Summary
- 1980s movie scores were a mix of contemporary synth and experimentation.
- The best scores enhanced the aesthetic and impact of the movies.
- Synth soundtracks from the 1980s were the pinnacle of that era’s movie scores.
The 1980s were truly a fantastic time for movie scores as a contemporary synth style began to take hold and film composers experimented with new styles of music-making. While the synth-based style of so many 1980s classics can often date a movie to a particular time or place, this was also part of their charm and an enjoyable aspect of rewatching old movies. Although synth soundtracks have remained popular in recent releases, there was just something so infectiously 1980s about the greatest scores produced during this era.
The best scores of all time have something in common: They perfectly encapsulated the aesthetic of the movie they accompanied and added to the overall impact of the narrative. Although much of this music can be enjoyed on its own merits, its role as part of a larger creative project influences the viewers’ perception of the tracks as the composer created the work to be used in the film. Taking all these aspects into account, these synth soundtracks represented the very best of movie scores during the 1980s.
15 Videodrome (1987)
Composed by Howard Shore
Videodrome RHorror Sci-FiThriller Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Videodrome (1983) is a science fiction horror film directed by David Cronenberg. The movie stars James Woods as Max Renn, a television executive who stumbles upon a broadcast signal featuring extreme violence and torture. His obsession with uncovering the source leads him into a disturbing and hallucinatory journey, highlighting the destructive potential of media and technology. Debbie Harry also stars as Nicki Brand, a radio personality entangled in the narrative.
Director David Cronenberg Release Date February 4, 1983 Writers David Cronenberg Cast James Woods , Debbie Harry , Leslie Carlson , Peter Dvorsky , Sonja Smits Runtime 87 minutes Budget $5.9 million Expand
Howard Shore’s synth-heavy score perfectly captured the dark and ominous nature of David Cronenberg’s body horror classicVideodrome. As the unnerving and hallucinatory feeling of its narrative was carried forward by the eerie nature of this score, the soundtrack for Videodrome was one of the most underappreciated synth scores of the 1980s, and it long remained out of print until it was finally reissued in 2022. This was the third score Shore had done for Cronenberg after previously making the music for The Brood and Scanners.
14 Legend (1985)
Composed by Tangerine Dream
Legend PGAdventureFantasyRomance
In a fantastical realm, Jack must save Princess Lili from the clutches of the sinister Lord of Darkness, who plans to bring eternal night by killing the last unicorns. Teaming up with a group of mystical companions, Jack ventures through dark forests and treacherous terrains to stop Darkness and ensure the survival of their magical world.
Director Ridley Scott Release Date April 18, 1986 Studio(s) Universal Pictures , Embassy International Pictures N.V. , Legend Production Company Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers William Hjortsberg Cast Tom Cruise , Mia Sara , Tim Curry , David Bennent , Alice Playten , Billy Barty , Cork Hubbert Runtime 94 Minutes Budget $25 Million Main Genre Fantasy Expand
The German electronic band Tangerine Dream was responsible for one of the greatest synth scores ever made, and one of their best achievements was for Ridley Scott’s epic fantasy adventure Legend. However, some viewers were not privy to the powerful atmospheric soundscapes of this score as Legend featured two soundtracks, one by Tangerine Dream for the US release and another, more orchestral-based one by Jerry Goldsmith for the European release. Sadly, European viewers missed out on a haunting and dark score that saw Tangerine Dream pushing their soundtracking skills into new, uncharted territory.
Tangerine Dream was formed in 1967, and the members have since made a name for themselves as notable movie soundtrack composers. While Tangerine Dream produced some of the greatest synth soundtracks of the 1980s, their accomplishments didn’t end there. They helped create the music for everything from
Grand Theft Auto 5
to recent releases like the theme tune for
Stranger Things
.
13 Ghostbusters (1984)
Composed by Elmer Bernstein
Ghostbusters (1984) PGActionComedyFantasy Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Ghostbusters is a 1984 fantasy sci-fi movie from director Ivan Reitman. The movie stars Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson as Raymond Stantz, Peter Venkman, Egon Spengler, and Winston Zeddemore, paranormal investigators who travel New York hunting and capturing ghosts. The movie eventually became one of the most iconic films of the ’80s, spawning a multimedia franchise including a sequel, spinoffs, books, and video games.
Director Ivan Reitman Release Date June 8, 1984 Distributor(s) Columbia Pictures Writers Dan Aykroyd , Harold Ramis , Rick Moranis Cast Bill Murray , Dan Aykroyd , Sigourney Weaver , Harold Ramis , Ernie Hudson , Rick Moranis Runtime 105 Minutes Sequel(s) ghostbusters 2 , Ghostbusters: Afterlife , Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Budget $25-30 Million Expand
Of course, most viewers will be well aware of the iconic theme song from Ghostbuster, but this has overshadowed the excellent 1980s synth work by Elmer Bernstein heard throughout the film. Although Ghostbusters also featured pop artists like the Alessi Brothers and Air Supply, Bernstein offered an appropriately otherworldly, eerie feeling to his synth-heavy contributions. With a perfect balance between Ghostbusters’ comedic and serious tones, Bernstein utilized the ondes Martenot, an electronic keyboard-like instrument, to capture the ghostly atmosphere of his score.
Related Ghostbusters’ Famous Theme Really Isn’t The Franchise’s Best Song
Ray Parker Jr.’s Ghostbusters is one of the most iconic movie songs of all time, but the Ghostbusters 2 soundtrack managed to outdo it.
12 The Lost Boys (1987)
Composed by Thomas Newman
The Lost Boys RHorrorComedy Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
The Lost Boys follows Michael Emerson (Jason Patric) and his younger brother Sam (Corey Haim) after they move to the small California beach town of Santa Carla only to discover that it is overrun with teenage vampires. When Michael falls victim to the titular gang and joins their ranks, Sam enlists the help of young vampire hunters the Frog brothers (Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander) in order to save his brother from head vampire David (Kiefer Sutherland).
Director Joel Schumacher Release Date July 31, 1987 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers James Jeremias , Jan Fischer , Jeffrey Boam Cast Corey Feldman , Kiefer Sutherland , Jason Patric , Jami Gertz , Corey Haim Runtime 97 minutes Sequel(s) Lost Boys 2 Budget $8.5 million Expand
Joel Schumacher captured the stylish rebellion of subcultures in the 1980s with the vampire classic The Lost Boys, and this eerie supernatural story was propped by an original score by Thomas Newman. Through a blend of orchestra and organ arrangements as well as synth contributions, Newman brought out the darker and more sinister aspects of this unique coming-of-age horror. Newman’s score, when paired with other musical contributions from Echo & the Bunnymen, Roger Daltrey, and INSX, made The Lost Boys soundtrack a true 1980s classic.
11 Thief (1981)
Composed by Tangerine Dream
Having already proved movie score composers of serious talent, Tangerine Dream returned for their second major movie score on the neo-noir crime film Thief. The contribution of Tangerine Dream was essential to the unique feeling of this Michael Mann film, and the soundtrack even charted in the UK album charts at the time of its release. This quintessentially 1980s score was packed with fast-paced synths, high-octane energy, and experimental ambient sounds.
10 Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Composed by Harold Faltermeyer
Beverly Hills Cop RActionComedyCrimeDramaThriller Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Eddie Murphy stars in Beverly Hills Cop as Axel Foley, a street-smart Detroit police officer who travels to California to solve his friend’s murder. Directed by Martin Brest, the film was a critical and commercial success, spawning three sequels.
Director Martin Brest Release Date November 30, 1984 Studio(s) Paramount Pictures Distributor(s) Paramount Pictures Writers Danilo Bach , Daniel Petrie Jr. Cast Eddie Murphy , Judge Reinhold , John Ashton , Lisa Eilbacher , Ronny Cox , Steven Berkoff Runtime 105 minutes Sequel(s) Beverly Hills Cop 2 , Beverly Hills Cop 3 Budget $14 million Expand
The German composer Harold Faltermeyer produced some of the best synth scores of the 1980s and was known for his work on movies like The Running Man and Top Gun. However, his greatest achievement came with Beverly Hills Cop in 1984, which boasted his biggest hit, “Alex F,” which reached number one around the world. As a catchy and memorable track, “Alex F” signaled the entire feel of the Beverly Hills Cop score, which was full of straight-up 1980s fun.
9 Manhunter (1986)
Composed by The Reds
Manhunter RCrimeHorrorMysteryThriller Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Former FBI profiler Will Graham returns to service to pursue a deranged serial killer dubbed “the Tooth Fairy” by the media.
Director Michael Mann Release Date August 14, 1986 Writers Thomas Harris , Michael Mann Cast William Petersen , Kim Greist , Joan Allen , Brian Cox , Dennis Farina , Tom Noonan Runtime 119 minutes Main Genre Crime Expand
Bruce Cohen and guitarist Rich Shaffer produced much of the music for Michael Mann’s Manhunter under the name The Reds. Their effective contributions were paired with songs by the likes of The Prime Movers, Shriekback, and Iron Butterfly to create a soundtrack that was paired perfectly with the intense thrills of this story based on the novel Red Dragon by Thomas Harris. As the first movie to feature Dr. Hannibal Lecter, it was appropriate that the music in Manhunter was so intensely eerie.
8 Risky Business (1983)
Composed by Tangerine Dream
Risky Business RComedyDramaCrimeRomance Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Risky Business is a 1983 comedy-drama film starring Tom Cruise as Joel Goodsen, a high school student who experiences a wild adventure while his parents are away. When Joel’s desire for freedom leads him to make some questionable decisions, he finds himself entangled in complications that challenge his morals and future. Directed by Paul Brickman, the film explores themes of adolescence, responsibility, and the pursuit of success.
Director Paul Brickman Release Date August 5, 1983 Writers Paul Brickman Cast Richard Masur , Bronson Pinchot , Rebecca De Mornay , Tom Cruise , Joe Pantoliano Runtime 99 minutes Budget $6.2 million Main Genre Comedy Expand
While the music in Tom Cruise’s Risky Business will forever be associated with Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll,” as the star famously mimed it in his underwear, the majority of the music featured was actually by Tangerine Dream. The German group’s synth style paired perfectly with the blues, rock, and pop music littered throughout the film to create a cohesive whole that felt totally of the 1980s. Risky Business had a classic score that will be well-known to lovers of synth-based soundtracks.
7 Akira (1988)
Composed by Geinoh Yamashirogumi
Akira (1988) RAnimeActionDrama Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
A secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo when it turns a biker gang member into a rampaging psychic psychopath who can only be stopped by a teenager, his gang of biker friends and a group of psychics.
Director Katsuhiro Otomo Release Date July 16, 1988 Studio(s) Tokyo Movie Shinsha Co. Ltd Distributor(s) Toho Writers Katsuhiro Otomo , Izô Hashimoto Cast Mitsuo Iwata , Nozomu Sasaki , Mami Koyama , Taro Ishida , Tesshô Genda , Mizuho Suzuki , Tatsuhiko Nakamura , Fukue Itō , Kazuhiro Shindō Runtime 124 Minutes Budget $5.7 Million Expand
Through a combination of Indonesian gamelan music, Japanese noh, and synth, the score of Akira was a truly unique release that has been continually sampled by subsequent hip-hop and electronica artists. As a perfect representation of how a film score can contribute to the unique feeling of a film, the collective known as Geinoh Yamashirogumi captured the intense nature of this anime cult classic. With a memorable theme and some truly insane moments, the score for Akira can be fully enjoyed as incredible experimental music outside of the context of the film.
6 The Fog (1980)
Composed by John Carpenter
The Fog RHorrorThriller
The Fog is one of John Carpenter’s supernatural horror films that was released in 1980. After a strange fog sweeps over Northern California, vengeful ghosts of leprous mariners wreak havoc on a small coastal town. After starring in Halloween, Jamie Lee Curtis returns to work with Carpenter alongside Adrienne Barbeau, Tom Atkins, and Curtis’ mother, Janet Leigh.
Director John Carpenter Release Date February 8, 1980 Studio(s) 20th Century Distributor(s) Columbia Pictures , 20th Century Writers John Carpenter , Debra Hill Cast Adrienne Barbeau , Tom Atkins , Jamie Lee Curtis , Hal Holbrook , Janet Leigh Runtime 89 minutes Budget $1 million Expand
The legend of horror John Carpenter has famously composed many of his own film scores and produced iconic tracks such as the theme to Halloween. Carpenter’s incredible skill in creating the perfect atmosphere his movies required was also powerfully seen in his score for The Fog. With slow-building and unnerving tension, this ambient, electronic, and synth score ranked among the best music Carpenter ever made, as he used drone sounds to effectively capture the feeling of a town overtaken by a mysterious glowing fog.
5 Scarface (1983)
Composed by Giorgio Moroder
Scarface RCrimeDrama Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Brian De Palma’s iconic crime drama is loosely based on the 1929 novel of the same name and follows Cuban refugee Tony Montana (Al Pacino), who begins a life of crime after arriving in Miami. It chronicles his rise from a penniless thug to one of the richest and most ruthless kingpins in the world, amassing a criminal empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
Director Brian De Palma Release Date December 9, 1983 Studio(s) Universal Pictures Distributor(s) Universal Pictures Writers Oliver Stone , Howard Hawks , Ben Hecht Cast Al Pacino , Michelle Pfeiffer , Robert Loggia , Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio , Miriam Colon , F. Murray Abraham Runtime 170 minutes Budget $25 million Main Genre Crime Expand
The Academy Award-winning Italian record producer Giorgio Moroder composed the iconic synth new wave score for the legendary Al Pacino gangster movie Scarface. Despite a request from Universal to release the film with rap music, director Brian De Palma was adamant he wanted to use Moroder’s now beloved score (via The Talks.) Coincidentally, Scarface has since become a celebrated film within hip-hop, and aspects of Moroder’s score have been sampled by artists such as Mobb Deep, Lil’ Wayne, and Rick Ross.
4 Escape from New York (1981)
Composed by John Carpenter
Escape From New York R Sci-FiActionAdventure Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
John Carpenter takes on the role of writer, composer, and director in Escape from New York, a post-apocalyptic sci-fi film where a large portion of New York City is converted into the biggest prison in the world, with all criminals in the United States sentenced there. When the President is kidnapped and taken abruptly into the heart of the prison, the government will turn to former soldier turned convict Snake Plissken to rescue him within twenty-four hours in exchange for a full pardon of his crimes.
Director John Carpenter Release Date July 10, 1981 Studio(s) Embassy Pictures Distributor(s) Embassy Pictures Writers Nick Castle , John Carpenter Cast Isaac Hayes , Donald Pleasance , Kurt Russell , Lee Van Cleef , Harry Dean Stanton , Adrienne Barbeau Runtime 99 minutes Franchise(s) Escape from New York Sequel(s) Escape from LA Budget $6 million Expand
Unlike most notable film directors, John Carpenter often scored his movies himself and, throughout the 1980s, perfected an effective synth style that worked well with the dark horror and sci-fi stories he told. Carpenter’s score for Escape from New York was the pinnacle of his 1980s compositions as it blended eerie repetitive keyboards with often over-the-top Broadway-influenced sensibilities. Escape from New York had an incredible score and deserves to be remembered among the best soundtracks of the 1980s.
3 The Terminator (1984)
Composed by Brad Fiedel
The Terminator (1984) RActionSci-FiThriller Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
The Terminator is a sci-fi action film directed by James Cameron. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a cyborg assassin sent from the future to kill Sarah Connor, played by Linda Hamilton, whose son will lead a resistance against machine domination. Michael Biehn portrays Kyle Reese, a soldier also sent back in time to protect Sarah. The film explores themes of time travel, artificial intelligence, and survival.
Director James Cameron Release Date October 26, 1984 Writers James Cameron , Gale Anne Hurd , William Wisher Cast Arnold Schwarzenegger , Michael Biehn , Linda Hamilton , Paul Winfield , Lance Henriksen , Bess Motta Runtime 107 Minutes Main Genre Thriller Expand
Everything about James Cameron’s dystopian sci-fi classic The Terminator just screamed the 1980s, and its incredible synth score by Brad Fiedel was no different. The perfect blend of cheesy 80s sounds and unnerving impending apocalyptic doom, the music in The Terminator played a crucial role in its now iconic status as one of the best movies of the 1980s. As a powerful representation of a mechanical man and his electronic heartbeat, the soundtrack of The Terminator was the perfect musical companion for the unstoppable killing machine depicted on screen by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
2 Chariots Of Fire (1981)
Composed by Vangelis
Chariots of Fire PGDramaHistorySport Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
Chariots of Fire is a 1981 British historical drama directed by Hugh Hudson. The film follows two athletes, Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams, as they train and compete in the 1924 Paris Olympics. It explores themes of faith, ambition, and perseverance, set against the backdrop of post-World War I Britain. The film stars Ben Cross and Ian Charleson, and its iconic score by Vangelis has become synonymous with the story’s inspirational narrative.
Director Hugh Hudson Release Date May 15, 1981 Writers Colin Welland Cast Nicholas Farrell , Nigel Havers , Ian Charleson , Ben Cross , Daniel Gerroll , Ian Holm Runtime 125 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
The British sports drama Chariots of Fire was not only a hugely successful Best Picture winner, but its score’s composer, Vangelis, also took home the Academy Award for Best Original Score for his work on the film. With the now iconic theme tune “Titles,” Vangelis immediately set the tone for the movie as its grand epic synth-based orchestration signaled the unstoppable determination of young athletes. The music in Chariots of Fire has been endlessly parodied in subsequent media for a reason; it just captured its feeling perfectly and signaled the beginning of a new age for film scores.
1 Blade Runner (1982)
Composed by Vangelis
Blade Runner RDramaDocumentarySci-FiThriller Where to Watch
- stream
- rent
- buy
Not available
Not available
Not available
*Availability in US
The original Blade Runner is a sci-fi neo-noir film set in 2019 in a dystopian cyber-punk society. Harrison Ford stars as Rick Deckard as a Blade Runner for the LAPD, tasked with hunting rogue replicants, genetically engineered humans designed to tackle tasks that human beings cannot. When four replicants go rogue and begin killing humans, Deckard is forced out of retirement to hunt them down and stop them – but the truth isn’t as simple as it seems. Deckard will have to reckon with the philosophical dilemma of what makes someone human.
Director Ridley Scott Release Date June 25, 1982 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Hampton Fancher , David Webb Peoples , Philip K. Dick , Roland Kibbee Cast Harrison Ford , Rutger Hauer , Sean Young , Edward James Olmos , M. Emmet Walsh , Daryl Hannah , William Sanderson , Joe Turkel Runtime 117 minutes Sequel(s) Blade Runner 2049 Budget $28 million Expand
No other 1980s synth score better captured its movie’s look and feel than Vangelis’s work on Blade Runner. With a futuristic synth style, the score for Blade Runner was an extraordinary blend of dark melodic sounds and futuristic synthesizers that truly encapsulated the retro-future landscape of the world depicted by Ridley Scott. The score for Blade Runner felt both otherworldly and endlessly listenable and ranked among the greatest movie scores of all time, as its influence over subsequent sci-fi scores can still be felt strongly to this day.