Top 10 Movies to Watch with Surround Sound Speakers

The bullet casings sound like Christmas bells on my SX-HTB+

The Matrix (1999)

This movie never gets old for me. The non-stop action and bullet-time effects keep my eyes glued to the screen for the entire 136 minutes (yeah I like this movie a lot). What makes this movie great for home theater are the numerous explosions, constant gunplay, and really cool futuristic sound effects that sound fantastic on a good speaker system.

Epic.

Lord of the Rings – The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

You’re not going to find too many explosions in this movie, but what really makes this movie come to life is the wonderful and vivid soundtrack by Howard Shore. This movie will push the limits of your speakers, with a wide range of highs and lows. Also, the part where Gandalf fights the Balrog will forever be one of the most epic scenes in any movie, especially with the bass cranked. Still gives me shivers.

Robots love to blow stuff up.

Transformers (2007)

Yeah, you may have seen this movie in theaters (and probably the new one too), but Michael Bay spent a long time planning the 10,000 explosions in this movie and he wants you to hear each one in pure Dolby Digital surround sound. The robot sound effects and fights sound awesome too.

The original blockbuster deserves surround sound.

Jaws (1975)

I wasn’t alive when this movie came out, so I can’t tell you how it sounded in theaters. What I can tell you is that the iconic Jaws theme sounds incredible on my speaker system, and brings me back to the days before I was completely desensitized by violent movies, to the point where I still find it scary! That is no small feat.

FOR FLUANCE! I mean... FREEDOM!

Braveheart (1995)

I went back and re-watched this recently, and it’s still an excellent movie. It makes you forget about all the controversy surrounding Mel Gibson, and all you see is Sir William Wallace, leader of the Scottish resistance. The many sword fights and all-out war scenes really make you feel like you’re amidst the battles when you’re watching it with surround sound.

Spolier alert: Darth Vader is Luke's dad.

Star Wars Episode IV : A New Hope (1977)

Go figure. The movie that spawned enormously successful sequels, prequels, countless merchandise, video games, and even new religions – also sounds good on your home theater system! The whole movie sounds excellent, but here are some highlights: the Millennium Falcon’s jump into hyperspace, the first appearance of the sand people, and of course, the Death Star exploding.

Great movie, even better Weird Al parody.

Jurassic Park (1993)

I think it’s safe to say that this was the first great dinosaur movie. But it’s almost a letdown if you watch this movie without a good speaker system. When you see the puddle rippling and hear the stomps of the T-Rex, you absolutely need to hear the pounding bass. You can turn it down when Jeff Goldblum starts explaining the chaos theory, though.

Johnny Depp's best role since 21 Jump Street.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

This movie is an all-around great aural experience – it has it all: swords clashing, cannons blasting, explosions, a whimsical soundtrack, and Captain Jack Sparrow’s witty remarks.

Lots of blood in these films. LOTS.

Kill Bill Volumes 1 & 2 (2003-2004)

These movies are not for everyone. Tarentino movies in general require a special type of personality to fully enjoy and appreciate them. The crazy soundtrack together with the many extended fight scenes will sound incredible on your home theater speakers.

He wasn't kidding when he said he'd be back.

Any Terminator Movie (1984-2009)

Yeah, I’m listing four movies in one, but they all deliver in the sound department, and I can’t pick a favorite. It’s difficult to pinpoint specific scenes. The shotgun blasts, transport trucks exploding, the T-1000 turning into liquid metal, and even Arnold’s one-liners make these movies awesome to blast through your speakers.