10 Best-Sounding Movies to Test Your Home Cinema System

Getting lost in a great story is why we love movies. Whether you enjoy fantastical tales of otherworldly adventure, menacing crime thrillers with endless twists and turns—or something in between—what makes these great stories unforgettable is when they’re enjoyed with exceptional sound. 

While what’s happening on-screen keeps us engaged, what happens off-screen, the beautiful scores, the thrilling sound effects, and the compelling dialogue are just as important to the experience. 

That’s why Marantz combines innovative craftsmanship with audio excellence to engineer every product we make, ensuring your favorite music and movies always sound incredible. When paired with great speakers, Marantz AV receivers seamlessly connect your entertainment sources to optimize the sound experience, resulting in outstanding audio—every time.

To celebrate great-sounding movies, we’ve rounded up the ones we think sound the best and compiled them into this list to inspire your next movie marathon. Be sure to give these a watch on your Marantz system with your choice speakers connected to fully appreciate the breathtaking scores and sound design on offer. 

Whichever Marantz product you use to enjoy your entertainment, from our STEREO 70s with a two-channel stereo system or our AV 10 and AMP 10 combination, your movies are guaranteed to sound their best.  

Jurassic Park (1993)

When we think about Jurassic Park, a few things come to mind. Dinosaurs, that epic soundtrack by John Williams, and that scene—the one where the Tyrannosaurus rex’s footsteps are so powerful they begin to shake our protagonists’ Jeep, causing ominous ripples in their cups of water. Now, imagine experiencing all of this—and the rest of the terrifying scene—but with impactful, cinematic sound. 

Gravity (2013)

Although space is a vast and empty silent void, films that take place there are usually packed with action—and great sound. This is certainly true for Alfonso Cuarón’s film Gravity. Its excellent score was composed by Steven Price, and its Dolby Atmos sound design, featured on the limited-edition Diamond Luxe Blu-ray and the special edition HD Blu-ray, makes it even more disorientating and dynamic.

Interstellar (2014)

The audacious sound design in Interstellar complements the stunning visual effects perfectly, making it a truly immersive watch on a high-performance home cinema setup. From the low rumble of rockets and creaking spaceships to the carefully considered dialogue mixing, sound designer Richard King and his crew brought a realism and emotional depth to the film that only an excellent sound experience can provide. Plus, let’s not forget Hans Zimmer's exceptional score. 

Whiplash (2014)

Whiplash is a film centered around an obsession with sound—so it makes sense that the film’s accompanying audio track is executed masterfully. The film follows an ambitious young jazz drummer, Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), as he pursues his passion for rising to the top of his country’s elite music conservatory. Blending intense drum sequences, rhythmic tension, and dynamic shifts, the percussion mirrors the protagonist's emotional highs and lows, resulting in an immersive, visceral energy. 

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

The sound in Mad Max: Fury Road is so impressive that it won two Oscars: one for Sound Editing and another for Sound Mixing. Packed with post-apocalyptic adrenaline, roaring explosions, and high-octane chases, Mad Max: Fury Road sounds just as chaotic as it looks. If you’re looking for movie sound intense enough to test your setup, this is the one. 

Baby Driver (2017)

While sound is an afterthought in many films, Baby Driver was created with audio at the forefront of its visual storytelling. The sound in Baby Driver is brilliantly synchronized with its soundtrack, creating a seamless connection between music and action. Gunshots, car engines, and footsteps align with beats, crafting a rhythmic experience. This innovative fusion of diegetic and non-diegetic sound drives the narrative, making every scene captivating.

Dunkirk (2017)

The sound in Dunkirk is an immersive masterpiece. It utilizes ticking clocks, droning engines, and relentless waves to build tension, while Hans Zimmer's score seamlessly merges diegetic sounds to amplify urgency. From deafening explosions to haunting silences, the sound mirrors the soldiers' peril, making the experience visceral, gripping, and utterly captivating. 

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

With a soundscape as futuristic as the film itself, Blade Runner 2049 is a dystopian masterpiece that deserves to be enjoyed using a great home cinema system. Haunting synths, echoing drones, and subtle ambient noises provide an utterly immersive atmosphere. The blend of score and sound effects heightens tension and introspection, while every sonic detail, from mechanical hums to silence, reinforces the film’s striking, otherworldly tone.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

The sound in Bohemian Rhapsody captures the electrifying essence of Queen’s music perfectly. Blending iconic tracks with Rami Malek’s stand-out performance, the audio design immerses you in the energy of live performances. The powerful concert recreations, especially the Live Aid sequence, deliver an emotional experience, celebrating the band’s legacy. 

Dune (2021)

Dune uses sound as an essential storytelling tool to introduce viewers to its vast universe. Hans Zimmer’s score is designed to sound otherworldly, with ethereal chants and thunderous rhythms that seamlessly merge with the film’s intricate sound design. This blend of uncanny textures and silence mirrors Arrakis’ mystique and the story’s epic grandeur.