10 Best Video Game Soundtracks of All Time: The Definitive Ranking

In the grand tapestry of video gaming, a truly exceptional soundtrack is the golden thread that weaves through the entire experience, transforming a great game into an unforgettable one. It's the invisible force that quickens your pulse during a tense boss battle, brings a tear to your eye in a moment of poignant narrative, and remains etched in your memory long after the credits roll. The best video game soundtracks are more than just background music; they are the very soul of the worlds they inhabit, a collection of anthems and ambient pieces that define characters, heighten emotions, and create an immersive atmosphere that captivates players. From the 8-bit chiptunes that sparked a revolution to the sweeping orchestral scores of modern blockbusters, video game music has evolved into a powerful and respected art form. This list is a celebration of that artistry, a definitive ranking of the scores that have not only perfectly complemented their games but have also transcended them, achieving a timeless quality that allows them to be appreciated as standalone musical masterpieces. Join us as we explore the emotional depth, innovative composition, and cultural impact of the 10 best video game soundtracks of all time.

10. Super Mario Bros. (1985)

Koji Kondo's work on Super Mario Bros. is nothing short of foundational. With incredibly limited hardware, he crafted a soundtrack that is arguably the most recognizable in gaming history. It’s a masterclass in creating a rich and expressive musical landscape with minimal resources, setting a standard for how music could be intrinsically linked to gameplay.

The Birth of an Anthem

The "Ground Theme" is a cultural touchstone. Its jaunty, calypso-infused rhythm and infectious melody are synonymous with video games themselves. Kondo's genius lies in the theme's perfect synchronization with Mario's movements; the music's tempo and rhythm encourage the player's forward momentum, creating a seamless and joyful experience. This synergy between music and action was revolutionary, transforming the soundtrack from a passive backdrop into an active participant in the game. The theme was so impactful it became the first piece of video game music to be added to the Library of Congress's National Recording Registry.

A World Painted in Sound

Beyond the main theme, Kondo gave each of the game's distinct environments its own unique musical identity. The "Underwater Theme" is a graceful, ethereal waltz that beautifully captures the feeling of buoyant, slow-motion movement. In stark contrast, the "Underworld Theme" is a tense, minimalist piece that creates a sense of dread and danger in the game's subterranean levels. Each composition, though simple, effectively establishes the mood and enhances the player's immersion in the Mushroom Kingdom.

9. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)

Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori’s score for Halo: Combat Evolved is epic in every sense of the word. It elevated the shooter genre by infusing it with a sense of grandeur and mystery, creating a cinematic experience that was previously unheard of in the medium. The soundtrack’s fusion of different musical styles created a truly unique and iconic sound.

The Gregorian Chant Heard 'Round the World

The "Halo Theme" is instantly recognizable for its opening Gregorian chant, which immediately establishes a sense of ancient mystery and importance. This monastic choir, combined with a powerful string section and tribal percussion, creates a soundscape that is both primordial and futuristic. O'Donnell was tasked with creating music that felt "ancient, epic, and mysterious," and he succeeded spectacularly, crafting a theme that has become the signature sound of the entire franchise.

Dynamic and Adaptive Score

One of the most innovative aspects of the Halo soundtrack was its dynamic implementation. O'Donnell and Salvatori composed the music in "chunks" that the game's audio engine could dynamically trigger based on the player's actions and the current in-game situation. This meant the music could seamlessly transition from quiet, exploratory themes to intense, action-packed orchestrations, perfectly mirroring the flow of gameplay and enhancing the player's emotional engagement.

8. Persona 5 (2017)

Shoji Meguro’s soundtrack for Persona 5 is a vibrant and stylish fusion of acid jazz, funk, and rock that perfectly encapsulates the game's rebellious spirit and phantom thief motif. The music is not just an accompaniment to the game's narrative; it's an essential part of its identity, exuding a confidence and coolness that is utterly captivating.

The Soul of Rebellion: Acid Jazz

Meguro's decision to incorporate acid jazz elements into the soundtrack was a masterstroke. This genre, with its blend of jazz, funk, and hip-hop, provides the perfect sonic backdrop for the game's story of stylish teenagers rebelling against a corrupt society. Tracks like "Wake Up, Get Up, Get Out There" and the iconic battle theme "Last Surprise" are energetic and catchy, with driving basslines and soulful vocals that make every battle feel like a dance-off.

Atmospheric and Moody Tracks

Beyond the high-energy battle themes, the Persona 5 soundtrack also excels at creating a palpable sense of atmosphere. "Beneath the Mask," the game's gentle, rain-soaked theme for wandering Tokyo at night, is a perfect example of the game's more introspective side. Its smooth, jazzy vibes create a contemplative mood that allows the player to immerse themselves in the game's detailed world. Other tracks, like the casino-inspired "Whims of Fate," perfectly match the aesthetic of their respective dungeons.

7. Silent Hill 2 (2001)

Akira Yamaoka's soundtrack for Silent Hill 2 is a haunting and atmospheric masterpiece that is as integral to the game's psychological horror as its visuals. Yamaoka's unique blend of dark ambient, trip-hop, and alternative rock creates a deeply unsettling and emotionally resonant soundscape that gets under the player's skin and stays there.

Music as Psychological Manipulation

Yamaoka's compositions are designed to evoke a wide range of emotions, from profound sadness to heart-pounding terror. He masterfully uses sound to create an atmosphere of dread and to psychologically unsettle the player. The extensive use of industrial noise and disturbing sound effects, from otherworldly screams to the crunch of footsteps on broken glass, blurs the line between music and sound design, creating an immersive and terrifying experience. Yamaoka even stated he tried to convey non-visual elements like smells and temperature through sound.

Melancholic Beauty

Despite its terrifying nature, the Silent Hill 2 soundtrack also possesses a strange and melancholic beauty. The main theme, "Theme of Laura," is a prime example of this duality. It combines a sorrowful melody with a strong, driving beat, perfectly capturing the game's central themes of grief, guilt, and loss. This ability to find beauty in the darkness is what makes Yamaoka's score so emotionally powerful and enduring.

6. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)

Jeremy Soule's score for Skyrim is a sweeping, orchestral epic that perfectly captures the majestic and untamed beauty of the game's Nordic-inspired world. The soundtrack enhances the sense of immersion and adventure, making the player feel like a legendary hero in a vast, ancient land.

The Power of the Dragonborn

The main theme, "Dragonborn," is an unforgettable piece of music that has become iconic in the world of gaming. Featuring a choir of over thirty people singing in the game's fictional dragon language, the theme is a powerful and stirring anthem that perfectly encapsulates the epic scale of the game. Soule's use of a choir creates a sense of raw, primal power that is both intimidating and awe-inspiring.

A World of Ambient Wonder

While the epic battle themes are a major highlight, the true genius of the Skyrim soundtrack lies in its ambient, exploratory music. Tracks like "Secunda" and "Aurora" are beautifully serene, providing a calming and contemplative backdrop to the player's journey through the game's stunning landscapes. Soule's music is expertly paired with moments of discovery, swelling at just the right time to create a profound sense of wonder and awe. The nearly 42-minute-long "Skyrim Atmospheres" track is a testament to the score's relaxing yet epic nature.

5. Undertale (2015)

Toby Fox's soundtrack for Undertale is a masterwork of musical storytelling, utilizing leitmotifs to create a deeply interconnected and emotionally resonant score. Despite its retro, 16-bit aesthetic, the music is incredibly complex and nuanced, with each track serving a specific narrative or emotional purpose.

The Power of Leitmotifs

The extensive use of leitmotifs is the defining feature of the Undertale soundtrack. A single melodic idea, "Once Upon a Time," serves as the main theme and is woven throughout the entire score in countless variations. Different characters and locations have their own unique themes that are often variations or combinations of other leitmotifs, creating a complex web of musical relationships that mirrors the game's branching narrative and interconnected characters. This technique gives the soundtrack a remarkable sense of cohesion and rewards attentive listeners with a deeper understanding of the game's story.

A Spectrum of Emotions

The Undertale soundtrack is also notable for its incredible emotional range. The music can be quirky and humorous one moment, and then heart-wrenching and poignant the next. Tracks like "Megalovania" are high-energy, prog-rock-infused battle themes that have become cultural phenomena in their own right, while songs like "His Theme" are simple, beautiful melodies that can evoke a profound sense of sadness and nostalgia. Fox's ability to seamlessly transition between these different emotional tones is a testament to his skill as a composer.

4. The Last of Us (2013)

Gustavo Santaolalla's score for The Last of Us is a beautifully minimalist and emotionally raw masterpiece. Known for his work on films like Brokeback Mountain and Babel, Santaolalla brought a unique and intimate approach to the game's music, focusing on character and emotion rather than traditional horror tropes.

An Unconventional Horror Score

Instead of bombastic orchestrations and jump-scare sound design, Santaolalla's score is built around the sparse, haunting sound of his signature ronroco and acoustic guitar. This choice to focus on tender, minimalistic instrumentation allows the emotional depth of the characters and their relationships to take center stage. The music is often quiet and contemplative, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that is rare in the survival-horror genre.

The Sound of Survival and Loss

The main theme of The Last of Us perfectly encapsulates the game's tone of melancholic hope. It's a simple yet powerful piece that conveys the themes of loss, survival, and the enduring human spirit. Santaolalla's music is deeply intertwined with the game's narrative, underscoring the emotional weight of the story and deepening the player's connection to the characters of Joel and Ellie.

3. Chrono Trigger (1995)

The soundtrack for Chrono Trigger, primarily composed by Yasunori Mitsuda with contributions from the legendary Nobuo Uematsu, is a timeless classic that is beloved by fans for its incredible melodies and emotional depth. The score is a masterful example of how music can enhance a game's narrative and create an unforgettable sense of adventure.

A Young Composer's Masterpiece

Chrono Trigger was Yasunori Mitsuda's first major project as a composer, and he poured his heart and soul into it. His passion is evident in every track, from the uplifting and adventurous "Main Theme" to the beautiful and melancholic "Schala's Theme." Mitsuda's desire was to create music that didn't fit into any established genre, and the result is a wonderfully eclectic and imaginative score that perfectly complements the game's time-traveling narrative.

Thematic Consistency and Emotional Range

One of the strengths of the Chrono Trigger soundtrack is its use of leitmotifs to create a sense of thematic consistency. The main theme, for example, is reprised in various forms throughout the game, creating a unifying musical thread that ties the sprawling narrative together. The score also boasts an impressive emotional range, with tracks like the funky and energetic "Battle 1" and the mysterious and atmospheric "Secret of the Forest" showcasing the incredible diversity of Mitsuda's compositions.

2. Final Fantasy VII (1997)

Nobuo Uematsu's soundtrack for Final Fantasy VII is an epic and emotionally powerful work that has left an indelible mark on the history of video game music. With its memorable character themes, epic battle music, and poignant ballads, the score is a masterclass in musical storytelling that has captivated players for decades.

The Power of the MIDI

Despite the PlayStation's capacity for CD-quality audio, Uematsu made the deliberate choice to use MIDI sounds for the Final Fantasy VII soundtrack. This decision, made to avoid long loading times, ultimately gave the score a distinctive and beloved character. Uematsu's genius lies in his ability to create incredibly expressive and emotionally resonant music within these technical limitations. His approach was to treat the game like a film, composing music that reflected the mood of each scene.

Iconic and Unforgettable Themes

The Final Fantasy VII soundtrack is packed with iconic themes that have become legendary in their own right. "Aerith's Theme" is a beautiful and heartbreaking piece that perfectly captures the character's gentle nature and tragic fate. On the other end of the spectrum, "One-Winged Angel" is a bombastic and menacing choral piece that has become the definitive villain anthem. From the epic "Main Theme" to the game's numerous character motifs, Uematsu's score is a treasure trove of unforgettable melodies.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)

Koji Kondo's soundtrack for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a triumph of interactive and immersive musical design. It is not just a collection of songs, but a fundamental part of the gameplay experience, with music being the primary tool for solving puzzles and interacting with the world of Hyrule.

Music as a Gameplay Mechanic

The most innovative aspect of the Ocarina of Time soundtrack is its integration of music as a core gameplay mechanic. Players learn to play various songs on the ocarina to manipulate time, change the weather, and solve puzzles. This brilliant design choice makes the music an active and essential part of the player's journey, creating a deep and meaningful connection between the player and the game's musical landscape.

A World of Timeless Melodies

Beyond its interactive elements, the Ocarina of Time soundtrack is filled with timeless and beloved melodies. From the majestic "Hyrule Field Theme" to the enchanting "Zelda's Lullaby" and the lively "Saria's Song," each piece is expertly crafted to evoke a specific mood and sense of place. Kondo's ability to create such a diverse and memorable collection of tunes is a testament to his mastery of composition. The score for Ocarina of Time is arguably his best work, a perfect synthesis of music and gameplay that remains the gold standard for video game soundtracks.

In conclusion, the best video game soundtracks are more than just a pleasant accompaniment; they are an integral part of the interactive experience. They have the power to transport us to other worlds, to make us feel a wide range of emotions, and to stay with us long after we've put down the controller. The ten soundtracks on this list represent the pinnacle of video game music, and their enduring popularity is a testament to the incredible talent and artistry of their composers.