Henry Mancini Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Moon RiverHenry Mancini1rank/position

” Moon River – Breakfast at Tiffany’s ” ( Play with Me n.15 ) – Andrea Giuffredi

This is a song performed in the classic 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, starring Audrey Hepburn.

Along with the movie, the song became immensely popular, and many people who haven’t seen the film probably still know the tune.

It’s a waltz in 3/4 time, but not the kind you’d dance to quickly on stage—rather, it’s a sweet, dreamy, and leisurely triple meter.

Count “one, two, three” to keep the beat, and if the ornaments are difficult, it’s fine to simplify them as you play.

Aim for a gentle tone while capturing that dreamy atmosphere.

It’s a piece I’d love to play someday with an orchestral backing.

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sai-kisaragi

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The Pink Panther ThemeHenry Mancini2rank/position

Henry Mancini, “Pink Panther Theme”

Do you know the piece called “The Pink Panther Theme”? Some of you might not immediately recognize the title.

But if I say “that song from The Pink Panther,” you’ll probably know it right away.

This piece is the main theme of the very first film in the Pink Panther series, The Pink Panther.

In Japan, it’s also frequently used on variety shows! As a side note, in the first film of the series, Inspector Clouseau was only a supporting character.

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yamamoto

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Moon RiverHenry Mancini3rank/position

Moon River / Moon River (Alto Saxophone Solo) Takashi Hagiwara

Composed by Henry Mancini with lyrics by Johnny Mercer, “Moon River” is famous for its use in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Its flowing melody stirs the soul, and the lyrics delicately portray a longing for unknown adventures and the heart of a dreamer.

For beginning saxophonists, the song’s gentle tempo and melodic line make it ideal for training.

While it requires mastering fundamental techniques—from breath control to tonal beauty—it is well worth the challenge.

And when you can express the elegance of “Moon River” on the saxophone, a new door to music will surely open.

With this wistful melody, delve even deeper into the allure of the saxophone.

From the TV drama “Peter Gunn” No. 1Henry Mancini4rank/position

A commercial from the Alien Jones series that began airing in June 2014.

In addition to Tommy Lee Jones as Jones, Mirai Natsume and Matsuko Deluxe also appear.

The background music uses the theme song from the American private-detective TV drama Peter Gunn, giving it a mysterious vibe.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Baby Elephant WalkHenry Mancini5rank/position

Henry Mancini – Baby Elephant Walk

Originally, “Baby Elephant Walk” was a song featured in a film released in 1962.

In recent years, it has been used in Sapporo Beer’s “Mugi to Hop” commercial, newly released by Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, and, a bit nostalgically, sung on NHK’s Minna no Uta by Seiji Tanaka of “Beautiful Sunday” fame.

Many children may perform it at school arts festivals, in music classes, or at recitals for their music lessons.

LOVE THEME FROM SUNFLOWERHenry Mancini6rank/position

Sunflower

This is a Suntory “Craft Boss” commercial that plays like a report by an alien named Jones, who has come to Earth to study humans.

Since it’s a spot for Craft Boss’s “Not-Too-Sweet Italiano,” the story unfolds around humans in Italy.

The ad describes, with a touch of irony, how the fantastical, maze-like waterways can make visitors feel like characters in a movie.

Another highlight is the use of Henry Mancini’s “Love Theme from Sunflower,” a classic of film music, as the BGM.

Framing it with a movie theme set in Italy, then showing people acting like locals to the music, creates a playful and engaging world.

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kappamaki

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Love Theme From “Sunfower”Henry Mancini7rank/position

"Sunflower I girasoli" soundtrack

Henry Mancini’s “Love Theme from ‘Sunflower’” is famous as the song used in the film Sunflower, which was a big hit in Japan.

This poignant piece possesses a European, intricately woven beauty.

It remains a highly popular track even today.