Setting the Scene
When we talk about music in film or TV, the words score and soundtrack often get used interchangeably, but they actually mean two very different things. Both are essential to storytelling, but they serve unique purposes in shaping how we experience a movie or show.
The score makes you feel, while the soundtrack makes you remember.
The Score
A score is the original music created specifically for a film or show. It’s written to enhance every scene, to build tension, set the mood, or break your heart at just the right moment.
Scores are often instrumental and composed by musicians who work with directors to match the rhythm of the story. A good score blends so naturally that you might not even notice it but you feel it.
Examples of powerful film scores:
- La La Land- The jazz themes tie the story + emotion seamlessly
- The Lion King- Hans Zimmer and Elton John Collaboration, nostalgic and orchestral power
- Oppenheimer- String driven tension
The score is the heartbeat of the story.
The Soundtrack
A soundtrack, on the other hand, is made up of pre-existing songs. Tracks that weren’t necessarily written for the film, but are chosen to fit its aesthetic or emotion.
Soundtracks often shape a show’s aesthetic and can make certain scenes iconic. The right song placement can define a generation of fans or even revive an old hit years later.
Famous soundtrack moments:
- “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” in The Breakfast Club
- “Running Up That Hill” in Stranger Things
- “(I’ve Had) the time of my life” in Dirty Dancing
Soundtracks can also introduce audiences to new genres or artists. Shows like Gossip Girl and The Summer I Turned Pretty built entire identities around their musical choices, where every episode feels like a perfectly curated playlist.
Why the Difference Matters
Understanding the distinction between a score and a soundtrack helps you appreciate how much music shapes storytelling.
The score works behind the scenes, connecting you emotionally to the characters and builds suspense without drawing attention to itself.
The soundtrack takes center stage. It sets the vibe, defines a show’s personality, and creates unforgettable moments.
Final Thoughts
Scores move your emotions; soundtracks move your memories, and when both are done right, they turn a good story into an experience you’ll never forget.