Check out our extensive list of 84 of the best movies to watch with epic surround sound. The use of sound in these movies will transport you to outer space or submerge you in deep seas or drop you in the middle of an intense battle scene right in your own living room. So if you have a good home theater systems and are looking for a score to rattle the speakers, we’ve got you covered.
ACTION PACKED
We’re kicking it off with a super long list of action, adventure, some sci-fi and more to that will have your sound system shaking the walls.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – This movie landed 6 Academy Awards, including for Sound Mixing and Best Sound Editing. The intense chase scenes and explosive sound are why this one tops the list.
The Dark Knight (2008) – You will be in for a dynamic sound mix, especially in the Joker’s scenes.
Dunkirk (2017) – War sounds create a gripping, intense experience. This is another film that took home Oscars for Sound Mixing and Sound Editing, so you know the sound quality is top notch.
Gladiator (2000) – Epic battle scenes with powerful sound effects. You will feel like you are in the arena with Russell Crowe.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014) – Live – Die – Repeat is the movie tag line. Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt star in this alien action movie.
The Matrix (1999) – Bullet-dodging sequences and futuristic sound effects. Definitely on the list of iconic action movies.
John Wick (2014) – Another Keanu Reeves flick full of gunfights, action choreography, and intense sound design.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) – Get the cinema experience at home with iconic lightsabers and space battles.
Avengers: Endgame (2019) – Enjoy multi-layered sound during battles that all build to the most epic action scene. It was one of those few times the movie theater erupted in cheers and applause. Go right back there with your own home entertainment systems.
Interstellar (2014) – Space travel scenes with exceptional sound design. While it won an Oscar for visual effects, it was nominated for Original Score, Sound Mixing and Sound Editing.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017) – Special effects and futuristic sounds create an immersive atmosphere. Starring Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling.
Gravity (2013) – This is one that the silent moments make the sound setup. Staring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney. This space odyssey snagged seven Oscars, including Original Score, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, Visual Effects and more. So you know its more than a good movie.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) – Massive battles with intricate soundscapes. Your surround speakers were made for movies like this.
Avatar (2009) – Visually this is one of the best movies ever made, arguably. Watching with a good surround sound will take it to a whole new level.
Jurassic Park (1993) – Directed by Steven Spielberg should be enough said. But, this is a John Williams score. He is responsible for just about every memorable great sound in a movie for the last 50 years or so. Turn up your sound bars and you will feel like you are sitting with Jeff Goldblum in that Jeep.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) – Space adventure with a mix of action, comedy and a great soundtrack.
Pacific Rim (2013) – The entire room will be filled with the sound of giant robots battling and intense, multi-layered sound.
Transformers (2007) – The live action version of the 80s tv shows. This one makes the list for the icon robot transforming sounds of heavy sound effects that will boom through your sound speakers.
Dune: Part One (2021) – An all star cast including Zendaya, an IMDb rating of 8 stars and 6 Oscar wins…this should be your next movie night flick even if you aren’t watching in surround sound.
Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018) – High-octane stunts and dynamic action sound design.
The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) – Intense chase sequences and hand-to-hand combat with rich sound.
Die Hard (1988) – Explosive sound effects in an action-packed classic. The only question is, does this movie make your Christmas Movie List?
Skyfall (2012) – James Bond action with incredible audio detail in fight and chase scenes. Plus an Oscar winner for Original Song sung by Adele.
Black Panther (2018) – A legendary addition to the Marvel Universe staring Chadwick Boseman.
300 (2006) – Epic battles with booming, intense sound effects.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) – Sword fights and ocean battles with fantastic sound design.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) – Dynamic sound design during arena battles and action sequences.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) – Explosions and futuristic sound effects create a cinematic experience perfect for surround sound.
The Rock (1996) – Explosive action with surround sound thrills starring Sean Connery, Nicolas Cage and Ed Harris.
Star Trek (2009) – Space battles and warp speed effects starring Chris Pine.
Ready Player One (2018) – Steven Spielberg takes you into a virtual world full of action and intricate sound effects.
Oblivion (2013) – Space odyssey starting Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman. Need we say more?
The Man from Snowy River (1982) – An Australian film with incredible, thundering horse riding scenes and music score. In fact it won Australian Film Institute, Best Original Music Score.
Prometheus (2012) – According to IMDB, the composer (Marc Streitenfeld) had a unique tactic that made the music sound “unusual and unsettling”. That is reason enough to crank up the speakers and settle in for a creepy watch.
The Fifth Element (1997) – A mix of futuristic sounds and action sequences is what landed this science fiction films Oscar Nomination for Best Sounds Effects Editing.
War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) – Battle sounds and natural environments will be brought to life in surround sound with this flick.
Cloverfield (2008) – This found footage feature with monster attacks and explosions in New York in surround sound will have you feeling like you are in the middle of the chaos.
Elysium (2013) – A dystopian movie with lots of action and detailed soundscapes.
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005) – Epic lightsaber battles put this movie, and any Star Wars movie really, on the list.
King Kong (2005) – Quality sound speakers will make you feel like you are right there with Naomi Watts, dodging Kong, dinosaurs and giant insects the entire movie.
Godzilla (2014) – The iconic call of Godzilla must be heard in surround sound.
Top Gun (1986) – The opening scene will let you know right from the get go that you have picked the perfect surround sound movie. Great music and fighter jets.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022) – Keep the jets roaring and make it a double feature.
Hunt for Red October (1990) – Sound effects of submarines, echoing and action. “Ryan, some things in here don’t react well to bullets.”
Ford v Ferrari (2019) – The roar of engines and racing action in surround sound.
The Abyss (1989) – Plunge into this deep sea sci fi thriller.
The Perfect Storm (2000) – This thrilling disaster movie features massive, towering waves, violent storms, and the sounds of the ocean in full fury.
Jaws (1975) – John Williams has a terrifying sound with just two notes that will stay with us for all time. Dum…dum. Dum…dum. Dum-dum-dum-dum-dum……
The Meg (2018) – Reviews are definitely mixed on this one with a 5.7 rating on IMDB. It even earned a Razzie. But, a fun shark scare non the less. Especially in surround sound.
Deep Blue Sea (1999) – One more shark themed movie for you. This time set in an underwater research facility. Claustrophobia beware. Your home theater will be filled with sounds of rushing water, echoing corridors and sharks on the prowl.
Indian Jones: Raiders of the Lost Arc (1981) – Another iconic John Williams score. Not to mention written by George Lucas and directed by Steven Spielberg. It will sound like the giant bolder is rolling right through your house.
JUMP SCARES
How about a list of creepy, tense and scary that will rattle your nerves and speakers. Here are a few that will sure to have the jump scare you are looking for.
A Quiet Place (2018) – The brilliant silence will have your ears straining, setting you up for the best jump scares. Especially if you watch in quality sound.
A Quiet Place Part II (2020) – Make it a creepy binge and keep it rolling with the sequel. Heck, add the new movie to the trilogy while you are at it and make it a whole movie day.
The Conjuring (2013) – My personal favorite horror film. The creaking floors and eerie sounds make this a horror sound masterpiece.
The Invisible Man (2020) – Tension-filled silence and sudden bursts of sound put this one on the list.
The Shining (1980) – Based on the novel by Stephen King, the king of horror. This movie might be terrifying with out sound. But the echoing through a sound system of the giant, empty Overlook Hotel will give you goosebumps for sure.
Insidious (2010) – Creepy sound effects that play with silence and jump scares.
World War Z (2013) – As far as zombie movies go, this is my favorite movie. These are not your Walking Dead zombies. This one is full of explosive sound effects and chase scenes.
Psycho (1960) – Director Alfred Hitchcock, the OG creator of creepy scores. This is one of those old movies that never truly gets old.
The Descent (2005) – Another one that uses silence and simple sounds to heighten your senses, particularly when watching with surround sound. This cave movie is a must add to your spooky season watch list.
Paranormal Activity (2007) – The first feature in a whole series that is worth watching. Crank the volume to get the full effect of the scary bumps in the night.
Blair Witch Project (1999) – This movie created the found footage genre. Lost in the woods, twigs snapping off screen, creepy sounds in the distance make for a terrifying horror movie.
The Final Girls (2015) – This has to be one of the most underrated movies. It pays homage to classic horror movies, in a creative, doesn’t take itself too seriously, way. Adam Devine and Thomas Middleditch are hilarious. Great sound effects and great music.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Ok, you are going to need some eye bleach after that. Here is a list of family friendly favorites that will be even better in surround sound.
How to Train Your Dragon (2010) – The flying sequences will sound great in surround sound. Although a family friendly flick, an 8.1 IMBD ranking makes this movie entertaining for everyone.
Frozen (2013) – The music in Frozen will land this one as one of the Disney greats, classic for sure. Idina Menzel (Broadway superstar, original Elphaba in Wicked) is the voice of Elsa. It doesn’t get much better than her powerhouse vocals in surround sound.
The Lion King (1994) – Relive the stampede scene in surround sound and your heart will be racing again.
Coco (2017) – #72 ranked top 250 movies on IMDB and a 97% Rotten Tomatoes ranking guarantee this is a great all around movie. But the music in surround sound will make this an experience.
Finding Nemo (2003) – Underwater sounds, bubbles and swishes plus a fun sea adventure.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) – Dynamic sound and a unique art style in this animation. Another film with an impressive 97% Rotten Tomatoes and ranking on the IMBD Top 250 Movies List.
The Incredibles (2004) – Up for an action with booming sound but minus language and super intense scenes, then The Incredibles is your movie.
WALL-E (2008) – There is no dialog in this movie for the first 35 minutes. But you find yourself falling in love with WALL-E and his sidekick. The use of sound effects, particularly during the first part of the movie are so clever.
Moana (2016) – Crashing waves and other oceanic sounds plus music by Lin-Manuel Miranda equals a surround sound win.
MUSIC
This last list is all about good music.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) – Fantastic concert scenes with Queen’s iconic music.
La La Land (2016) – Musical numbers with dreamy scenes and settings.
A Star Is Born (2018) – The concert performances with live sound that fills the room when you watch in surround sound. Lady Gaga is just incredible.
Whiplash (2014) – Drum solos and musical performances will have the speakers thumping. This movie has an 8.5 IMBD rating and snagged three Oscars, one of them being for Sound Mixing.
Baby Driver (2017) – This one may actually technically need to go on the action movie list. But the soundtrack is so brilliant, I had to put in on the music list. Think car chases synced with an incredible soundtrack.
Yesterday (2019) – A very clever story that pays tribute to the Beetles. Himesh Patel gives a fantastic performance.
Rock of Ages (2012) – The IMBD rating is a not so great 5.9, but don’t let that stop you from searching this one out on your favorite streaming service. The 80s, big hair, music is great and its a super fun watch. It was actually nominated for a Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack.
O Brother Where Art Thou? (2000) – The soundtrack to this movie actually outperformed the film itself. Which is saying a lot for this Coen brother directed film filled with big name, big talent actors like George Clooney, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson and John Goodman.
Amadeus (1984) – A winner of 8 Oscars and a #73 on IMBDs top 250 movies by rankings make this a must see classic. But if you have good surround sound, then you absolutely, positively must give this one a watch / listen.
Les Misérables (2012) – Not a feel good necessarily, but epic music. When I watched this in the theater I caught myself physically jaw dropped at the performances. Just incredible.
Hamilton (2020) – The musical that brought the brilliance of Lin-Manuel Miranda to the world and made us all look at US history in a whole new way. Be careful though, these songs don’t just get stuck in your head, you will find yourself using these lyrics in everyday conversations.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (2023) – If you didn’t land a ticket to the epic Eras Tour (like myself) then surround sound will have to be the next best thing. Living room concert…Are You Ready For It?
THAT’S A WRAP
I hope we gave you enough movie recommendations to keep your home entertainment system booming for a long time. We touched on all kinds of genres that will deliver thrilling soundscapes for your surround sound setup. Do you have a movie recommendation that would be epic in surround sound? Let us hear it!