A vast number of fans stream music from Netflix shows. Within two weeks of Squid Game‘s debut, Spotify members had created 22,500 unique playlists based on the music from the show. This inspired the two companies to launch a dedicated Netflix Hub on Spotify.
The Netflix hub is available to free and premium listeners in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, and India. Search “Netflix” in the Spotify app, and choose the Netflix genre result (not the Netflix profile) to find the hub. Here, you will find official Netflix playlists with a collection of music from Netflix’s original series and films. Soundtrack albums and Netflix-based podcasts can also be accessed from the hub.
Whether you want a tune that reminds you of a scene for the show or just want some good background music, the Netflix Hub offers a variety of genres.
The Official playlist of Narcos: Mexico includes an eclectic mix of music—country, electronica, oldies from Depeche Mode and Rolling Stones, rap from Ice Cube, and more, along with many Latin songs from popular artists like Selena. The show follows the roots of the modern drug wars in Mexico, which explains the inclusion of songs from the 80’s.
The Stranger Things Official Playlist offers an even bigger dose of 80’s music. Unique background music like La Traviata / Act 1: “Libiamo ne’lieti calici,” “Ballroom Foxtrot,” “The Red Army is the Strongest,” and the Wurlitzer 146 Carousel Organ’s “Daisy Bell” are mixed in with songs from the Stray Cats, The Cars, Foreigner, the Go-Go’s, The Who, Huey Lewis & the News, and others.
Other playlists cover more types of music. Virgin River’s soundtrack is predominantly country. There’s string quartets and Romantic music from Bridgerton and sex-themed pop songs and oldies in the Sex Education Official playlist.
The soundtrack albums offer even more music styles. The album from Halley Berry’s directorial debut, Bruised about a former UFC fighter, leans heavily toward rap music.
Much of the Squid Game soundtrack comes from Korean composer Jung Jae-il. Jae-il is well known for scoring films like Okja and Parasite. Under the pseudonym “23”, Kim Sung-soo composed four tracks on the album. While researching the story, I was inspired to add this beautiful music to my Spotify library as I listened to the album.
Cowboy Bepop has a jazzy soundtrack from Yoko Kanno, who also composed the original anime series. Kanno’s band, the Seatbelts, performs most of the music on the soundtrack album for live-action adaptation.
Tick, Tick…Boom features music sung by the cast of this Broadway musical about Rent‘s creator, John Larson.
For a soundtrack filled with intrigue, consider Steve Jablonsky’s (Transformers, Texas Chainsaw Massacre) music on the Red Notice album.
To round out the music styles, the Passing soundtrack by Devonté Haynes has contemplative jazzy horns and piano.
The third part of the Netflix Hub is Netflix Podcasts. Some are specific to a particular show, like The Crown podcast. Others cover a niche. “You Can’t Make This Up” discusses Netflix documentaries. The Spanish language “Nada Que Ver” covers Latinx titles. “Strong Black Lead” honors the best of black Hollywood.
Genamour Barret, who works for Netflix, and Tolani Shoneye (previously from “The Receipts” podcast) chat about what they are watching in an unfiltered review show called The “10/10 Recommend.” They discuss new shows as well as “overlooked gems.” “Present Company with Krista Smith” talks to the people behind the scenes.
The Netflix Hub is not only for Netflix subscribers or fans, and it’s a great place to find artists and music that you might not discover in other ways. Whether you are a fan of the shows or just enjoy the music, it’s an excellent addition to Spotify.
