John Williams Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Hedwig’s ThemeJohn Williams78rank/position

Hedwig's Theme [Recorder] from the movie Harry Potter • With Do-Re-Mi Sheet Music

Released in 2001 as the main theme of the film Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, this piece has become beloved worldwide as the musical emblem of the entire series.

The mysterious melody composed by John Williams, paired with the timbre of the celesta, creates an enchanting atmosphere that feels like opening a door to the magical world, instantly evoking the world of Hogwarts.

The piece is characterized by a gentle melody in triple meter.

The minor-tinged melodic line can easily cause notes to flip, so caution is needed; however, once you get used to the fingering, the recorder’s simple tone will produce a magic-like resonance.

If you and your friends divide into melody and accompaniment parts, you can express an even grander magical world!

Lord Vader, enters the sceneJohn Williams79rank/position

Enter Lord Vader (Track 11)

It was used in the scene where Anakin Skywalker falls to the dark side of the Force and becomes Darth Vader.

The heroic music gradually fills with foreboding, and ultimately gets swallowed up by Darth Vader’s theme.

Yoda’s ThemeJohn Williams80rank/position

Star Wars: Yoda’s Theme from The Empire Strikes Back CD 2, Track 2!

I thought he was just a selfish little old man, but he turned out to be the great Jedi Master Yoda.

This symphony perfectly suits such a character—both cute and majestic—making it a joy to listen to.

The second installment released in theaters.

Little PeopleJohn Williams81rank/position

John Williams: The Little People [Star Wars]

In Star Wars IV, if you can recognize the scene just by hearing this piece, you must be quite the connoisseur.

The title “The Little People” is a hint.

That’s right—it’s the theme of the Jawas, those small creatures whose appearance under their hoods you can’t help but wonder about.

This mysteriously quirky and charming tune suits them perfectly.

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Luke and LeiaJohn Williams82rank/position

Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi – Luke and Leia

This is Luke and Leia’s theme song.

It portrays the scene where they discover they are siblings by blood and connect on a deeper level, expressed through flute and horn.

Though quiet, it has strength and leaves you with a warm feeling.

It appears in the third film released, which is the final chapter of the original trilogy.

Princess Leia’s ThemeJohn Williams83rank/position

Star Wars IV: A new hope – Princess Leia’s Theme

It’s Princess Leia’s theme song from the 1977 film Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

In the first, landmark Star Wars movie, she appeared as a mysterious beauty in a hologram carried as data by R2-D2.

The piece is a flowing, classical number that perfectly suits a beautiful and pure princess.

Olympic Fanfare and Theme (Los Angeles)John Williams84rank/position

Olympic Fanfare and Theme (Los Angeles Olympics) / Olympic Fanfare and Theme (Wind Band Pops)

I think the fanfare from “Olympic Fanfare and Theme” (Los Angeles Olympics) is one of those pieces every trumpet player wants to play at least once.

This video features an arrangement for advanced players, but there are many beginner-friendly sheet music versions of just the fanfare section available.

Why not try looking for one?