The second most dreaded part of the school year is coming up—midterms. If you’re anything like me, after about nine minutes of "focus," you find every reason to watch another Tasty recipe on Facebook—one you’ve seen at least three times that day—even if you have no intention of ever cooking that specific recipe (or even cooking at all for that matter). What I discovered freshman year has actually changed the way I focus on studying.

Movie soundtracks are fantastic for studying because they don’t have any words to distract you. Usually when I’m studying, I get way to into singing along, or I have to look up the lyrics and what they mean and then I have to look up the life story of the lead singer.

1. The Grand Budapest Hotel

Why It’s Awesome: The opening song is actually my favorite, because who doesn’t love the harmonies of a German quartet? This soundtrack incorporates a lighthearted, European sounding feel that will keep you bright and alert for those exams.

2. Any Harry Potter Soundtrack

Why It’s Awesome: Well, Harry Potter is awesome. Each of the films carry a beautiful movie sound with them that just makes you want to conduct an orchestra. Well done, Alexandre Desplat.

3. Amélie

Why It’s Awesome: "Amélie" has enjoyable music that will make you wish you were in Paris. Bonus: For more French fun, also check out the Midnight in Paris Soundtrack

4. Pride & Prejudice

Why It’s Awesome: What's not to love about the soundtrack to an epic love story? This soundtrack is so peaceful, emotional, and all things lovely.

5. The Lord of the Rings

Why It’s Awesome: Another peaceful soundtrack that brings a smile to your face just when you’re about to breakdown from the amount of studying you have. Just imagine yourself running through the greenery of the Shire, and you have nothing to worry about for your exams.

6. Spirited Away

Why It’s Awesome: The music from Hayao Miyazaki’s films just pull on my nostalgia. I grew up watching these movies and they’re such a pleasant blast from the past. This movie score is great for playing in the background of your study sesh.

7. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Why It’s Awesome: It’s another Alexandre Desplat, for starters. This forgotten movie has some great gems hidden within it’s heavy plot line.

8. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Why It’s Awesome: This soundtrack is great for this time of the year because it reminds you of snowy weather. The music will pull you directly through the Wardrobe into another land

9. Schindler’s List

Why It’s Awesome: The soundtrack from "Schindler’s List" is basically just a classical music album, so it’s bound to make you smarter anyways.

10. Prince Avalanche

Why It’s Awesome: The film may not be that exciting, but the soundtrack is really great. This soundtrack will inspire you to go on an adventure after you’ve finally gotten through all your exams.

Now that you’ve gotten through a full three hours of studying, you can reward yourself with a plethora of Tasty videos that you’ve already seen…and will most likely never make.

To see to a playlist of my favorites from these soundtracks, click here!