Top Films and Albums Mixed in Dolby Atmos & How It Impacted Their Success
"If music be the food of love, play on." – William Shakespeare
Sound is more than just a background element. It shapes how we feel, how we connect, and how deeply we engage with the stories and songs we love. It is the reason a great film can leave us breathless and a well-mixed track can give us goosebumps.
Dolby Atmos has transformed both the film and music industries, offering a listening experience that is no longer confined to stereo or surround sound. Instead, it allows sound to move around, above, and behind you, creating a three-dimensional world of audio. Films feel bigger, music feels richer, and engagement is stronger than ever.
But beyond the hype, does Dolby Atmos actually impact success? Absolutely. Some of the biggest films and albums in recent years have leveraged Atmos to elevate their sound – and the results have been critical acclaim, increased audience engagement, and, in many cases, commercial success.
In this article, we will explore some of the most notable films and albums mixed in Dolby Atmos, looking at how this technology enhanced their sound, deepened their impact, and contributed to their overall success.
Films That Used Dolby Atmos to Their Advantage
Dhoom 3 – Bollywood’s First Dolby Atmos Film
In 2013, Dhoom 3 made history as the first Indian film mixed in Dolby Atmos. The film was already a high-energy action thriller with elaborate chase sequences and dramatic set pieces, but with Atmos, its sound design became even more immersive.
The Dolby Atmos mix allowed sound to be placed with pinpoint accuracy, making audiences feel like they were in the heart of every high-speed chase and intense showdown. Instead of traditional stereo or surround sound, Atmos brought movement, depth, and scale, making explosions feel more powerful and dialogue clearer than ever before.
Impact: The film became a record-breaking box office hit, proving that investing in cutting-edge sound was not just an artistic choice but a smart commercial decision. It set a new standard for Bollywood cinema, with many films following suit and adopting Dolby Atmos for future releases.
Parasite – The Sound of Storytelling
Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite was a masterpiece in every sense – from its storytelling to its cinematography. But one of its most overlooked strengths was its use of sound design, specifically in how Dolby Atmos helped define the film’s class divide.
The wealthy Park family lived in a spacious, quiet home. The struggling Kim family lived in a cramped semi-basement, constantly surrounded by the noise of the outside world. By using Atmos to separate these environments sonically, the audience could literally hear the divide between rich and poor.
The subtle placement of sound – whether it was the rainstorm washing away the Kims’ home or the eerie stillness of the Parks’ house at night – added layers to the film’s message. It was not just a story you watched; it was a story you felt.
Impact: Parasite won Best Picture at the Academy Awards, becoming the first non-English-language film to do so. It also picked up Best Sound Editing nominations, proving that exceptional sound design can be a storytelling tool as much as cinematography or scriptwriting.
Albums That Thrived in Dolby Atmos
Rocket Man (Dolby Atmos Remaster) – A Classic, Reborn
Elton John’s Rocket Man has been a staple of pop music since its release in 1972. But in 2017, something remarkable happened. The track was remixed in Dolby Atmos, giving it an entirely new dimension.
Rather than just hearing the song in left and right channels, listeners were placed inside the music. The piano had more depth. The vocals felt like they floated in the air. The backing instruments had space to breathe, creating a fully immersive experience.
Impact: Long-time fans were able to experience a beloved song in a brand-new way, and younger listeners discovered it for the first time through streaming platforms pushing Spatial Audio releases. The Atmos mix reignited interest in Elton John’s catalogue, showing the potential of using Dolby Atmos to breathe new life into classic records.
Billie Eilish & The Rise of Spatial Audio on Streaming
When Apple Music launched Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, one of its biggest ambassadors was Billie Eilish. The artist and her producer, Finneas, have been known for their meticulous approach to sound design, making Dolby Atmos a natural fit for their music.
By mixing her albums in Atmos, Billie Eilish was able to place sounds around the listener in a way that stereo never could. Her whispery vocals could move closer and farther away, instruments could wrap around the listener’s head, and entire songs could feel more intimate, haunting, and cinematic.
Impact: Billie Eilish’s Dolby Atmos releases became highly promoted on streaming services, featured in Spatial Audio playlists and gaining prime positioning in Apple Music’s editorial sections. For artists looking to increase their streaming reach, playlist placements, and listener engagement, Atmos has proven to be a valuable asset in a competitive industry.
How Dolby Atmos Drives Success
Dolby Atmos is not just about better sound quality – it is about increasing audience engagement, setting creative projects apart, and unlocking new commercial opportunities. The films and albums mentioned above all saw tangible benefits from adopting Atmos, including:
Higher engagement – audiences are naturally drawn into immersive experiences, leading to longer watch times for films and higher replay rates for music.
Critical acclaim – sound design can elevate a project, making it stand out in awards circuits and festival screenings.
Commercial success – better sound often leads to better reception, more sales, and higher streaming numbers.
Marketing potential – studios and labels can promote Dolby Atmos releases as premium experiences, appealing to audiophiles and tech-savvy listeners.
From major films to chart-topping albums, Dolby Atmos has proven its worth as both a creative and commercial asset.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Immersive Sound
Dolby Atmos is no longer a novelty – it is becoming an industry standard. Filmmakers, music producers, and record labels who invest in Atmos today are securing their place in the future of entertainment.
For artists, it means delivering a more immersive and emotionally engaging sound. For filmmakers, it means creating deeper, more dynamic storytelling experiences. And for record labels, it is a chance to increase revenue, secure better playlist placement, and revitalise catalogue music in a fresh, modern way.
At Kore Sounds, we specialise in Dolby Atmos mixing for music, film, and post-production, ensuring your project meets the highest standards in immersive sound. Whether you are looking to mix a new album in Atmos or remaster a film for Spatial Audio, we have the expertise and technology to bring your vision to life.