Heatwavers publish a list of legendary moments from the soundtracks of “Garden State”, “Donnie Darko” and “The Royal Tenenbaums”

The Heatwavers put it best: “A great song can take visual storytelling to new levels and give us lifelong memories.”

From emotional ballads to energetic hits, these pieces have left their mark and will stay in our minds long after the film.

Check out the Heatwavers’ top 6 musical moments from some of their favorite movies.

Garden State – New Slang from The Shins

Culturally, this was an iconic moment for early 2000s indie music. For a moment, it was every indie kid’s favorite movie (and soundtrack).

James Mercer’s lyrics fit perfectly with the film’s melancholic and bittersweet exploration of identity and change.

We sang The Shins together in our first writing sessions and they remain one of our favorite bands.

Donnie Darko – The Killing Moon by Echo and The Bunny Men

There’s something so effortlessly cool and nostalgic about the sound of the opening guitar riff as Donnie Darko glides down the mountain on his bike.

Mysterious, introspective and atmospheric… what a beginning to a film!

The Royal Tenenbaums – The Needle in the Haystack by Elliott Smith

(Trigger warning – depiction of suicide)

Before Wes Anderson’s aesthetic became part of the American cultural zeitgeist, this striking scene from The Royal Tenenbaums was set to music in this masterpiece that is as striking as it is dissonant.

Elliott Smith is one of our all-time favorite artists. His ability to deliver raw, heartbreaking lyrics with catchy yet complex instrumentation is incredible. RIP to one of the greatest songwriters of modern times.

Lost in Translation – Girls by Death in Vegas

A breathtaking opening sequence with the legend Bill Murray staring out of his taxi, lost in the bright lights of Tokyo.

The ethereal vocals of this piece contrast with the busy, overwhelming views of Tokyo at night, but complement them perfectly. Dreamy, atmospheric and introspective.

The Beach – Porcelain by Moby

Hands up, who traveled to Thailand and thought they would find their own beach? Yes, we did.

Although we didn’t travel to Phi Phi Leh, the scene reminds us of a formative trip we took together.

Yes, the book is better than the film, but the wonder and euphoria you feel when you discover such a beautiful place are perfectly captured here.

Additional shoutout to the amazing Pure Shores by All Saints!