While the book version of Margaret Atwood’s incredibly badass 1985 novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, is hands down the best way to enjoy the story, Hulu is offering fans a different way to experience everyone’s favorite Tale. It is being turned into a Netflix television series, this time starring Elizabeth Moss as Offred.
In 1990, the book was also turned into a movie starring Natasha Richardson and Elizabeth McGovern, which won the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film in 1991. To get into the mood of a proper Gileadean citizen, here are the top 40 best songs to listen to while you reread (and reread, and reread) the book again, matching scenes and characters with songs. (Watching the show before reading the book will not be allowed).
WARNING: Article contains spoilers.
Song to describe Luke:
Say Something (I’m Giving Up on You)” — A Great Big World / Christina Aguilera
“The Scientist” — Coldplay
Song to describe Nick:
“007: Theme Song to James Bond” — John Barry
Songs to describe Offred:
“I Am” — James Arthur
“New York City” — The Chainsmokers
Songs to describe Moira:
“Bad Reputation” — Joan Jett
“Dangerous Woman” — Ariana Grande
“Roxanne” — The Police
Song to describe Serena Joy:
“In My MiNd” — Maty Noyes
Songs to describe The Commander:
“Treat You Better” — Shawn Mendes
When Offred is introduced to Serena Joy:
“She’s Not Me” — Zara Larsson
When Offred and Ofglen go on walks:
“Secrets” — OneRepublic
When Offred and Nick meet in the drawing room:
“Got You On My Mind” — NF
“Sweater Weather” — The Neighborhood
“Bad Things” — Camila Cabello / Machine Gun Kelly
When The Commander asks Offred to come see him:
“I Awake” — Sarah Blasko
“Mercy” — Shawn Mendes
“Bleeding Out” — Imagine Dragons
When Offred remembers her previous life:
“Nobody Like You” — Little Mix
“Take Me Home” — Jess Glynne
When there’s nothing to do but wait:
“Wake Me Up When September Ends” — Green Day
“Ophelia” — The Lumineers
When Offred goes to the Commander’s Club and sees Moira:
“Issues” — Julia Michaels
“Heathens” — Twenty-One Pilots
When Offred and Nick are a couple:
“Turning Page” — Sleeping At Last
“Idfc” — Blackbear
“Poison” — Gin Wigmore
“When I Look At You” — Miley Cyrus
“Start a Riot” — Banners
“Can’t Help Falling In Love” — Haley Reinhart (Cover)
“Crazy” — Kat Dahlia
“Save Tonight” — Eagle Eye Cherry
“Trust Nobody” — Cashmere Cat / Selena Gomez
“I Don’t Want To Live Forever” — Taylor Swift / Zayn Malik
“Night Moves” — Bob Seger
When the Salvaging happens:
“Black Sabbath” — Black Sabbath
“Uprising” — Muse
“Holiday” — Green Day
When Offred is rescued (maybe):
“Lost in the Moment” — NF
“Stairway to Heaven” — Led Zepplin
Don’t forget to watch The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu airing on April 26. Happy listening, collegiettes!
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