johnny Cash and The White Stripes, this combination feels like it shouldn’t work – but it does.
4. Glow
Music Supervisor: Craig Wedren
Giving Stranger Things a run for its money with its 80s inspired soundtrack is the addictive female wrestling show Glow. With the perfect mix of nostalgia, quirkiness and parody, this soundtrack perfectly enhances the comedic and intriguing nature of the show itself.
5. Black Mirror
Music Supervisor: Amelia Hartley
The dark British dystopian sci-fi show Black Mirror required music that was equally intriguing and unsettling. With a soundtrack ranging from original scores from The Revenant composer Ryuichi Sakamoto and Irish composer Steve Mckeon to the likes of Massive Attack, Black _Mirror’_s soundtrack is both haunting and iconic.
One track in particular is repeated in various episodes. Irma Thomas’ 1964 track “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)” features in several installments such as Fifteen Million Merits, White Christmas, Men Against Fire & Crocodile.
Co-showrunner Annabel Jones says that they keep bringing it back because showrunner Brooker “liked the idea of nesting all the episodes together in an artistic universe of sorts… it’s an Easter egg”. Using music as a motif is just one of the brilliant ways that Black Mirror gets under your skin, cementing itself and linking otherwise unrelated episodes together with common themes.
6. 13 Reasons Why
Music Supervisor: Season Kent
With the heavy task of covering suicide, friendship, sexual assault, joy and many other topics, teen drama series 13 Reasons Why needed a varied and impactful soundtrack. Its modern collection of tracks by artists such as Selena Gomez, Billie Eilish, YUNGBandy Divison and Years & Years help to transport us into the struggles of being a teenager in the current age.
Take a look at the clip above featuring a track by Lord Huron. This song is used in both Season 1 when Clay and Hannah dance together, and then again in Season 2 once Hannah has passed. The moving track highlights Clay’s loss, with the poignant lyrics of “the night we met” breaking our hearts!
7. Sex Education
Music Supervisors: Matt Biffa and Ciara Elwis
Teen dramedy Sex Education‘s soundtrack features a range of tracks, including ’60s doo-wop, ’80s hits and ’90s teen flick anthems. A lot of the songs are written and performed by indie-rock artist Ezra Furman, who beautifully translates the complex mis of self-loathing, youth and and idealism. Some of his tracks that feature are unreleased, which is also a clever way of creating more hype and interest around the show and its soundtrack.
8. Bridgerton
Music Supervisor: Alexandra Patsavas
Bridgerton is a 2020 period drama series that has now officially become the most-watched Netflix series, with over 82 million viewers. So, what’s a great way to maintain the sonic accuracy of the regency period whilst making it interesting and fresh to modern audiences? Classical covers of modern songs, of course!
That’s exactly what American pianist and composer Kris Bowers did when arranging the score to Bridgerton. Think orchestral arrangements of Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, Shawn Mendes and Taylor Swift performed at lavish parties set in the 1800s and you’re onto a winner! Other more ‘standard’ elements of the soundtrack include classics such as Bach, Beethoven and Shostakovich.
Final Thoughts
Did your favorite soundtrack make it onto our list? We hope so! We’re super passionate about music within movies, and love to hear your thoughts.
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If you liked this article, don’t forget to check out our articles on Sound Design In Sound Of Metal Movie, Top Movie Soundtracks, Adding Music To Video With Mark Wallace & Quentin Tarantino Soundtracks!