Top Sound Movies for Immersive Audio Experience
Written by  Daisie Team
Published on 8 min read

Contents

  1. Gravity
  2. A Quiet Place
  3. Dunkirk
  4. Baby Driver
  5. Mad Max: Fury Road
  6. Blade Runner 2049
  7. Interstellar
  8. The Revenant
  9. Arrival
  10. Inception

When it comes to designing an immersive audio experience, some films just hit the nail on the head. They break the sound barrier, transport you to another world, and make you feel like you're right there in the thick of the action. These are the best sound movies that don't just tell a story, they sing it. This list isn't just about the biggest booms and the loudest explosions, it's about the art of sound design, the subtleties of audio engineering, and the directors who understand the power of a well-placed whisper. So, without further ado, let's dive into our list of top sound movies for an immersive audio experience.

Gravity

Gravity is a prime example of masterful sound design. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron, this movie takes you on a nail-biting journey into outer space, and it's the sound design that makes the experience truly immersive. Now, you might be thinking — space is supposed to be silent, right? That's where the magic of the sound design comes in.

  • Instead of conventional sound effects, the creators of Gravity used a technique called "sound in perspective". This means that the sound effects you hear are not just background noise, they're part of the story. For example, when the main character, played by Sandra Bullock, is spinning out of control in space, the sound spins with her — creating a dizzying audio experience that puts you right there in her space suit.
  • The score by Steven Price is another highlight of the movie. It's not just music, it's an integral part of the sound design. The score ebbs and flows with the tension of the movie, adding another layer to the immersive audio experience.
  • Gravity won the Academy Award for Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing in 2014, and it's not hard to see why. The film is a masterclass in how to use sound to tell a story, create tension, and bring a movie to life.

So, if you're looking for one of the best sound movies to test your home theater system, or if you're an aspiring sound designer looking for inspiration, Gravity should be at the top of your list.

A Quiet Place

Up next on our list of best sound movies is A Quiet Place, a film that turns silence into its most powerful tool. Directed by John Krasinski, this horror-thriller uses sound design in a unique way to keep you on the edge of your seat.

  • The plot revolves around a family living in silence to avoid creatures that hunt by sound. Because of this, much of the movie is virtually silent. This makes every tiny sound — the crunch of a leaf, the creak of a floorboard, the whisper of the wind — feel incredibly loud and fraught with danger.
  • The lack of sound also forces you to pay more attention to the visual elements of the film. This makes the few moments of loud, jarring sound even more shocking and impactful.
  • The film's clever use of sound and silence earned it an Oscar nomination for Best Sound Editing in 2019.

Viewing A Quiet Place is an intense experience, and it's a testament to the power of sound design in film. The silence isn't just a gimmick, it's a vital part of the story, and it makes A Quiet Place one of the most innovative and best sound movies of recent years. So, if you're looking for a movie that will make you appreciate the power of silence, A Quiet Place should be on your watchlist.

Dunkirk

Switching gears to a different genre, we dive into another of the best sound movies: Dunkirk. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this World War II film uses sound to create an immersive and visceral experience.

  • Dunkirk's sound design is a relentless auditory assault that mirrors the relentless danger faced by the soldiers. The constant drone of plane engines, the deafening blasts of bombs, the chilling screams of men — all combine to create an atmosphere of unending tension and fear.
  • The film's score, composed by Hans Zimmer, is also a key part of the soundscape. The music is often indistinguishable from the sound effects, creating a seamless blend of sound that heightens the sense of urgency and dread.
  • For its impressive use of sound, Dunkirk won the Oscar for Best Sound Mixing in 2018.

If you're a history buff or just someone who appreciates expertly crafted sound in movies, then Dunkirk is a must-watch. It's not just a movie; it's an experience that transports you to the beaches of Dunkirk, making you feel like you're in the midst of the chaos and danger. It's a fine example of how sound can enhance storytelling and evoke powerful emotions, which makes it one of the best sound movies you can watch.

Baby Driver

Next up on our list of best sound movies is Baby Driver. Directed by Edgar Wright, this film is a unique blend of the heist and musical genres, where every car chase, every gunshot, and every line of dialogue is meticulously choreographed to the beat of the soundtrack.

  • Baby Driver's sound design is remarkable for its synchronization with the music. From the opening scene, you'll be immersed in a world where action and sound are in perfect harmony. It's like watching a high-octane ballet, with cars spinning and bullets flying in time with the rhythm.
  • Moreover, the film uses sound to give us insight into the protagonist's character. Baby, the getaway driver, suffers from tinnitus and uses music to drown out the constant ringing in his ears. As such, the soundtrack is not just background music; it's an integral part of Baby's life and the way he perceives the world.
  • For its innovative use of sound, Baby Driver was nominated for Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing at the Oscars in 2018.

So, if you're looking for a film that's not just visually thrilling but also aurally immersive, Baby Driver is the way to go. It's proof that when done right, sound can be just as engaging and expressive as visuals, earning it a well-deserved spot among the best sound movies.

Mad Max: Fury Road

Stepping into the post-apocalyptic world of Mad Max: Fury Road, we find one of the best sound movies of recent years. Directed by George Miller, this film is a relentless, action-packed chase that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

  • The soundscape of Mad Max: Fury Road is as barren and hostile as the desert wasteland it portrays. The roars of the engines, the screams of the War Boys, and the thunderous explosions are all heightened to create an atmosphere of constant danger and urgency.
  • The film also uses sound in subtle ways to enhance the storytelling. For example, the change in the engine's sound indicates whether Max or Furiosa is in control of the War Rig, adding another layer to their power struggle.
  • Mad Max: Fury Road won the Oscars for Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing in 2016, a testament to its stellar sound design.

So, whether you're a fan of the Mad Max franchise or just a lover of great sound design, Fury Road is a must-see. Its sound experience is as unforgettable as its stunning visuals, making it one of the best sound movies of the decade.

Blade Runner 2049

If you're looking for an auditory treat, look no further than Blade Runner 2049. As a sequel to the original 1982 film, it not only enhances the story but also takes the sound design to new heights.

  • In this film, sound is used as a tool to create an immersive, atmospheric experience. From the buzzing cityscape of future Los Angeles to the eerie silence of the desert, the soundtrack of Blade Runner 2049 is a character on its own.
  • The movie also boasts a remarkable score by Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch. Their music complements the sounds of the world, adding emotional depth to the narrative.
  • For its exceptional use of sound, Blade Runner 2049 was nominated for the Oscars in both Best Sound Editing and Best Sound Mixing categories in 2018.

So, if you're on a quest for the best sound movies, Blade Runner 2049 should be on your watch list. It's a movie that not only sounds great but also looks stunning, making it a real cinematic feast.

Interstellar

One movie that truly resonates when it comes to delivering an immersive audio experience is Interstellar. This epic space adventure from the visionary director Christopher Nolan is a symphony of sound that takes the audience on a journey through time and space.

  • The sound design of Interstellar is as expansive as its plot. The silence of outer space, the haunting sounds of alien planets, and the roaring engines of spacecraft — every detail contributes to the overall soundscape.
  • Adding to the auditory delight is the score by Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer. The ethereal, organ-driven music adds a layer of emotional intensity that perfectly complements the on-screen drama.
  • Interstellar was rightfully recognized in the 2015 Academy Awards, earning nominations for both Best Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing.

So, if you're in search of the best sound movies that can transport you to other dimensions, Interstellar is a must-watch. It's a testament to how powerful sound can be in storytelling, creating an experience that's nothing short of stellar.

The Revenant

Switching gears to an earthier setting, The Revenant offers a different kind of immersive audio experience that's equally captivating. It's the perfect example of a movie where the sound is as much a character as the actors themselves.

  • Set in the harsh wilderness, the movie's sound design is a blend of the raw and the real. The crunch of snow underfoot, the raging river, the howling winds — all these sounds are used to great effect to build a chilling atmosphere.
  • Apart from the environmental sounds, the personal struggles of the protagonist are mirrored in the sound design. The labored breathing, the groans of pain, the whispers of despair — every sound adds to the character's journey.
  • The movie's sound design was recognized with an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing in 2016.

So, if you're looking for the best sound movies that can make you feel the cold sting of nature and the rawness of survival, give The Revenant a watch. It's an auditory adventure that's as real and intense as it gets.

Arrival

Next up on our list of best sound movies is Arrival. This 2016 science fiction film takes you on an auditory journey that's as profound as the story itself.

  • The movie's sound design is as intricate as its narrative. From the eerie hums of the alien ships to the language of the extraterrestrials, every sound contributes to the mystery and the anticipation.
  • The sounds in Arrival are not just about creating an atmosphere. They play a critical role in telling the story and conveying the emotions of the characters. The subtle shifts in tone, the silence that speaks volumes — it's all part of the movie's narrative fabric.
  • Arrival was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Sound Mixing, a testament to its exceptional sound design.

So, if you're in the mood for a movie that uses sound to tell a compelling story, Arrival should be your pick. It's a masterclass in how sound can be used to enhance storytelling and create an immersive cinematic experience.

Inception

Another one of the best sound movies that will take you on an audio-visual rollercoaster is Inception. This 2010 thriller by Christopher Nolan isn't just known for its mind-boggling plot twists, but also its groundbreaking sound design.

  • Inception's soundscapes are a blend of real-world sounds and synthetic ones, mirroring the film's blurring of dream and reality. The 'BRAAAM' horns, now synonymous with the film, are a prime example of the film's unique audio attributes.
  • The use of Edith Piaf's "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien" slowed down to an almost unrecognizable degree is another testament to the film's innovative use of sound. It's not just a song, but a crucial plot device.
  • For its exceptional sound mixing and editing, Inception bagged Oscars in both categories.

So, if you're a fan of movies where sound doesn't just complement the story but drives it, Inception is a must-watch. Remember, it's not just a film — it's an audio-visual symphony that you can't afford to miss.

If you enjoyed our list of top sound movies for an immersive audio experience, we highly recommend checking out Jessy Moussallem's workshop, 'The Importance of Sound Design.' In this workshop, you'll learn how crucial sound design is to creating an impactful and immersive movie experience. Don't miss out on the opportunity to deepen your understanding of this essential aspect of filmmaking.