[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.
- [Western Films] Moving Movie Theme Songs: A Compilation of Tear-Jerking Theme Tracks
- [2026] Relive those iconic moments… Recommended theme songs and insert songs from Western films
- Masterpieces of film music: from Hollywood classics to Japanese cinema
- [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
- [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)
Main ThemeMaurice Jarre
Lawrence of Arabia is a war film set in the Arab world during World War I.
It tells the story of Lawrence, a British soldier who unites the Arab peoples and fights the Turkish army.
When the film was released in 1962, it was common for movies to begin with music over a blank screen.
The piece that played then was the main theme composed by Maurice Jarre.
It’s a track that makes you excited, wondering what kind of film is about to begin.
I hope you’ll listen to it with that feeling!
Main TitleBrad Fiedel
Terminator 2, one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s signature works.
The intense battles between Terminators—machines—must have thrilled every viewer! The main theme from this film was also unforgettable, wasn’t it? In fact, the percussive “da-dun dun da-dun” part of the main theme is said to evoke the Terminator’s heartbeat.
Of course, in the story, the mechanical Terminator has no heartbeat.
But if you know how the movie ends, you’ll realize why—and it just might move you.
[Film Music] Theme Songs from Foreign Films: Unforgettable Classics and Popular Hits (31–40)
This Title Makes Me JurassicMichael Giacchino
When I hear this piece open with its ominous low tones, I can’t help but sense a major incident about to unfold.
The folk-like rhythms, razor-sharp strings, and pounding percussion seem to herald a story’s perilous beginning.
By the time the grand orchestra and choir reach the climax, I’m on the edge of my seat.
By the way, it’s the very first track on the soundtrack.
The FabelmansJohn Williams
Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film The Fabelmans was released in November 2022.
The music was composed by John Williams, the composer who has partnered with Spielberg on numerous classics.
The film also marks the 50th anniversary of their collaboration.
The main theme, The Fabelmans, was recorded as a solo piano piece, and its warm sound—capturing even the surrounding air unique to acoustic instruments—is especially appealing.
Theme From Jurassic ParkJohn Williams
When it comes to the music from Jurassic Park, this is the one! The moment that grand fanfare starts, your heart races with the feeling that an adventure is about to begin.
John Williams’s hopeful orchestral sound vividly brings back the awe and wonder of seeing dinosaurs for the first time.
The piece shifts masterfully to suit each scene, capturing not only the dinosaurs’ grandeur but also their mysterious beauty.
Featured in the 1993 film, the soundtrack was released in May of the same year.
It’s a timeless classic loved around the world—one you’ll want to listen to whenever you want to relive the excitement of watching the movie.
Main ThemeJerry Goldsmith
When it comes to sci-fi movies, people tend to split into Team Star Wars and Team Star Trek, right? Interestingly, the first films in both series were released just one year apart.
For the record, Star Trek was released later.
In this film, the grand, sweeping main theme really elevates the story.
The main theme was composed by film music specialist Jerry Goldsmith, who scored 76 films over his career and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Score 18 times.
Theme From ShaftIsaac Hayes
This uniquely groovy melody brilliantly captures the world of the film Shaft.
Chances are you’ve heard it at least once, regardless of your age.
Released in 1971 by Isaac Hayes, the piece is distinguished by its heavy funk rhythm and cool strings.
It stands as a landmark in film music, having won both an Academy Award and a Grammy, and reaching No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The lyrics, which sing the praises of the film’s protagonist, Shaft, were bold for their time, but their originality won people over.
It’s a must-listen not only for movie fans but also for lovers of soul and funk.