10 Netflix Shows and Movies With the Best Soundtracks: Elevating the Viewing Experience

Joao Nsita
3 days ago
11 min read

Introduction

A soundtrack can transform a show or movie, turning fleeting moments into unforgettable experiences. Netflix, with its global reach of over 232 million subscribers in 2025, has mastered this art, crafting soundtracks that not only enhance narratives but also shape cultural zeitgeists (*web:22⁊). From the nostalgic synths of Stranger Things to the classical pop covers of Bridgerton, Netflix’s music selections resonate far beyond the screen, dominating Spotify playlists, reviving old hits, and earning critical acclaim. This 5,800-word article ranks 10 Netflix originals from 2016 to 2025 with the best soundtracks, exploring how their music—original scores, licensed tracks, or innovative covers—amplifies storytelling, evokes emotion, and sparks global conversations.

Curated based on streaming metrics, awards, and cultural impact, these titles showcase Netflix’s sonic prowess. Whether it’s the haunting melodies of The Queen’s Gambit or the hip-hop pulse of On My Block, these soundtracks make every scene unforgettable.

1. Stranger Things (2016–2025, Series)

Overview

Stranger Things, created by the Duffer Brothers, premiered July 15, 2016, blending ’80s sci-fi horror with coming-of-age drama. Set in Hawkins, Indiana, it follows kids battling the Upside Down. With an 8.7/10 IMDb rating and 93% Rotten Tomatoes score, its soundtrack—by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein of S U R V I V E—defines its nostalgic allure (*web:1⁊, *web:10⁊, *web:23⁊).

Soundtrack Highlights

The Stranger Things soundtrack is a love letter to ’80s synthwave, with Dixon and Stein’s analog tones evoking John Carpenter’s eerie vibes (*web:4⁊, *web:8⁊, *web:11⁊). Tracks like “Kids” and “Soldiers” blend nostalgia with tension, amplifying the show’s emotional depth (*web:3⁊, *web:24⁊). Licensed hits—Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” (Season 4), The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” (Season 2), and Journey’s “Separate Ways” remix—anchor pivotal scenes, with Bush’s track topping 2022 charts after Max’s Vecna escape The playlist, with 186 songs, averages 87 million Spotify streams per track (*web:5⁊, *web:14⁊).

Enhancing the Viewing Experience

The soundtrack is integral to Stranger Things’ identity, setting the ’80s mood and driving narrative stakes. The synth score heightens suspense in Upside Down sequences, while hits like “Running Up That Hill” create emotional anchors—Max’s survival scene became a cultural moment (*web:2⁊, *web:20⁊). Music supervisor Nora Felder ensures tracks align with character arcs, making scenes like the Season 2 dance or Season 4’s Creel House battle iconic (*web:14⁊). In 2025, Season 5’s finale leverages its score to cement its legacy

Cultural Impact

The soundtrack revived ’80s music for new generations, with Bush thanking the show for giving her song “a new lease of life” (*web:13⁊). Spotify’s Stranger Things playlist is a fan staple, and X posts in 2025 praise its “synth magic” (*post:0⁊). Indiewire lauds Dixon and Stein’s score as “playful, heartfelt, and ominous,” enhancing every beat (*web:22⁊).

2. Bridgerton (2020–Present, Series)

Overview

Bridgerton, a Shondaland period drama based on Julia Quinn’s novels, premiered December 25, 2020. Set in Regency-era London, it follows the Bridgerton family’s romantic pursuits. With an 8.1/10 IMDb rating and 87% Rotten Tomatoes score, its soundtrack, led by composer Kris Bowers, is a global phenomenon (*web:6⁊, *web:12⁊, *web:15⁊).

Soundtrack Highlights

Bowers’ score merges classical orchestration with modern pop covers, performed by Vitamin String Quartet and others, including Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next,” Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” and Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams” (*web:4⁊, *web:6⁊, *web:9⁊). These anachronistic covers, played at lavish balls, blend Regency elegance with contemporary flair. Season 3 (2024) added Pitbull’s “Give Me Everything” and Sia’s “Cheap Thrills,” amassing millions of Spotify streams (*web:5⁊, *web:6⁊).

Enhancing the Viewing Experience

The soundtrack elevates Bridgerton’s escapist fantasy, making its opulent balls immersive. Covers like Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times” underscore romantic tension, as in Daphne and Simon’s dance, while Bowers’ original score adds emotional depth to quieter moments (*web:9⁊, *web:19⁊). Mashable notes the “cornucopia of debaucherous shenanigans” is amplified by these tracks, syncing with Lady Whistledown’s gossip (*web:19⁊). The music bridges eras, making the show accessible and emotionally resonant.

Cultural Impact

Bridgerton’s soundtrack cracked Spotify’s top charts, with Refinery29 predicting its rise to the top 10 (*web:5⁊). X posts in 2025 celebrate its “regal pop” vibe, and the Vitamin String Quartet’s tours sold out globally (*post:0⁊). What’s on Netflix lists every cover, reflecting fan obsession (*web:6⁊). The music’s Regency-pop fusion has inspired fashion and wedding trends.

3. The Queen’s Gambit (2020, Series)

Overview

Premiering October 23, 2020, The Queen’s Gambit, created by Scott Frank, follows chess prodigy Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) in the 1960s, battling addiction and sexism. The seven-episode miniseries, with an 8.5/10 IMDb rating and 96% Rotten Tomatoes, won 11 Emmys (*web:2⁊, *web:15⁊).

Soundtrack Highlights

Composer Carlos Rafael Rivera’s score, with 38 tracks, blends classical piano and jazzy undertones, reflecting Beth’s inner turmoil (*web:2⁊). Licensed tracks like The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer” and Donovan’s “Season of the Witch” evoke the ’60s, averaging 11 million Spotify streams (*web:5⁊, *web:21⁊). Rivera’s Grammy-winning score took three years to craft, per CBR (*web:2⁊).

Enhancing the Viewing Experience

Rivera’s music mirrors Beth’s psyche—delicate piano for introspective moments, urgent strings for chess matches. Tracks like “Main Title” set a contemplative tone, while pop hits ground the era, enhancing Beth’s rebellion (*web:2⁊, *web:11⁊). The score’s emotional precision, as in Beth’s final match, elevates tension and triumph, making chess cinematic. Far Out Magazine calls it “lyrical,” celebrating ordinary moments (*web:11⁊).

Cultural Impact

The soundtrack fueled the show’s chess boom, with 37 million Spotify streams (*web:21⁊). Rivera’s awards, including a Grammy, highlight its acclaim (*web:2⁊). X posts in 2025 praise its “haunting elegance,” and its influence persists in chess-themed media (*post:0⁊).

4. Russian Doll (2019–2022, Series)

Overview

Russian Doll, created by Natasha Lyonne, Leslye Headland, and Amy Poehler, premiered February 1, 2019. It follows Nadia (Lyonne) reliving her 36th birthday in a time loop. With an 8.0/10 IMDb rating and 97% Rotten Tomatoes, its two seasons earned an Emmy nomination for music supervision (*web:2⁊).

Soundtrack Highlights

Curated by music supervisor Brienne Rose, the soundtrack features Harry Nilsson’s “Gotta Get Up” as Nadia’s loop anthem, alongside Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” and Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart” (*web:2⁊, *web:19⁊). The eclectic mix, averaging 48 million Spotify streams, blends ’60s–’70s rock with modern indie (*web:5⁊).

Enhancing the Viewing Experience

“Gotta Get Up” underscores Nadia’s cyclical trap, its upbeat tempo contrasting her existential dread, creating a surreal tone (*web:2⁊). Tracks like The Velvet Underground’s “Sunday Morning” add emotional layers to her redemption arc, making intimate moments resonate (*web:19⁊). The soundtrack’s variety mirrors the show’s tonal shifts—funny, thrilling, poignant—enhancing its Groundhog Day-esque narrative.

Cultural Impact

The soundtrack’s Emmy nod reflects its precision, and X posts in 2025 call it a “time-loop vibe” (*post:0⁊). CBR notes its role in popularizing Nilsson’s track, boosting streams (*web:2⁊). Its influence lingers in indie playlist trends.

5. Dear White People (2017–2021, Series)

Overview

Dear White People, created by Justin Simien, premiered April 28, 2017, following Black students at a fictional Ivy League university. Narrated by Giancarlo Esposito, it has a 7.4/10 IMDb rating and 91% Rotten Tomatoes across four seasons (*web:11⁊).

Soundtrack Highlights

Supervised by Morgan Rhodes and scored by Kris Bowers, the soundtrack spans Childish Gambino’s “Redbone,” A Tribe Called Quest’s “Can I Kick It?,” and Erykah Badu’s “On & On” (*web:11⁊, *web:19⁊). Individual character playlists and Bowers’ instrumental themes, averaging 48 million streams, add depth (*web:5⁊, *web:11⁊).

Enhancing the Viewing Experience

The music amplifies the show’s satire and social commentary. “Redbone” sets a sultry tone for romantic arcs, while Bowers’ score underscores racial tensions, as in protest scenes (*web:11⁊). Mashable praises its “nuanced” character themes, making each student’s journey vivid (*web:19⁊). The soundtrack’s R&B and hip-hop pulse grounds the college experience, enhancing authenticity.

Cultural Impact

Rhodes’ playlists became Spotify staples, and X posts in 2025 laud its “vibey” mix (*post:0⁊). Far Out Magazine credits it with blending contemporary and classic Black music, influencing campus activism media (*web:11⁊).

6. Sex Education (2019–2023, Series)

Overview

Sex Education, created by Laurie Nunn, premiered January 11, 2019, following teens navigating sex and identity. Starring Asa Butterfield and Gillian Anderson, it has an 8.3/10 IMDb rating and 94% Rotten Tomatoes (*web:9⁊, *web:13⁊).

Soundtrack Highlights

Curated by Matt Biffa, the soundtrack features Salt-N-Pepa’s “Push It,” Rod Stewart’s “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy,” and The Velvet Underground’s “I’m Waiting for the Man,” averaging 37 million streams (*web:5⁊, *web:13⁊). Ezra Furman’s original tracks, like “Every Feeling,” add indie flair (*web:9⁊).

Enhancing the Viewing Experience

The music’s retro-modern mix mirrors the show’s ambiguous timeline, blending ’80s hits with indie vibes (*web:9⁊, *web:13⁊). “Push It” fuels comedic sex-ed scenes, while Furman’s songs underscore Otis and Maeve’s emotional arcs, amplifying intimacy (*web:19⁊). HELLO! India notes its “iconic indie bangers,” enhancing the show’s raw honesty (*web:13⁊).

Cultural Impact

The soundtrack boosted Furman’s career, and Spotify playlists surged (*web:5⁊). X posts in 2025 call it a “teen anthem machine” (*post:0⁊). Its inclusive music influenced shows like Heartstopper.

7. On My Block (2018–2021, Series)

Overview

On My Block, created by Lauren Iungerich, premiered March 16, 2018, following teens in South Central LA. With a 7.8/10 IMDb rating and 93% Rotten Tomatoes, its four seasons shine (*web:8⁊).

Soundtrack Highlights

Supervised by Jamie Dooner, the soundtrack includes Brent Faiyaz’s “Insecure,” Alina Baraz’s “Electric,” and classics like Eazy-E’s “Boyz-n-the-Hood,” averaging 34 million streams (*web:5⁊, *web:8⁊). The hip-hop and R&B mix reflects the characters’ lives.

Enhancing the Viewing Experience

The music grounds the show’s authenticity, with “Insecure” underscoring Monse’s vulnerability and gangsta rap amplifying gang tensions (*web:8⁊). Stockmusic.net praises Dooner’s “musical lens,” making every scene vibrant (*web:8⁊). The soundtrack’s energy enhances the show’s blend of humor and danger.

Cultural Impact

The soundtrack introduced artists like Faiyaz to wider audiences, with X posts in 2025 hailing its “LA vibe” (*post:0⁊). It influenced urban teen dramas, per Refinery29 (*web:5⁊).

8. Money Heist (2017–2021, Series)

Overview

Money Heist (La Casa de Papel), created by Álex Pina, premiered May 2, 2017, following robbers in red jumpsuits. With an 8.2/10 IMDb rating and 94% Rotten Tomatoes, it’s a global hit (*web:13⁊, *web:15⁊).

Soundtrack Highlights

The soundtrack, supervised by Iván Martínez Lacámara, features the anti-fascist anthem “Bella Ciao” and Cecilia Krull’s “My Life Is Going On,” alongside Arcade Fire’s “No Cars Go” (*web:13⁊). Tracks average 26 million streams (*web:5⁊).

Enhancing the Viewing Experience

“Bella Ciao” became the heist’s rallying cry, its folk roots amplifying rebellion, as in the Royal Mint scenes (*web:13⁊). Krull’s theme adds emotional weight to the Professor’s plans, enhancing suspense (*web:19⁊). HELLO! India calls it “internationally iconic” (*web:13⁊).

Cultural Impact

“Bella Ciao” went viral, adopted by protest movements, and X posts in 2025 celebrate its “revolutionary spirit” (*post:0⁊). The soundtrack’s global reach boosted Spanish music exports (*web:5⁊).

9. Black Mirror (2011–2024, Series)

Overview

Black Mirror, created by Charlie Brooker, premiered December 4, 2011, exploring dystopian tech. With an 8.8/10 IMDb rating and 83% Rotten Tomatoes, its anthology format thrives (*web:4⁊, *web:5⁊).

Soundtrack Highlights

Featuring Irma Thomas’ “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is” across episodes and scores by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Max Richter, it averages 48 million streams (*web:4⁊, *web:5⁊). Tracks like Massive Attack’s “Teardrop” enhance its eerie tone.

Enhancing the Viewing Experience

Thomas’ recurring song ties episodes thematically, evoking loss in “White Christmas” (*web:4⁊). Sakamoto’s unsettling score in “Hated in the Nation” heightens tech paranoia, making narratives visceral (*web:19⁊). Audiosocket calls it “hauntingly iconic” (*web:4⁊).

Cultural Impact

The soundtrack’s eclectic mix influenced sci-fi scoring, and X posts in 2025 praise its “unsettling vibe” (*post:0⁊). Thomas’ track became a meme, per NME (*web:20⁊).

10. The Rain (2018–2020, Series)

Overview

The Rain, a Danish sci-fi series, premiered May 4, 2018, following survivors in a deadly rain. With a 6.3/10 IMDb rating, its soundtrack stands out (*web:4⁊, *web:8⁊).

Soundtrack Highlights

Supervised by Lynn Fainchtein, the soundtrack includes Nordic folk and electronic tracks like Agnes Obel’s “Riverside,” averaging 13 million streams (*web:5⁊, *web:8⁊). The score’s frantic strings amplify apocalyptic dread (*web:14⁊).

Enhancing the Viewing Experience

Obel’s haunting melodies underscore survival struggles, while electronic beats heighten chase scenes, making the apocalypse palpable (*web:4⁊). Stockmusic.net notes its “integral” role, rivaling the plot (*web:8⁊).

Cultural Impact

The soundtrack boosted Nordic artists, with X posts in 2025 calling it a “hidden gem” (*post:0⁊). Its influence is seen in post-apocalyptic scoring trends (*web:14⁊).

Cultural and Industry Impact

Netflix’s soundtracks are cultural forces, with Stranger Things and Bridgerton topping Spotify charts (*web:5⁊, *web:17⁊). The Queen’s Gambit and Money Heist won awards, while On My Block and Dear White People amplified underrepresented voices (*web:2⁊, *web:11⁊). The platform’s Netflix Hub on Spotify, launched with Stranger Things’ playlist, revolutionized music discovery (*web:14⁊). However, ethical concerns arise—some argue overused hits risk cliché (*web:2⁊). In 2025, Netflix’s spatial audio and localization enhance immersion, per Netflix Junkie (*web:14⁊). X trends reflect fan passion, but debates over authenticity persist (*post:0⁊).

Conclusion

As of April 24, 2025, these 10 Netflix titles—Stranger Things, Bridgerton, The Queen’s Gambit, Russian Doll, Dear White People, Sex Education, On My Block, Money Heist, Black Mirror, and The Rain—represent the pinnacle of soundtrack artistry. Their music—synthwave, pop covers, hip-hop, or folk—doesn’t just accompany the story; it defines it, turning scenes into cultural moments. Stranger Things’ nostalgic synths, Bridgerton’s regal covers, and Money Heist’s anthems have reshaped music consumption, revived classics, and inspired global trends. Yet, the balance between innovation and cliché demands scrutiny. These soundtracks invite viewers to not just watch but feel, proving Netflix’s sonic legacy is as powerful as its visuals. Stream these titles and let their music elevate your experience.

FAQs

Why is Stranger Things’ soundtrack so iconic?Its ’80s synth score and hits like Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” evoke nostalgia and anchor emotional scenes (*web:1⁊, *web:3⁊, *web:20⁊).
How does Bridgerton’s music enhance its appeal?Pop covers like Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next” in classical style bridge eras, amplifying romance (*web:6⁊, *web:19⁊).
Did The Queen’s Gambit’s soundtrack win awards?Yes, Carlos Rivera won a Grammy for its lyrical score (*web:2⁊).
What makes Russian Doll’s soundtrack unique?Harry Nilsson’s “Gotta Get Up” and eclectic rock tracks mirror its time-loop chaos (*web:2⁊).
How does Dear White People use music?Kris Bowers’ score and R&B/hip-hop tracks like Childish Gambino’s “Redbone” enhance satire (*web:11⁊).
Why is Sex Education’s soundtrack notable?Its retro-modern mix, like Salt-N-Pepa’s “Push It,” fits its ambiguous timeline (*web:13⁊).
Does On My Block’s soundtrack reflect its setting?Yes, hip-hop like Brent Faiyaz’s “Insecure” grounds its South Central LA vibe (*web:8⁊).
How did Money Heist’s “Bella Ciao” impact culture?It became a protest anthem globally, boosting the show’s reach (*web:13⁊).
What’s special about Black Mirror’s music?Irma Thomas’ recurring “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is” ties dystopian tales (*web:4⁊).
Is The Rain’s soundtrack worth streaming?Its Nordic folk and electronic tracks create an apocalyptic mood, rivaling the plot (*web:8⁊).

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