Best of the obscure Ennio Morricone Soundtracks
by PimpinAinttEasy | created - 30 Jul 2013 | updated - 18 May 2018 | PublicAn attempt to identify the best of the relatively unknown soundtracks of Ennio Morricone from his vast filmography which is a cornucopia of pleasant surprises.
As you might infer from my short write ups, I am not too good at writing about music :). I use words that come to my mind while describing the score for each movie. Mostly melancholic and tense and thrilling.
Some of the scores/films mentioned here might not be THAT obscure. But they are clearly not as well known as Morricone's really famous works.
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1. The Secret (1974)
Not Rated | 102 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
A stranger enters into and forever alters the life of a couple. He claims to be pursued by certain authorities who intend to prevent him from disclosing a secret that only he holds, whence ... See full summary »
Director: Robert Enrico | Stars: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Marlène Jobert, Philippe Noiret, Jean-François Adam
Votes: 923
I find it amazing that Morricone's work for this film is not better known. It is among his best. The title track - Il Segreto starts off like it could enter Un Uomo Da Rispettare territory with the sounds of water drops trickling, followed by a dissonant sound. But there is soon a melodious piano and it is beautiful when the violin kicks in.
Dal Mare has Edda Del Orso (?) starting off slowly and seductively and building up to a crescendo. It is as good as the title track.
The whole soundtrack has a menacing feel to it. I watched the movie and it was very good.
2. The Burglars (1971)
PG | 120 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
In 1970s Athens a group of professional burglars plans an emerald heist from the home of a gem collector, but corrupt Greek police inspector Abel Zacharia is on their trail.
Director: Henri Verneuil | Stars: Jean-Paul Belmondo, Omar Sharif, Dyan Cannon, Robert Hossein
Votes: 2,955
This score is my favorite Morricone score over the last 2 years. It has so many good tunes in it. Right from the warm title theme to the haunting love theme. A true obscure classic as far as Morricone is concerned. I strongly recommend it.
3. What Have You Done to Solange? (1972)
R | 107 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
A teacher who is having an affair with one of his students is reluctant to present an alibi when his lover witnesses the first in a series of murders connected to their school.
Director: Massimo Dallamano | Stars: Fabio Testi, Karin Baal, Cristina Galbó, Joachim Fuchsberger
Votes: 5,911
Just one great melodious tune in this one. I love it. I have been playing this in my car for ages. Edda Del Orso in top form in this track.
4. Four Flies on Grey Velvet (1971)
PG | 104 min | Crime, Mystery, Thriller
A musician is stalked by an unknown homicidal maniac, who blackmails him for the accidental killing of another stalker.
Director: Dario Argento | Stars: Michael Brandon, Mimsy Farmer, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Aldo Bufi Landi
Votes: 9,820
This one has only one good tune, but it is sensational. Morricone's arrangement is so clever. The rest of the album contains many dissonant sounds. I am not a big fan of that kind of music. But this one is worth getting for the title track alone.
5. Revolver (1973)
R | 111 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
An Italian prison warden is forced to exchange a French criminal for his kidnapped wife, but they soon find themselves on the trail of a larger conspiracy.
Director: Sergio Sollima | Stars: Oliver Reed, Fabio Testi, Paola Pitagora, Agostina Belli
Votes: 2,366
Another album like LE CASSE where Morricone really packs it in. Its not just UN AMICO which is great. There are many other great tunes in this score. Another underrated classic from Morricone.
6. The Working Class Goes to Heaven (1971)
125 min | Drama
A conscientious factory worker becomes embroiled in political activism after accidentally cutting off his finger while working a machine.
Director: Elio Petri | Stars: Gian Maria Volontè, Mariangela Melato, Gino Pernice, Luigi Diberti
Votes: 4,039
It is a manic and pounding score. The score has a very edgy proletarian quality and its impact is tremendous as the film builds up towards a frenzied ending. Definitely one of Morricone's best. He did some very interesting work for Petri.
7. Hitch-Hike (1977)
Unrated | 104 min | Crime, Drama, Horror
A bickering couple driving cross-country pick up a murderous hitchhiker who threatens to kill them unless they take him to a sanctuary. In return he agrees to split some bank loot he has on him.
Director: Pasquale Festa Campanile | Stars: Franco Nero, Corinne Cléry, David Hess, Joshua Sinclair
Votes: 3,188
Don't let the hippy song fool you into making any assumptions about this film :) This is a very sensuous soundtrack. It oozes sex, just like the movie. Orso is in top form.
8. Allonsanfan (1974)
115 min | Drama, History
A anarchist leader (Fulvio) wishes to retire, as he is old and tired. He tries to hide himself, but his friends find him and insist he carries on helping them.
Directors: Paolo Taviani, Vittorio Taviani | Stars: Marcello Mastroianni, Lea Massari, Mimsy Farmer, Laura Betti
Votes: 1,250
I bet most people would have heard the awesome tune from this album in the INGLORIOUS BASTERDS OST. But there are two fine variations of the same theme. And there is a great playful track as well.
9. Spasmo (1974)
R | 94 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Christian (Robert Hoffman) and his girlfriend are taking a walk on a deserted beach when they discover a woman's body lying on the sand; a closer look proves that she's alive. The next day ... See full summary »
Director: Umberto Lenzi | Stars: Robert Hoffmann, Suzy Kendall, Ivan Rassimov, Adolfo Lastretti
Votes: 2,090
Just a brilliant brilliant score with a combination of pop and classical tracks. Does contain some dissonant stuff as well.
10. The Most Beautiful Wife (1970)
108 min | Crime, Drama
A young poor girl receives a marriage proposal from a mafia novice. She's going to refuse, but he's going to insist - at all cost.
Director: Damiano Damiani | Stars: Alessio Orano, Ornella Muti, Tano Cimarosa, Joe Sentieri
Votes: 1,018
Great badass soundtrack for a battle of the sexes movie. The music sounds like something is boiling in a pot and just waiting to spill over. It is just perfect for this volatile movie which I strongly recommend.
11. Lady Caliph (1970)
96 min | Drama
As strikes upset Italy, the Califfa's husband is killed and she becomes a passionate militant of the strikers. She opposes the factory manager Doverdo who used to be himself a worker.
Director: Alberto Bevilacqua | Stars: Ugo Tognazzi, Romy Schneider, Marina Berti, Roberto Bisacco
Votes: 411
12. Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion (1970)
R | 115 min | Crime, Drama
A chief of detectives, homicide section, kills his mistress and deliberately leaves clues to prove his own responsibility for the crime.
Director: Elio Petri | Stars: Gian Maria Volontè, Florinda Bolkan, Gianni Santuccio, Orazio Orlando
Votes: 13,248 | Gross: $0.27M
I guess it is not very obscure. But such a sensational score by Morricone. The title track perfectly complements Gian Maria Volante walking around menacingly.
13. Mother's Heart (1969)
TV-MA | 92 min | Drama
Lorenza has three young children who are victims of a media who wishes to turn out terrorists. She contends with her monstrous offspring and student revolts until she can't take it anymore.
Director: Salvatore Samperi | Stars: Carla Gravina, Beba Loncar, Philippe Leroy, Yorgo Voyagis
Votes: 238
A plethora of wonderful tunes in this soundtrack. The innovative opening track - Ricreazione Divertita-Titoli, filled with evangelical chanting, war marching, nostalgic violins and melodious pianos is wonderful. There are many versions of another melodious melancholic tune called "Ninna Nanna Per Adulteri". Gorno di Lavoro is another catchy tune. Cannot recommend this soundtrack enough. I like it enough to want to check out the movie.
14. The Sunday Woman (1975)
R | 109 min | Comedy, Crime, Mystery
The investigation of the murder of ambiguous architect Garrone takes Police Commissioner Santamaria to the Turinese high society, but the results are unclear. In the meanwhile, another murder takes place.
Director: Luigi Comencini | Stars: Marcello Mastroianni, Jacqueline Bisset, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Aldo Reggiani
Votes: 1,285
Italian name: La Donna Della Domenica. This one is awesome. Nearly as good as Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion. Though this one is more comical and less sinister sounding. There are many superb versions of the title track. Impaziente Pianino is a great rollicking piano only composition.
15. A Lizard in a Woman's Skin (1971)
Not Rated | 95 min | Mystery, Thriller
The potentially unhinged daughter of a British politician is accused of killing her hedonistic neighbor after she witnesses the murder in a dream.
Director: Lucio Fulci | Stars: Florinda Bolkan, Stanley Baker, Jean Sorel, Silvia Monti
Votes: 5,765
One of the best Morricone-Edda Del Orso collaborations.
16. La donna invisibile (1969)
91 min | Drama
About the fading relationship between a professor and his wife.
Director: Paolo Spinola | Stars: Giovanna Ralli, Carla Gravina, Anita Sanders, Silvano Tranquilli
Votes: 91
17. Short Night of Glass Dolls (1971)
Not Rated | 97 min | Horror, Mystery
An American journalist temporarily stationed in Central Europe searches for his new girlfriend, who has suddenly disappeared.
Director: Aldo Lado | Stars: Ingrid Thulin, Jean Sorel, Mario Adorf, Barbara Bach
Votes: 3,649
The memorable humming of Edda makes this one very memorable. I guess it is not that obscure. Recommend the movie as well.
18. The Stendhal Syndrome (1996)
Not Rated | 113 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
A young policewoman slowly goes insane while tracking down an elusive serial rapist/killer through Italy when she herself becomes a victim of the brutal man's obsession.
Director: Dario Argento | Stars: Asia Argento, Thomas Kretschmann, Marco Leonardi, Luigi Diberti
Votes: 9,176
Reminded me of Jerry Goldsmith's score for THE OMEN. I love this one.
19. Cock Crows at Eleven (1978)
109 min | Drama, Thriller
Federico is a child-killer running from the law. Wounded, he is taken in by a 12 year old girl named Simona. Their strange love affair is interrupted by Simona's depressed, oversexed mother... See full summary »
Director: Massimo Pirri | Stars: Lisa Gastoni, Howard Ross, Karin Trentephol, Andrea Franchetti
Votes: 616
Morricone's idyllic sounding score is used in many scenes by the director. It is such a simple and beautiful melody on a piano, succeeded and punctuated by the violins and Edda Dell Orso's singing.
20. The Hawks and the Sparrows (1966)
Not Rated | 91 min | Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
Totò and his son Ninetto are drifting on a road in Italy when they meet a speaking crow.
Director: Pier Paolo Pasolini | Stars: Totò, Ninetto Davoli, Femi Benussi, Umberto Bevilacqua
Votes: 5,601
A terrific rollicking song with vocals is a great start to this soundtrack. It is such a great tune with elements of rock n roll. I am surprised it is not more famous and more modern filmmakers have not appropriated it. I guess it is not that obscure because the song does make an appearance in some Greatest Hits compilations.
21. Tragedy of a Ridiculous Man (1981)
PG | 116 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
An Italian businessman decides whether to pay a ransom for his abducted son or not.
Director: Bernardo Bertolucci | Stars: Ugo Tognazzi, Anouk Aimée, Laura Morante, Victor Cavallo
Votes: 1,128
One of the tracks from the Bertolluci movie makes an appearance in a Greatest Hits compilation. But I guess it is not that well known. I recommend it. There are many variations of the famous tune.
22. The Sicilian Clan (1969)
GP | 122 min | Crime, Drama
An ambitious young mobster plans an elaborate diamond heist while seducing the daughter of a ruthless mob patriarch as a determined police commissioner closes in on all of them.
Director: Henri Verneuil | Stars: Jean Gabin, Alain Delon, Lino Ventura, Irina Demick
Votes: 9,110 | Gross: $3.00M
The main title theme is so cool. Imagine a bunch of gangsters walking around shooting people with that theme playing. The second track in this album called SNACK BAR has some great sax and is very romantic. Reminded me of the love theme from LE CASSE.
23. Increase and Multiply (1973)
98 min | Comedy
Director: Giulio Petroni | Stars: Raymond Pellegrin, Lionel Stander, Hugh Griffith, Francesca Romana Coluzzi
Votes: 30
Great playful soundtrack that makes use of a lot of man made noises. Once again, Morricone at his innovative best. Brontolonte is a pleasure to listen to. The title track is wonderfully subversive, starting off with a highly sexual female moaning followed by very seductive music.
24. Navajo Joe (1966)
Not Rated | 93 min | Drama, Western
A Native American warrior seeks revenge on the gang of sadistic scalphunters-turned-bank robbers who massacred his tribe.
Director: Sergio Corbucci | Stars: Burt Reynolds, Aldo Sambrell, Nicoletta Machiavelli, Fernando Rey
Votes: 4,537
25. Sacco & Vanzetti (1971)
GP | 125 min | Biography, Crime, Drama
In 1920s Boston, Italian immigrants Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti are scrutinized for their anarchist beliefs while on trial for robbery and murder.
Director: Giuliano Montaldo | Stars: Gian Maria Volontè, Riccardo Cucciolla, Cyril Cusack, Rosanna Fratello
Votes: 3,717 | Gross: $0.19M
26. He and She (1969)
90 min | Drama
Mysterious romance involving an uninhibited woman and a photographer, shot in strange modernist interiors and abstract sports car-on-a-highway to nowhere exteriors.
Director: Mauro Bolognini | Stars: Laurence Harvey, Sylva Koscina, Isa Miranda, Gina Sammarco
Votes: 71 | Gross: $0.30M
27. The Hellbenders (1967)
Not Rated | 90 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
A Southern Colonel, his three sons and a card shark embark on an odyssey through the Southwest carrying a coffin full of stolen money with which the Colonel plans to revive the Confederacy.
Director: Sergio Corbucci | Stars: Joseph Cotten, Norma Bengell, Julián Mateos, Gino Pernice
Votes: 2,014
A great Western soundtrack. This one is a bit of a minnow compared to some of Morricone's legendary Spaghetti Western scores. But still a pleasure to listen to. I Crudeli - the first track and Un Monumento are standout tracks that make your hair stand.
28. The Infernal Trio (1974)
107 min | Comedy, Crime, Horror
A cunning French legal adviser teams up with an unemployed German girl and her sister to commit murders in Marseille.
Director: Francis Girod | Stars: Michel Piccoli, Romy Schneider, Mascha Gonska, Philippe Brizard
Votes: 920
Very melancholicaly (!) feel good, uplifting and super melodramatic. Woody Allen could really have used this score if he was like Tarantino, lol. There are many versions of the title theme.
29. Escalation (I) (1968)
93 min | Comedy, Thriller
1968, London. Luca (Lino Capolicchio), the son of an Italian rich owner, is living his 'swinging' years away from duties and responsibilities while his father wants him to be introduced to ... See full summary »
Director: Roberto Faenza | Stars: Lino Capolicchio, Claudine Auger, Gabriele Ferzetti, Didi Perego
Votes: 115
Another one of those Morricone soundtracks with many good tunes in them. Right from the melancholic and playful title track to the Dies Irae and the simply awesome Collage, this one is Morricone is at his most innovative best. Luca's sound - well, that was an interesting sound. Senza Respiro could have belonged in Hitch Hiker. Matrimonio is another wonderful soundtrack with competing female voices and primitive drumming. And Carillon Erotico is so achingly melodious.
30. Un sacco bello (1980)
97 min | Comedy
Carlo Verdone plays a multitude of characters, including a bully, a priest, a hippie, and an anxiogenous man.
Director: Carlo Verdone | Stars: Carlo Verdone, Renato Scarpa, Verónica Miriel, Mario Brega
Votes: 2,862
The last track has a great melodious whistle. I couldnt stop listening to it for weeks.
31. The Unknown Woman (2006)
R | 118 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Haunted by a horrible past, a young Ukrainian woman calculatedly insinuates herself into the life of a rich Italian family.
Director: Giuseppe Tornatore | Stars: Kseniya Rappoport, Michele Placido, Claudia Gerini, Piera Degli Esposti
Votes: 16,009 | Gross: $0.02M
32. The Cat (1977)
109 min | Comedy
Amedeo and Ofelia, middle aged brother and sister, own jointly an old decadent, but still attractive, condominium. They want to sell it, but before they have to evict all the tenants. Of ... See full summary »
Director: Luigi Comencini | Stars: Ugo Tognazzi, Mariangela Melato, Michel Galabru, Dalila Di Lazzaro
Votes: 580
Very playful and over the top soundtrack. Il Gatto and Gli Scantenati stand out.
33. Anche se volessi lavorare, che faccio? (1972)
99 min | Comedy
In Lazio, four young people named Riccetto, Girasole, Lallo and Tombarolo try to make a living by stealing what they find in the tombs of the rich buried. Being inexperienced, they often find themselves in trouble or pursued by the police.
Director: Flavio Mogherini | Stars: Enzo Cerusico, Ninetto Davoli, Giovanni Barbato, Paolo Rosani
Votes: 97
Full of pleasant, over the top and rollicking tunes. Anghingo is a happy song full of competing male and female voices. The track called Tramonto could be out of one of those Spachetti Westerns - it has a very catchy and melodious whistle.
The first track starts off quite melancholic but gets very pleasant to listen to.
34. Le mani sporche (1978– )
80 min | Drama, Thriller
A young, impressionable communist Hugo is sent to kill a rogue party chairman, Hoederer, who slowly manipulates Hugo into working for him, but Hugo's flirty wife Jessica will prove the downfall of them both.
Stars: Giovanni Visentin, Giuliana de Sio, Anna Maria Gherardi, Bruno Pagni
Votes: 38
Tense, intense, melodious and melancholic. Some of the tracks could be the score for a zombie movie if Morricone ever did one. I'm not sure what the TV series is about. Nostalgia Dei Ricordi and Ritorno Dal Passato are great tracks. Nostalgia Dei Ricordi could be the score for a Polanski thriller or something. It would work perfectly for Ghost Writer or Frantic.
35. The Cat o' Nine Tails (1971)
GP | 112 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Two journalists try to solve a series of murders connected to a pharmaceutical company's secret experiments, becoming targets of the killer themselves.
Director: Dario Argento | Stars: James Franciscus, Karl Malden, Catherine Spaak, Pier Paolo Capponi
Votes: 12,973
Once again, very clever arrangement by Morricone. There are three different versions of Ninna Nana Blue all of which are wonderful for your ears.
36. L'Agnese va a morire (1976)
135 min | Drama, War
An old couple, Agnes and Palita, lulled by their quiet routine, seem almost unaware of the war surrounding them, but soon the conflict breaks into their lives. The Germans come to take ... See full summary »
Director: Giuliano Montaldo | Stars: Ingrid Thulin, Stefano Satta Flores, Michele Placido, Aurore Clément
Votes: 143
Love this score. I played the track called Ostinazione e Impegno over and over in my car in the final months of 2015. It is this sprawling and epic tune.
And Agnes Chose to Die is one of those Morricone soundtracks with loads of good tunes.
Un Breve Canto Un Lungo Grido is another terrific track. The singing/ wailing (by Edda?) in this track is terrific. It is almost like a wailing lament. The first track is a more subtle version of this wailing.
37. Who Saw Her Die? (1972)
Not Rated | 94 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Between a four-year gap in the murder of a young girl, the daughter of a well-known sculptor is discovered dead, and her parents conduct an investigation, only to discover they are much out of their depth.
Director: Aldo Lado | Stars: George Lazenby, Anita Strindberg, Adolfo Celi, Dominique Boschero
Votes: 2,907
38. Lady of the Camelias (1981)
115 min | Drama, Romance
A young girl from the provinces, comes to Paris with one goal: to become a part of the rich bourgeoisie. To achieve this she will use her unique beauty and charm.
Director: Mauro Bolognini | Stars: Isabelle Huppert, Gian Maria Volontè, Bruno Ganz, Fabrizio Bentivoglio
Votes: 715
Has two amazing piano only pieces. You have to play these tracks quite loudly to hear anything. They are wonderful to listen to. I am a huge fan of the first nostalgic and melancholic sounding track.
39. The Night Caller (1975)
R | 91 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Commissaire Letellier and Inspector Moissac are tracking Minos, a serial killer whose victims are women.
Director: Henri Verneuil | Stars: Jean-Paul Belmondo, Charles Denner, Adalberto Maria Merli, Rosy Varte
Votes: 4,301
A very interesting and innovative crime soundtrack. Love the title track. It is a mix of dissonant pianos and whistling. Pretty badass. John Zorn sampled the title track in his tribute to Morricone.
40. The Flower in His Mouth (1975)
Not Rated | 113 min | Drama, Mystery
A female school teacher is implicated in a murder in a Sicilian town only hours after her arrival. The dead man insulted her on the bus on the way into town. As the mystery unfolds, it ... See full summary »
Director: Luigi Zampa | Stars: Jennifer O'Neill, Franco Nero, James Mason, Orazio Orlando
Votes: 492
Italian name: Gente Di Respetto. The first tune is a flowing and beautiful mandolin tune. Solo Per Amore, the second tune is a tense and melancholic work that invokes feelings of desolation. Gente Ipocrita begins somewhat playfully and ends in a wild over the top crescendo.
41. A Sky Full of Stars for a Roof (1968)
100 min | Comedy, Western
Two drifters meet and soon become travelling companions. But one of them, Tim (Gemma), is being chased by a crazed killer and his band of gunmen to settle an old score. The two (Adore being... See full summary »
Director: Giulio Petroni | Stars: Giuliano Gemma, Mario Adorf, Magda Konopka, Federico Boido
Votes: 624
Two great whistling tunes at the beginning and the end.
42. The Murri Affair (1974)
R | 120 min | Crime, Drama, History
Based on a true incident, this tells the story of a troubled young man who kills his sister's reactionary, violent, abusive husband and is eventually arrested for the murder. However, the ... See full summary »
Director: Mauro Bolognini | Stars: Giancarlo Giannini, Catherine Deneuve, Fernando Rey, Tina Aumont
Votes: 279
Italian name: Fatti di gente perbene. An extremely melancholic score by Morricone with a really sad violin. Some of the tunes are ones that could have been used in a tense crime thriller. The film is apparently a court room drama.
43. The Master and Margaret (1972)
95 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
A writer and his assistant are working on a biblical story about Pontius Pilate who convicted Jesus of Nazereth, while the Satan (here called Woland) and his lieutenants are harassing the writer duo in various ways.
Director: Aleksandar Petrovic | Stars: Ugo Tognazzi, Mimsy Farmer, Alain Cuny, Velimir 'Bata' Zivojinovic
Votes: 787
44. Down the Ancient Stairs (1975)
R | 110 min | Drama
A mental hospital somewhere in Tuscany during the thirties. Far away from fascism, this closed world is rules over by Dr. Bonaccorsi, a passionate benevolent psychiatrist whose dream is to ... See full summary »
Director: Mauro Bolognini | Stars: Marcello Mastroianni, Françoise Fabian, Marthe Keller, Barbara Bouchet
Votes: 412
Per le antiche scale. Begins with a pretty melodious and relaxing tune. But the rest of the score contains some really frightening noises like the ones he did for some of the giallos. Per le antiche scale (Preludio) and Postludio are really good tunes.
45. Maddalena (1971)
R | 113 min | Drama, Romance
Maddalena is a sensuous woman who desperately tries to seduce a tormented priest.
Director: Jerzy Kawalerowicz | Stars: Lisa Gastoni, Eric Woofe, Ivo Garrani, Paolo Gozlino
Votes: 197
46. The Fifth Day of Peace (1970)
GP | 110 min | Drama, War
At the end of WW II, German deserters are tried for desertion by fellow POWs inside a prisoner of war camp for Germans.
Director: Giuliano Montaldo | Stars: Bud Spencer, Franco Nero, Richard Johnson, Larry Aubrey
Votes: 495
Italian name is Gott Mit Uns. Pleasant and melancholic at the same time. The track called Lontano is worth checking out. There are some tracks that uses army drills and machine gun fire as musical accompaniments.
47. Veruschka - Poetry of a Woman (1971)
92 min | Drama, Fantasy
Fashion photographer Franco Rubartelli's visually lush and moody head film about European supermodel Veruschka.
Director: Franco Rubartelli | Stars: Veruschka von Lehndorff, Luigi Pistilli, Gianni Di Luigi, Maria Cumani Quasimodo
Votes: 93
48. Devil in the Brain (1972)
106 min | Mystery, Thriller
A child suspected of killing his father is imprisoned in a mental hospital. A doctor finds him mentally healthy and begins to suspect another explanation.
Director: Sergio Sollima | Stars: Stefania Sandrelli, Keir Dullea, Micheline Presle, Tino Buazzelli
Votes: 293
Il Diavolo Nel Cervello has an attention catching title track. It is a nice tune, I found myself humming it for a few days. There are different versions of the first track. All quite interesting.
49. Metello (1970)
107 min | Drama, History
Struggling with life in 18th-century Italy, young Metello Salani is determined to change his situation for the better - but love, marriage and politics complicate things considerably...
Director: Mauro Bolognini | Stars: Massimo Ranieri, Ottavia Piccolo, Frank Wolff, Tina Aumont
Votes: 344
Great sweeping epic soundtrack. The piano version of the score on youtube is also wonderful.
50. Giuochi particolari (1970)
98 min | Comedy, Drama
Forty-year-old Sandro (Marcello Mastroianni) is married to Claude (Virna Lisi). Sandro has one strange obsession: he is a self confessed voyeur. He films his wife in all walks of life on ... See full summary »
Director: Franco Indovina | Stars: Marcello Mastroianni, Virna Lisi, Timothy Dalton, John Serret
Votes: 91
Italian name: Giochi Particulari. The track called Dorciamente has appeared in a few compilations. The very sparse title track is also very pleasant to listen to.
51. Dedicato al mare Egeo (1979)
109 min | Drama, Romance
Director: Masuo Ikeda | Stars: Ilona Staller, Stefania Casini, Olga Karlatos, Claudio Aliotti
Votes: 66
52. Incontro (1971)
103 min | Drama, Romance
Love story between a young man and a married woman. She's married to a businessman who's neglecting her. She would like to leave him but she's afraid of the age difference between her and her lover.
Director: Piero Schivazappa | Stars: Massimo Ranieri, Florinda Bolkan, Claudio Giorgi, Mariangela Melato
Votes: 49
A very melancholic and melodramatic tune is the first track but its beginning is quite sparse but then it really builds up. It does contain some playful tracks as well. The final track called Per Claudia has some very memorable violins.
53. Matchless (1967)
Not Rated | 104 min | Comedy, Sci-Fi, Thriller
A secret agent possesses a ring that makes him invisible for a short time, once every 10 hours. He is in pursuit of an evil criminal mastermind but, at the same time, must evade an enemy agent who also wants the ring.
Director: Alberto Lattuada | Stars: Patrick O'Neal, Ira von Fürstenberg, Donald Pleasence, Henry Silva
Votes: 325
Great title track with a tense and awesome base guitar and then it turns into a really great pop tune.
54. Il pentito (1985)
120 min | Crime, Drama, History
A judge (based on real life judge Giovanni Falcone) on crusade to take down the Italian Mafia uses a gangster turned state's witness (a so-called "repenter") and a New York banker to do it. But things aren't quite what they seem.
Director: Pasquale Squitieri | Stars: Franco Nero, Tony Musante, Erik Estrada, Max von Sydow
Votes: 127
Italian title - Il Pentito. One of those epic Morricone tunes. The first two tracks are amazing. This must be one of Morricone's best works of the 1980s.
55. Full Hearts and Empty Pockets (1964)
88 min | Drama
A young German comes to Rome on vacation and is not slow to win female hearts. When the game become dangerous due to a possible marriage, the young man returns to his homeland.
Director: Camillo Mastrocinque | Stars: Thomas Fritsch, Alexandra Stewart, Gino Cervi, Senta Berger
Votes: 56
Italian title - E-La-Donna-Creo-L'uomo. Very playful, summery and emotional soundtrack. There are different versions of the title track.
56. Corleone (1978)
R | 108 min | Crime, Thriller
Two friends grow up together in the Sicily of the '50s. Two different destiny, two different way of life. Could their friendship survive to the mafia shadow?
Director: Pasquale Squitieri | Stars: Giuliano Gemma, Claudia Cardinale, Francisco Rabal, Stefano Satta Flores
Votes: 260
A beautiful melodious tune "Addio a Palermo" is the first track of the album. The title track is very ominous and moving. Rivolta Popolare, the fourth track is also a very gripping and remarkable tune.
57. Crossing the Line (1990)
R | 93 min | Crime, Drama, Sport
Unemployed Scottish miner Danny Scoular (Liam Neeson) is forced into bare-knuckle boxing to make ends meet.
Director: David Leland | Stars: Kenny Ireland, Liam Neeson, Joanne Whalley, Billy Connolly
Votes: 1,433 | Gross: $0.06M
The main title is a gripping and rampaging tune with industrial piano beats. It probably belongs in a war film.
58. Mosca addio (1987)
101 min | Biography, Drama
A Jewish scientist in Russia becomes frustrated with the antisemitism in her country and decides to leave with her friend and sister. When they go to receive emigration permits, her sister and friend pass but she is declined.
Director: Mauro Bolognini | Stars: Liv Ullmann, Daniel Olbrychski, Aurore Clément, Francesca Ciardi
Votes: 111
Very melancholic title track to begin with but it somehow segues into a very pretty inspiring tune midway. It is very affecting. Nel Manicomio is also a very gloomy sounding tune.
59. Le Marginal (1983)
103 min | Action, Crime, Drama
The story is about Commissioner Jordan who arrives in Marseille to combat drug trafficking activities in his own unique way.
Director: Jacques Deray | Stars: Jean-Paul Belmondo, Henry Silva, Maria Carlos Sotto Mayor, Pierre Vernier
Votes: 3,456
60. Bianco, rosso e Verdone (1981)
110 min | Comedy
On Election Day, three Italians travel to their hometowns to vote.
Director: Carlo Verdone | Stars: Carlo Verdone, Elena Fabrizi, Irina Sanpiter, Angelo Infanti
Votes: 4,224
61. Bluebeard (1972)
R | 125 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A World War I pilot whom everybody envies as a "ladykiller" actually is one. After he beds a woman he's after, he murders her.
Director: Edward Dmytryk | Stars: Richard Burton, Raquel Welch, Virna Lisi, Nathalie Delon
Votes: 1,589
62. The Last 4 Days (1974)
PG | 91 min | Biography, Drama, History
In 1945, the dictator of fascist Italy and Hitler's close ally Benito Mussolini faces defeat. In a desperate attempt to avoid capture, he tries to flee the country with his lover Claretta Petacci, but Italian partisans are on their tail.
Director: Carlo Lizzani | Stars: Rod Steiger, Franco Nero, Lisa Gastoni, Lino Capolicchio
Votes: 865
63. Let's Make Love (1960)
Not Rated | 119 min | Comedy, Musical, Romance
When billionaire Jean-Marc Clement learns that he is to be satirized in an off-Broadway revue, he passes himself off as an actor playing him in order to get closer to the beautiful star of the show, Amanda Dell.
Director: George Cukor | Stars: Marilyn Monroe, Yves Montand, Tony Randall, Frankie Vaughan
Votes: 8,003 | Gross: $6.54M
64. The Endless Game (1989)
PG-13 | 123 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
A British MI6 agent comes out of retirement after several of his former colleagues, including his former lover, are murdered. He must examine events from his own past to determine who killed them, and why.
Stars: Albert Finney, George Segal, Monica Guerritore, Ian Holm
Votes: 226
65. Butterfly (1981)
R | 108 min | Crime, Drama
In 1937 Nevada, silver mine caretaker Jess Tyler is reunited with his teenage daughter Kady who will do anything to persuade Jess to let her have claim to the mine.
Director: Matt Cimber | Stars: Stacy Keach, Pia Zadora, Orson Welles, Lois Nettleton
Votes: 1,548
66. Espion, lève-toi (1982)
98 min | Drama, Thriller
Sébastien Grenier, a secret agent, eliminates all his rivals in order to decipher who has killed some of his associates.
Director: Yves Boisset | Stars: Lino Ventura, Michel Piccoli, Bruno Cremer, Bernard Fresson
Votes: 1,054
Tense and rollicking first track nailed this one for me. This is the sort of tune that every crime film director would want to play during their title sequences. I was reminded if the famous Battle of Algiers theme while listening to this one.
67. I... For Icarus (1979)
120 min | Crime, Drama, Mystery
Conspiracy thriller inspired by the conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of JFK. After a fictional president is assassinated, a determined, tough prosecutor investigates the emerging conspiracy behind it.
Director: Henri Verneuil | Stars: Yves Montand, Michel Albertini, Roland Amstutz, Jean-Pierre Bagot
Votes: 4,537
68. Bullets Don't Argue (1964)
89 min | Western
On his own wedding day, sheriff Pat Garrett must leave and try to arrest two bank robbers.
Director: Mario Caiano | Stars: Rod Cameron, Ángel Aranda, Horst Frank, Mimmo Palmara
Votes: 283
69. La cosa buffa (1972)
102 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
A provincial young elementary-school teacher falls in love with a Venetian girl, the daughter of a rich industrialist.
Director: Aldo Lado | Stars: Ottavia Piccolo, Gianni Morandi, Angela Goodwin, Fabio Garriba
Votes: 77
70. Orca (1977)
PG | 92 min | Adventure, Drama, Horror
A hunter squares off against a killer whale seeking vengeance for the death of its mate.
Director: Michael Anderson | Stars: Richard Harris, Charlotte Rampling, Will Sampson, Bo Derek
Votes: 13,243 | Gross: $14.72M
71. I figli chiedono perché (1972)
In a small town in Palestine, a Jewish woman attends an Arab boy. The two fall in love and manage to get married. At the outbreak of the war her parents decide to save the whole family.
Director: Nino Zanchin | Stars: Susanna Melandri, Rosemary Dexter, Umberto Orsini, Habib Namouchi
Votes: 43
72. My Dear Killer (1972)
100 min | Mystery, Thriller
A mysterious decapitation leads Inspector Peretti into a case of blackmail, deceit, and the unsolved kidnapping of a young girl.
Director: Tonino Valerii | Stars: George Hilton, Salvo Randone, William Berger, Manuel Zarzo
Votes: 1,648
Italian name: Mio Caro Assassino. This score begins with a rather dissonant lullaby accompanied by strange clangs and noises which gives it a rather tense character. I cannot say I am a big fan of this score. But it is worth checking out. The whole score is full of clangs and weird dissonant sounds. The lullaby is the only track that I really enjoyed.
73. Windows (1980)
R | 96 min | Drama, Thriller
Homicidal woman in New York City spies on her shy mousy neighbor with a telescope and tape recorder and has her frightened by a knife-brandishing brute.
Director: Gordon Willis | Stars: Talia Shire, Joe Cortese, Elizabeth Ashley, Kay Medford
Votes: 939 | Gross: $2.13M
74. The Good Pope (2003 TV Movie)
180 min | Biography, Drama
Angelo Roncalli, born in Sotto Il Monte in 1881, is known for his profound spirituality as well as his extraordinary goodness from the young years of his life. When he feels a need to serve... See full summary »
Director: Ricky Tognazzi | Stars: Bob Hoskins, Carlo Cecchi, Roberto Citran, Fabrizio Vidale
Votes: 327
75. White Dog (1982)
PG | 90 min | Drama, Horror
A trainer attempts to retrain a vicious dog that's been raised to attack black people.
Director: Samuel Fuller | Stars: Kristy McNichol, Christa Lang, Vernon Weddle, Jameson Parker
Votes: 10,759
76. Come Play with Me (1968)
M/PG | 94 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
Young Alvise's body is paralyzed, or at least he thinks so. He is infatuated by his beautiful aunt Lea. What starts as innocent therapy and care soon develops into strange erotic and psychological battle between them.
Director: Salvatore Samperi | Stars: Lisa Gastoni, Lou Castel, Gabriele Ferzetti, Luisa De Santis
Votes: 297
77. El Greco (1966)
Approved | 95 min | Biography, Drama
16th-century Spain, the famed Greek painter El Greco journeys to Toledo to paint an altarpiece. Trouble ensues when he falls in love with a beautiful local girl.
Director: Luciano Salce | Stars: Mel Ferrer, Rosanna Schiaffino, Adolfo Celi, Mario Feliciani
Votes: 197
78. The Family (1970)
R | 108 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
After being double-crossed by his mistress and barely escaping a murder attempt, a hit-man sets out to take his revenge on the woman and the mob boss who put her up to it.
Director: Sergio Sollima | Stars: Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas, Jill Ireland, Umberto Orsini
Votes: 3,433
Great badass crime soundtrack. Morricone is an expert at doing this sort of thing. Nearly as good as Revolver.
79. Grand Slam (1967)
Not Rated | 121 min | Crime, Drama
To pull off a daring diamond heist in Rio during Carnival, a retired schoolteacher hires four professionals who must contend with a revolutionary alarm system and a taciturn secretary.
Director: Giuliano Montaldo | Stars: Janet Leigh, Robert Hoffmann, Klaus Kinski, Riccardo Cucciolla
Votes: 1,376
Also known as Adi Ogni Costo. The title track makes an appearance in Morricone's greatest hits. So maybe not that obscure.
80. The Hell Before Death (1968)
89 min | Crime, Thriller
A former gangster wants to avenge the murder of his sister and shed light on the disappearance of her husband, which occurred during the transport of a large cargo of gold.
Director: Alfio Caltabiano | Stars: Ljuba Tadic, Alfio Caltabiano, Dante Maggio, Rade Markovic
Votes: 40
81. The Palermo Connection (1990)
PG-13 | 100 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
A candidate for the Mayor of New York City promises to legalize drugs. The mafia, making insane money on illegal drug trade, is about to dissuade him - at all cost.
Director: Francesco Rosi | Stars: Jim Belushi, Mimi Rogers, Joss Ackland, Philippe Noiret
Votes: 568
82. Hundra (1983)
Not Rated | 90 min | Adventure, Fantasy
Born in a tribe of fierce warrior women, the archer and sword fighter, Hundra, has been raised to despise the influence of men. Superior to any male, Hundra takes a vow of revenge until one day she finds love.
Director: Matt Cimber | Stars: Laurene Landon, Cihangir Gaffari, María Casal, Ramiro Oliveros
Votes: 1,215
83. Thieves After Dark (1983)
98 min | Crime, Drama, Romance
A couple goes on the run after being accused for a crime they didn't commit.
Director: Samuel Fuller | Stars: Véronique Jannot, Bobby Di Cicco, Victor Lanoux, Stéphane Audran
Votes: 230
84. Quartiere (1987)
124 min | Drama
Director: Silvano Agosti | Stars: Victoria Zinny, Dario Ghirardi, Valeria Sabel, Lino Salemme
Votes: 20
85. La Cage aux Folles (1978)
R | 97 min | Comedy
The manager of a Saint-Tropez nightclub featuring drag entertainment, and his star attraction, are a gay couple. Madness ensues when his straight son brings home a fiancée and her ultra-conservative parents to meet them.
Director: Édouard Molinaro | Stars: Ugo Tognazzi, Michel Serrault, Claire Maurier, Rémi Laurent
Votes: 11,865 | Gross: $20.42M
86. The Serpent (1973)
PG | 113 min | Drama, Thriller
A Soviet diplomat hatches a complicated plan to enable him to defect to the West.
Director: Henri Verneuil | Stars: Yul Brynner, Henry Fonda, Dirk Bogarde, Philippe Noiret
Votes: 1,193
87. The Devil Is a Woman (1974)
R | 105 min | Drama
The Mother Superior of a convent wields power in its most vicious forms. And as she as she destroys the people in her care, she herself becomes her own victim as she draws on all her spiritual powers to drive out the tempter.
Director: Damiano Damiani | Stars: Glenda Jackson, Claudio Cassinelli, Lisa Harrow, Adolfo Celi
Votes: 153
88. Good News (1979)
106 min | Comedy, Drama
A disaffected media executive spends his days watching violent programming on the six television screens in his office, and his evenings neglecting his frustrated wife at home.
Director: Elio Petri | Stars: Giancarlo Giannini, Ángela Molina, Aurore Clément, Paolo Bonacelli
Votes: 243
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