[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. Unforgettable classics and popular tracks (51–60)
Theme From SupermanJohn Williams
Superman is a 1978 American film based on an American comic book work.
The theme song was composed by John Williams, the master of film music also known for Star Wars.
Familiar from wind band performances and more, its famous melody is unforgettable after just one listen.
At the 1979 Saturn Awards, it won the award for Best Music along with honors such as Best Science Fiction Film.
The score delivers a grand and powerful sound that perfectly suits the brave hero, Superman.
Vertigo (theme)Bernard Herrmann
Vertigo is a 1958 film by master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock.
The music was composed by American composer Bernard Herrmann, a frequent collaborator on Hitchcock’s films, and is notable for its eerie orchestral melodies and dissonant textures.
The theme masterfully manipulates the viewer’s emotions and draws them deeper into the film with high artistic impact.
Please watch the movie and experience it for yourself!
Main TitleJames Horner
Braveheart, the 1995 film directed by and starring Mel Gibson, is a historical drama depicting a real person who fought for Scotland’s independence.
The music was composed by James Horner, who is also known for scoring the film Titanic.
The theme song, reflecting the film’s story, blends Scottish and Celtic music, with memorable tones of flute and bagpipes.
The performance is by the London Symphony Orchestra, frequent contributors to film music, whose majestic sound enhances the film’s appeal.
GénériqueMiles Davis
“Générique” is the main theme of the French film masterpiece Elevator to the Gallows.
It’s a jazz piece perfectly tailored to the film’s tense atmosphere.
The track was created by Miles Davis, known as the king of jazz—a name you’ve likely heard even if you’re not a jazz fan.
It’s said that Davis actually watched the film and improvised the piece on the spot.
Even for jazz, where improvisation is a hallmark, improvising a film score is quite surprising!
[Film Music] Theme songs from Western movies: those memorable classics and popular tracks (61–70)
Betrayal (Sorcerer Theme)Tangerine Dream
Sorcerer is an American suspense film released in 1977, a remake of a 1953 French movie.
The theme song was created by Tangerine Dream, a German electronic music group.
The theme track, Betrayal, begins with a synthesizer-driven bass line, and its psychedelic sound is eerie—perfect for the film’s nerve-racking storyline.
Tangerine Dream went on to score nearly 30 soundtracks as a result of this project.
The Untouchables ThemeEnnio Morricone
The film The Untouchables portrays the investigators who pursued American gangster Al Capone.
It’s a masterpiece featuring excellent performances by Kevin Costner and Sean Connery.
The music was composed by Ennio Morricone, the Italian composer known for scoring many films.
At the 60th Academy Awards, he was nominated for Best Original Score for this work.
The end title, The Untouchables Theme, captivates you with its grand and beautiful melodic line.
TimeHans Zimmer
Inception is a 2010 American film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Ken Watanabe, with music by the master composer Hans Zimmer.
Fascinated by the film’s concept of dreams and time, he created the theme song “Time.” Its sound gradually and majestically expands toward the latter half, leaving a strong impression.
Like its story, Inception employs various scientific and mathematical approaches in its music as well, so I highly recommend watching it!