John Williams Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Anakin’s ThemeJohn Williams64rank/position

Star Wars Episode 1 Soundtrack- Anakin’s Theme

This piece announces the start of a new Star Wars chapter: a trilogy with Anakin as the protagonist.

The music conveys the freshness and purity of Anakin as he first appears as a young boy, as well as the loneliness of losing his mother, evoking a sense of breadth and anticipation as the prologue to the story to come.

Ewok paradeJohn Williams65rank/position

Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi – Ewok’s Theme (Parade of the Ewoks)

The four bars from 0:27 to 0:35 form the theme of this piece and appear repeatedly.

If you were to express the rhythm in Japanese onomatopoeia, it would be like “hakkeyoi” or “bacchikoi,” conveying the parade’s gallant spirit.

Then, the section from 0:44 to 1:01—what you could call the chorus—overflows with a major-key brightness that gives even those unfamiliar with the original work a positive impression, like “our allies have arrived!” or “the tide has turned!”

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Hirata Hiroyasu

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EdelweissJohn Williams66rank/position

Group recorder practice: “Edelweiss” with Do-Re-Mi (solfege) sheet music

This is a heartwarming piece from the film The Sound of Music, in which Captain von Trapp sings of his love for his homeland, Austria, inspired by the small white Edelweiss flower.

Its simple melody, written in a three-beat waltz, carries a gentle atmosphere reminiscent of Austrian folk songs.

Composed by Rodgers & Hammerstein in 1959, the 1965 film adaptation won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

With its calm tempo and gentle flow, it’s perfect for practicing slowly on the recorder.

Since it doesn’t go very high, it will sound beautiful if you relax your shoulders and breathe softly.

Please take your time to play this quiet, moving melody—filled with a prayer for one’s homeland—with care.

Grievous and the droidsJohn Williams67rank/position

Star Wars Episode III – Grievous and the Droids

This is “Grievous and the Droids” from the 2005 film Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.

It was used in the battle scene with the droids during the escape from the enemy flagship, the Invisible Hand.

This sixth live-action installment in the Star Wars series drew attention for its extensive use of CG and other visual effects.

Jabba the Hutt’s ThemeJohn Williams68rank/position

Star Wars – Jabba the Hutt Theme

Jabba the Hutt is one of the most powerful gangsters in the galaxy, with a slug-like appearance.

The music unfolds as a melody that skillfully employs chromaticism and augmented intervals is passed among various instruments.

It’s a piece that sounds as shady as the character looks, yet somehow remains endearing.

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HATSUMI

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Jar Jar’s Appearance — To Otoh GungaJohn Williams69rank/position

John Williams – The Adventures of Jar Jar (Music theme from “Star Wars, ep. I: The Phantom Menace”)

It was used in the scene where Jar Jar Binks appears.

It’s a playful tune that uses sounds reminiscent of Jar Jar Binks’s footsteps.

Although Jar Jar Binks is a cheerful and lively character, he’s disliked by Star Wars fans.

Star Wars Concert SelectionJohn Williams70rank/position

Star Wars - Concert Selection / J. Williams (Toshio Mashima) / Star Wars - Concert Selection by John Williams POMS-81011

It’s a popular medley arranged for wind ensemble from representative works of the globally hit Star Wars film series.

Since these are the Star Wars themes, most men have likely heard them at least once, making this a highly recommended piece.