The Worst Person in the World (2021) - “Waters of March” by Art Garfunkel

The Worst Person in the World’s soundtrack perfectly supplements Renate Reinsve’s Cannes Best Actress-winning performance. Joachim Trier’s script ranges from melancholy to joyful, and each song reflects the emotional shifts that Julie (Reinsve) experiences. Though any of the songs from the soundtrack could have made this list, I chose “Waters of March” because it encapsulates the bittersweet feeling of the final scene. I believe the scene would not be nearly as powerful without it.

On the Edge (2001) - “1979” by The Smashing Pumpkins

This little-known Irish film starring a young Cillian Murphy tells the story of Jonathan who, after a failed suicide attempt, spends the holiday season at a mental institution. Despite the seemingly dark premise, director/co-writer John Carney imbues the movie with a warm, ultimately life-affirming feeling. This is owed in large part to the moody mix of early 2000s songs on the soundtrack, with “1979” setting the tone for the entire movie.

But I’m A Cheerleader (1999) - “If You Should Try To Kiss Her” by Dressy Bessy

This queer classic has a now iconic soundtrack featuring many smaller late ‘90s bands. “If You Should Try To Kiss Her” communicates Megan’s (Natasha Lyonne) budding feelings for Graham (Clea DuVall) and sonically reflects the bubblegum aesthetic of the film.

Titane (2021) - “She’s Not There” by The Zombies

The 2021 Palme d’Or winner Titane mixes body horror aesthetics with themes of found family. The scene featuring “She’s Not There” is a standout, showcasing this struggle between violence and love with a dialogue-free dance scene.

Magnolia (1999) - “Save Me” by Aimee Mann

Music is irrevocably intertwined with Magnolia. Paul Thomas Anderson was so influenced by his friend Aimee Mann’s music that he considered the script “an adaptation of Aimee Mann songs." While any song off this soundtrack could be a contender for this list, “Save Me” wraps up the film beautifully and leaves the audience with a sweet and melancholy feeling.

Sing Street (2016) - “Up” performed by Ferdia Walsh-Peelo

Sing Street has been a comfort film and soundtrack for me since I first saw it in 2019 during a difficult time in my life. I was very excited to see its stage adaptation at Boston’s Huntington Theatre Company this past September. Sing Street’s soundtrack features a mix of songs by ‘80s bands such as The Cure and Duran Duran, and songs “written” by the film’s eponymous fictional band. “Up” captures the pure teenage love Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) feels for Raphina (Lucy Boynton).

The King of Comedy (1982) - “Swamp” by Talking Heads

The King of Comedy had a big impact on the way that I view movies and is part of what inspired me to pursue a career in film. So when I stumbled upon a used copy of the soundtrack on vinyl, I knew I had to get it. In addition to pre-existing songs by artists including the Pretenders and Talking Heads, it features tracks by Ray Charles and Van Morrison (among others) that were produced specifically for the film.

Punch-Drunk Love (2002) - “He Needs Me” by Shelley Duvall

“He Needs Me” was originally written by Harry Nilsson and sung by Shelley Duvall for Robert Altman’s 1980 film Popeye. Being the huge Altman fanboy he is, Paul Thomas Anderson repurposed the song for Punch-Drunk Love. It distills the mystical quality of the relationship between Adam Sandler and Emily Watson’s characters.

Up, Down, Fragile (1995) - “Une chanson à la Cole” by Enzo Enzo

I saw this French quasi-musical in September through Emerson’s Films from the Margin and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since. While telling the intertwined stories of three women, it features a beautiful soundtrack that mixes musical numbers with “live” performances by Enzo Enzo and Anna Karina.

Trainspotting (1996) - “Sing” by Blur

It was very difficult for me to choose just one song from this soundtrack, as I love all of the subgenres featured on it - classic ‘70s artists such as Lou Reed, ‘90s Britpop, and new wave. I chose “Sing” from Blur’s debut album Leisure (1991) because it underscores a haunting scene that’s hard to imagine without the song, and because I think Leisure is underrated within Blur’s discography.

The House That Jack Built (2018) - “Fame” by David Bowie

I’ve been a fan of David Bowie’s music for as long as I can remember, so I was already very familiar with “Fame.” Yet, when watching The House That Jack Built at the beginning of this year, the song became something new. “Fame” is used in such a shocking and morbidly funny way that now I always think of this film when listening to it.

Casablanca (1942) - “As Time Goes By” by Dooley Wilson

Casablanca is my grandpa’s favorite movie, and my grandparents consider “As Time Goes By” their song. Whenever I listen to it, I’m reminded of all of the happy memories I have with them.

Bergman Island (2021) - “The Winner Takes It All” by ABBA

Bergman Island likely won’t be most people’s first answer when asked “What movie featuring a wedding on an island uses ‘The Winner Takes It All?’” While I do love Mamma Mia (I was obsessed with it as a kid), I chose Bergman Island because it does a wonderful job of taking a classic song that is heavily associated with another piece of media and reincorporating it into a new narrative.