Scott Pilgrim vs. The World was an unlikely titan in the world of film, with its primary origins being from a zany graphic novel with a wacky plot and even wackier characters. Upon the announcement of a film adaptation, many people were not expecting anything special. However, even after 13 years past its initial release in 2010, it’s still regarded as a modern classic in film history for its unique and heartful directing and aesthetic, as well as having a memorable and addicting soundtrack. 

It’s no secret films of the early 2000s were known for employing somewhat-known or rising alternative artists for their soundtracks, sometimes even recording original songs for the films with the bands themselves. In Scott Pilgrim, there’s plenty of amazing artists featured throughout the soundtrack, and even some wonderful original tracks that stand alone for their thrilling instrumentals and tremendous replayability. 

With vocal talents such as Beck, Metric, and Black Lips, the Scott Pilgrim is stacked with a vast range of skilled musicians. They all work together to blend their individual voices into a wonderful tracklist filled with certified hits. Not a single song in this soundtrack is lackluster, you can tell while listening that each of the artists poured their heart and soul into leaving a mark on the album, and it still holds up to this day as a prime example of a truly awesome alternative film soundtrack. While some songs in the list are more memorable or have more screen time than others, they are all thoroughly enjoyable and deserve just as much attention as the more well-known tracks in the film.

Speaking of the more well-known songs featured in the film, there’s two that perfectly capture the essence of Scott Pilgrim as a movie. At its heart, it’s wacky and purposely cheesy. It’s meant to be a fun and silly tale of love and music. There’s no deep hidden meaning behind it’s child-like exterior, it’s meant to be child-like and light, something you aren’t meant to take overly seriously. Although the movie is enjoyable sober, you don’t necessarily have to be to have fun. Similarly, I think the soundtrack perfectly exemplifies that theme with its fun list of high-energy bangers. Specifically, I’d like to highlight two songs from the soundtrack that excellently encapsulate how the film is supposed to make you feel. Brie Larson’s cover of “Black Sheep” by Metric and “We Are Sex Bob-Omb” by Sex Bob-Omb are two songs that I think are Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, either they are the first songs you hear in your mind when you hear the film’s name, they are in the clips you see on Youtube from the film, or they are just your favorite songs. Those two songs are endlessly addicting, and teem with teen angst and rebellion, which also happens to be the overarching theme of the film. This film is supposed to feel like it’s written and produced by a teenager, with over-the-top editing and unrealistic dialogue that reads like it’s straight out of a comic book, and the songs only heighten this feeling. It makes the film as a whole stand stronger and more memorable. 

If you haven’t gotten around to watching the film yet, either due to a lack of time or because you don’t think it will be live up to the hype, trust me when I say: add it to your watchlist. Even if you hate everything about the film, I guarantee you’ll catch yourself humming at least one of the film’s songs while on your next early-morning car ride to work. They’re just that catchy. 

Mia Ashby is a senior studying journalism at Ohio University. She’s very invested in film, and loves to write about anything in the film/music genre. She has a knack for poetry, and often dreams of publishing her own psychological horror novel. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnist do not reflect those of the station. Do you agree? Tell Mia by emailing her at miacashby@gmail.com.