Great soundtracks from obscure or underrated movies

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this campy, satirical story intended to parody the popular Valley of the Dolls (1967) was that legendary film critic Roger Ebert wrote the screenplay. It's the strange and twisted journey of a female rock band dealing with creepy managers, jealous significant others, greed, and fame. Plus, it's directed by Russ Meyer, so there is plenty of sexploitation. Meanwhile, the soundtrack has a solid late-1960s-early-‘70s psychedelic vibe that has made it popular, despite critics panning the project. The Strawberry Alarm Clock, stalwarts of the late 1960s psychedelic rock scene, are the most prominent act to appear on the soundtrack. Also, 1970s singer Lynn Carey provided the vocals on "Sweet Talkin' Candyman" and "Come With the Gentle People," performed by the fictional Carrie Nations.

This movie based on a metal magazine (and titled after it) was blatantly driven by the music. The adult animated science fantasy film didn't break any box-office sales records upon release, but has enjoy a cult following. That said, some of the biggest names in hard rock like Sammy Hagar (title cut), Devo ("Working in the Coal Mine), Journey ("Open Arms") and Black Sabbath (an alternate version of "The Mob Rules") lend their talents to a highly underrated soundtrack that is a time capsule for FM radio. For those looking for a deep-cut history lesson in rock music, give Heavy Metal a spin.

Though this underrated early-1980s flick tends to get lost in the shuffle among more popular teen vehicles of the time, it's surprisingly poignant despite the overall theme of trying to score. Perhaps the best part is a stellar early-'80s soundtrack courtesy of The Police ("De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da"), The Cars ("Since You're Gone") and even U2 ("I Will Follow") lends credibility to the picture. Other '80s classics like Journey's "Open Arms" and REO Speedwagon's "Keep On Loving You" also give the film a boost.

This forgettable John G. Avildsen romantic drama starring Christopher Atkins, a student who moonlights as a stripper, and Lesley Ann Warren, a professor, is perhaps most remembered for the music. Particularly, the sappy Bryan Adams hit "Heaven." In addition, the movie soundtrack, which was composed by the legendary Jan Hammer, also featured an early version of "Obessions," a tune that would eventually become a hit for 1980s' synth-poppers Animotion. Other notable names contributing to the soundtrack include The Beat and Gary U.S. Bonds. 

This Walter Hill project, dubbed "A Rock & Roll Fable," and starring Diane Lane and Michael Paré, flopped with real-time critics and moviegoers. However, it's earned a cult following over the years. The best part of the experience is its massively underappreciated soundtrack. Dan Hartman's "I Can Dream About You" was a top-10 Billboard hit, but the Jim Steinman-penned "Tonight Is What It Means to Be Young" and  "Nowhere Fast" are arguably the musical highlights. "Deeper and Deeper" by The Fixx and The Blasters' "One Bad Stud" deserve some love, too.

The result of legendary horror writer Stephen King's need to direct (with Emilio Estevez in he starring role) was critically panned, and essentially forgotten over the years. However, one thing King did do right was employee rock legends AC/DC, his favorite band, to handle the movie's soundtrack. Now, this is really a greatest hits compilation by AC/DC, which includes its classics such as "Hells Bells," "You Shook Me All Night Long," "For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)" and "Ride On." And, the original "Who Made Who" also ended up being fan favorite in the band's catalog. 

This late 1980s crime drama with an artsy feel (starring Richard Bohringer, Michael Gambon and Helen Mirren) might be best remembered for its epic soundtrack, which also doubles as the 12th studio album from renowned English composer Michael Nyman (best known for scoring The Piano), and another successful project from The Michael Nyman Band, as well. This splendid classical piece of music also features Nyman's first commercially celebrated work in Memorial, reminiscent of a grand funeral march.

There's good chance not many remember this 1990s comedy about a good-natured, overweight boy trying to fit in at his high school. Though Charlie Talbot, in the title lead role, is genuine and relatable, the movie is middling at best. However, the soundtrack is a haven for pop-punk/alternative fans of the time — and still holds up well in that department. Green Day's "J.A.R," and Love Spit Love's "Am I Wrong," provide the undisputed highlights. The soundtrack also features Weezer's highly underappreciated gem "You Gave Your Love to Me Softly," "Mrs. You and Me" from Smoking Popes and The Muffs' "Funny Face."

Director Jim Jarmusch described this movie, starring Johnny Depp, in The Age as a "Psychedelic Western." The film — which really isn't one of Depp's most memorable works, for better or worse — received mixed reviews upon release during the mid-1990s. However, one of the most talked about aspects of the picture remains the music. The soundtrack was composed and recording by legendary rocker Neil Young. According to legend, Young completed the creative and recording process of the soundtrack while watching an edited version of the movie. 

It can be argued that the only good thing about this crime drama is the gritty rap-laden soundtrack to the movie from Hype Williams, a creator of successful music videos, who flopped here in his feature film directorial debut. Still, the music was also going to drive this picture, which started real-life rappers DMX and Nas. Both also contributed heavily to the soundtrack (like "Grand Finale," which also included Ja Rule and Method Man), which also featured appearances by D'Angelo ("Devil's Pie") and other members of Wu-Tang Clan. The soundtrack reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

This brilliant film about young punks living in Salt Lake City in the mid 1980s stars Matthew Lillard, Annabeth Gish and Michael Goorjian. Reinforcing the greatness of the movie, which never received a wide enough audience, is the music. It's a true punk journey that is also a great starting part for those just introduced to the movement -- especially its role and foundation in the United States. Highlights include: "1969," (The Stooges); "Cretin Hop, (Ramones); "Dreaming," (Blondie);  "Rock N' Roll," (The Velvet Underground) and "Kill the Poor" (Dead Kennedys).

A forgettable 2000s' version of When Harry Met Sally..., starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and Claire Forlani, that tends to be saved by a solid soundtrack. With the exception of contributions from the likes of Stewart Copeland ("The Freddie File") and Duncan Sheik ("Now or Never"), it's a deeper-dive roster of global pop and rock artists. Some notable efforts include "Think of Me," from The Downers, out of Sweden, Apollo 440's dance favorite "Stop the Rock" and Chloe's feel-good "Get You Off My Mind."

The Runaways was a fine Hollywood take on the famous, groundbreaking all-female rock group, however, to get the real, unabashed story of the band, check out this documentary that is directed by former member Victory Tischler-Blue. Now, the doc didn't enjoy mass appeal upon release, but is one of the more underrated rock films. Of course, the soundtrack is filled with classic tunes by The Runaways, and unreleased material from band guitarist Lita Ford. However, the unsung gem of the collection is the painfully poignant "Kids of Tragedy," from the great Suzi Quatro, who was a strong influence on the band.

If Glen Hansard is going to star in a movie, then, of course, he'll provide the music for the soundtrack. Much like the dependable Irish singer/songwriter, the soundtrack to this Irish romantic comedy, which won the 2007 Independent Spirit Award for Best Foreign Film, probably doesn't quickly come to mind when talking soundtracks from the 2000s. The same can be said for the movie among American audiences. However, the soundtrack was nominated for a Grammy Award, and "Falling Slowly," performed by Hansard and co-star Markéta Irglová, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Music was a big part of Zach Braff's success with his breakout film Garden State, 10 years earlier. Wish I Was Here, in which Braff's family man Aidan Bloom tries to support a family while still pursuing an acting career and dealing with a health crisis, was given a more limited release. Still, the comedy-drama delivers, as does the soundtrack. Again, Braff's fancy for indie rock is on display, notably the presence of The Shins ("So Now What"), Bon Iver ("Holocene") and even Paul Simon ("The Obvious Child").

Amazon Prime subscribers likely know about this endearing and emotional film that's guided by its music. The screenplay was written by Stephen Glover — brother of Donald, aka Childish Gambino. Donald Glover and Rihanna star as a couple who live a carefree life, relying on their love and music to make it through the days. "Summertime Magic," performed by Glover's musical alter ego, remains the star of the soundtrack, which is perfect to take in when looking for an easy and quiet night — preferably with a significant other. 

This is one Will Ferrell where the music is much better than what's shown on screen. The film, a comedy about Icelandic friends and musical companions Lars Erickssong (Ferrell) and Sigrit Ericksdóttir (Rachel McAdams), received mixed critical reviews, but the soundtrack has been lauded for its brilliance. Several popular European artists, who were real contestants of the Eurovision Song Contest, appear on the soundtrack. The tune "Husavik," performed by Ferrell and Swedish pop star Molly Sandén (going under the name My Marianne), was nominated for an Academy Award. 

A product of the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath led to some mixed results for this psychological horror flick, which has a psychedelic vibe that didn't seem to jive with audiences who actually saw it. Still, the movie's soundtrack should be lauded as an exceptional time capsule of music from the 1960s (featuring such artists as Dusty Springfield, The Who and The Kinks), spanning into the 1980s (Siouxsie and the Banshees). For those fans of '60s music and psychological dramas, then Last Night in Soho might be worth the time spent.

This Netflix comedy-drama about a new age of female empowerment with a nod to the riot grrrl musical movement, stars Amy Poehler and also, officially, introduced the pop-punk music world to The Linda Lindas, who deliver a stirring cover of the Bikini Kill classic "Rebel Girl (though the original is part of the movie, too) and the Muffs' "Big Mouth." The movie is solid enough to stand on its own, if even though there was no true mainstream love. Other highlights include Yuno's "No Going Back" and "Heaven" from Brandi Carlile. 

We don't have to go back all that far to highlight the music from a movie that grossed just $11 million at the box office, even with the likes of Joaquin Phoenix, in the starring role, plus Patti LuPone, Nathan Lane, and Amy Ryan. The tale of Phoenix's Beau Wasserman, a paranoid simpleton returning home for his mother's funeral, was well guided by its music. The score, written and composed by Britain's Bobby Krlic, has been described as modern classical. Standout moment include "Sail Away" and "Suburban Dream."