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 (41–50)
BatdancePrince
Film adaptations of hit American comics have mostly become major successes and turned into series.
Superman, Spider-Man, and Batman are good examples.
Among them, Batman is the most avant-garde film, and its music, handled by Prince, generated significant buzz.
Masterpieces of Film Music: From Hollywood Classics to Japanese Cinema (51–60)
My Favorite ThingsRichard Rodgers
The 1965 musical film The Sound of Music produced numerous beloved songs.
One of them, My Favorite Things, was later covered by jazz musician John Coltrane and went on to become a jazz standard.
Dino SpectacleAlexandre Desplat
It makes me imagine a gentle, dreamlike scene woven by dinosaurs.
Alexandre Desplat’s work fascinates with orchestral sounds that portray the mystery and grandeur of life.
While paying homage to the series’ iconic main theme, the piece adds a fresh interpretation that you can’t help but be drawn into.
This track beautifully underscored quiet, mystical moments in the film “Jurassic World: Rebirth of the Earth,” released in July 2025.
Vividly reviving that excitement and emotion, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the world of the movie once again.
Circle of LifeElton John
The Lion King is a feature-length animated film released in 1994 and the 32nd work by Disney.
Circle of Life is sung by the world-renowned British musician Elton John.
The famous opening section is in Zulu and means “The father lion has arrived.”
Music of the CelestialsHisaishi Joe
This is “Heavenly Beings’ Music” from The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.
The composer is Joe Hisaishi, well known for his music in Studio Ghibli works.
Hisaishi is one of the representative composers for Studio Ghibli, but interestingly, he usually scores only films directed by Hayao Miyazaki; when other directors are involved, different composers tend to take over.
The director of The Tale of the Princess Kaguya is Isao Takahata, making this a rare case where Hisaishi worked on a non-Miyazaki film.
Since Princess Mononoke, full orchestras have more frequently been used for in-film performances.
As Ghibli and Hisaishi’s popularity has grown, there have been more concerts as well, and it’s said that Hisaishi creates new arrangements for each concert.
It might be fun to compare the soundtrack versions with the concert versions.
Romance de Amor
The theme song of the classic black-and-white French film Forbidden Games is performed by the master classical guitarist Narciso Yepes.
Yepes is famous for using a ten-string guitar.
This film music is so well known that, when people think of classical guitar, many probably think of this piece.
Eye Of The TigerSurvivor
It was used as the theme song for Rocky III.
With driving guitar and bass, a dynamic vocal, and goading lyrics, it’s a track that makes your blood boil.
It’s literally the “Tiger! Become a tiger!” song.
Your body can’t help but fall into the beat.