Ennio Morricone Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

New Cinema Paradiso Love ThemeEnnio Morricone1rank/position

Love Theme (From “Cinema Paradiso”)

This piece, characterized by a beautiful melody composed by the Italian maestro Ennio Morricone, has a relaxed tempo and is not overly complex, making it suitable for beginners to practice while fully appreciating its beauty.

Featured on the soundtrack of the 1988 film “Cinema Paradiso,” it is known as a celebrated song that enhances the film’s most moving scenes.

Centered on themes of beauty, love, and loss, the piece expresses the heart of the story through music and evokes deep emotions in listeners.

It is also perfect as a flute study piece, so why not add it to your repertoire?

New Cinema Paradiso ‘Love Theme’Ennio Morricone2rank/position

Love Theme (Nuovo Cinema Paradiso) [with sheet music] Ennio Morricone

This is a renowned piece that originated from an Italian film released in 1988.

Deeply intertwined with the film’s story, the song is used effectively in emotional scenes such as the protagonist’s first love, parting, and reunion.

Characterized by its beautiful melody and profound lyrics, it resonates with many listeners.

Scored primarily for strings and piano, its relaxed tempo is striking, and it shines as a piece to practice on the piano.

Transcending the realm of film music, it has been covered by various artists and is recommended for fans of classical and easy listening alike.

It’s a piece I especially encourage those who want to experience the moving fusion of film and music to play.

Cinema ParadisoEnnio Morricone3rank/position

Cinema Paradiso (Nuovo Cinema Paradiso) / Ennio Morricone / Arranged by Toshio Mashima

A masterpiece of film music where a grand orchestra blends with beautiful melodies.

Composed in 1988 as the soundtrack for an Italian film, this work was co-created by Ennio Morricone and his son Andrea.

Its simple yet emotionally rich themes resonate deeply.

Released in 1990 as the album “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso,” it won the BAFTA Award for Best Original Film Music and the David di Donatello Award for Best Music.

The graceful melodies, fusing classical elements with traditional Italian music, are perfect for peaceful moments or as pieces to practice in wind ensemble.

Cinema ParadisoEnnio Morricone4rank/position

Cinema Paradiso Theme (Ennio Morricone)

The main theme of a classic Italian film.

The score is by the master, Ennio Morricone.

It’s such a masterpiece that the film wouldn’t exist without this piece.

Director Giuseppe Tornatore and Morricone, as a renowned duo, have brought many classics and their iconic scores into the world as a set.

The ThingEnnio Morricone5rank/position

Ennio Morricone – The Thing (theme)

In July 2020, the maestro of film music, Ennio Morricone, sadly departed for heaven.

His achievements—spanning works like the Grammy-winning The Untouchables and the globally acclaimed Cinema Paradiso—are far too vast to be summed up in a short passage, but even among horror aficionados, Morricone’s music holds a special significance.

In fact, Morricone scored many early Italian horror films as well.

The piece I’m introducing here is the main title from John Carpenter’s 1982 sci-fi horror masterpiece The Thing.

The way that heartbeat-like low tones reverberate within the snowbound, quasi-closed space of an Antarctic base is terrifying! Despite having almost no flashy elements, it perfectly captures the creeping dread of an unknown lifeform and the ominous foreboding of the carnage to come—truly remarkable.

Due to various circumstances, half of the music Morricone composed was not used in the film itself, but an album reconstructed by Morricone—including the unused tracks—has been released, so those who are interested should definitely check it out!

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For a Few Dollars MoreEnnio Morricone (Ennio Morikōne)6rank/position

For a Few Dollars More (Yūhi no Ganman) — Ennio Morricone

I think there are hardly any people who don’t know the film “For a Few Dollars More,” except perhaps among the younger generation.

It was such an influential Western that whenever people heard this music, everyone would mimic a quick draw.

It feels like a time that’s hard to imagine nowadays.

A Fistful Of DollarsEnnio Morricone7rank/position

(STEREO) A Fistful Of Dollars by Ennio Morricone

On July 6, 2020, Ennio Morricone, who sadly passed away at the age of 91, was a composer from Italy known around the world.

He created an immeasurable number of film scores, won numerous awards, and remained active until his later years.

His illustrious career holds important significance in the history of cinema.

This time, among Morricone’s many great works that left a lasting mark on the history of film music, we introduce a piece that represents his early career: the theme from A Fistful of Dollars, a classic of the so-called “Spaghetti Western” genre.

Its melody seems to capture the very essence of the rugged melancholy embodied by a young Clint Eastwood in the lead role—truly magnificent.

The piece is wonderful to enjoy on its own, but be sure to check it out together with the film itself.

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