Masterpieces of film music: from Hollywood classics to Japanese cinema

Danger ZoneKenny Loggins

Top Gun Theme Song

This is the main theme song of Top Gun, a flight action film depicting young U.S.

Navy fighter pilots.

The song fits the movie perfectly.

Its sense of speed and Kenny Loggins’ raspy voice are really cool.

The drum hits that come in at key moments are also unforgettable.

In Japan, it’s a familiar tune from commercials and video games, too.

Till You’re HomeRita Wilson, Sebastián Yatra

Rita Wilson, Sebastián Yatra – Til You’re Home (Official Video)

A ballad distinguished by a melody that sinks deep into the heart.

The harmonies woven by Rita Wilson and Sebastián Yatra’s vocals gently accompany the film’s weighty narrative.

Wilson’s composed tone and Yatra’s passionate singing resonate beautifully together in this piece.

Released in December 2022, it appears on the soundtrack of the film “A Man Called Otto.” It powerfully captures the film’s themes—aging, loss, and the meaning of “home”—making it a perfect song for moments when you’re thinking of someone dear or standing at a crossroads in life.

Singin’ in the RainGene Kelly

Singin’ in the Rain (Singin’ in the Rain, theme song)

The main song from the classic musical film of the same name.

The scene where Gene Kelly sings this song in the rain is a landmark moment in film history.

Songs about rain are often somber, but this one bursts with happiness that makes you want to sing in the rain.

It’s a nostalgic, delightful tune that feels quintessentially old-fashioned American.

Terry’s ThemeCharles Chaplin

Limelight: Terry's Theme

This is the main theme from Chaplin’s masterpiece film Limelight.

The music was also composed by Chaplin, and it won the Academy Award for Best Original Score.

It tells the story of a man who devotes himself, at the end of his life, to a young female ballet dancer.

I feel that Chaplin’s gaze, as Calvero, toward Terry—a gaze imbued with fatherly affection—is expressed in this piece.

The music plays in the final scene where the ballet is performed, and it’s impossible to watch without tears.

You’ve Got a Friend in MeRandy Newman

Toy Story soundtrack – 01. You’ve Got a Friend in Me

Toy Story is the world’s first full-length fully computer-animated film, produced by Pixar Animation Studios.

It was released in 1995.

The theme song “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” is used in the opening scene where Andy is playing with his toys.

Pirates of the CaribbeanHans Zimmer, Klaus Badelt

“Suite” – Pirates of the Caribbean (Klaus Badelt) – Film Symphony Orchestra

Pirates of the Caribbean is a fantasy-adventure film based on the Walt Disney theme park attraction Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland.

It was released in 2003 and became a massive hit.

Moon DropsShibasaki Kou

Tsukino Shizuku

This is the insert song and theme song from the film Yomigaeri, which was especially well received by women and became a huge hit with 3 billion yen at the box office.

Kou Shibasaki sings it under the name “RUI.” The lyrics are by Satomi, a self-proclaimed “lyricist for hire” shrouded in mystery.

The song is rich in emotion, making extensive use of Manyo-era language.

It has been noted that after this song, J-pop in classical literary style increased.