16 NES Soundtracks That Definitely Deserve More Attention Than They Got

We need to praise the music of Castlevania II way more.

In this list, I have selected music that is often overshadowed by the title theme or the well-deserved ending theme that we lure for after spending hours upon hours trying to beat a particular game. I have excluded title themes and ending themes as they deserve a list of their own, enjoy!

16. Battletoads: "Ragnarok Canyon"

Nintendo / Via youtube.com

This track captures the roots of NES music, cool bass and catchy melody.

15. Rad Racer: "San Francisco Highway"

Nintendo / Via youtube.com

Honestly I would not mind busting out this track on a road trip, this tune will lighten up the scenery with its positive vibes. You can just imagine driving your Ferrari 328 almost 300 mph on the highway as the sun sets in the distance.

14. Rescue: "Sneaking Stage" (Outside the embassy)

Infogrames / Via youtube.com

Criminally underrated track as you are crawling underneath the spotlight trying not to get seen or you will be welcomed with bullets, landing you an early meeting with death. The best part of this classic track is how the music gets louder as you jump out from cover, perfectly capturing the adrenaline coursing through your veins.

13. Double Dragon II: "Mission 8"

Akklaim Entertainment / Via youtube.com

The hype is real! Not many are able to get to this stage without hours of frustation but when they finally do, they know the end is near.

12. Castlevania: "Stage 13: Heart of Fire"

Konami / Via youtube.com

This stage may be one of the most challenging as the hallway before you fight death is almost near impossible to get through. The music will give you that fire in your heart to charge onward and take on death once and for all!

11. Double Dragon III: The Sacred Stones: "Mission 1 (Part 2)"

Nintendo / Via youtube.com

This is undeniably the hardest of the double dragon games and has a dynamic soundtrack. Many will remeber this track, as it is the first level, but beginners will remember the rage and frustration of spending hours trying to beat the first stage. This upbeat melody pays homage to the first game in the franchise and does not disappoint loyal double dragon fans.

10. Contra: "Waterfall theme"

Konami / Via youtube.com

Many will argue that the iconic jungle theme deserves the spot but I firmly believe this theme is slept on with its dynamic sound and upbeat melody.

9. Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom: "Act 2 (Part 2)"

Nintendo / Via youtube.com

When I first heard this track for some reason "Maneater" by Daryl Hall & John Oates came to mind. The only similarity I could find was that this game will eat you up if you have poor timing, along with almost any other NES game. Ninja Gaiden will forever live in our rage-filled hearts.

8. Mega Man 2: "Dr. Wiley's Castle"

Nintendo / Via youtube.com

Nostalgia slaps you in the face within the first few seconds of this classic mega man tune.

7. Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse: "Demon Seed"

Nintendo / Via youtube.com

This funky badass beat gave NES fans a new innovative sound to the Castlevania franchise. Playing as Alucard and turning into a bat to maneuver around the cave just adds to the badass effect.

6. Journey To Silius: "Stage 2"

Sunsoft / Nintendo / Via youtube.com

The bass, the melody, classic NES masterpiece. This rendition of Contra and Megaman cements this game as a classic and will give you nostalgia even if you never played this game before, it's that good.

5. Metroid: "Kraid's Hideout"

Nintendo / Via youtube.com

Everybody knows the iconic dark intro of the Metroid theme but many will remember first entering Kraid's hideout and getting goosebumps when they first realize they were not prepared for what lied ahead of them.

4. The Legend of Zelda: "Overworld Theme"

Nintendo / Via youtube.com

I remember printing out the whole map to this game and taping it together just to make maneuvering around easier, helped a little but dang this game was hard. This game and iconic soundtrack would spark a successful franchise that continues to be played to this day by many endearing fans spanning across generations of gamers including myself. This classic NES title holds a special place in the hearts of NES players.

3. Double Dragon: "Mission 1"

Technos Japan Corp / Nintendo / Via youtube.com

You have just heard that your girlfriend was punched in the stomach and was kidnapped by some random street thugs, it is time to kick some butt! This fighting anthem will pump you up and motivate you to take on even the toughest opponents to save your girl.

2. Castlevania II: Simon's Quest: "Bloody Tears"

Konami/Nintendo / Via youtube.com

This iconic track pours out nostalgic vibes as we remember first going through the Belasco Marsh and realizing their starting whip was no match for those two-headed creatures. Though this game took an open-world approach different from the other two Castlevania titles, personally this is my favorite out of the three on the NES.

1. SMB 3: "World Map 4: Giant Land Theme"

Nintendo / Via youtube.com

This Super Mario track will put a smile on your face while head bopping. Similar to the World Map 3: water land theme, this melodic line's rhythm is altered, providing an ultimate classic NES track which will leave you humming this catchy tune throughout your day.