The 10 Best Film Scores of All Time

It seems to me that most people are only interested in the visuals of a film, which is understandable. Unfortunately, that means the film’s score comes second or third – or worse, is overlooked completely. I believe the argument can be made, though, that the score is an essential component, just like cinematography.

I’m a fan of classical music – I can sit for hours and listen to the combination of instruments playing over each other. It’s so easy to lose yourself in instrumental music. I’m listening to some of it right now…okay, where was I?

In honor of the recent passing of famed composer Ennio Morricone, let’s talk film scores! I limited the list to ten for the sake of your time, but that means I had to exclude several great ones. Did I miss your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

One point of clarification: For this article, a score is the complete body of instrumental music within a film. A soundtrack is all the music within the film (whether it’s instrumental or lyrical)…and you know what a song is. haha

Vertigo (1958) – Bernard Herrmann

Admittedly, I am not a fan of this film. I even watched it a second time to see if I missed something the first time – nope. The story simply didn’t work for me. Many call this film a classic, though, so I won’t be too harsh on it.

I truly loved the introductory song – it sets the perfect mood for the rooftop chase. The opening titles by Saul Bass work well with the piece, giving the viewer a sense of unease (almost like…vertigo, perhaps?) from the very beginning.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962) – Maurice Jarre

The theme from Lawrence of Arabia has such vivid imagery – you can hear it without knowing where it’s from and still see something extraordinary in your head. I’m sure this score inspired John Williams when he wrote the scores to the Star Wars films.

Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) – John Williams

Speaking of which, this film was a “must” for this list. Every musical moment in the Star Wars franchise is magnificent, but the original film sets the bar.

The opening theme is iconic. I also love the music during the binary sunset scene, which is included on the list of my favorite shots. The final scene in the throne room is the perfect finish leading into the closing credits. I could go on for days – John Williams is a legend!

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) – John Williams

So much of a legend, I had to include John Williams twice. Honestly, this could have easily become a “Top 10 John Williams Scores” list. The Indiana Jones theme is another classic example of his cinematic brilliance. It provokes so many emotions, and it has always made me want to watch the Indiana Jones films. Of course, due to my wife’s influence, now it also makes me want to go back to Disneyland.

The map room scene is my favorite in the film. It’s not only an important moment in the film, but the music is phenomenal. It always gives me chills!

Days of Heaven (1978) – Ennio Morricone

I wouldn’t personally recommend this film either. It was too depressing when I first watched it, but the music held my interest. Ennio Morricone was an incredibly talented composer and this is one of his best works. The theme is upbeat and symbolizes happiness – it’s always a joy listening to it. I’m a fan of “Harvest,” and I believe it to be one of the best scores in film history.

Back to the Future (1985) – Alan Silvestri

You can’t go wrong with this score! It’s timeless, epic, and a lot of fun! It reminds me of my trips to Universal Studios – I always catch this and the score to E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982) somewhere in the theme park.

Batman (1989) – Danny Elfman

I don’t usually buy the soundtracks to films (my wife, on the other hand, is a soundtrack fanatic), but this is one of the few exceptions. This score is reflective of the world Tim Burton created for Batman. I’m glad that it carried over to Batman Returns (1992), but I’m still sad that it wasn’t used in Batman Forever (1995).

I love the scene where Batman takes Vicki Vale to the Batcave after their encounter with the Joker, and the finale with the main characters ascending the cathedral staircase. The score is one of the highlights of the film.

Good Will Hunting (1997) – Danny Elfman

This is another great score, also from Danny Elfman. However, this score is unlike anything you would hear in a Tim Burton film. It’s very tame, relaxing, and inspirational. The theme is great, as is the song that underlines the scene where Will (Matt Damon) draws his conclusions about Sean (Robin Williams) after looking at his painting.

There are a lot of great musical choices in this film, but Danny Elfman’s contributions are the best. I also love the Irish feel that Elfman brings – it seems fitting for a film set in Boston.

Titanic (1997) – James Horner

Just like the ship, the score to Titanic is massive. I wonder if director James Cameron told the late, great James Horner to look at a scale model of the ship and to make music from that. If you look at a picture of the Titanic, you can almost hear the music from the film.

There are several sad moments in this film, and the score truly makes you feel that sadness. “The Sinking” is one great example. The scene with Titanic’s departure to the sea is sensational. There are also Celtic themes scattered throughout the soundtrack (no doubt a nod to the fact that the great ship was built in Northern Ireland), which is always a plus!

The Da Vinci Code (2006) – Hans Zimmer

I’ve always loved Hans Zimmer’s work, especially in films like Gladiator (2000) and Inception (2010). The ending theme to The Da Vinci Code (“Chevaliers de Sangreal”) is brilliant because it indicates that Robert Langdon’s journey isn’t over. When he finds the markers resembling “The Rose Line,” the music’s intensity increases dramatically, and your heart pumps louder. The film’s musical climax will leave you in awe.

Happy watching…and listening!

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