The 10 Best Songs On The 'Will & Harper' Soundtrack: A Deep Dive Into The Oscar-Shortlisted Road Trip Playlist

The Will & Harper soundtrack, accompanying the powerful 2024 Netflix documentary, is far more than just background noise; it is the emotional map for one of the most intimate and talked-about road trips in recent memory. This film chronicles the journey of actor Will Ferrell and his lifelong friend, writer Harper Steele, as they travel across America following Harper’s transition. The music chosen for this documentary is a perfectly curated, eclectic mix of road trip classics and poignant original songs that mirror the duo’s range of emotions, from nostalgic joy to deep, reflective sincerity.

The soundtrack’s significance has been elevated by a major, recent development: one of its original tracks is now a contender in the most prestigious award race. The song "Harper and Will Go West," co-written and performed by Kristen Wiig, has been officially shortlisted for the Best Original Song category at the 2025 Academy Awards, cementing the music as a crucial narrative element of the documentary.

Will & Harper: The Documentary's Key Profiles and Musical Architects

The heart of the Will & Harper documentary lies in the decades-long friendship between its two stars, set against a backdrop of personal change and a cross-country adventure. The musical choices were designed to reflect this unique dynamic.

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• Harper Steele (Star/Subject): A long-time writer and producer, notably a former head writer for Saturday Night Live (SNL) and a close friend of Will Ferrell for over 30 years. The documentary centers on her personal journey of coming out as a trans woman and the road trip taken with Ferrell.
• Will Ferrell (Star/Producer): Iconic actor, comedian, and producer, best known for his work on SNL and films like Anchorman and Elf. He initiated the road trip to reconnect with Harper and better understand her transition.
• Josh Greenbaum (Director): The documentary’s director, known for his work on films like Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. He was instrumental in shaping the film's tone and the integration of the musical elements.
• Kristen Wiig (Songwriter/Performer): A celebrated comedian and actress, and another SNL alum. She co-wrote and performed the original end-credits song, "Harper and Will Go West."
• Sean Douglas (Composer/Producer): A Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer who co-wrote the Oscar-shortlisted song "Harper and Will Go West" with Kristen Wiig. He is a key creative force behind the original music in the film.

The Road Trip Anthem: Dissecting the Oscar-Shortlisted Song

The standout track from the entire collection is the original song, "Harper and Will Go West." This song, which plays over the end credits, is more than a simple sign-off; it is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring nature of true friendship and the journey of self-discovery.

The Collaboration Behind the Original Track

The song was a collaboration between Kristen Wiig and composer/producer Sean Douglas. Director Josh Greenbaum approached Wiig, a close friend of both Will and Harper, to write a song that could encapsulate the film’s emotional core.

Wiig and Douglas crafted the song in Douglas's home studio, aiming for a sound that felt both sincere and reflective of the documentary's road trip setting.

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The final track, performed by Wiig, perfectly captures the documentary's "resounding message" of love and friendship, moving beyond the specific context of transition to a universal theme of unconditional support.

Oscar Buzz and Critical Acclaim

The song's inclusion on the 2025 Oscars shortlist for Best Original Song is a major highlight for the documentary. This recognition places "Harper and Will Go West" among the elite musical compositions of the year, underscoring its quality and emotional resonance.

The track is described as "delightful" and pays a moving tribute to the 30-year bond between Ferrell and Steele, making it a powerful closing statement for the film.

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A Curated Journey: Essential Classic Songs on the Will & Harper Tracklist

The core of the Will & Harper soundtrack is its carefully selected library of licensed music. The approximately 24 songs on the official playlist are an eclectic mix that provides a nostalgic, Americana-infused backdrop to the cross-country drive.

These tracks are not randomly chosen; they function as musical entities that underscore the film's themes of travel, change, and enduring connection.

Top 10 Essential Tracks from the Official Playlist

The official soundtrack features a compelling mix of folk, rock, country, and pop, ensuring a dynamic listening experience that mirrors the spontaneous nature of a road trip. Here are some of the most essential songs featured in the documentary:

1. "I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder" – Eddy Howard: This song serves as the documentary’s opening track, immediately setting a tone of reflective uncertainty and curiosity as the journey begins.
2. "Amoreena" – Elton John: A classic track that adds a layer of warm, nostalgic Americana to the road trip montage sequences.
3. "Going Up The Country" – Canned Heat: The quintessential road trip anthem, this song perfectly embodies the spirit of freedom, travel, and heading out into the unknown that defines the documentary’s premise.
4. "Freightliner Fever" – Red Sovine: A nod to classic country and the trucking culture of the American highways, adding authenticity to the cross-country setting.
5. "The Oogum Boogum Song" – Brenton Wood: An upbeat, soulful track that injects moments of pure, lighthearted fun into the narrative, reflecting the duo’s comedic history.
6. "Wildflowers" – Tom Petty: A beloved, gentle track that speaks to themes of growth, freedom, and moving forward, resonating deeply with Harper’s personal journey.
7. "Long Road Ahead" – The Band: A fitting title and sound for a documentary about a lengthy, significant cross-country drive and the emotional challenges that lie ahead.
8. "Wires" – The Neighbourhood: A more contemporary indie rock track that bridges the musical gap, ensuring the playlist feels modern while respecting the classic road trip vibe.
9. "The Weight" – The Band: Another iconic road trip and Americana staple, its inclusion speaks to the shared history and emotional 'weight' of the journey.
10. "The Man Who Sold the World" – David Bowie: A track that touches on themes of identity and self-confrontation, which is deeply relevant to the documentary's core subject matter.

The Soundtrack's Topical Authority: Music as a Narrative Tool

The musical choices in Will & Harper elevate the documentary’s topical authority by making the music an active participant in the storytelling. The songs are carefully placed to enhance the emotional arc of the narrative, moving beyond simple background filler.

The juxtaposition of classic road trip songs with the deeply personal story of transition creates a powerful contrast, highlighting that while the setting is familiar Americana, the emotional stakes are profoundly unique and modern.

Themes of Nostalgia and Change

The use of classic rock and folk tracks, like those from Bob Dylan and Elton John, taps into a shared cultural nostalgia, representing the decades of friendship Will Ferrell and Harper Steele share. This musical nostalgia serves as a foundation of their history.

However, the original song, "Harper and Will Go West," provides a contemporary voice, signaling the new chapter in their relationship and Harper’s life. This blend of old and new music effectively soundtracks the theme of enduring friendship through significant personal change.

For fans and critics alike, the soundtrack is a masterclass in using music to deepen the emotional impact of a documentary. It is a playlist that works just as well on its own as it does within the context of the film, making it an essential listen for anyone who appreciated the documentary's message of love, acceptance, and the power of the road trip.