Let’s be honest: most of us binge-watch for the story, the drama, or the twists. But sometimes, what really sticks isn’t the scene-it’s the music behind it. The best background scores in streaming – sound that moves you are the ones that make your heart race, bring tears, or keep you on edge, even when nothing is happening on screen.
Music in streaming shows isn’t just filler. It sets the mood, amplifies tension, and turns good scenes into unforgettable ones. From synth-heavy nostalgia to epic orchestral swells, the right soundtrack can completely change how a show or movie hits you. Here’s a look at some of the most powerful scores out there, including IMDb ratings, OTT platforms, star cast, release year, and why they’re worth watching.
Stranger Things
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IMDb Rating : 8.7/10
Star Cast :
Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, David Harbour
Release Year : 2016- Present
OTT Platform : Netflix
Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein nailed it with Stranger Things. Those 80s synths aren’t just nostalgic-they create suspense, wonder, and outright terror all at once.
The music doesn’t just support the story. It drives it. You feel the fear, the anticipation, and the heartbreak all through the score.
Why Watch :
Stranger Things proves that music can become a character itself. Every theme, every tension-filled cue, adds layers to the story.
The Crown
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IMDb Rating : 8.6/10
Star Cast :
Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies, Helena Bonham Carter
Release Year : 2016- Present
OTT Platform : Netflix
Hans Zimmer and Rupert Gregson-Williams made every royal whisper, betrayal, and triumph feel bigger than life. The music doesn’t just set the scene. It reveals hidden tension and emotions behind every dialogue and gesture.
Why Watch :
The Crown combines impeccable acting with a soundtrack that feels alive. You’ll be hooked not just on the drama, but on how the music makes it all hit harder.
Squid Game
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IMDb Rating : 8/10
Star Cast :
Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, HoYeon Jung
Release Year : 2021
OTT Platform : Netflix
Jung Jae-il’s score is minimal, eerie, and unforgettable. One wrong note, one sudden silence, and your heart jumps. In a show built on tension and shocking twists, the music sets the psychological stage before anything even happens.
Why Watch :
Squid Game’s soundtrack makes the fear, stakes, and desperation tangible. Every game feels real because the music makes it so.
Game of Thrones
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IMDb Rating : 9.2/10
Star Cast :
Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, HoYeon Jung
Release Year : 2011-2019
OTT Platform : HBO Max
Ramin Djawadi’s music is epic. The battles, betrayals, and victories all feel larger than life thanks to his compositions. The score becomes your guide. You feel tension rising, heartbreak hitting, and triumphs soaring even before the dialogue lands.
Why Watch :
Game of Thrones is storytelling on a grand scale, and the music makes it unforgettable. Without it, it wouldn’t have the same impact.
Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
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IMDb Rating : 8.3/10
Star Cast :
Úrsula Corberó, Álvaro Morte, Pedro Alonso
Release Year : 2017-2021
OTT Platform : Netflix
Manel Santisteban turned every heist into a heart-pounding experience. “Bella Ciao” isn’t just a song-it’s a statement. The soundtrack keeps you on edge, makes you root for the characters, and elevates every tense moment.
Why Watch :
Money Heist proves how music can amplify stakes, emotions, and storytelling. Every scene feels alive because of it.
Conclusion
When it comes to streaming, visuals get a lot of attention, but it’s the music that often leaves a lasting mark. The best background scores in streaming- sound that moves you aren’t just there to fill silence- they shape your emotions, heighten suspense, and make every moment unforgettable. From the haunting synths of Stranger Things to the sweeping orchestral grandeur of Game of Thrones, these soundtracks have a way of sticking with you long after the episodes ends.
A great score can make you feel the fear before a character even sense danger, celebraate a victory as if you were part of it, or experience heartbreak in ways dialogue alone cannot achieve. It’s this invisible storytelling that elevates streaming content from good to legendary.