[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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- A compilation of film music played on the piano / that I want to play on the piano
- [Timeless Masterpiece] Popular songs from The Sound of Music. Recommended tracks.
- The theme song of a romantic film that gives you a heart-fluttering, moving feeling.
- Popular songs and insert tracks from the Mission: Impossible series
- Theme and insert songs from Japanese films. Masterpieces and popular tracks of Japanese movie music.
- [A Soundtrack Full of Masterpieces] Theme Song and Insert Songs from the Film “Titanic”
- Most popular songs from the Pirates of the Caribbean series
- Popular songs from the Fast & Furious series
- [Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]
[Film Music] Theme songs from foreign films: those unforgettable classics and popular tracks (21–30)
The Raiders MarchJohn Williams
When it comes to adventure films, the Indiana Jones series’ Raiders of the Lost Ark comes to mind.
And when you think of Indiana Jones, it’s this piece, The Raiders March.
For some, it might be strongly associated with the Tokyo DisneySea attraction.
While that attraction is themed after the series’ Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, both works use this piece as the main theme, so it’s not incorrect.
By the way, John Williams, who composed this piece, also wrote the main theme for Home Alone!
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.
Chariots Of FireVangelis
The film Chariots of Fire is an inspiring sports drama depicting two real-life runners.
Since its release in 1981, it has been loved around the world.
Adding color to the work was Chariots of Fire, composed by Vangelis Papathanassiou.
The song’s beautiful melody captured the hearts of many and reached No.
1 on both the Billboard singles and albums charts.
Moreover, partly thanks to the film’s influence, Vangelis’s music is now used at various sporting events.
ShallowLady Gaga, Bradley Cooper
A gem of a song woven from a voice that resonates deep in the heart and moving lyrics.
The beautiful harmony created by a male–female duet vividly portrays the depths of human relationships and the essence of love.
Carrying a powerful message that gives you the courage to break free from superficial happiness and face your true self, this work became a worldwide hit as part of a film soundtrack released in September 2018.
It went on to win numerous awards and became one of Lady Gaga’s signature songs.
It’s a stirring masterpiece to listen to when you’re at a crossroads in life or when you want to deepen your bond with someone important.
James Bond ThemeMonty Norman
Have you ever watched the 007 series? The 007 series is a hugely popular set of spy films in which James Bond, an agent of the British Secret Intelligence Service, saves the world.
Since the first film was released in 1962, numerous famous songs have been used throughout the series.
The most famous among them is the James Bond Theme, composed by Monty Norman.
Although it’s now known as a classic, it was originally written for a stage production.
What’s more, that stage production ended up being shelved.
It’s surprising to think that this piece might never have seen the light of day.
Merry Christmas Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi
A masterpiece that brilliantly fuses Eastern and Western musical elements, this film score was created by Ryuichi Sakamoto in 1983 and won the BAFTA Award for Best Original Music.
Its graceful pentatonic melody is interwoven with the delicate timbres of synthesizer and glass harp, bringing a gentle sense of expansiveness to the heart.
Re-arranged as a solo piano album titled “Coda,” the work also received high acclaim worldwide as the soundtrack to the film “Merry Christmas, Mr.
Lawrence.” Cherished by many artists, including Hikaru Utada and Sarah Brightman, this gem continues to offer profound emotion—an ideal, soothing background for quiet nights or moments when you wish to calm your mind.
Main TitleMax Steiner
Gone with the Wind ranks sixth on the American Film Institute’s “100 Years…100 Movies” list.
It was released in 1939.
In other words, this work has continued to be supported for over 70 years.
The film addresses themes such as women’s advancement in society and racial discrimination, offering many aspects that resonate with us living today.
The main theme was composed by Max Steiner, who also scored other famous films like King Kong.