Recommended film music
As the name suggests, “film music” refers to the music used within a movie.
However, it’s not just background music—it plays a crucial role in conveying the characters’ emotional shifts and the developments of the story to the audience through sound.
Masterpieces of cinema always come with great film music.
I’m sure each of you can think of at least one film score that comes to mind right away.
From among such film music, we’ve collected must-know recommended classics, organized by genre.
Action / Sci-Fi
Star Wars – Main Title | John Williams
If you ask who the leading figure in contemporary film music is, it’s John Williams.
As you can tell from his illustrious track record—five Academy Awards (a remarkable 47 nominations!) and 18 Grammy Awards—he has produced countless masterpieces, but “Star Wars” is undeniably indispensable.
Just hearing this theme song play over that famous opening instantly gets you hyped, doesn’t it?
"The Imperial March," famous as Darth Vader's theme, is also a masterpiece.
Back To The Future – Main Theme | Alan Silvestri
The theme from Back to the Future, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, is surely one of those film scores that everyone has heard.
It’s often mistaken for a John Williams composition, but it’s actually by Alan Silvestri.
If you remember that it's John Williams when George Lucas or Steven Spielberg is directing, and Alan Silvestri when Robert Zemeckis is directing, you’ll be right most of the time.
Theme From Enter The Dragon | Lalo Schifrin
When it comes to Bruce Lee, this is the theme song! A legendary track renowned for its tremendous impact.
This is the theme song from Enter the Dragon, which sparked a kung fu boom around the world.
It was composed by Lalo Schifrin.
He also composed the memorable theme music for Mission: Impossible (known in Japan as Spy Daisakusen).
Don’t Think.
Feel!
Blade Runner (End Titles) | Vangelis
The end title track from the cult favorite Blade Runner.
The cold, synthesized sequence phrases create an indescribable eeriness, making the film’s world even more mysterious and compelling.
The composer Vangelis was a Greek keyboardist, and there’s even an anecdote that he was invited to join the band Yes.
Also famous is Chariots of Fire, which reached No. 1 in the United States despite being an instrumental piece.
He’s A Pirate | Hans Zimmer
One of the busiest composers today is probably Hans Zimmer.
As exemplified by this piece from Pirates of the Caribbean, there’s no one who surpasses him when it comes to composing bold, grand blockbuster scores.
Drama / Comedy
THE GODFATHER, – Speak Softly Love | Nino Rota
Here in Japan, it’s no exaggeration to say that this is the film music most beloved by biker gangs.
This exceptionally famous masterpiece was created by the classical composer Nino Rota.
He left behind numerous film scores, including Romeo and Juliet, distinguished by their delicate melodies.
Braveheart Theme Song | James Horner
Speaking of James Horner, Titanic is the most famous, but Braveheart could be considered its prototype.
A melody that exquisitely blends Scottish and Celtic music quietly heightens the film’s emotion.
Cinema Paradiso Love Theme | Ennio Morricone
The masterpiece Cinema Paradiso has an irresistible main theme, but this heart-wrenching “Love Theme” is absolutely exquisite.
Ennio Morricone, the composer, is a maestro who has been writing film music since the 1950s.
There are many masterpieces from his spaghetti western era with Sergio Leone, as well as from his Hollywood works such as The Untouchables and The Legend of 1900.
Merry Christmas Mr.
Lawrence | Ryuichi Sakamoto
A well-known classic by the professor.
It has been covered by numerous artists, both domestically and internationally.
“Forbidden Colours,” featuring vocals by David Sylvian of JAPAN, is also a must-listen.
The Entertainer | Scott Joplin
The film The Sting used a piece by Scott Joplin, known as the “King of Ragtime,” as its theme song, and it became a huge hit.
The film is a masterpiece of a textbook “con game” movie, with its dazzling schemes and breezy theme music creating a wonderfully synergistic effect.
Horror / Suspense
Ave Satani | Jerry Goldsmith
If someone asked me what the “scariest” film music is, this is the piece I would name without hesitation.
Jerry Goldsmith worked on many other horror and suspense films, but The Omen stands out above the rest.
By the way, the title is “Ave Maria” with “Satan” substituted in.
Tubular Bells | Mike Oldfield
Originally a solo album that Mike Oldfield completed by repeatedly overdubbing, it later became known for having only its opening section released as the theme for The Exorcist after the album came out.
However, it’s a very rare pattern that matches the work perfectly.
Halloween Theme | John Carpenter
Halloween is starting to take root in Japan too, but for horror lovers, there’s only one thing that comes to mind when you say Halloween.
Michael Myers’s eerie presence and the theme song crafted by John Carpenter, who also directed the film, thoroughly stoke a sense of unease.
Psycho Main Theme | Bernard Herrmann
The way music is used in Psycho is like a textbook example of suspense.
By using scraping sounds from string instruments as hysterical sound effects, and combining dissonance with unpredictable developments, it creates fear in unison with the visuals.
Bernard Herrmann scored many of Alfred Hitchcock’s works.
Jaws Main Title | John Williams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lV8i-pSVMaQ
This theme song that everyone knows.
“Jaws” is a historic masterpiece directed by Steven Spielberg (who was just 28 during filming!) and a rare work in which the ideal fusion of film direction and film music is successfully achieved.
And with just two sounds.
Lastly
This time I picked relatively well-known ones—how was it?
If you know the song but haven’t seen the movie, be sure to check the movie out too.
I also recommend watching films with a focus on the music rather than the visuals.