10 Websites for TV Show & Movie Soundtracks

The Powerful Influence of Movie Music

The impact of music on film is undeniable. Consider classics like "The Sound of Music" or "Saturday Night Fever" – their enduring appeal is inextricably linked to their iconic soundtracks. It’s difficult to imagine these films without their memorable scores.

Indeed, it’s the synergy between visuals and audio that truly elevates the cinematic experience. More precisely, we often refer to this musical component as a soundtrack.

The term "soundtrack" originates from the sound recording embedded on motion picture film. Today, it’s also known as a Film Score, or promotionally as OST (Original Soundtrack). Regardless of the name, music possesses the power to evoke emotion, whether uplifting, saddening, or creating a sense of awe.

The opening scene of "Chariots of Fire," accompanied by Vangelis’ score, is as invigorating as the athletes’ race itself. Similarly, the majestic imagery of "2001: A Space Odyssey" is profoundly shaped by the use of "The Blue Danube" by Stanley Kubrick.

Perhaps I’m overly enthusiastic about movie music. I readily admit to once eagerly awaiting the end credits, simply to discover the performers behind each song, even as the audience headed for the exits.

Now, accessing information about movie soundtracks is effortless, thanks to numerous online resources, including:

Tunefind

Tunefind primarily catalogs soundtracks from television shows, with a focus on more recent programs. Soundtrack information is largely user-submitted, and users can also verify the accuracy of listings.

Soundtrack.net

Soundtrack.net is a far more extensive resource, boasting over 30,000 titles. The site features album reviews from critics and provides links for purchasing albums. Within the Marketplace section, you can acquire albums and even sheet music. Serious enthusiasts will find the Podcasts section particularly valuable, offering downloadable discussions about the OST landscape.

Soundtrack Info Project

This project allows you to search by movie title, song title, composer, or performer. It also offers a platform for asking questions about obscure or forgotten tracks. Each album listing includes a comprehensive Q&A section, providing a wealth of information.

We have briefly mentioned this resource previously.

Cinemusic

Cinemusic presents OST information against a visually appealing dark background. The Soundtrack Previews section allows you to view tracklists and sample excerpts. However, it may not always feature the most recent releases.

The Links section directs you to numerous other film score websites, including links to composers’ personal sites.

Heard On TV

Similar to Tunefind, Heard on TV relies on user-generated content for its TV soundtrack listings. Songs are often linked to YouTube videos, alongside options from iTunes, Amazon, and Rhapsody. The YouTube links are particularly useful for free listening, especially for those outside the US where Rhapsody is unavailable. The site also allows users to upload song clips for identification with community assistance.

AdTunes

AdTunes focuses on music used in television commercials, but also includes information on TV shows, movie trailers, film soundtracks, and video games. The site functions as a blog and forum, navigable through the top menu bar.

Streaming Soundtracks

Streaming Soundtracks is an internet radio station dedicated to music from movies, television, and video games. Registration allows you to request songs and participate in community discussions. You can browse the music library by album or artist and add your selections to the queue. A high-quality 128-bit streaming option is available for a fee.

Momupl

Perhaps best described as a movie music player, Momupl allows you to type in a movie title and listen to a selection of tracks from its soundtrack.

Soundtrack Seek

Soundtrack Seek is a search engine for movie scores and soundtracks. It’s connected to Soundtrack Geek, a quality movie music review site.

The search engine directs you to various sources for OST reviews and information, often leading to Soundtrack Geek’s pages with track listings and sound clips from Amazon. The Resources page provides further avenues for exploration.

IMDb's Soundtrack Browser

The comprehensive movie database offers extensive information about film music. The Soundtrack Explorer allows you to search for songwriters as well as performers. Alternatively, you can navigate to a movie’s page and click on the soundtrack listing in the left-hand column. You can also find available sound clips under External Links.

Finding information about movie soundtracks online is readily achievable. However, free OST downloads are rare and generally discouraged. These websites provide track listings and background information on film scores, offering a rewarding experience for music enthusiasts.

I no longer need to wait for the end credits. What about you?

Image Credit: ldandersen