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 (21–30)
Flashdance What A FeelingIrene Cara
It’s the theme song from the blockbuster film Flashdance, released in 1983.
The American Dream of pursuing one’s aspirations as a dancer resonated with many people.
The famous scene where she’s drenched in water left an unforgettable impact.
In sync with the story, the song’s arrangement builds from a quiet melody to a gradual crescendo that excited everyone.
Do you hear the people sing?
Originally written as a novel by Victor Hugo, it was released in 2012 as a musical of the same name.
In the film, many songs were performed in addition to this one, and the singing ability of the cast—led by the lead, Hugh Jackman—was truly remarkable.
It’s a song befitting the ending of the movie and it heightens the story’s emotional impact.
Godzilla’s ThemeIfukube Akira
Akira Ifukube is a Japanese classical composer and a renowned music educator.
The orchestration textbook he wrote is said to be the finest of its kind, surpassing those authored by world-famous composers.
Among Ifukube’s works, the most famous is “Godzilla.”
I Don’t Want To Miss A ThingAerosmith
This is the theme song from the 1998 film Armageddon.
The story portrays the efforts of oil-drilling specialists who take on a difficult mission to save humanity from crisis.
The song that plays during the ending is a classic rock ballad.
It is also known for being featured in a cup noodle commercial.
The NeverEnding Story themeLimahl
“The NeverEnding Story,” sharing its title with the film sung by Limahl.
From the intro, you get the feeling that some grand adventure is about to begin, don’t you? It’s said that by fading in at the beginning and fading out at the end, the song expresses that there is “no end,” embodying an epic fantasy.
It makes you want to ride Falkor the luckdragon and set off on a journey, doesn’t it? (lol)
Ashitaka DiaryHisaishi Joe
This is “The Legend of Ashitaka” from Studio Ghibli’s feature-length animated film Princess Mononoke, a work that stands proudly as a heavy and grand orchestral piece in its own right.
Studio Ghibli began as a feature animation production company with the release of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind on March 11, 1984, and Princess Mononoke is its tenth film.
It is also known for elevating animation from something consumed solely by fans to a form of “art.” The production scale was immense, and from around this time, more recordings featured live orchestral performances.
Listening to the music, it is not merely background accompaniment for animation but sounds like a worthy new classical work in its own right.
The orchestral performance was by the Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra, and this was also the first time a permanent professional orchestra, rather than an ad hoc ensemble, was employed.
Unchained MelodyThe Righteous Brothers
It’s the main theme song from the romance film “Ghost.” The story follows a man who is murdered in an incident and returns as a ghost to protect his beloved, Molly.
The affectionate portrayal of Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze was especially memorable.
It’s a moody track that represents the romance genre.