The 25 greatest '90s movie soundtracks, from Cruel Intentions to Titanic

Although the 21st century has given us some admirable soundtracks ( Barbie: The Album , Black Panther: The Album , The Great Gatsby: Music from Baz Luhrmann's Film , to name a few), none are quite as the bomb dot com as the ones that defined '90s cinema.

In an era where soundtracks were unstoppable forces in pop culture, these compilations served up A-to-B sides filled with bangers across every genre and then climbed the Billboard charts; scored major Grammy and Oscar recognition; and took on a life outside of its concurrent film. So now, when you think of Titanic , it's almost impossible not to belt out Celine Dion 's "My Heart Will Go On." Pop in Cruel Intentions , and you're totally waiting for the Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony" during the iconic final scene .

So, dust off your Discman, and let's look back at the 25 slammin' playlists from a truly dope decade.

Cruel Intentions (1999) The producers almost couldn't afford to use the film's oh-so-memorable closing track — as they revealed in EW's oral history — but ultimately dropped a chunk of the budget to secure it. Shall we toast to their triumph?

Essential track: "Bitter Sweet Symphony," the Verve

Can't Hardly Wait (1998) We're talking about the party of the century . That demands a legendary playlist.

Essential track: "Can't Get Enough of You Baby," Smash Mouth

Romeo + Juliet (1996) But soft, what song through yonder speaker breaks? It is the Cardigans' "Lovefool," and up next is Des'ree's "Kissing You."

Essential track: "Lovefool," the Cardigans

Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997) They didn't actually invent Post-Its, but they did perfect the art of matching outfits and choreographing an interpretive dance to Cyndi Lauper 's "Time After Time." (While the soundtrack couldn't secure the rights to that classic, there's still plenty to guarantee you have a Romy and Michele day!)

Essential track: "We Got the Beat," the Go-Go's

Wild Wild West (1999) If we had to choose between Wild Wild West ( the movie ) and "Wild Wild West" ( its iconic theme song ), well...

Essential track: "Wild Wild West," Will Smith

Trainspotting (1996) Even decades later, we're struggling to think of anything cooler than the original Trainspotting album.

Essential track: "Lust for Life," Iggy Pop (with David Bowie )

Empire Records (1995) It's a movie set in a record store, okay? The Empire Records soundtrack isn't messing around!

ESSENTIAL TRACK: "'Til I Hear It From You," the Gin Blossoms

Reality Bites (1994) Play this album on repeat while reflecting upon the definition of the word "irony."

Essential track: "Stay (I Missed You)," Lisa Loeb

Forrest Gump (1994) Life may be a box of chocolates, but nothing hits the sweet spot more than this double-disc set of back-to-back classics.

Essential track: "Fortunate Son," Creedence Clearwater Revival

The Bodyguard (1992) And weeeeeee... will always love this soundtraaaaaaaaaack...

Essential track: "I Will Always Love You," Whitney Houston

Pulp Fiction (1994) If only Quentin Tarantino could curate the soundtrack for all our lives! Or at least all our dance-offs.

Essential track: "You Never Can Tell," Chuck Berry

Singles (1992) Cameron Crowe takes music seriously, so it should come as no surprise that his 1992 rom-com comes with an expertly curated Seattle grunge playlist.

Essential track: "Breath," Pearl Jam (who cameoed in the film)

American Pie (1999) Like the film itself, the American Pie soundtrack is a perfect glimpse into the souls of late '90s teens — for better or worse .

Essential track: "New Girl," Third Eye Blind (whose "Semi-Charmed Life" also appears in the movie, but not on the soundtrack)

City of Angels (1998) Nicolas Cage might don angel wings in City of Angels , but the real heavenly gift is the film's soundtrack.

Essential track: "Iris," the Goo Goo Dolls

Spice World (1997) It might not be the film's official soundtrack, but this girl-powered Spice-fest will make you slam it to the left (if you're havin' a good time)!

Essential track: "Spice Up Your Life," the Spice Girls (who else?)

That Thing You Do! (1996) One-hit wonders , sure. But what a hit it was! The title track, written for the movie by Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger , became a real-life hit to match its onscreen popularity.

Essential track: "That Thing You Do!," the Wonders (a.k.a. the Oneders)

The Lion King (1994) Long live the king ... and this Grammy- and Oscar-winning soundtrack!

Essential track: "Circle of Life," Carmen Twillie and Lebo M (or the one performed by Elton John )

We don't hate this , not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.

Essential track: "I Want You to Want Me," Letters to Cleo (who also covered "Cruel to Be Kind" and provided two original songs for the film)

Good Will Hunting (1997) How do you like them indie rock hits?

Essential track: "Miss Misery," Elliott Smith (who provided several songs for the soundtrack)

Grosse Pointe Blank (1997) Clearly John Cusack put years of prep work into his performance as an obsessive music snob in 2000's High Fidelity , considering the consistently on-point song selection for Grosse Pointe Blank .

Essential track: "Blister in the Sun," Violent Femmes

Armageddon (1998) If the world must come to an end, at least Aerosmith will be there to sing us off.

Essential track: "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," Aerosmith (who provided several songs for the soundtrack)

Friday (1995) Daaammmnnn , this soundtrack keeps our heads and souls ringin'!

Essential track: "Keep Their Heads Ringin'," Dr. Dre

Clueless (1995) You see how picky Cher ( Alicia Silverstone ) is about her shoes, and they only go on her feet. Imagine how selective she must be for the tunes she lets in her ears!

Essential track: "Supermodel," Jill Sobule

Batman Forever (1995) It may not be the best Batman movie , but it's got Seal !

Essential track: "Kiss From a Rose," Seal

Titanic (1997) Our hearts — and this melody — will go on.

Essential track: You're kidding, right?