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 (51–60)
The Terminator (1984) ThemeBrad Fiedel
The Terminator is a 1984 co-produced film from the United States and the United Kingdom.
It was directed by James Cameron, known for Titanic and Avatar.
The film portrays a battle against the Terminator, a murderous android sent from the future.
The Godfather: Love ThemeNino Rota
A true classic among film scores that almost everyone has heard.
It’s the theme from Coppola’s masterpiece, The Godfather.
You can feel the melancholy of the Mafia in it.
A great piece that colors the never-ending Mafia feuds.
It fit the series perfectly throughout, but especially in Part I, where it overlaps with the gravitas and wistful presence of Don Corleone, played by Marlon Brando—a piece of music so moving it takes your breath away.
All For LoveBryan Adams
It’s the theme song from the 1993 film The Three Musketeers.
The movie features a star-studded cast including Kiefer Sutherland—famous as the lead in the hit American TV series 24—and Charlie Sheen, and its main theme is a luxurious collaboration sung by Bryan Adams, Sting, and Rod Stewart.
It’s a melodious classic with a deep, rich flavor.
Ask me why (A Mother’s Thoughts)Hisaishi Joe
This is the theme song from Studio Ghibli’s feature-length animated film The Boy and the Heron, which can be called the culmination of director Hayao Miyazaki’s work.
It is performed tenderly on a solo piano only three times during important scenes, from the opening to the late stages of the film, with no arrangements or variations for other instruments, making it clear how deeply composer Joe Hisaishi cherishes this piece.
If you listen closely, one note in the chorus melody differs from Ask Me Why (Mahito’s Resolve).
Just as Mahito returns with the stone and retains his memories of the experience, he has indeed changed from before to now.
It feels like a deliberate, meaningful misalignment.
The characters’ emotions are conveyed through live performance, as if opening the door to the heart.
Masterpieces of Film Music: From Hollywood Classics to Japanese Cinema (61–70)
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.
Lost ChildCrystal Kay
It was the theme song for the film “Satorare.” While the movie’s performance was so-so, the music stood out remarkably.
The composition was handled by the distinctive musicians Hiroshi Fujiwara and Shinichi Osawa, with lyrics by the renowned lyricist Saeko Nishio.
It’s sung by the accomplished vocalist Crystal Kay.
The four of them created a fantastical and beautiful masterpiece.