4 Amazing modern movie soundtracks with an 80s vibe

As a child of the 1980s, I can’t help but be drawn to movies that transport me back to that era through their soundtracks. The nostalgia is strong with these films, and they’re a delight for anyone who grew up during that time. Here are some modern movies that perfectly capture the 80s vibe with their impressive soundtracks.


Movie soundtracks significantly influence a film’s success. Modern films frequently incorporate tunes from the 1980s or music reminiscent of that era. For those who grew up in the 1980s, these soundtracks can evoke strong feelings of nostalgia, transporting them back to their childhood and teenage years. Consequently, movies with such music often draw large audiences from this age group.

As someone who grew up in the 80s and has a deep appreciation for that era’s music, I can’t help but be drawn to modern films that capture the essence of those iconic soundtracks. The way certain tunes transport me back to my childhood memories is truly magical. Here are just a few contemporary movies that have left me with strong 80s vibes:

Sing Street (2016)

In the film Sing Street, which is a heartfelt coming-of-age musical set against the backdrop of the 1980s, a young Dublin student falls for a girl and forms a band to win her affection. The movie, released in 2016, evokes strong feelings of nostalgia with its accurate portrayal of the ’80s era. While many popular tunes from that time are included, it’s important to note that the film also showcases several impressive original songs.

In this movie, you’ll find Duran Duran’s hit “Rio” with a snippet of its music video played on screen. Additionally, there’s The Jam’s “Town Called Malice,” The Cure’s “In Between Days,” and the less-known Joe Jackson tune “Steppin’ Out.” Moreover, some well-suited tunes from the Sing Street Band contribute to the 80s ambiance, like “The Riddle Of The Model,” “Drive It Like You Stole It,” “Girls,” and “Brown Shoes.”

Everybody Wants Some!! (2016)

In 2016, there was another noteworthy film titled Everybody Wants Some!! This movie perfectly captures the mood and music of the 80s. The story is set at a Texas university where a team of baseball players live it up without adult supervision, enjoying their newfound freedom. However, they soon learn about the responsibilities that come with being an adult. Despite underperforming at the box office, critics highly regarded this film for its nostalgic feel and impressive soundtrack.

In this film’s soundtrack, you’ll find several beloved classic rock tunes. For instance, there’s “My Sharona” by The Knack, “Everybody Wants Some!!!” by Van Halen, “I Want You to Want Me (Live)” by Cheap Trick, and “Good Times Roll” by The Cars.

The Final Girls

In simpler terms, “The Final Girls” is a comedy-horror film where a group of students gets pulled into a 1986 slasher movie titled “Camp Bloodbath.” The plot revolves around a young woman who lost her mother recently. Her mother was once a famous scream queen during the 80s horror film era. Trapped in the movie, they must battle against the infamous killer to make their escape while the production pays tribute to numerous ’80s horror and slasher films.

As a gamer, I’d describe it like this: The movie’s music score transports me back to the 80s yet feels fresh and contemporary. Hearing tracks such as “Dance Hall Days” by Wang Chung, “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes, “Mickey” by Toni Basil, “Cherry Pie” by Warrant, and “Cruel Summer” by Bananarama in the film is an exciting blast from the past, yet their inclusion adds a modern twist to the cinematic experience.

American Psycho

The film “American Psycho,” directed by Christian Bale, is adapted from Bret Easton Ellis’ novel of the same name. This dark comedy satirizes the materialistic culture and consumerism prevalent in the 1980s through the lens of black humor. In this story, Bale portrays Patrick Bateman, an investment banker who secretly leads a double life as a ruthless serial killer. The movie’s soundtrack is filled with popular 80s songs and is truly exceptional.

In the film, Bateman plays Huey Lewis and News’ 1987 hit “Hip To Be Square” during a scene. As he tends to one of his victims, the person continues to praise the song. Other tracks featured in the movie are “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves, “Simply Irresistible” by Robert Palmer, “Sussudio” by Phil Collins, and “What’s On Your Mind? (Pure Energy)” by Information Society, among others.

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2024-07-20 20:01