Masterpieces of film music: from Hollywood classics to Japanese cinema
“I’ve heard it somewhere but can’t remember!” “I forgot the song title or the artist’s name!” A special feature of famous film music for those in exactly that situation!
From themes of blockbuster films to the latest buzzworthy hits.
We’ve carefully selected a wide range—from nostalgic classics to fairly recent works!
In the first half, we’ll focus mainly on relatively new pieces; in the second half, we’ll introduce popular tracks, including hall-of-fame classics.
We hope you find the one song you’ve been looking for!
Please enjoy!
- [Film Music] Theme songs from Western movies: those unforgettable classics and popular tunes
- [Western Films] Moving Movie Theme Songs: A Compilation of Tear-Jerking Theme Tracks
- Theme and insert songs from Japanese films. Masterpieces and popular tracks of Japanese movie music.
- 【2026】A Roundup of the Latest Masterpieces and Popular Tracks in Film Music
- [2026] Relive those iconic moments… Recommended theme songs and insert songs from Western films
- Most popular songs from the Pirates of the Caribbean series
- [90s Western Films] Theme Songs & Insert Songs: Nostalgic Classics
- A compilation of film music played on the piano / that I want to play on the piano
- Main Themes and Theme Songs Throughout the Harry Potter Series
- The theme song of a romantic film that gives you a heart-fluttering, moving feeling.
- Popular songs from the Fast & Furious series
- Star Wars Music: All-Time Theme Songs and Popular BGM [2026]
- Theme and insert songs from dramas and films that color the story
Masterpieces of Film Music: From Hollywood Classics to Japanese Cinema (91–100)
Theme of A Proof of the HumanJō Yamanaka
This is the theme song of the Japanese film masterpiece Proof of the Man, starring the great actor Yusaku Matsuda.
The lyrics are an English translation of a poem by Saijō Yaso that appears in the film, and Joe Yamanaka—who was also a professional boxer—delivers a soulful performance.
It is a classic movie ballad beloved across generations.
ShallowLady Gaga, Bradley Cooper
An epic ballad used as the theme song for a film released in September 2018 was born from the collaboration of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.
Its warm sound, grounded in acoustic guitar and piano, gently embraces the nuances of loneliness, anxiety, and the search for true love in modern society.
Performed during a pivotal stage scene in the film, it symbolizes the deepening of the two characters’ relationship.
The song received high critical acclaim, including winning Best Original Song at the 91st Academy Awards.
It’s a track that offers comfort when you feel worn out by daily life or want to feel a bond with someone you cherish.
Masterpieces of film music: From Hollywood classics to Japanese cinema (101–110)
Young and BeautifulLana Del Rey
The beautiful ballad woven from a sweet, wistful vocal and a grand orchestral sound portrays a pure yearning for eternal love.
Lana Del Rey’s heart-stirring melodies and striking lyrics, which capture the fragility of youth and beauty, sink deeply into the listener’s heart.
Released in April 2013, the piece drew worldwide attention as part of the soundtrack for the film The Great Gatsby.
Its majestic arrangement and the way it aligns with the film’s themes earned high acclaim, including a nomination at the 2013 Grammys.
It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to reaffirm your love for someone special or let your hidden feelings grow stronger.
Shape of My HeartSting
The gemlike melody that paints the tale of a mysterious card player is marked by a wistful guitar riff and the timbre of a harmonica.
The protagonist’s feelings, as he tries to grasp the enigmatic logic of fate and chance, are tenderly spun through Sting’s velvety vocals.
Featured over the ending of the film Léon: The Professional, this song lends color to the moving final scene and deepens the lingering resonance of the story.
Included on the 1993 album Ten Summoner’s Tales, its quietly soul-soothing sound is a track you’ll want to hear when parting from someone dear or standing at a crossroads in life.
It’s the perfect song for contemplative nights or moments when you want to calm your heart.
Merry-Go-Round of LifeHisaishi Joe
A memorable piece whose melody warmly depicts the subtleties of life, carried by the strains of a waltz.
Born from the collaboration between Studio Ghibli and Joe Hisaishi as the theme for Hayao Miyazaki’s film Howl’s Moving Castle, it is a true gem.
Beginning with an elegant solo piano and unfolding into the rich resonance of a full orchestra, the arrangement seems to portray the journey we call life.
It is popular overseas as well, with street-piano performances drawing attention.
Hisaishi’s uniquely delicate musicality elevates both the story’s fantastical elements and its profound human drama.
This beautiful classic keeps you company in those moments when, amid the gentle flow of time, you feel the urge to look inward and rediscover yourself.
When You Wish Upon A Star
It’s a song that anyone who visits Disneyland has heard at least once, and it’s the theme song from the film Pinocchio.
Many artists still cover it in various arrangements, but it was actually released in 1940.
Its romantic, beautiful melody can be considered one of the signature theme songs among all Disney films.
I Got Rhythm
Gene Kelly sang it in the 1951 musical film An American in Paris.
Since it’s an old movie, it might not ring a bell, but figure skater Mao Asada performed to this piece.
The composer is the American musician George Gershwin.