[Film Music] Theme songs from Western movies: those unforgettable classics and popular tunes
Putting aside silent films and the like, one of the elements essential to movies is, of course, music.
Many film fans would probably say that the brilliance of the scores that play during iconic scenes becomes part of their memories and stays with them.
So in this article, we’ve gathered a selection of great pieces centered on main themes from foreign films that have colored the history of cinema!
Rather than theme songs by singers or bands, we focus on main themes composed by the film’s score composers.
We’ve included many famous works across eras and genres, making this an article that both movie lovers and music fans can enjoy.
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[Film Music] Theme songs from foreign films: those unforgettable classics and popular tracks (11–20)
The Magnificent SevenElmer Bernstein
The film The Magnificent Seven is a classic Western that depicts the exploits of seven master gunmen.
Its main theme, The Magnificent Seven, boasts an exhilarating, fast-paced feel.
The piece was composed by Elmer Bernstein, who is also known for writing the main theme for The Great Escape.
Incidentally, The Magnificent Seven is a remake of the Japanese film Seven Samurai, which many of you may know.
When you watch them, be sure to pay attention to the differences between the two films’ themes.
Bohemian RhapsodyQueen
A signature song by Queen, known as a masterpiece in music history for its grand scale and unique structure.
Despite running over six minutes, it’s an innovative track that fuses a variety of genres—from ballad to opera to hard rock.
Released in 1975, it spent nine consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the UK Singles Chart.
In 2018, it became the most-streamed song of the 20th century, and its popularity remains strong today.
Its use in the film Wayne’s World helped it become a beloved classic for a new generation.
Highly recommended for those who want to expand their sense of what music can be, or who wish to experience a timeless masterpiece.
Halloween Theme – Main TitleJohn Carpenter
There are many masterpieces among splatter films like Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street.
In particular, the 1980s saw a huge boom, with a flood of similar works being produced.
A pioneering presence in the splatter genre is Halloween, released in 1978.
Despite its low budget, the film became a historic hit and spawned sequels.
What relentlessly stokes the audience’s fear in Halloween is the main theme, “Halloween Theme – Main Title.” In fact, this piece was also composed by the film’s director, John Carpenter!
Hedwig’s ThemeJohn Williams
John Williams’s magical melody brilliantly captures the film’s world.
Beginning with the celesta’s distinctive timbre and gradually expanding to the full orchestra, it feels as if magic is spreading across the globe.
First used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, released in November 2001, this piece played an important role throughout all eight films in the series.
Its repeated use in key scenes etched it deeply into the hearts of audiences.
It’s the perfect track when you want to dream of the world of Harry Potter or savor a touch of magic.
Main Title (I Had A Farm In Africa)John Barry
Out of Africa, which won seven awards at the 58th Academy Awards, is a biographical film depicting the life of a businesswoman captivated by Africa.
The main title, composed by John Barry—also known for the James Bond theme—is a grand orchestral piece that evokes the African landscape.
Its melody, carried by the warm tones of the strings, really seeps into your heart as you listen.
It won the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
The film also features numerous classical pieces, so be sure to give it a watch!
PreludeBernard Herrmann
Do you like horror movies? If you do, I highly recommend Psycho.
It ranks near the top of many horror movie lists, and its tone is an eerie suspense.
The main theme of the film is Prelude.
Bernard Herrmann, who composed this piece, scored many other horror films as well.
If you’re a horror fan, why not take this opportunity to binge-watch the films Herrmann scored?
[Film Music] Theme songs from foreign films: those unforgettable classics and popular tracks (21–30)
End CreditsJohn Williams
In the final scene of the film Jurassic Park, this piece plays during the moving end credits.
It quotes the melody also used in the memorable soundtrack pieces Welcome to Jurassic Park and Journey to the Island.
That grand, heart-stirring theme evokes both awe for a world where dinosaurs live and the thrill of breathless adventure.
It’s the perfect track for when you want to relive that surge of excitement you felt after finishing the movie.