These 8 Movies Are Just As Fun To Listen To In The Background As They Are To Watch

Many of our favorite movies demand our full attention to keep us engaged. Components such as stunning visuals or captivating cinematography often carry the emotional weight of a scene, becoming essential to the triumph of a story. In some cases, the silence of a character might speak more than a hundred dialogues. However, there is a rare category of films that, regardless of how beautifully they are shot, also thrive as background chronicles.

These movies usually have sharp, consistent narration that keeps us on track with the story while a dramatic soundtrack plays in the background, immersing us in every moment. Along with that, an ingenious and well-acted script composed of witty dialogue and intense monologs is also an essential part. Whether through a beautifully theatrical melody, potent sound effects, or clever one-liners, these movies are never quiet, making them a cinematic experience that works even as echoes from another room.

8

Hot Fuzz (2007)

Directed By Edgar Wright

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Hot Fuzz

R

Action

Comedy

Mystery

Thriller

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10/10

9.5/10

Release Date

February 14, 2007

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Hot Fuzz is a satirical, genre-blending action-comedy that’s just as enjoyable to listen to as it is to watch. The dialogue is a relentless flow of ingenious one-liners and snappy back and forth between Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, two gifted actors with impeccable comedic timing and undeniable chemistry. Although the action sequences are thrilling, the film’s script is what made it such a hit.

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Edgar Wright’s signature use of sound effects helps the viewer, or in this case, the listener, to be drawn into each specific scene without the need for visuals. At the same time, the catchy music and unforgettable score are equally immersive experiences. The soundtrack is an homage to celebrated decades of British rock between the 1960s and 1970s, while the score was mainly composed by David Arnold, who had previously worked on the James Bond movie series. With such a nostalgic and layered sound library, Hot Fuzz doesn’t need sharp eyes to be a sharp movie.

7

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Directed By Quentin Tarantino

Pulp Fiction Movie Poster

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Pulp Fiction

R

Drama

Crime

ScreenRant logo

10/10

90

8.9/10

Release Date

October 14, 1994

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If there ever was a genius and fun movie screenplay, it’s undoubtedly the one behind Pulp Fiction, written by Quentin Tarantino, based on a story he composed with Roger Avary. Although it is hard to experience a Tarantino movie without the direct sight of blood, the crushing sound of beatings, gunshots, and fights will bring us back to that violence that is so characteristic of his work. Pulp Fiction is a euphoric journey that draws you in even just by listening to it.

​​​​Quentin Tarantino and Roger Avary won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Each character is given a distinct voice, metaphorically and not, and their conversations unfold like sonic signatures. The effortless brilliance of the dialogue, naturally flowing, punchy yet incredibly casual, is an indiscussible highlight. You do not need to watch the scene to laugh. Jules’ righteous monologue and Vincent and Mia’s absurd banter are still captivating. Furthermore, the soundtrack, a mix of surf-rock, soul, and pop gems and unknown recordings, adds its own narrative heartbeat.

6

Stand By Me (1986)

Directed By Rob Reiner

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With a title that stands as a homage to one of the most beautiful and heartening songs ever composed, it is enough to have an idea of what a listening delight Stand by Me can be. Inspired by Stephen King’s short story The Body, the movie is a nostalgic journey into the summer of four kids as they embark on a mission to find the corpse of one of their peers. This premise prompts a series of poignant exchanges and funny moments beautifully narrated by the wise and pensive voice of the adult version of one of the children.

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Stand By Me

R

Adventure

Drama

ScreenRant logo

10/10

8.3/10

Release Date

November 26, 1986

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Despite its bittersweet tones and contemplative ending, Stand by Me retains a heartwarming quality. The soundtrack — filled with ’50s and early ’60s hits — wraps the story in a nostalgic manner that matches the thematic narrative of the movie. Similarly, the film unfolds with casually delivered, yet deeply touching, quotes about friendship and the passage of time in the background. With its hauntingly beautiful score and the alternating voices of the shaky-voiced younger characters and the melancholic adult narrator, Stand by Me feels like a memory — you don’t need your eyes to see it.

5

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Directed By Wes Anderson

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The Grand Budapest Hotel, true to Wes Anderson’s signature style, is a visual symphony of color and beauty, so it might seem like a disservice not to watch it. However, the film is so incredibly rich in thoughtful narration and ironic dialogue that it is also surprisingly fun to listen to. Framed as a story within a story, Anderson’s magnum opus is a contemplative exploration of themes of nostalgia and camaraderie.

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The Grand Budapest Hotel

R

Adventure

Comedy

Drama

ScreenRant logo

9/10

7.9/10

Release Date

March 28, 2014

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Despite the non-linear narrative, it is nonetheless easy for the listener to follow the plot thanks to the distinctive voices of the characters and narrators. The film also features one of the most captivating scores in cinema history, an Academy Award-winning composition by Alexandre Desplat. The soundtrack is a tribute to the folk traditions of Central European regions, beautifully anchoring the story. With its evocative tone and musical composition, The Grand Budapest Hotel is not simply a film but a beautiful piece of poetry.

4

Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl (2003)

Directed By Gore Verbinski

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Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

PG-13

Action

Adventure

Fantasy

ScreenRant logo

9/10

24

9.0/10

Release Date

July 9, 2003

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Clearly, Pirates of the Caribbean has to be watched at least once or twice to appreciate the exciting fighting sequences and the physical comedy of Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. However, once you’re familiar with the plot and have taken in all the wild stunts, it can also become a fantastic background film — one that can easily cheer up and entertain the listener with its chaotic energy.

Custom image of Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Carribbean

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Listening to Captain Sparrow occasionally spitting out facts and mostly talking nonsense with the wicked confidence of someone ready to orchestrate the most absurd lies to justify himself, as well as his banter with his allies and enemies, is endlessly amusing. But beyond Depp’s charisma, every other character is just as distinctive and full of wit. Meanwhile, the legendary soundtrack elevates every moment, immersing the public in the fast-paced adventure of the most beloved pirates of the Seven Seas.

3

Clueless (1995)

Directed By Amy Heckerling

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Clueless

PG-13

Comedy

Romance

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9/10

10.0/10

Release Date

July 19, 1995

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One of the highlights of the 1990s, coming-of-age cult Clueless is the distinctive fashion of its protagonists. However, there is so much more to the film that keeps the public hooked beyond the visuals. Clueless is narrated by the endearing and comically self-assured youthful voice of Cher, the adorable heroine of the story, who guides us through her high-school experience with wide-eyed innocence and wit. Between flourishing love stories and failed tests, we follow her relentless search for an identity.

Cher’s thoughts and feelings are never a secret to the public. This peculiarity allows us to know and root for the slightly immature but brilliant young woman she is. Her amusing observations and exchanges — often banters — with other characters feel like a brief interlude between her monologs, serving as a source of laughter and curiosity. Listening to Clueless almost feels like following an episodic podcast about someone’s entertaining but also relatable life, making it an ideal background movie to enjoy.

2

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Directed By Baz Luhrmann

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Moulin Rouge! is almost like a lyrical page out of an intimate diary that was brought to life by the fast-paced and psychedelic cinematography of Baz Luhrmann and the heartbreaking performances of Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman. The musical is a tragic journey into the magical time of the Belle Époque in Paris, defined not only by amazing dances and magnificent costumes but also by a heart-wrenching soundtrack worth listening to.

Moulin Rouge Movie Poster

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Moulin Rouge!

PG-13

Musical

Drama

Romance

9.0/10

Release Date

June 1, 2001

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Although it feels like a shame to ignore the picturesque beauty of the film, Moulin Rouge! also works an enthralling musical track, capable of making the listener dream and being transported into the dramatic yet evocative world of the two protagonists. Christian’s pained vocal performance as he introduces us to his story immerses us in the tragic atmosphere of this English poet and his unfortunate lover.

1

Guardians Of The Galaxy (2014)

Directed By James Gunn

Gamora and Star-Lord Freezing To Death In Space In Guardians of the Galaxy (1)

Guardian of the Galaxy might be a captivating, almost addictive, visual experience in the chaotic version of the space depicted, but the movie is also one of the funniest scripts in the Marvel Universe. Where else do we find a group of such different yet perfectly matched and hilarious heroes? From Star-Lord’s charming persona to Rocket Raccoon’s irreverence, each character is so unique and effortlessly comical that this movie is just as fun to listen to.

Jim Carrey looking and looking in the camera in The Truman Show

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The chemistry between the characters, divided between their stubbornness to hate each other and their desperate craving for love, is a source of laughter to the point of tears. Their bickering might be mean-spirited and petty, but that same venom makes it so ingeniously hilarious. Above all, Guardians of the Galaxy has one of the best soundtracks in a superhero movie, as music is an essential part of the story and its protagonist. Whether you watch it or not, the film will hook you in as soon as you hear the first notes of “Come and Get Your Love.”

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