Nothing elevates a film to the next level like a killer soundtrack. There is just something absolutely enchanting about the perfect marriage of visual and music that makes the hairs on your arms raise up in praise. It doesn’t have to be your favorite song, or even a song that you know, sometimes your ears can truly listen to the greatness of a film soundtrack. Music has the innate power to set the scene in a film. It has the power to elevate the atmosphere of the film to make the viewers feel it rather than just watch it. Here is a list of those soundtracks that danced with their respective films more beautifully than others.

“Pirate Radio” (2009)

When it comes to soundtracks, it is hard to beat “Pirate Radio.” Granted, this British film is about a rogue ship of derelict, hippy-types that illegally broadcast rock ‘n’ roll to the British public. With that said, this film is packed with some of the best hits of the ‘60s like tunes from The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, The Turtles, Cat Stevens and The Who. It is hard to argue with a list as jam packed as that.

“500 Days of Summer” (2009)

This soundtrack was in extremely close contention for first place. This album of songs is an amalgamation of some of the greatest tunes of all time. It reaches back into the past to grab some gems from the likes of Simon & Garfunkel, Wolfmother and The Smiths but it also uses some incredible contemporary tunes from bands like The Temper Trap and Mumm-Ra. This soundtrack doesn’t disappoint, and it is gorgeously interwoven into the film itself; easily one of the best couplings of music and cinema.

“Pulp Fiction” (1994)

One of the many things that Tarantino doesn’t disappoint with is music. From the unbelievably recognizable beginning theme song—the American surf rock version of “Misirlou” (originally a Middle Eastern belly dancing song)—to classics by Al Green, Kool & the Gang and Urge Overkill, the soundtrack itself is a complete hit. This is truly one of the most recognizable soundtracks, and Tarantino uses his trademark techniques like the juxtaposition of music with violence (harken back to the torture scene in “Reservoir Dogs” put to the tune of “Stuck in the Middle with You”). Listening to great music while you are watching a Tarantino film? Sounds like a pretty perfect deal.

“The Graduate” (1967)

Simon & Garfunkel is all you will find on this soundtrack but, boy, it is absolutely wonderful. The atmosphere of songs like “Sound of Silence,” “Scarborough Fair” and “Bookends” captures—quite perfectly—the thoughts and feelings of Benjamin Braddock (Dustin Hoffman, “Rain Man”). Somehow, the music of Simon & Garfunkel makes you feel just like Ben, minus the whole affair with your friend’s mom thing (maybe).
“Midnight in Paris” (2011)

Not only is this Woody Allen film a fantastic watch, it is also a brilliant listen. A movie all about powerful nostalgia for the Roaring ‘20s (set in Paris) needs a killer soundtrack, right? Absolutely. This one is packed with jivin’ swing tunes and brilliant symphonic ensembles that transport the viewers to the cobblestone streets of Paris—including wing-tips, a tailored suit and dancing with flapper girls. This soundtrack works seamlessly with the film to create an entirely atmospheric experience, making the viewer feel a bit nostalgic for those ‘20s as well.

Sure, we can all watch movies, but listening can be half the brilliance when a soundtrack is done right. These five were absolutely done right. Scratch that. These five were done absolutely perfectly. Pleasant watching and pleasant listening, Pios.