Interstellar soundtrack: The definitive guide to all the songs in the movie

Modified Dec 16, 2024 18:55 GMT

Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar stands as one of the most ambitious and talked-about films of the 21st century. When it was released back in 2014, the movie combined a story with mind-bending science, stunning visuals, and one of the most iconic soundtracks in modern cinema. Composed by Hans Zimmer, the music became inseparable from the film’s story which elevated every scene.

As this year marks Interstellar's 10th anniversary, it’s returning to theaters, having been re-released on December 6, 2024. Fans got the chance to relive its awe-inspiring journey in IMAX and digital formats, with the film’s celebrated soundtrack being a major draw. Zimmer’s haunting use of the pipe organ and subtle electronic tones redefined how we experience film music.

Financially, Interstellar was a massive success, earning $681 million worldwide during its initial run. It was the tenth highest-grossing film of 2014, outperforming countless blockbusters of its time. Beyond the box office, the movie received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects, which it won.

All the songs in the movie Interstellar

A still from the trailer (Image via Warner Bros)

Interstellar's Original Soundtrack:

Dreaming of the Crash – 1:23
Cornfield Chase – 2:06
Dust – 5:41
Day One – 3:19
Stay – 6:52
Message From Home – 1:40
The Wormhole – 1:30
Mountains – 3:39
Afraid of Time – 2:32
A Place Among the Stars – 3:27
Running Out – 1:57
I'm Going Home – 5:48
Coward – 8:26
Detach – 6:42
S.T.A.Y. – 6:23
Where We're Going – 7:41

Additional Tracks (Deluxe Edition):

First Step – 1:47
Flying Drone – 1:53
Atmospheric Entry – 1:39
No Need To Come Back – 4:32
Imperfect Lock – 6:54
What Happens Now? – 2:27
Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night – 1:39

Sound design and soundtrack specialists of Interstellar

The sound design in Interstellar played a huge role in shaping the movie’s immersive experience. Gregg Landaker and Gary Rizzo were in charge of audio mixing, while Richard King supervised the sound editing.

Christopher Nolan wanted to use sound to its full potential in theaters, paying close attention to the smallest details, such as the sound of buttons being pressed on astronaut suit gloves. The studio revealed that the movie was mixed to maximize the power of low-end frequencies and to ensure that the main channels and subwoofers delivered a deep and resonant experience.

One of Nolan’s boldest choices was letting ambient noise and music overpower some dialogue, which caused some theaters to post notices assuring viewers this was intentional and not a technical problem. The decision sparked debate but undeniably added a layer of realism to the film’s space environment.

The music, composed by Hans Zimmer, became one of the film’s standout elements. According to The Guardian, unlike his usual approach, Zimmer wasn’t given a script or detailed plot. Instead, Nolan handed him a single page about a father leaving his child for work. The emotional foundation shaped the entire soundtrack.

According to Classic FM, Zimmer chose the 1926 Harrison & Harrison organ from London’s Temple Church as the score’s centerpiece, giving the music its distinct sound. Over 45 recording sessions—three times more than Zimmer’s work on Inception—brought the soundtrack to life. The score, released on November 18, 2014, is still celebrated for its innovative use of sound to convey emotion and grandeur.

Interstellar's 10th-anniversary re-release breaks IMAX records

Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar has officially become the highest-grossing IMAX re-release of all time. The 10th-anniversary re-release has got an overwhelming demand and prompted Paramount and IMAX to expand the domestic screen count to 320 this weekend. According to Collider, this expansion led to an impressive $3.5 million in domestic earnings and an additional $3.75 million globally for the weekend.

In just 10 days, the re-release has amassed a remarkable $10.8 million domestically, contributing to a total of $17.4 million globally for the 2024 anniversary run. The achievement has pushed the film’s lifetime IMAX earnings to a staggering $132.3 million worldwide, making it the 8th highest-grossing IMAX release ever.

Interstellar is now playing in selected theaters.