10 Spotify Soundtracks That Make the Perfect Background Music

Sometimes you don't want to focus too much on the music you're listening to. These soundtracks provide the perfect atmosphere for studying, reading, or working, and they're all available on Spotify .

10. The Social Network - Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross were once best known for their collaboration in Nine Inch Nails, but have since carved out a more impressive career as film composers. The Oscar-winning score for The Social Network represents some of their best work and is a lesson in ambient electro minimalism.

9. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty -Theodore Shapiro

Critics may have panned Ben Stiller's 2013 remake of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, but its soundtrack was a huge hit. With soaring arrangements on songs like "Into the Harbor" and "Stretching Montage," the film truly captured the themes of escapism and self-discovery that underpin the entire film.

8. Pride & Prejudice - Dario Marianelli

While not a huge fan of period pieces, Dario Marianelli's score for Joe Wright's Pride & Prejudice (2005) is one of the most impressive soundtracks in recent cinema. It has a timeless feel, with a stripped-down approach based largely on piano and string quartets, reminiscent of Georgian parlor music.

7. The Grand Budapest Hotel - Alexandre Desplat

Alexandre Desplat's quirky and tightly arranged scores perfectly suit Wes Anderson's unique filmmaking style, and this is most evident in his work The Grand Budapest Hotel. The quirky use of balalaikas, zithers, and other European folk instruments adds to the charm, giving the film a colorful and cheerful aesthetic.

6. Amélie - Yann Tiersen

Romantics will be instantly captivated by the Amélie soundtrack. Yann Tiersen's instantly recognisable accordion-led melodies and piano compositions are distinctly Parisian, evoking the streets of Montmartre and the distinctive French café culture.

5. Blade Runner 2049 - Hans Zimmer & Benjamin Wallfisch

Fans of the sci-fi genre will remember Vangelis's dark score for the original Blade Runner. Hans Zimmer & Benjamin Wallfisch's 2017 expansion follows suit, using deep, rumbling bass frequencies and powerful reverb effects to paint a rich, cinematic soundscape.

4. Tron: Legacy - Daft Punk

In this piece, French electronic duo Daft Punk combine their signature sound with an orchestration that turns out to be perfect for the sci-fi film Tron: Legacy. The result is one of the most vibrant soundtracks in recent memory, emotional and futuristic in its execution.

Tracks like "The Grid" and "Adagio for TRON" are standouts, seamlessly blending upbeat electronica with deep cinematic soundtracks. This type of music is great for getting motivated, especially when you're doing high-energy tasks like designing, brainstorming, or housework.

3. Arrival - Jóhann Jóhannsson

Those looking for a more ambient, minimalist score will love Jóhann Jóhannsson's work on Arrival. Here, the Icelandic composer relies on vocal textures, processed sounds, and ambient sounds to reflect the film's themes of language and time.

2. Finding Nemo - Thomas Newman

Many people are huge fans of Pixar's work in general, but Finding Nemo is definitely one of the studio's best, and Thomas Newman's score is a huge part of its success. The soundtrack flows like the ocean, with melodies that are calm, smooth, and sometimes magical.

1. Gladiator - Hans Zimmer & Lisa Gerrard

The Oscar-winning score for the epic film Gladiator is a perfect place to end this list. Composed by Hans Zimmer with vocals by Lisa Gerrard, the score is emotionally deep, dynamic, and at times hauntingly beautiful.

Despite its dramatic moments, the album is largely peaceful and thoughtful. With its mix of solemn melodies and ambient sounds, it is ideal for contemplation and reflection.

Samuel Daniel

Update 13 August 2025