The Ultimate Soundtrack: Ranking The OC's Top 14 Music Needle Drops

WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS ahead for The O.C.

Summary

The O.C. became famous for its use of music, popularizing many classic songs and bands from the 2000s.

The show's soundtrack enhanced pivotal moments and solidified the series' overall legacy.

The O.C., a popular 2000s teen drama, gained recognition for its exceptional use of music. From familiar hits to emerging artists, the show played a significant role in introducing and popularizing songs, singers, and bands of that era, such as The Killers, Placebo, and Imogen Heap. One aspect that set The O.C. apart was its deliberate selection of songs that seamlessly matched the onscreen events, capturing both the romance and tragedy portrayed in the series.

14 “Eve, The Apple Of My Eye” By Bell X1 – Marissa & Alex Kiss

The series' lasting impact and unforgettable moments were largely attributed to its extensive soundtrack. In a stroke of brilliance, the masterminds behind The O.C. introduced a fictional music venue called The Bait during its second season. This move was necessitated by the profound influence that the music choices in the first season had on American pop culture during that era. While The O.C. boasts numerous memorable moments, we have meticulously curated fourteen examples, ranking them from least to best, that truly showcase the show's musical prowess.

In the unforgettable moment, Marissa (Mischa Barton) and Alex (Olivia Wilde) share a passionate kiss on the beach, perfectly accompanied by "Eve, The Apple of My Eye" by Bell X1. This song adds an ideal touch to the progressive and unexpected scene in episode 12 of season 2 of The O.C., titled "The Lonely Hearts Club". As their flirtatious interactions unfold during their first date, the scene transitions to the beach where the song seamlessly takes over, enhancing the romantic embrace between Marissa and Alex.

13 “Maybe I’m Amazed” By Jem – Marissa & Ryan’s Wedding Dance

12 “Orange Sky” By Alexi Murdoch – Ryan & Marissa’s Chino Trip

Before the era of Marissa and Alex, there existed the iconic duo of Marissa and Ryan in the initial season of The O.C. Within this season, a memorable song titled "Maybe I'm Amazed" was originally written and performed by the renowned Paul McCartney. However, in The O.C., the song is beautifully covered by the talented pop artist Jem. This particular scene captures a heart-wrenching moment as Marissa bids farewell to Ryan, culminating in a supposedly final dance at Julie and Caleb's wedding.

As Ryan's brother Trey urges him to move forward and leave him behind, the poignant and mellow tune of "Orange Sky" by Alexi Murdoch sets the atmosphere. This moment of contemplation brings the story full circle, as it was Ryan's encounter with Trey that kicked off the events in the pilot episode of The O.C. Reluctantly, Ryan heeds his incarcerated brother's advice and endeavors to put him out of his mind after revealing to Marissa the harsh realities of Chino and Trey's world. This eye-opening experience removes the veil of innocence from Marissa's eyes and exposes her to the life that Ryan had left behind.

11 “Forever Young” By Youth Group – Ryan & Marissa’s Breakup

10 “Dice” By Finley Quaye – Ryan & Marissa’s New Year’s Kiss

This version of Rod Stewart's "Forever Young" is featured in episode 16 of season 3 of The O.C. In this episode, Ryan and Marissa come to a mutual agreement to end their relationship, realizing that it hasn't been working out for them. As the iconic song plays, Ryan and Marissa have a phone conversation where they acknowledge their decision. This moment marks a turning point for Ryan, as he is now open to exploring new romantic prospects, specifically with Sadie.

One of the standout moments in Ryan and Marissa's relationship is when Ryan surprises Marissa with a New Year's kiss at midnight, leaving a lasting impression. Earlier in the episode, Marissa had expressed her love for Ryan, to which he responded with a grateful "thank you." As the scene unfolds, the heartfelt track "Dice" by Finley Quaye sets the atmosphere, heightening the romance as Ryan tenderly embraces Marissa. This captivating moment represents one of the many memorable instances shared by this iconic couple in The O.C.

9 “Paint The Silence” By South – Marissa Falls Down The Stairs

Ryan and Marissa share a profound moment in The O.C. season 3 as they forge a deep connection despite being physically apart. This touching moment is brought about by the melodic strains of "Paint the Silence" by South, which Marissa thoughtfully included in a CD she had put together for Ryan. Even though they are in different locations, Ryan is able to feel Marissa's presence as he listens to the music. This song holds a special meaning for Marissa, reminding her of the time when she first assisted Ryan during his stay in the model home. However, as the scene reaches its climax, tragedy strikes as Marissa suddenly collapses and tumbles down the stairs.

8 “Honey And The Moon” By Joseph Arthur – Ryan Leaves Newport

As Ryan departs Newport in the final moments of The O.C. season 1's pilot episode, the melancholic tune of "Honey and the Moon" by Joseph Arthur encapsulates his sorrow. Witnessing Marissa slowly diminish through the rear car window, it seems as if this is their final encounter and his departure from Orange County. However, events unfold differently than expected.

7 “Smile Like You Mean It” By The Killers – Ryan & Seth’s Awkward Dates

6 “Fix You” By Coldplay – Prom Night Slow Dance

: The placement of the popular song "Smile Like You Mean It" by The Killers adds to the awkwardness of Seth and Ryan's double dates at The Bait in episode 4 of season 2 of The O.C. This song perfectly reflects the struggles Seth and Ryan face as they try to enjoy themselves with their dates, but ultimately fail to connect. In addition, The Killers' live performance in this episode makes it a standout moment in The O.C. history.

The popular song "Fix You" by Coldplay was prominently featured in an episode of The O.C., specifically in season 2, episode 23. This significant moment occurs during the high school Prom when Summer, the newly crowned Prom Queen, faces the disappointment of being stood up by Zach Stevens. Fortunately, Seth comes to her rescue, preventing her from being left alone. Amidst this captivating event, both Seth and Summer, as well as Marissa and Ryan, share beautiful slow dances accompanied by the heartfelt Coldplay track. The scene takes a dramatic turn as Julie's husband, Caleb, unexpectedly suffers a heart attack and falls into a pool.

5 “Champagne Supernova” By Oasis – Seth & Summer Spider-Man Kiss

4 “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) By Placebo – Ryan Meets With Julie

In The O.C. season 2, episode 14, a rendition of Oasis' popular song "Champagne Supernova" plays as Seth braves the rain and attempts to climb onto his roof. Meanwhile, Summer returns to discover him suspended upside down by a rope. In a nod to the iconic upside-down kiss from the 2002 Tobey Maguire Spider-Man movie, the two characters share their own version of the memorable moment. Additionally, in this scene, Marissa stumbles upon Ryan, heartbroken and standing in the downpour without an umbrella.

In The O.C. season 4 premiere, Ryan meets with Julie, Marissa's mother, following Marissa's tragic death in season 3. The scene is accompanied by the song "Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God)" by Kate Bush, covered by Placebo, which gained popularity again years later through its use in Stranger Things. Meanwhile, Peter frantically searches for Ryan as he secretly rendezvous with Julie at a local motel.

3 “Hide And Seek” By Imogen Heap – Marissa Shoots Trey

2 “Hallelujah” By Jeff Buckley – Marissa Dies

"Hide and Seek" by Imogen Heap plays during one of the most heartbreaking moments in The O.C. where Marissa shoots Ryan's brother Trey in the back. Marissa is left with no other option than to use her gun on Trey as he was about to brutally attack his younger sibling. With knowledge of Trey's violent tendencies, Marissa takes the drastic step of shooting him to protect Ryan's life.

Marissa's untimely demise in season 3 of The O.C. is undoubtedly the most heart-wrenching moment. Ryan is compelled to bid farewell to his soulmate following a fatal car accident that claims her life. This sorrowful scene is intensified by Imogen Heap's haunting cover of Jeff Buckley's "Hallelujah," forever altering the landscape of The O.C. and bringing an end to the endearing love story of Ryan and Marissa.

1 “California” By Phantom Planet – Ryan’s Introduction

The renowned theme song of The O.C. made its debut in the inaugural episode. "California" by Phantom Planet truly captured the spirit of the show's idealized portrayal of Southern California, portraying it as a sanctuary for Ryan and a utopia for everyone, despite the abundance of drama. This song, the ultimate highlight of The O.C., perfectly sets the stage for Ryan's complex yet alluring persona.