The Last Of Us TV Series (Seasons 1

The Last of Us (Seasons 1–2) Soundtrack accompanies the HBO drama series developed by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, based on the acclaimed video game franchise by Naughty Dog. The original score was composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, whose work on the games defined the franchise’s musical identity, alongside additional music by David Fleming for the television adaptation. The score blends minimalist acoustic guitar motifs, ambient textures, subtle orchestration, and restrained electronic elements, reflecting the series’ emotional weight and post-apocalyptic atmosphere.

The iconic opening theme, “The Last of Us” by Gustavo Santaolalla, plays at the start of every episode, immediately setting the tone for the story and establishing the series’ signature emotional resonance.

The official soundtrack releases include The Last of Us: Season 1 (Original Score from the HBO Series), released in 2023 via Milan Records, and The Last of Us: Season 2 (Original Score from the HBO Series), issued following the second season’s premiere in 2025. Both albums are available on major digital platforms including Apple Music and Spotify, with select physical editions released on vinyl. The albums feature original compositions written specifically for the HBO adaptation, expanding upon themes introduced in the video games while introducing new material tailored to the series’ narrative.

Musically, the score emphasizes intimacy and restraint, using sparse instrumentation and recurring melodic themes to underscore character relationships and emotional turning points. In addition to the original score, the series incorporates licensed songs that appear in select episodes but are not always included on the score albums.

Summary Overview

Most Memorable Tracks Appreciated by Fans

Agnes Obel – “Fuel to Fire” – plays at the end of Episode 5 of Season 1, during the characters’ journey. The emotional composition underscores the tension and drama of the moment.
Crooked Still – “Little Sadie” – appears in Episode 1 of Season 2 at a party. This track is a direct reference to the original game, creating a familiar atmosphere and nostalgia for fans of the franchise.
Ashley Johnson – Take on Me – heard when a character plays the song on guitar in Episode 4 of Season 2. The contrast between the energetic melody and the post-apocalyptic setting makes this scene particularly memorable.

Note: These tracks have resonated strongly with audiences, highlighting key emotional moments and direct nods to the original video game.

Music from Trailers, Teasers, and Promos

Alone and Forsaken – Hank Williams & The Drifting Cowboys (first Season 1 trailer)
Take On Me – A‑ha (used in early/alternate trailer cuts; later removed from some official versions)
Future Days – Pearl Jam (Season 2 trailer)

Note: Some trailers have been re‑edited with different music over time. The songs above represent the most notable and widely cited tracks associated with the official promotional material.

The Last of Us Tracklist

The Last of Us — Season 1 Soundtrack (by Episode)

Season 1 – Episode 1 – When You’re Lost in the Darkness

Depeche Mode – Never Let Me Down Again
Gustavo Santaolalla – The Last Of Us (Astray)
Avril Lavigne – Tomorrow
New Oblivion – Chonophobia
Gustavo Santaolalla – Unstable
Dido – White Flag
Jad Mhanna, Roy Abdallah & Carole Aoun – I Can’t Believe You’re Back

Season 1 – Episode 2 – Infected

Gustavo Santaolalla – Allowed to Be Happy
Ari Lasso – Hampa

Season 1 – Episode 3 – Long, Long Time

Erasure – Chains Of Love
Max Richter – On The Nature Of Daylight
Cream – White Room
Linda Ronstadt – Long Long Time
Fleetwood Mac – I’m Coming Home To Stay

Season 1 – Episode 4 – Please Hold to My Hand

Lotte Kestner – True Faith
Hank Williams – Alone And Forsaken

Season 1 – Episode 5 – Endure and Survive

Agnes Obel – Fuel to Fire

Season 1 – Episode 6 – Kin

Jessica Mazin – Never Let Me Down Again

Season 1 – Episode 7 – Left Behind

A-ha – Take on Me
Gustavo Santaolalla – Left Behind
Etta James – I Got You Babe
Rockabye Baby! – Just Like Heaven
Pearl Jam – All or None
Gustavo Santaolalla – The Choice

Season 1 – Episode 8 – When We Are in Need

Gustavo Santaolalla – Unbound

Season 1 – Episode 9 – Look for the Light

Gustavo Santaolalla – The Path
Gustavo Santaolalla – Unbroken

The Last of Us — Season 2 Soundtrack (by Episode)

Season 2 – Episode 1 – Future Days

Crooked Still – Ecstasy
Nirvana – Love Buzz
Crooked Still – Little Sadie

Season 2 – Episode 2 – Through the Valley

Ashley Johnson & Chris Rondinella – Through the Valley

Season 2 – Episode 3 – The Path

(No well-known licensed songs appear in this episode..)

Season 2 – Episode 4 – Day One

A-ha – Take on Me

Season 2 – Episode 5 – Feel Her Love

Pearl Jam – Present Tense (Redux)

Season 2 – Episode 6 – The Price

Crooked Still – Ecstasy
Pearl Jam – Future Days
Crooked Still – Little Sadie

Official Spotify Playlist — curated by HBO Max and Spotify, this collection features music from and inspired by The Last of Us. It is not a standalone soundtrack album but includes many tracks featured in the series along with complementary songs.

Score Soundtrack

The Last of Us Seasons 1 (Original Score)

Gustavo Santaolalla – The Last of Us
Gustavo Santaolalla – Reflections
David Fleming – Get Out
Gustavo Santaolalla – All Gone
Gustavo Santaolalla – The Quarantine Zone
David Fleming – Don’t Look
Gustavo Santaolalla – Forsaken
David Fleming – Breaching the Wall
Gustavo Santaolalla – Cargo
Gustavo Santaolalla – Radio Silence
Gustavo Santaolalla – Hope
Gustavo Santaolalla – Greater Purpose
Gustavo Santaolalla – Haven
Gustavo Santaolalla – Set Everything Right
Gustavo Santaolalla – Hive Mind
Gustavo Santaolalla – Resolve
David Fleming – Shortcut
Gustavo Santaolalla – The Swarm
Gustavo Santaolalla – Invited
Nick Offerman – Long Long Time
Gustavo Santaolalla – There Is No Girl
Gustavo Santaolalla – It Can’t Last (Sunset)
David Fleming – Raiders
Gustavo Santaolalla – Longing
Gustavo Santaolalla – All Gone (Affliction)
Gustavo Santaolalla – Surveillance
Gustavo Santaolalla – Vanishing Grace
Gustavo Santaolalla – All Gone (Purpose)
Gustavo Santaolalla – Stockpile
Gustavo Santaolalla – All Gone (Isolation)
Gustavo Santaolalla – Salvation
David Fleming – Warning Signs
Gustavo Santaolalla – The Last of Us (Prevail)
Gustavo Santaolalla – All Gone (Reunion)
Gustavo Santaolalla – Bravery
David Fleming – Subterranean
Gustavo Santaolalla – Murals
David Fleming – Endure
David Fleming – Survive
Gustavo Santaolalla – A Great Man
Gustavo Santaolalla – All Gone (Promise)
Gustavo Santaolalla – All Gone (Flashbacks)
Gustavo Santaolalla – The Last of Us (Protection)
Jessica Mazin – Never Let Me Down Again
Gustavo Santaolalla – Left Behind (Together)
Gustavo Santaolalla – Fleeting
Gustavo Santaolalla – Vanishing Grace (Devotion)
Gustavo Santaolalla – Vanishing Grace (Radiant)
Gustavo Santaolalla – Refuge
Gustavo Santaolalla – The Choice

The Last of Us Seasons 2 (Original Score)

Gustavo Santaolalla – Reckoning
Gustavo Santaolalla – The Last of Us
Crooked Still – Ecstasy (feat. Gustavo Santaolalla)
Gustavo Santaolalla – Frozen Trail
Gustavo Santaolalla – Unbroken
Gustavo Santaolalla – Left Behind (The Journey)
Gustavo Santaolalla – Follow the Rules
David Fleming – Pack of Wolves
David Fleming – Aware
Ashley Johnson – Through The Valley
Gustavo Santaolalla – The Path – from “The Last of Us: Season 2”
Gustavo Santaolalla – Parting Ways
Gustavo Santaolalla – Seeking Aid
Gustavo Santaolalla – Wounds from the Past
Gustavo Santaolalla – Relentless Endeavor
Gustavo Santaolalla – Reverence
David Fleming – Batten Down the Hatches
David Fleming – At the Gates
David Fleming – Inside the Walls
David Fleming – Ensnared
Bella Ramsey – Take on Me
Gustavo Santaolalla – A Flicker of Yesterday
Gustavo Santaolalla – All Gone (Consequences)
Gustavo Santaolalla – Remembrance
Gustavo Santaolalla – Arrival
David Fleming – Evasive Action
David Fleming – Double-Crossed
David Fleming – Underground
Crooked Still – Little Sadie (feat. Gustavo Santaolalla)
Gustavo Santaolalla – Perpetual Pursuit
David Fleming – Closing In
Gustavo Santaolalla – First Flight
Gustavo Santaolalla – Crossroads
Gustavo Santaolalla – Sealed Fates
Gustavo Santaolalla – Echoes of Yesterday
David Fleming – The Depths
David Fleming – Impending Storm
David Fleming – End of the Line
Gustavo Santaolalla – The Gift
David Fleming – Revelations
Gustavo Santaolalla – Daybreak