15 Hidden Gems With Epic Soundtracks

Some movies and series grab you with their visuals or story, but others hook you with music that lingers long after the credits roll. These lesser-known gems, often overlooked in favor of mainstream hits, pair compelling narratives with epic soundtracks that elevate every scene.

From haunting melodies to pulse-pounding beats, these hidden treasures deliver scores and songs that deserve as much love as their storytelling. Below, I listed my top 15 underrated films and shows with stellar soundtracks, each a must-experience for music and story lovers alike.

15. ‘The OA’ (2016-2019)

A woman returns with a mysterious tale of alternate dimensions, backed by ethereal, emotive music. The score amplifies the show’s surreal, heartfelt vibe.

Zal Batmanglij’s haunting compositions, paired with songs like Sharon Van Etten’s, weave a dreamlike atmosphere. Canceled after two seasons, its soundtrack remains a hidden gem.

14. ‘Short Term 12’ (2013)

A counselor at a foster care facility navigates trauma, set to a delicate, folksy score. The music underscores the film’s raw emotional weight.

Joel P. West’s gentle guitar-driven tracks, like ‘Wild Again,’ enhance Brie Larson’s standout performance. This indie drama’s subtle soundtrack deserves more ears.

13. ‘The Guest Ranch’ (2014)

A drifter arrives at a family’s home, sparking tension with synth-heavy, retro vibes. The music shifts from eerie to thrilling, mirroring the plot’s twists.

Steve Moore’s pulsating score channels 1980s horror, with tracks like ‘Hourglass’ stealing scenes. This cult thriller’s bold soundtrack outshines its modest buzz.

12. ‘Coherence’ (2013)

A dinner party unravels during a cosmic anomaly, with a minimalist score amplifying unease. The music’s subtle dread ties the low-budget sci-fi together.

Kristin Øhrn Dyrud’s sparse, haunting tracks build tension flawlessly. This mind-bending film’s soundtrack is a quiet triumph that’s easy to miss.

11. ‘The Endless’ (2017)

Two brothers revisit a strange cult, backed by a dreamy, otherworldly score. The music’s eerie loops echo the film’s time-bending narrative.

Jimmy LaValle’s ambient tracks, like ‘The Endless,’ create a hypnotic vibe. This indie sci-fi’s atmospheric soundtrack punches above its weight.

10. ‘Annihilation’ (2018)

A team explores a mysterious zone, with a genre-bending score that shifts from folk to alien intensity. The music’s climax is unforgettable.

Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow’s haunting tracks, especially the acoustic ‘The Alien,’ amplify Natalie Portman’s journey. This sci-fi gem’s score deserves more acclaim.

9. ‘The Night Of’ (2016)

A young man’s arrest spirals into a tense legal drama, with a moody, jazz-infused score. The music’s grit mirrors the urban setting.

Jeff Russo’s evocative tracks, like ‘Opening Credits,’ add depth to Riz Ahmed’s performance. This miniseries’ soundtrack is a subtle, underappreciated star.

8. ‘Your Name Engraved Herein’ (2020)

Two boys fall in love in 1980s Taiwan, set to a tender, orchestral score. The music captures their quiet longing and heartbreak.

Chris Hou’s sweeping melodies, paired with songs like ‘A Long Time Ago,’ elevate the romance. This film’s emotive soundtrack is a hidden treasure.

7. ‘Paterson’ (2016)

A poet-bus driver finds beauty in routine, backed by a gentle, ambient score. The music’s simplicity mirrors the film’s meditative charm.

Jim Jarmusch and Sqürl’s lo-fi tracks, like ‘Walk Home,’ complement Adam Driver’s quiet role. This indie gem’s soundtrack is a soothing, overlooked delight.

6. ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (2017-2025)

In a dystopian world, a woman fights to survive, with a chilling, eclectic soundtrack. The score blends classical and modern to haunting effect.

Adam Taylor’s eerie tracks, plus songs like Kate Bush’s ‘This Woman’s Work,’ amplify Elisabeth Moss’ intensity. Despite the show’s fame, its music often goes unnoticed.

5. ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ (2018)

A young couple faces injustice in 1970s Harlem, with a lush, jazzy score. The music’s warmth and sorrow deepen the love story.

Nicholas Britell’s soulful tracks, like ‘Agape,’ carry Tish and Fonny’s bond. This Barry Jenkins film’s soundtrack is a heartbreaking, underheard masterpiece.

4. ‘The Vast of Night’ (2019)

Two teens uncover a strange signal in 1950s New Mexico, with a retro, pulsing score. The music’s eerie energy drives the sci-fi mystery.

Erick Alexander and Jared Bulmer’s synth-heavy tracks, like ‘The Signal,’ create gripping tension. This low-budget film’s soundtrack is a standout gem.

3. ‘Mandy’ (2018)

A man seeks revenge in a surreal, violent world, backed by a heavy, psychedelic score. The music’s intensity fuels the film’s fever-dream vibe.

Jóhann Jóhannsson’s final score, with tracks like ‘Starling,’ elevates Nicolas Cage’s wild performance. This cult horror’s soundtrack is a sonic marvel.

2. ‘The Leftovers’ (2014-2017)

A town grapples with a mysterious disappearance, set to a haunting, piano-driven score. The music’s emotional weight amplifies the show’s grief.

Max Richter’s iconic ‘Departure’ theme, paired with eclectic song choices, grounds the surreal drama. Though critically loved, its soundtrack remains underappreciated.

1. ‘Drive’ (2011)

A quiet stunt driver navigates a dangerous underworld, with a neon-soaked synth score. The music’s retro pulse defines the film’s moody cool.

Cliff Martinez’s iconic tracks, like ‘Nightcall’ by Kavinsky, elevate Ryan Gosling’s performance. This cult classic’s soundtrack is a low-key legend worth celebrating.

Which hidden gem’s soundtrack blew you away, or did I miss one with killer music? Share your faves in the comments!