John Williams Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Star Wars: Main Title (From “Star Wars”)John Williams51rank/position

Star Wars: Main Title (From “Star Wars”)

It’s the timeless masterpiece whose opening makes everyone react the moment they hear it: the theme from Star Wars.

Composed and conducted by John Williams and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, it has long since taken on a life of its own beyond the films, and wind ensembles around the world now perform it.

Its sound of courage and hope continues to linger in our hearts.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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The Arrival Of Baby HarryJohn Williams52rank/position

The Arrival of Baby Harry

John Williams’s “The Arrival of Baby Harry.” It’s the piece that plays in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

It’s striking how it begins with an eerie, lonely glockenspiel tone.

The choral voices also evoke a sense of unease, as if you’ve wandered into a deep forest—but in the latter half, the piece lets a little light shine through.

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Mayumi

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The Flying CarJohn Williams53rank/position

The Flying Car

Harry and the others get stuck when they can’t pass through the station wall.

The piece that plays as they hop into the Ford Anglia and soar into the sky is this one.

Its driving rhythm mixes the thrill of charging above the clouds with a hint of danger that sets your heart racing.

Composed by John Williams, the score uses slightly comical touches that heighten the boys’ reckless adventure.

It’s a richly narrative track that not only captures the exhilaration of chasing the Hogwarts Express, but even lets you picture the crash into the Whomping Willow.

The Jedi Steps and FinaleJohn Williams54rank/position

John Williams – The Jedi Steps and Finale (Audio Only)

It’s used in the final scene where Rey meets an aged Luke atop the cliff, and in the end credits.

In the scene where Rey and Luke meet, the melody is characteristically rich in horns, in true John Williams fashion.

During the end credits, the familiar Star Wars theme plays, but it’s arranged to match the tone of this film.

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HATSUMI

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The Norwegian Ridgeback and a Change of SeasonJohn Williams55rank/position

The Norwegian Ridgeback and a Change of Season

First, about the title: Norbert, the dragon who appeared as Hagrid’s pet.

Norbert’s breed, as a dragon, is the Norwegian Ridgeback.

And the latter half of the title translates straightforwardly to “the changing of the seasons.” It’s background music that conveys the cuteness of a baby dragon and the passage of everyday time.

Listening to this piece might bring to mind what Harry and the others’ ordinary days at the magic school were like.

Wouldn’t you love to visit the wizarding world?

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Araki Jakkan

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