N64 Game Soundtracks: 10 Iconic Tracks That Defined an Era

Like any millennial, the sounds of my childhood all come from the ‘90s.

I can probably still recite all those one-hit wonders from back in the day by heart, but there are plenty of other earworms that still run through my head. Take, for example, the incredible soundtracks from the Nintendo 64’s line-up.

Just now, I’m humming along to some of the N64’s best soundtracks. These are the songs that didn’t just make the game, but enhanced it.

As an FYI to you, my readers, and my editors, I promise not to spend 1,000 words on GoldenEye’s pause music. Let’s get to it!

10 Blast Corps

Destruction Derby

We're going to be seeing Rare's name on this list of great N64 soundtracks a lot, so it makes sense to start with one of their biggest cult classics.

Blast Corps is a weird game. The concept of destroying everything in sight isn't weird, but given the type of deep, revolutionary games we would see on the Nintendo 64, especially from Rare, it stands out like a sore thumb.

Looks can be deceiving, though. Blast Corps is an absolute blast to play, and that's a fact only aided by its quirky, funky, and addictive soundtrack.

9 F-Zero X

Melts Your Face Off

No soundtrack better defines the late '90s than F-Zero X.

The F-Zero franchise has always been one to deliver the goods when it comes to music, but there's just something about F-Zero X that makes it the perfect choice for a 1998 time capsule.

Hints of all the iconic themes we know and love are there, but they're given a metal flair that can't help but melt your face off. It's thrilling, it's exciting, and it's the perfect backdrop for an F-Zero game.

8 Wave Race 64

Synthwave

I swear, Wave Race 64 is the most ‘90s soundtrack you’ll ever hear.

That synth piano building up to its crescendo during the title screen, that iconic guitar riff as it transitions back into the piano solo. It's pure magic, and somehow feels incomplete without you perfectly timing the start button to hear the announcer echo “Wave Race!”

This game is pure magic, and it’s only enhanced by its incredible soundtrack. It's a beautiful mix of bright, vibrant, energetic, and uplifting music that makes you wish you were at the beach and riding a jet ski with friends.

7 Diddy Kong Racing

An Ahead of Its Time Soundtrack

I’m fully aware that I’m going to get some for putting this under the other Kart racer on the Nintendo 64. Sorry, not sorry.

I will say that the one thing Diddy Kong Racing absolutely nails with its soundtrack is the game's whimsical, playful vibe. This was a game that is an accomplishment not just as a kart racer, but a complete adventure.

The game’s soundtrack feels like it was ripped from a platformer rather than a racing game. Honestly, given the overall vibe of Diddy Kong Racing, this isn’t too surprising; it totally fits.

6 Mario Kart 64

Welcome to Mario Kart!

There’s a big reason why I had Mario Kart 64 ahead of Diddy Kong Racing for the Nintendo 64’s best soundtracks: it's more iconic.

Mario Kart 64’s soundtrack has an impressive amount of variety to it, with each song perfectly matching the look, feel, and mode of the course. Sure, there are some duplicates here, but they all work extremely well to the point that it never feels repetitive.

From the iconic opening theme to our favorite course-specific songs, Mario Kart 64's soundtrack is certified no-skips.

5 The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

One of the Most Beautiful Soundtracks Ever

Ocarina of Time is a perfect example not only of what improved hardware can do, but also of how you can help make a world feel bigger than it is.

First, that iconic Zelda theme never sounded better. My god, it still brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it today. The true accomplishment here, though, goes well beyond that.

The overall soundtrack in Ocarina of Time is a true work of art, making one of the greatest games of all time even better.

4 Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater

Pretending I'm a Superman

I'm going to make an executive decision to lump both Tony Hawk 1 and 2 together because the soundtracks are just that good.

Tony Hawk is the type of game where the soundtrack is equally as important as the game itself. The songs encompass everything about skate culture, getting you in the mood to drop in, collect some letters, and find hidden VHS tapes.

You're lying if you never restarted a level back in the day just to hunt down your favorite songs. They're what made those two-minute runs so memorable, after all.

3 Banjo-Kazooie

A Soundtrack as Whimsical as the Game Itself

Like Diddy Kong Racing, Banjo-Kazooie’s soundtrack does such an excellent job of capturing the wonder and whimsy that exists in this game. It's curious, it's playful, and it's an absolute delight.

Yet the biggest accomplishment with this game's soundtrack is how atmospheric it is. The music changes based on where you are, matching the environment so perfectly, and setting the tone so well.

It's a master class in immersion that few games have ever matched, proving that Rare was in a league of its own back in the day.

2 Super Mario 64

A Soundtrack as Revolutionary as the Game Itself

One of my favorite things about Mario Kart World is the remixed versions of the Mario 64 songs.

In some ways, I'm thankful they exist. It's like listening to the clean remastered versions of classic songs. Having said that, there's just something about the way they sound on the Nintendo 64 that touches my soul.

There are so many songs I could single out, but let's be honest, there is nothing in this world as beautiful as Dry Dry Docks.

1 GoldenEye 007

One of the Best Pause Screen Songs Ever

GoldenEye honestly didn't have to go as hard as it does with its soundtrack. Having said that, I'm very thankful that it does.

First, let's talk about the overall soundtrack, an excellent accompaniment to a campaign that still holds up well today. From that opening score in Dam, it all works so well to elevate the action.

Of course, I can't just not talk about that pause music. Seriously. This is one of the most iconic songs in all of gaming, and it's the pause menu music from a movie tie-in no one expected would do well.