Video game music has evolved significantly since the days of simple beeps and bloops, now featuring sweeping orchestral scores and amazing genre-bending soundscapes. To me, great game music does more than evoke a mood—it becomes part of the experience, a soundtrack for cherished moments spent in virtual realms. Next, I will guide you through the best 21 video game music tracks, curated based on expert selections and my own favorites, and what makes each one so great.
21 Best Video Game Music Tracks
1. “Song of the Grid” – Ballblazer (1985)
Ballblazer was ahead of its time because it used an algorithm creating millions of unique permutations of its main theme “Song of the Grid”. This wasn’t some basic tech trick — the music is just flat out catchy and makes each game feel lively. It shows a fascinating early example of interactive music that laid the groundwork for the dynamic soundtracks we see today.
2. “Build That Wall (Zia’s Theme)” – Bastion (2011)
The soundtrack to Bastion mixes acoustic guitar with hip-hop beats in an unforgettable way. “Build That Wall” is especially notable for its haunting vocals with a slightly more emotional flair behind it. It is one of those rare video game music tracks where I find myself humming long after I set the controller down. Here, the music is not just part of the story; it is the story.
3. “Corridors of Time” Game Music – Chrono Trigger (1995)
Chrono Trigger has some legendary music, and “Corridors of Time” is my personal favorite. The intoxicating melody instantly transports you to the heights of Zeal’s kingdom. Seriously, composer Yasunori Mitsuda created a music score for the ages, one that still sends chills, proving that no 16bit limitations can stop creativity
4. “Megalovania” – Undertale (2015)
Megalovania by Toby Fox is a modern classic. That upbeat, synth-driven theme is unforgettable, and it fits flawlessly into the most climactic parts of the game. I adore how it evokes a nostalgia for old-school RPGs while being entirely new and original.
5. “Dragonborn” – The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
There are few things that can get me pumped like Skyrim’s “Dragonborn.” The 30-man choir chanting in a made-up dragon language is just epic. Every time I hear the tribal drum-like percussion paired with the chanting, it fills me with chills, preparing me to slay any dragon or simply immerse myself in this vast, open world. This is a masterclass in how music can make you feel unstoppable.
6. “The Decisive” Battle”—Final Fantasy VI (1994)
Nobuo Uematsu’s work on Final Fantasy VI is nothing short of iconic. “The Decisive Battle” is a driving, dramatic boss theme that still stands out decades later. I’m amazed at how much emotion and tension he could wring out of the Super Nintendo’s sound chip.
7. “Valse di Fantastica” – Final Fantasy XV (2016)
While Final Fantasy XV’s story divided fans, its music is loved by everyone. Valse di Fantastica combines the orchestral approach with a sense of adventure. Hearing it, I sense the bonds that bind the characters, and I remember that good music can lift a flawed game.
8. “Main Theme” – The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
The music of Breath of the Wild is understated, but it makes a statement. For the main theme, it uses piano and wind instruments to establish a feeling of both amazement and helplessness. Every time I wander around Hyrule, so often I stop just to listen to the video game music track, because I do love how it mixes moments of silence with sudden bursts of excitement.
9. “Main Theme” – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
The soundtrack seamlessly blends folk instruments, battle hymns, and spiritual chanting, capturing the essence of The Witcher 3’s essence. The theme could set the mood for such a world, one that feels both timeless and alive. This is the kind of song that makes you want to spend hours simply roaming the Continent.
10. “Rip & Tear” – DOOM (2016)
When I need some blood-pumping adrenaline, I play “Rip & Tear” from DOOM. The song is relentless as it matches the speed of the game with an aggressive track that is metal-centric in nature. This game music makes you want to move, whether you’re fighting demons or just working out.
11. “Megalomania” – Live A Live (1994/2022)
Live A Live’s “Megalomania” is a hidden gem, recently brought to new audiences with its remake. The driving beat and fierce melody make boss battles unforgettable. I’m always on the hunt for classics like this that sound just as good today as they did when they were released.
12. “Aquatic Ambience” – Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest (1995)
I like David Wise’s “Aquatic Ambience.” The tranquil, deep synths provide an underwater feeling that is both serene and somewhat mystical. This is one of those tracks you listen to when you want to meditate, the perfect example of how video game music can also be simple and calming.
13. “Katamari on the Rocks” Music Video Game – Katamari Damacy (2004)
The soundtrack of Katamari Damacy is just as quirky as the game. “Katamari on the Rocks” is the perfect mix of jazz, samba, and pop; no one can listen to it without cracking a smile. It is, by nature, musical euphoria, and I have a hard time fighting the urge to tap my feet to its beat.
14. “Super Mario Galaxy Theme” – Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
Super Mario Galaxy took the series’ music to new heights—literally. The orchestral theme is grand and adventurous, perfectly capturing the feeling of soaring through space. It’s one of my favorite Mario tracks, and it still gives me a sense of childlike wonder.
15. “Guile’s Theme” – Street Fighter II (1991)
There is a good reason why “Guile’s Theme” is legendary—it goes with anything! The catchy melody and driving beat make every fight feel epic. It has become somewhat of a meme outside of the game for its versatility, but I actually love how it gets the blood pumping for a battle.
16. “Miami” – Hotline Miami (2012)
Miami from Hotline Miami is a masterpiece. Its pulsing beat and synthetic sound pair just right with the game’s brutal, frenetic action. This is one of those tracks I play when I need motivation or energy-I can never just sit still listening to it.
17. “Atonement” – Halo 3 (2007)
Halo’s music is iconic, and “Atonement” from Halo 3 is one of its finest tracks. A mix of choir, strings, and percussion evoke a feeling of heroism. I get goosebumps every time I hear it, as it brings back memories from the most epic battles to the most emotional moments in the series.
18. “Journey to Silius Stage 1” – Journey to Silius (1990)
Journey to Silius is a forgotten NES title, but buried within it is a gem: the Stage 1 theme. The driving melody and energetic beat show what was possible with less powerful hardware. I love finding tracks like this that pack a heavy punch.
19. “Hikari” – Kingdom Hearts (2002)
“Hikari” (or “Simple and Clean” in English) is more than just a game theme; it is a mega pop hit in its own right. With emotional vocals and a soaring melody that is full of adventure vibes, it sets the stage for something big yet emotional. It’s a song that I still find myself listening to outside the game.
20. “Streets of Rage 2 Main Theme” – Streets of Rage 2 (1992)
Everyone knows what Yuzo Koshiro did a legendary job on Streets of Rage 2. Detroit techno and breakbeat inspire the main theme, creating a soundtrack that transcends its era. When the track starts, it’s impossible not to get excited.
21. “The Call” – Journey (2012)
Journey’s soundtrack was composed by Austin Wintory; it was the first video game score to get a Grammy nomination. “The Call” is a beautiful, cello-driven video game music track, and it evolves as you continue to progress through the game.
Why These Video Game Music Tracks Matter
What makes these tracks stand out isn’t just technical skill or catchy melodies, it’s how they become part of the experience as a whole. From the chiptune nostalgia of an 8-bit jingle to the grandiosity of a full orchestra to the heart-pounding drive of electronic beats, every song on this list has contributed to defining its game, and in many cases, background music in video games as a whole.
Final Thoughts on Video Game Music
For me, the best video game music is the kind that sticks with you, long after you’ve put down the controller. It’s the song that plays in your head when you think of a favorite level, or the melody that brings back a flood of memories from a childhood spent in front of the TV. These 21 tracks are more than just background noise-they’re the heartbeat of gaming itself.
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Sources:
- www.pcmag.com/news/the-11-best-game-soundtracks-ever
- www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/news/listen-to-the-best-video-game-soundtracks
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