You just got that sweet new surround sound system, and you’re looking for the perfect movie to show it off. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best surround sound movies out there! Whether you’re looking for an edge-of-your-seat thriller or a heartwarming family film, we’ve got you covered. So put on your favorite movie and prepare to be blown away by the immersive surround sound experience!
Do all movies support surround sound?
When it comes to creating the ultimate home theater experience, sound quality is just as important as picture quality. Surround sound technology is one of the best ways to achieve immersive audio. But not all movies are created equal when showcasing the full potential of a surround sound system.
That’s why it’s important to choose movies specifically designed to take advantage of the technology. The best movies for surround sound use audio to enhance storytelling, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for the viewer.
Surround sound is available on various platforms, including Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and streaming services. However, not all movies support surround sound. You’ll need to check the audio specifications before you purchase or stream a movie to ensure it will work with your surround sound system.
Surround sound was trendy in the early 2000s with the release of DVDs, and it has only improved with the advent of high-definition Blu-ray discs. However, home theaters aren’t as popular as they used to be (surround sound vs. stereo speakers), so not all movies are released in surround sound. You can still find a good selection of surround sound movies on Blu-ray, but the number of DVDs available is dwindling.
Also, streaming services like Netflix and Hulu don’t always offer surround sound. You’ll need to check the audio specifications before streaming it to make sure that it will work with your surround sound system. It’s challenging to find a list of all the movies that support surround sound, so your best bet is to check the audio specifications of each film, which can be annoying.
Whether you’re a fan of action movies, sci-fi epics, or dramatic masterpieces, plenty of movies out there will blow you away with their surround sound capabilities. In this article, we’ll look at some of the best movies for surround sound, exploring what makes them stand out and why they’re worth checking out.
22 Best surround sound movies you to test your new audio setup
Bullets from the side, ambient noises from behind, and a general feeling of being in the middle of the action are all hallmarks of a great surround-sound movie. Blast your family and friends away with the immersive surround sound of these great movies:
Gravity
A no-brainer to get started is this three-time Oscar-winning movie. With stars Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, the film follows astronauts stranded in space after their shuttle is destroyed. Gravity features some of the best surround sound effects ever put to film, and it’s sure to impress any audience.
Bird Box
Bird Box is a 2018 post-apocalyptic thriller directed by Susanne Bier and starring Sandra Bullock. The movie has an intense soundscape that immerses the viewer in the story. The surround sound system enhances the experience, making the audience feel like they are in the same room as the characters. The sound of the wind and the rustling of leaves are just some sound effects that make Bird Box a great movie for surround sound.
The Dark Knight
The second installment in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy is often regarded as one of the greatest superhero movies ever made. The Dark Knight features some of the most impressive surround sound effects ever produced, with gunshots and explosions coming from all directions.
The Joker is as impressive in sound as he is in acting. “Why so serious?”
Mad Max: Fury Road
This 2015 post-apocalyptic action movie is one of the most visually stunning films ever made. The landscapes and set pieces are jaw-dropping, and the surround sound mix enhances the experience. With so much happening onscreen, it’s easy to get lost in Mad Max: Fury Road.
American Sniper
American Sniper is a 2014 biographical war drama directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Bradley Cooper. The movie’s realistic soundscape puts the viewer in the middle of the action. The sound of gunfire and explosions is intense, and the surround sound system enhances the experience. The movie also has a great score that adds to the story’s emotional impact.
Inception
Christopher Nolan’s 2010 mind-bending thriller is a must-watch for any science fiction or puzzle movie fan. Inception features some of the most creative surround sound effects ever produced, with ambient noises and sounds coming from all directions.
You’ll never look at a spinning top the same way again.
Wall-E
This 2008 Pixar movie is one of the most underrated films in the studio’s catalog. Wall-E follows a lonely robot tasked with cleaning up Earth after humanity has abandoned it. The setting is unique and beautiful, and the surround sound mix brings the world to life.
You get extra points for gathering the whole family around the big screen to watch Wall-E.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Bohemian Rhapsody is a great surround sound movie if you’re more of a music person. This 2018 biopic tells the story of Freddie Mercury and Queen, from their early days to their triumphant Live Aid performance. The movie features an immersive surround sound mix that makes you feel like you’re right on stage with Freddie and the boys.
If you’re a fan of Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody is a must-watch.
Saving Private Ryan
This 1998 World War II drama was one of the first movies to use Dolby Digital Surround Sound, and it’s still one of the best examples of its power. Saving Private Ryan follows a group of soldiers sent to find a missing soldier amid battle. The film’s intense battle sequences feature realistic gunfire and explosions that come alive with surround sound.
This movie might be old, but the surround sound mix is still impressive.
Spiderman: Into the Spider-verse
Spiderman: Into the Spider-verse is a 2018 animated superhero film that follows the adventures of Miles Morales, a teenage superhero with spider-like abilities. The movie’s soundtrack is a mix of hip-hop and electronica, and surround sound enhances the music’s impact. The sound design in the film is also impressive, with the various Spider-people and their abilities creating a dynamic and immersive soundscape.
Star Wars: The force awakens
The seventh installment in the Star Wars saga was a box office and critical success, with audiences worldwide flocking to see it. Star Wars features an impressive surround sound mix that will make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. From the iconic opening scene to the thrilling climax, The force awakens is a must-watch for any series fan.
Lightsaber duels, flying X-wings, and John Boyega’s charming performance; what’s not to love? This one is a no-brainer.
Elvis
Elvis is a 1979 biographical television film directed by John Carpenter and starring Kurt Russell. The movie has a fantastic soundtrack that sounds amazing on a surround sound system. The music is a mix of rock and roll, country, and gospel, all enhanced by the immersive sound system. Elvis is a great movie to watch if you want to experience the power of surround sound.
Avengers: Endgame
Avengers: Endgame is a 2019 superhero film directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. The movie has a great sound design that sounds amazing on a surround sound system. The sound of the superheroes fighting Thanos and his army is intense, and the surround sound system enhances the experience. Avengers: Endgame is a great movie to watch if you want to experience the power of surround sound.
Godzilla vs. Kong
This 2021 movie is the fourth installment in the MonsterVerse, and it will see Godzilla and King Kong go head-to-head for the first time. If you’re a fan of giant monster movies, this is one you won’t want to miss. From blue fire to airplanes to tanks being thrown around like toys, the action is non-stop.
From the roar of Godzilla to the thundering footsteps of King Kong, this movie is sure to be a treat for all fans of giant monsters. And what’s better than enjoying it with a surround sound system and popcorn?
Real Steel
Real Steel is a 2011 science fiction sports film directed by Shawn Levy and starring Hugh Jackman. The movie has a great soundtrack that sounds amazing on a surround sound system. The sound effects of the robots fighting are intense, and the surround sound system enhances the experience. Real Steel is a great movie to watch if you want to experience the power of surround sound.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a 2012 epic high fantasy adventure film directed by Peter Jackson. The movie was one of the first films to be released in Dolby Atmos, a cutting-edge surround sound system that creates an immersive audio experience. The sound of the dragon Smaug is especially impressive on a surround sound system.
Resident Evil: Apocalypse
Resident Evil: Apocalypse is a 2004 science fiction action horror film directed by Alexander Witt. The movie has a great sound design that sounds amazing on a surround sound system. The sound of the zombies and the gunfire is intense, and the surround sound system enhances the experience. Resident Evil: Apocalypse is a great movie to watch if you want to experience the power of surround sound.
Fury
Fury is a 2014 war film written and directed by David Ayer and starring Brad Pitt. The movie has a great sound design that sounds amazing on a surround sound system. The sound of the tanks and the gunfire is intense, and the surround sound system enhances the experience. Fury is a great movie to watch if you want to experience the power of surround sound.
Transformers: The Last Knight
Transformers: The Last Knight is a 2017 science fiction action film directed by Michael Bay. The movie has a great sound design that sounds amazing on a surround sound system. The sound of the transformers transforming and the explosions are intense, and the surround sound system enhances the experience. Transformers: The Last Knight is a great movie to watch if you want to experience the power of surround sound.
Pacific Rim
Pacific Rim is a 2013 science fiction monster film directed by Guillermo del Toro. The movie has a great sound design that sounds amazing on a surround sound system. The sound of the Jaegers fighting the Kaiju is intense, and the surround sound system enhances the experience. Pacific Rim is a great movie to watch if you want to experience the power of surround sound.
Aquaman
Aquaman is a 2018 superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name. The film features an epic underwater world with stunning visual effects and a powerful soundtrack perfect for surround sound. The action scenes in the movie are intense and immersive, making it an ideal choice for showcasing the capabilities of your surround sound system.
A Quiet Place
A Quiet Place is a 2018 horror film about a family struggling to survive in a world overrun by creatures that hunt by sound. The movie’s sound design is exceptional, with every creak and rustle adding to the tension and suspense. The use of surround sound in the film is masterful, creating an immersive and terrifying experience for the viewer.
Suicide Squad
Suicide Squad is a 2016 superhero film featuring a team of supervillains recruited by the government for a dangerous mission. The movie’s soundtrack mixes rock and pop songs, and surround sound creates a concert-like experience. The action scenes in the film are also impressive, with explosions and gunfire coming from all directions.
The bottom line – Best movies for surround sound
There you have it—fifteen of the best movies for surround sound. Whether you’re looking for a new movie or want to show off your home theater system, these films will surely impress. So please put on your favorite movie and enjoy it with great surround sound!
Let us know if you have any favorite surround sound movies we missed in the comments below!
Steve
Monday 3rd of October 2022
Jurrassic Park. Awesome in surround!
Jon Dough
Monday 12th of September 2022
Not sure it's in full 7.1 but the sound track is on of my favorites!. The power and intensity is very dramatic and the story line and acting is top notch. What movie is it??? Master and Commander! Russel Crow and his incredible cast of actors nail it in this epic 18th century High Seas adventure. The cannon fire and gun shots are so dramatic... All seeming to come from every direction. Love this action pact story!
Don K
Friday 10th of June 2022
Armageddon has really good surround effects. Deep Blue Sea, though it's more low to loud surround, it had my wife off the couch several times!