Music is essential to films, whether it heightens a scene with a poignant melody or builds excitement for what comes next with a bright tune.
Many film scores feature the piano, whose beautiful timbre adds rich color to the cinematic experience.
In this article, we’ll introduce film music performed on the piano, as well as popular movie pieces that will make you want to play them on the piano yourself.
Revisit your favorite movie memories by listening to the music, try playing it on the piano, and enjoy film music in a variety of ways.
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- It’s so cool if you can play these on the piano! A selection of irresistibly charming masterpieces.
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- Beautiful Melodies: A Collection of Masterpieces and Moving Piano Songs
- Masterpieces of film music: from Hollywood classics to Japanese cinema
- Sounds awesome on the piano too! A curated selection of masterpieces where the violin takes center stage
- Theme and insert songs from Japanese films. Masterpieces and popular tracks of Japanese movie music.
- [Piano/vocal] Super cool! Recommended songs you can breeze through
- [Popular Piano] Capture the Audience’s Attention! Recommended Pop Songs That Shine at Piano Recitals
- Piano Masterpieces: Surprisingly Easy Despite Sounding Difficult!? A Curated Selection Perfect for Recitals
- Today's Piano: Masterpieces and Popular Pieces Woven with Delicate Tones
A Collection of Movie Music Played on the Piano / That I Want to Play (1–10)
Cinema Paradiso
When it comes to film music you’ll want to play on the piano, you can’t leave out the theme from the 1988 Italian film Cinema Paradiso.
The theme song, “Cinema Paradiso,” is a masterpiece that’s been used in corporate commercials and TV program soundtracks around the world.
The piano arpeggio melody that appears at the beginning is something most people have probably heard.
It’s a piece with a beautiful melody, so be sure to listen to it and try playing it!
SummerHisaishi Joe
“Summer” is a piece composed by Joe Hisaishi, one of Japan’s leading composers, as the theme song for the 1999 film Kikujiro.
It was also used in a Toyota Corolla commercial, so many of you have probably heard it.
The main theme’s melody, heard throughout the piece, is striking and unforgettable once you hear it.
The grand secondary theme in the latter half, which uses arpeggios, is just as beautiful as the main theme.
Technically, it’s not an especially difficult piece, so by all means give it a try!
My Heart Will Go OnCéline Dion
The theme song of the 1997 blockbuster film Titanic was My Heart Will Go On, sung by Celine Dion.
It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and swept four categories at the Grammys, including Record of the Year, becoming a worldwide hit just like the film.
With its poignant intro melody and Celine’s beautiful vocals, this ballad pairs perfectly with the piano.
The powerful chorus, which contrasts with the first half, is another charm of My Heart Will Go On—definitely a song you should try playing on the piano!
My Favorite Things
Among the songs used in the classic 1959 musical film The Sound of Music, one of the most popular is My Favorite Things.
It features a distinctive melody line that shifts between major and minor keys, and in the film it is sung by the star, Julie Andrews.
It is also known as a jazz standard, with a famous rendition by saxophonist John Coltrane.
In particular, the jazz versions often feature piano, so be sure to give them a listen!
Theme of Forrest Gump
The theme song of the blockbuster film Forrest Gump, starring Tom Hanks, is “Forrest Gump Theme.” In the movie, songs that were popular during the periods the protagonist recalls are used to match his memories, and the film’s soundtrack became a worldwide hit.
The theme song of Forrest Gump is a masterpiece known for its distinctive piano tone and a moving melody that resonates with the heart.
Whether you’ve seen Forrest Gump before or not, next time be sure to pay special attention to the theme song as you watch!
A Love StoryFrancis Lai
“Love Story” is a single released by French composer Francis Lai, written as the theme for the 1970 American film Love Story.
That same year, American singer Andy Williams added lyrics and recorded a vocal version, which also became a major hit.
It was released in Japan in 1971 and reached No.
4 on the Oricon Singles Chart, so many people may be familiar with it.
Its piano-driven melody is achingly beautiful—a true classic—so I highly recommend practicing it until you can play it!
Moon River
“Moon River,” sung by actress Audrey Hepburn, who starred in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, became a huge hit.
It won three Grammy Awards—Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Arrangement—and also took home the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1961.
In addition to being cherished as a jazz standard, this masterpiece has been covered by artists across genres including pop and rock.
Be sure to listen to—and try performing—this timeless song from film history!