On Nov. 21, 2008, Twilight, based on the book of the same name by Stephenie Meyer, debuted in theaters. The vampire-meets-high-school-girl love story went on to earn $69.6 million in its first weekend, for a total domestic haul of $195 million during its run in theaters, including a 2010 and 2025 re-release. (It made a worldwide total of $392 million, according to Box Office Mojo).
Not only did the film launch the careers of many now-superstar actors – Robert Pattison and Kristen Stewart – as well as four more box office juggernauts with its sequels The Twilight Saga: New Moon, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1, and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2, it played a crucial role when it came to the importance of music in film.
The Twilight: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack featured a variety of talents that perfectly captured the essence and mood of the plot. With its authentic selection of tracks, including a handful of originals from bands such as Paramore, the film more or less treated the music as a character.
Indeed, the soundtrack debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, positioning future Twilight films as a place where artists wanted to contribute. Florence + The Machine, Death Cab for Cutie and Bruno Mars are among the musicians who would later provide tracks for future albums. And The Twilight Saga: New Moon Original Motion Picture Soundtrack also hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in its second week.
In celebration of the Twilight movie’s November anniversary, here are seven iconic music moments that prove the film has one of the best soundtracks to date.
In the opening scene, The Black Ghosts’ “Full Moon” fills our ears as Bella (Kristen Stewart) gets ready to move in with her dad to the very small city of Forks, Wash. The magnetic guitar riffs, mystical violins and the song’s overall nostalgic feel are crucial to the moment as Bella introduces us to her new life.
Marking the first of many times Edward (Robert Pattinson) would save Bella’s life, “Tremble for My Beloved” plays in the background as Bella is introduced to Edward’s abilities for the first time. Kicking off with a supernatural vibe, Collective Soul’s gentle guitar riffs adds to both the mystery and the thrill of the scene in which the sparkly vamp prevents the high school girl from being crushed by a van.
Probably one of the most remarkable scenes of the saga, “Supermassive Black Hole” brings to life one of Twilight’s most iconic moments: the Cullen family’s baseball game. Living up to all expectations, Muse powerfully seals the scene with its signature brisk, edgy melodies.
During Edward and Bella’s first dance at prom, Iron & Wine’s gentle harmony perfectly tops off their sentimental dialogue as the pair floats against the lush backdrop. One of the most romantic moments in the Twilight series, “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” effortlessly captures the vulnerability and passion in the characters’ complex relationship.
Finally, a special musical contribution from the man himself! Pattinson – credited with the shortened version of his first name — shows off his singing abilities with “Let Me Sign” in the most emotive scene of the first film. As Edward sucks Bella’s blood to save her life, Pattinson’s raspy voice guides us through past, present and future — ultimately giving us all the feels.
Although not on the soundtrack, the Radiohead’s “15 Step” plays during the final credits, where its revealed that antagonist Victoria (Rachelle Lefevre) is actually at the prom too. (This is not from the book, and doesn’t fit in the canon of Meyer’s stated vampiric abilities — Edward would have known she was there — but it’s a fun twist for the ending.) And leader Thom Yorke later added “Hearing Damage” to the sequel’s OST.
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