In music, studio albums are often seen as the ultimate expression of an artist’s creativity, but there’s a category of albums that have surpassed the popularity of many traditional studio releases—soundtrack albums. These albums, often tied to movies or TV shows, have audiences with their unforgettable scores and catchy songs, leading to chart-topping successes. From iconic film scores to chart-climbing hit singles, soundtracks have been known to outperform studio albums in both sales and cultural impact.
Let’s explore several soundtrack albums that not only became more popular than the films they were tied to but also achieved commercial success far beyond their initial purpose. Let’s get into four standout soundtracks that have captured the hearts of listeners around the world and made their mark on the music industry.
1. “Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1” (2014)
A Retro Revolution for the Ages
The Guardians of the Galaxy movie, released in 2014, wasn’t just a box-office hit, but its soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon. Awesome Mix Vol. 1, a collection of classic ’70s and ’80s hits, outperformed the studio album of the movie in ways no one expected. With songs like “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede and “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone, the album introduced a new generation to the charm of vintage pop and rock tracks.
The album hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, staying there for weeks, and sold over 1 million copies in the U.S. alone. Its success is a testament to how the fusion of nostalgia and blockbuster filmmaking can uplift a soundtrack above the associated movie’s popularity. Awesome Mix Vol. 1 didn’t just bring back old hits—it made them relevant again for a new audience, outpacing many original studio albums.
2. “The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album” (1992)
Whitney’s Timeless Influence
Whitney Houston’s The Bodyguard soundtrack holds a special place in music history. Released in 1992, it was directly tied to the film starring Houston and Kevin Costner. While the film performed well, it was the soundtrack that truly stole the spotlight. With the unparalleled success of “I Will Always Love You,” the album surged to iconic status, earning several Platinum certifications worldwide and ranking as one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time.
Not only did it top the charts in multiple countries, but it also outperformed many contemporary studio albums, marking Whitney Houston’s voice as the centerpiece of pop music for years. This soundtrack remains a staple in music collections, demonstrating how a soundtrack can achieve legendary status, far beyond the film’s legacy.
The Bodyguard- Original Soundtrack Album (1992) (image via Getty)3. “Saturday Night Fever: The Original Movie Sound Track” (1977)
A Disco Explosion That Shaped an Era
The Saturday Night Fever soundtrack is arguably one of the most influential albums of the 1970s. Featuring Bee Gees hits like “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever,” the soundtrack to this disco-driven film became a global sensation. The success of this album exceeded the movie’s popularity, with Saturday Night Fever becoming a definitive soundtrack of the disco era.
Selling over 40 million copies worldwide, it became the best-selling soundtrack of all time, with the Bee Gees’ infectious tunes becoming a global cultural staple. The disco movement itself might not have lasted long, but the impact of this soundtrack is undeniable, influencing music, fashion, and film for decades. Its commercial success has far outstripped that of the movie, solidifying the soundtrack’s place as one of the most successful in history.
Saturday Night Fever- The Original Movie Sound Track (1977) (image via Getty)4. “Frozen: Original Soundtrack” (2013)
The Snow Queen’s Musical Triumph
Disney’s Frozen (2013) audiences not just with its story but with its unforgettable soundtrack. The song “Let It Go” became a global anthem, propelling the album to unexpected heights. While the movie was a massive hit, the soundtrack arguably outperformed it in terms of commercial success.
The Frozen soundtrack reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and remained there for a record-breaking 13 consecutive weeks. It was certified Platinum and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. The popularity of the soundtrack even overshadowed the success of the movie, as “Let It Go” became a cultural milestone, heard everywhere from radio stations to karaoke bars. This soundtrack not only outshone its associated film but also became a pop culture phenomenon in its own right.