10 Iconic Movie Scores for A Killer Workout Playlist

We all have those days when getting up to workout feels like a chore: let alone finishing your sets. For many, the right music is the cure! If you’re in the mood for a truly epic gym session accompanied by some iconic soundtracks, you have come to the right place. Add these iconic songs and soundtracks to take your workout to the next level.

Kill Bill: Volume 1 (2003)

RZA’s soundtrack for the early 2000’s revenge-fuelled movie, has a little something for everyone. A mix of old-school ballads and intense orchestral samples. One this is for sure: it will get your blood pumping in the gym. ADD TO QUEUE: Battle Without Honor or Humanity by Tomoyasu Hotei.

Tron: Legacy (2010)

While slightly unforgettable, it will go down in history books as the only film scored by Daft Punk. The synth-driven score feels as powerful as a traditional orchestral score. However, that cyberpunk feel will give you the edge you need to go faster, be stronger and kill your workout. ADD TO QUEUE: Derezzed by Daft Punk.

Dunkirk (2017)

workout — Christopher Nolan’s epic, Dunkirk, will get you opting for the advanced versions // DUNKIRK / SOURCED

Be warned, but Hans Zimmer is a killer-composer. He has created music for other action-fuelled movies like Dune (2021), Top Gun: Maverick (2022) and Gladiator (2000). This means you will want to extend your workout and even go run a half-marathin! ADD TO QUEUE: Supermarine by Hans Zimmer.

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Junkie XL (Tom Holkenborg) was recruited to compose the score of this action extravaganza. The tracks vary, with some starting off slow, but others deliver a heart-pounding experience. ADD TO QUEUE: Brothers in Arms by Junkie XL.

Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018)

‘Stairs and Rooftops’ by Lorne Balfe is the track in which Tom Cruise broke his ankle son set. And yet he kept going! Balfe has also produced scores for video games and other movies including Tetris (2023), Black Widow (2021) and Assassin Creed 3 (2012). ADD TO QUEUE: Escape Through Paris by Lorne Balfe.

RELATED STORY: 13 Unforgettable Music Moments in Movies

Pacific Rim (2013)

Enter the world where giant robots battle kaiju beasts. It all takes place against the backdrop of Ramin Djawadi’s epic, electrifying score. Having scored music for Iron Man (2008) and A Wrinkle In Time (2018), this Iranian composer is no stranger to epic stages. ADD TO QUEUE: Pacific Rim ft. Tom Morello by Ramin Djawadi.

Wonder Woman (2017)

While Gregson-Williams is best known for his work in Bee Movie (2007) and many Adam Sandler films. He delivers a fast-paced, fun score that is totally epic! I will also recommend the score from Wonder Woman 1984. The sequel features music from the legendary Hans Zimmer! ADD TO QUEUE: Wonder Woman’s Wrath by Rupert Gregson-Williams.

Mortal Kombat (2021)

Think of those last reps like the enemies of Outworld – never give up // MORTAL KOMBAT / SOURCED

Not everyone agrees if this adaptation did the old school Mortal Kombat franchise justice: but the soundtrack is stellar! It includes a remix of the iconic Mortal Kombat theme from the 1995 movie – and it legitimately makes for a killer workout. ADD TO QUEUE: Techno Syndrome 2021 by Benjamin Wallfisch.

The Karate Kid (1984)

How’s your form // COLUMBIA PICTURES / SOURCED

If karate kid Daniel can work hard to prove he is the best, knocking through his opponents, and reach the semi-finals, surprising the crowds: you can too! ADD TO QUEUE: You’re the Best Around by Joe Esposito.

Rocky III (or Creed)

The Rocky III theme and soundtrack is truly iconic. A modern and equally worthy soundtrack is Ludwig Goransson’s Creed. The Swedish composer is also known for composing music for Tenet (2020) and the Black Panther franchise. ADD TO QUEUE: Eye of the Tiger by Survivor, Check by Meek Mill.