6 cinematic soundtracks to add to your study playlist
What do you do to help you focus in your studies? When I’m studying, I like to play a cinematic soundtrack from beginning to end because it helps me focus on what I’m doing. Sometimes I’d play albums of some of my favorite artists, but often, I rely on original scores from my favorite movies. It’s less disruptive and I can put the volume really low and still enjoy it. It also helps me get an estimate on how long I’ve been working.
Study music should be play quietly on the background without disturbing your work. Here are some of my favorite cinematic soundtracks you can add to your study playlist!
Coraline
The soundtrack for Laika Studio’s Coraline (2009) was composed by French composer Bruno Coulais with the song “Other Father” written by They MIght Be Giants. Performed by the Hungarian Symphony Orchestra Budapest, the soundtrack features several choral pieces performed by the Children’s Choir of Nice. It’s honestly the perfect soundtrack to study with because of the melancholy and quiet mood of the choral pieces. My personal favorites from the soundtrack are Exploration and Dreaming.
Song of the Sea
Another cinematic soundtrack composed by Bruno Coulais, this time for Cartoon Saloon, Melusine Productions and MORE’s Song of the Sea (2014). The overall quiet and still magical soundtrack translated the fantasy adventure movie well to please anyone’s eardrums. Enjoy catching up with your studies with this amazing soundtrack!
Amélie
Amélie‘s (2001) original cinematic soundtrack was composed by Yann Tiersen. With the 15 original pieces made for the film, they capture the film’s innocent, romantic and quirky feel. While the entire album is rough 35 minutes long, it’s the perfect album to listen to when you’re writing an essay or researching for a subject. I particularly enjoy the track La valse d’Amélie.
The Fantastic Mr. Fox
Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox score was composed by Alexandre Desplat. Based on Roald Dahls’ book, the soundtrack has a light and whimsical tone that perfectly suited the film. The soundtrack also included several soungs by various artists. Without even noticing it, you might be done studying after finishing the entire album!
Emma
Perhaps you’ve seen the movie, but have you listened to the soundtrack? The original soundtrack for Emma (2020) was composed by Isobel Waller-Bridge and David Schweitzer. The portagonist and her love interest both have separate themes in the album which are perfect to listen to side by side. The album also includes songs from the film by various artists. It’s calming and playful tone is enough to keep you focused on whatever task you need to get done. My favorite piece are the Emma Suite and Mr. Knightley.
Howl’s Moving Castle
it isn’t a study playlist without some classic Studio Ghibli soundtrack. Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) remains one of my favorite Studio Ghibli films, and the soundtrack is just golden. Originally composed by Joe Hisaishi for the film, the soundtrack is a wonderful addition to any playlist get the study vibe rolling.