John Williams Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Victory Celebration / End TitleJohn Williams85rank/position

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Victory Celebration-End Title

“Ewok Celebration and Finale.” It’s a track that appears near the end of the film—a delightful, happy, and super-cute number where the Ewoks celebrate their victory with a festive uproar, leading into a grand finale.

It’s the perfect ending soundtrack.

Field of AsteroidsJohn Williams86rank/position

Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back Soundtrack – 10. The Asteroid Field

This is Darth Vader’s theme as heard in the “Asteroid Field” scene.

Even non–Star Wars fans will recognize Darth Vader’s theme, which has several variations; in this track, the bass is subdued and the strings are featured.

It’s from the second theatrical release.

The Imperial MarchJohn Williams87rank/position

The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme)

Also known as The Imperial March, composed by John Williams.

You can instantly picture the scenes of Darth Vader walking in the film, right? Propelled to fame by Star Wars, this piece has since been used in a wide range of contexts, including variety shows, entrance themes, and covers.

It even made waves when impromptu, tongue-in-cheek lyrics spread organically.

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Battle in the forestJohn Williams88rank/position

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, The Forest Battle, CS

In the BGM for the speeder bike battle scenes, fast-paced music heightens the tension and excitement.

In the scenes featuring the Ewoks, the tone becomes comical, filling you with bubbly anticipation.

It’s a thrilling yet adorable classic.

Throne Room / End TitleJohn Williams89rank/position

Throne Room of Star Wars

It’s a medley-style piece that ranks among the most popular in Star Wars.

This is the music that plays in the ending of the first film, during the scene where Princess Leia awards the medals.

It conveys a sense of accomplishment and relief that the battle is over.

There are recordings performed by various orchestras and musicians, and it might be interesting to compare them.

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Desert planet Tatooine / Jawa sandcrawlerJohn Williams90rank/position

Star Wars: A New Hope Soundtrack – 04. The Dune Sea Of Tatooine/Jawa Sandcrawler

From among the most popular tracks in the Star Wars series, this is the soundtrack for the desert planet Tatooine.

It is primarily orchestrated with woodwinds, brass, and strings.

The overall tone uses slightly ethnic colors: the opening features an ominous, mysterious two-note interval refrain; around 1:00, as the rhythm becomes a bit clearer, it evokes the feeling of exploring a dungeon in an RPG; and the ending culminates in a swell that suggests an encounter with something unexpected.

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Hirata Hiroyasu

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Battle of HeroesJohn Williams91rank/position

Star Wars Battle of Heroes: Anakin Vs Obi-wan

It conveys not only thrills but also the weight of fate.

In the scene where Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, once master and apprentice, cross lightsabers, the insertion of the Darth Vader theme makes it clear that Anakin is gradually being consumed by the dark side of the Force.