The Best Video Game Soundtracks You’ll Never Forget

13 September 2025

Have you ever found yourself humming the theme of a game you haven’t played in years? That’s the power of a great video game soundtrack. It digs its hooks into your memory, nestles deep in your mind, and lives there rent-free for decades. Whether it’s a sweeping orchestra during an emotional cutscene or a bouncy 8-bit tune from retro days—music in games isn’t just background noise. It’s the soul of the experience.

In this article, we’re diving headfirst into the best video game soundtracks you’ll never forget. These are the tunes that made your controller feel like a magic wand, turning pixels into something deeply personal. Ready to take a nostalgic ride through auditory awesomeness? Let’s crank the volume up.

Why Video Game Music Matters More Than You Think

Alright, pause for a second. Think back to one of your favorite games. Now forget the music for a moment. Weird, isn’t it?

Game soundtracks do more than just sound pretty. They're emotional triggers. They guide your feelings. They scream danger in boss fights, whisper melancholy during plot twists, and celebrate triumph when you emerge victorious.

Without powerful music, even the most stunning game world can feel oddly hollow. It’s like watching a movie on mute—you lose the magic.

The Criteria: What Makes a Soundtrack Unforgettable?

Before we list off some classics, let’s get something straight. What exactly defines unforgettable in the world of video game music? It's not just about catchy tunes (though that helps). Here's what we looked for:

- Emotional Impact – Does the music move you?
- Memorability – Can you hum the melody years later?
- Integration – Does it enhance the gameplay seamlessly?
- Cultural Impact – Did it inspire remixes, concerts, or memes?
- Replay Value – Can you enjoy it outside the game world?

Now, with that in mind, let’s dive into the soundtracks that blew our minds and stole our hearts.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Let’s be real—if you’ve ever touched a controller, chances are you’ve heard that iconic “Song of Time.”

Koji Kondo didn’t just compose a soundtrack; he built an entire musical mythology. Every single song from Ocarina of Time is tied to gameplay mechanics, emotions, and pivotal story events. The ocarina songs you play actually change the world around you. That’s next-level integration.

From the soothing tones of “Zelda’s Lullaby” to the eerie echo of “Forest Temple,” this soundtrack wraps itself around your gameplay experience like a second skin.

2. Final Fantasy VII

This one’s a no-brainer. Nobuo Uematsu created an orchestral masterpiece that has aged like fine wine.

The haunting theme “Aerith’s Theme” probably made more gamers cry than any breakup ever did. "One-Winged Angel" is a full-blown rock opera of boss music that still gives players goosebumps.

Final Fantasy VII’s music feels like a movie score. It swells and crashes with emotion, matching the highs and lows of the story in ways that most modern games still can’t replicate.

3. Chrono Trigger

Want to feel chills? Go play Chrono Trigger’s main theme.

Yasunori Mitsuda and Nobuo Uematsu tag-teamed this one, and it shows. This 16-bit RPG features one of the richest soundtracks to ever grace the SNES. From prehistoric drums to futuristic synths, the music evolves with the timeline. Literally.

What's wild is how timeless it feels. Despite being composed in the '90s, it still slaps harder than many modern scores. Each track is threaded with emotion, nostalgia, and that unmistakable spark of magic.

4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Ah, Skyrim. You knew it was coming.

From the moment “Dragonborn” blares as you slay your first dragon, you’re hooked. Composer Jeremy Soule crafted an epic, atmospheric score that brings the vast, snow-covered world of Tamriel to life.

This soundtrack is immersive. It’s not just medieval and grand—it’s introspective, too. Tracks like “Far Horizons” make you want to just stop and stare at the mountains, forgetting the dragon that’s probably roasting your village.

5. Hollow Knight

If you missed this indie gem, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

Christopher Larkin’s soundtrack is dark, delicate, and downright haunting. It doesn’t shout at you—it whispers, drawing you deeper into the world of Hallownest with every note.

“Hornet” and “Greenpath” are perfect examples of how minimalist music can still pack an emotional punch. The soundtrack dances between beauty and eeriness, fitting the somber yet magical tone of the game. It’s basically the musical equivalent of a gothic fairytale.

6. NieR: Automata

Let’s talk about NieR: Automata. Spoiler alert: This one will emotionally wreck you.

Keiichi Okabe created a genre-defying score that shifts between languages and styles. You’ll hear choirs, electronic beats, and lullabies—sometimes all in the same track. It’s weird, beautiful, and totally unforgettable.

"Weight of the World" is easily one of the most heart-wrenching songs ever created for a game. After hearing it in the final ending, don’t be surprised if you just sit there… stunned, controller in hand, questioning your life choices.

7. Undertale

Toby Fox is one guy. Just one.

Yet he managed to craft not only an iconic game but one of the most memorable soundtracks of the last decade. Tracks like “Megalovania” and “Hopes and Dreams” have basically become meme royalty.

But it’s not just about fun songs. The entire soundtrack is deeply woven into the emotion of the story. Every decision, every battle, every friend—there’s a tune that makes it hit harder.

8. Red Dead Redemption 2

This one’s a slow burn—and that’s the point.

Woody Jackson composed a soundtrack that feels like America’s dusty, dying frontier. It’s folk, it’s blues, it’s ambient. At times, it's almost cinematic in its hushed intensity.

Songs like “Unshaken” and “That’s the Way It Is” don’t just accompany the story—they become part of its soul. You’ll be riding through the fields, sunsets painting the sky, and the music will hit you outta nowhere. Goosebumps every time.

9. Persona 5

Ever wondered what jazz, funk, and thieves have in common? Persona 5.

Shoji Meguro’s soundtrack is a stylish rollercoaster. "Last Surprise" and "Life Will Change" are total bangers that make turn-based combat feel like a dance-off in a Tokyo night club. And let’s not forget the smooth vibes of "Beneath the Mask" that make your downtime feel like a chill evening on the rooftops.

This soundtrack doesn’t just support the aesthetic—it defines it. Persona 5 without its music? Not the same game.

10. Silent Hill 2

Let’s pivot to something darker.

Akira Yamaoka’s soundtrack for Silent Hill 2 is pure psychological horror manifested in sound. It's dissonant. It's melancholy. And sometimes, it's just plain disturbing.

Tracks like “Theme of Laura” mix sadness and fear in a way few other game scores dare to. It sticks with you long after you’ve put the controller down—like a shadow in the corner of your mind.

Honorable Mentions (Because We Couldn’t Resist)

- Journey – A Grammy-nominated atmospheric wonder.
- Shadow of the Colossus – Epic and emotional with minimalism at heart.
- Banjo-Kazooie – Charming, goofy, and seriously catchy.
- Mass Effect 2 – A futuristic blend of synths and strings.
- Cuphead – Pure jazz perfection with old-school charm.

The Soundtrack Effect: Why These Games Leave a Mark

Gaming is an emotional journey, and music is the soundtrack of that ride—literally. When you think of the games that shaped your childhood or got you through tough times, it's the music that often stands out the most.

It’s funny how a single tune can teleport you back to an epic boss battle, a heartbreaking moment, or a time when you just got lost in a digital world. It’s like a time machine made of sound waves.

So next time you play a game, pay close attention to the music. Chances are, it’s telling a story of its own.

Final Thoughts: Press Play on Your Memories

The best video game soundtracks aren’t just music—they’re experiences. They make us cry, pump us up, or just vibe while exploring vast digital worlds. And years later, their melodies still echo in our minds like old friends.

So yeah, maybe it’s just “game music.” But to us? They’re the anthems of our greatest adventures.

Now, go ahead. Open Spotify. Search for those tracks. And hit play on your past.