Some movies come and go, but their soundtracks take on a life of their own. The 1970s were filled with unforgettable film scores and hit-packed soundtracks that often outshined the movies they were created for. Whether it was disco anthems, rock ballads, or orchestral masterpieces, these albums became cultural touchstones—even if the films themselves faded from memory. Let’s take a look at 14 movie soundtracks from the ’70s that became bigger than the films.
1. Saturday Night Fever (1977)
While Saturday Night Fever was a hit, its soundtrack became a cultural phenomenon that completely overshadowed the film. The Bee Gees dominated the album with tracks like Stayin’ Alive, Night Fever, and How Deep Is Your Love, turning the record into a disco landmark. The album spent 24 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard charts and became one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time. Today, people may not remember every detail of the movie, but the music remains the ultimate soundtrack to the disco era.
2. Grease (1978)
The film Grease was a massive success, but its soundtrack became even more legendary. Songs like You’re the One That I Want, Hopelessly Devoted to You, and Summer Nights turned Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta into pop music icons. The album spent months at the top of the charts, selling millions of copies and spawning karaoke favorites that are still sung today. While the movie is beloved, the music has lived on in a way that far exceeds its original theatrical run.
3. Superfly (1972)
While Superfly was an important film in the blaxploitation genre, its soundtrack by Curtis Mayfield became the real lasting legacy. Songs like Freddie’s Dead and Pusherman not only defined the film but also stood on their own as socially conscious funk and soul masterpieces. The album was a massive success, outselling the movie and becoming one of the most influential R&B records of the decade. Even people who have never seen Superfly know the power of its music.
4. American Graffiti (1973)
George Lucas’ nostalgic coming-of-age film American Graffiti captured the spirit of the early ’60s, but its soundtrack became the real star. Filled with classic rock and doo-wop hits like Rock Around the Clock and Why Do Fools Fall in Love, the double-album release became a staple for oldies fans. The film was successful, but the music’s impact extended far beyond the movie, helping revive interest in ’50s and ’60s rock. Decades later, the soundtrack is still one of the best-selling compilations of classic hits.
5. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show bombed at the box office upon release, but its soundtrack kept the film alive and eventually turned it into a cult classic. Songs like Time Warp and Sweet Transvestite became fan anthems, fueling midnight screenings that continue to this day. The music outgrew the film’s initial failure and became a cornerstone of rock and musical theater culture. In many ways, the soundtrack was the driving force behind the film’s second life as a cultural institution.
6. Shaft (1971)
The film Shaft was a major moment for Black cinema, but it was Isaac Hayes’ funky, orchestral soundtrack that became truly legendary. The title song, Theme from Shaft, won an Academy Award and turned Hayes into a household name. The album blended soul, funk, and cinematic grandeur, setting the stage for how action movies would sound for years to come. While Shaft remains iconic, the soundtrack’s influence on music has outlasted the film itself.
7. Thank God It’s Friday (1978)
Though Thank God It’s Friday tried to capitalize on the disco craze, the film itself was quickly forgotten. However, its soundtrack, featuring Donna Summer’s Last Dance, became a defining record of the era. The song won an Academy Award and helped solidify Summer’s reign as the Queen of Disco. While the film faded into obscurity, the music is still played at dance clubs and weddings today.
8. Car Wash (1976)
The comedy Car Wash was a fun, lighthearted film, but its soundtrack by Rose Royce became a funk and R&B essential. The title song Car Wash became a chart-topping hit, and other tracks like I Wanna Get Next to You found lasting success. The soundtrack’s grooves made it far more enduring than the movie, which is now more of a curiosity than a classic. Today, you’re more likely to hear Car Wash on the radio than see the film being played.
9. Foxes (1980)
The teen drama Foxes didn’t make a huge impact at the box office, but its soundtrack, dominated by disco and soft rock hits, became a classic. Donna Summer’s On the Radio was the biggest hit from the album, far outshining the film itself. With tracks from Blondie, Cher, and Janis Ian, the soundtrack became a staple of the late disco era. Most people have forgotten Foxes, but the music remains a nostalgic favorite.
10. Billy Jack (1971)
Billy Jack was a counterculture action film with a rebellious message, but it’s best remembered today for its song One Tin Soldier by Coven. The folk-rock anthem became a peace movement staple, taking on a life of its own far beyond the film. While Billy Jack was a hit at the time, it hasn’t aged as well as its music. The song remains a haunting, frequently referenced anti-war tune, while the movie has largely faded into history.
11. The Wiz (1978)
While The Wiz had a star-studded cast, including Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, the film wasn’t the massive success it hoped to be. The soundtrack, however, took on a life of its own, with songs like Ease on Down the Road and Home becoming fan favorites. The music became more celebrated than the movie itself, especially as Jackson’s career skyrocketed. Even today, the soundtrack is considered a highlight of ’70s R&B and musical theater.
12. Tommy (1975)
The Who’s Tommy was a rock opera long before it became a film, but the soundtrack’s impact far outlasted the movie adaptation. Featuring performances by Elton John, Tina Turner, and Eric Clapton, the album became a must-have for rock fans. While the film was a trippy spectacle, it never quite matched the album’s impact. To this day, Tommy is remembered more for its music than its big-screen version.
13. A Star Is Born (1976)
The 1976 version of A Star Is Born was a hit at the time, but its soundtrack, featuring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, became its true legacy. The song Evergreen won an Academy Award and became one of Streisand’s signature hits. While the movie has been remade multiple times, the soundtrack from this version remains a beloved classic. It’s proof that a great song can sometimes outlive the film it came from.
14. FM (1978)
The film FM was a forgettable comedy-drama about a radio station, but its soundtrack became one of the best rock compilations of the decade. Featuring songs by The Eagles, Steely Dan, Queen, and Tom Petty, it was a perfect collection of late ’70s radio staples. The album far outlived the movie, becoming a classic in its own right. Even if you’ve never heard of FM, you’ve definitely heard its soundtrack.
Sometimes, a great soundtrack outshines the film it was made for, and the ’70s were full of movies where the music left a longer-lasting impact. Whether it was disco, rock, or funk, these albums became the real stars, outliving their big-screen origins. Even if the films have faded, their soundtracks continue to be played, proving that in some cases, the music really does live forever.
