Favorite Movie and TV Soundtracks for Writing

Every writer has their own routine. Whether it involves a certain chair, drink, view, font, or time of day, some things are sacred and must be present for the words to flow. I think a major influence in writing is what you hear; is it the hubbub of a coffee shop, the ticking of a clock, nature’s constant action, or just plain silence? I’ve written in a wide variety of places but I generally prefer music to play a part in my writing mind.

The majority of the music I write to doesn’t have lyrics, so cinematic soundtracks are the perfect way to provide background ambiance. I’ve created many playlists for all the distinct moods featured in my fiction and there are certain soundtracks that I will find on one or all of those lists.

King Arthur (2004) by Hans Zimmer

This is on the epic/intense/battle side and it works so well for those scenes. It makes me feel like I’m conquering the world, which is what you need when you’re writing. I loved this soundtrack before I saw the movie and then I watched it and was sorely disappointed because the music made me think the movie would be great.

Hans Zimmer has several great soundtracks. I also enjoy The Pirates of the Caribbean series and Sherlock Holmes.

Favorite song: Knights March

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit by Howard Shore and others

How could these not make the list? They have some of the most quintessential fantasy music ever made and I’m sorta writing fantasy so it fits. One drawback is that I sometimes picture the movie while I’m listening and it can kinda distract me from my own story. But who cares? The music is glorious.

Favorite songs: The White Tree and The Last Goodbye

Assassin’s Creed games by multiple artists

Is adding game music cheating? Whatever. I haven’t been impressed by the newer AC soundtracks but the older ones have some fantastic music. From the high seas and Rome’s countryside, to the streets of Istanbul and London, it’s got the goods to deliver you to a wide variety of writing locations. AC Rogue and Black Flag also have some fun sea shanties for you to sing along to.

Favorite songs: It’s a tough pick, especially since there are eight games I’m choosing from, but I’ll go with Venice Rooftops and the shanty Here’s a Health to the Company.

Game of Thrones series by Ramin Djawadi

I haven’t seen the show or read the books, but that hasn’t stopped me from enjoying the music. It’s a more subdued sound and I can hear the show’s gray color palette, but sometimes that’s what I need for writing.

Favorite song: Mhysa

Outlander series by Bear McCreary

Sing me a song…okay. I won’t. I love how Scottish the first season sounds. The bagpipes, the strings, the strains of Loch Lomond, I feel like I’ve been transported to ye olden days of highlanders, adventure and death. Or a rough idea of that. The show must’ve gone off the rails after season one because there aren’t nearly as many good songs in the later scores. But the first season sounds perfect. I also just discovered the Black Sails soundtrack (also by Bear) and that’s really good too.

Favorite song: Tracking Jamie

Pride and Prejudice (2005) by Dario Marianelli

Not only is this one of my favorite movies, it has a wonderful soundtrack. The piano is my favorite instrument and here it’s used in such a beautiful way. And then you add the strings and it just gets better. I’ve listened to it all the way through several times and it never gets old.

Favorite song: The Living Sculptures of Pemberley

Honorable Mentions:

Elder Scrolls games by Jeremy Soule and others

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by Nicholas Hooper

The Three Musketeers (2011) by Paul Haslinger

Amélie by Yann Tiersen

Do you listen to stuff while you write? If so, what are your favorites?