John Williams Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Raiders MarchJohn Williams22rank/position

Theme from Indiana Jones

This piece is immensely famous as the theme from the movie Indiana Jones.

The film first premiered in 1981, and the track has remained the main theme throughout the series.

Its composer, John Williams, is a master of film music who has created numerous classics.

Just listening to it boosts your motivation, and—as the name “Raiders March” suggests—it’s often performed by marching bands and the like.

Ahch-To IslandJohn Williams23rank/position

John Williams – Ahch-To Island (From “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”/Audio Only)

This is the piece that plays in the scene on the mysterious island where the legendary Jedi lives in seclusion in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

The melody resonating in the quiet seems to portray his profound loneliness, regret, and inner turmoil through a grand orchestra.

The steadily mounting tension from the middle hints at the fateful change brought about by meeting the protagonist, Rey—so dramatic.

Composed by John Williams, the track can be heard on the album “Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack),” released in December 2017.

If you listen when you want to fully immerse yourself in the epic world of the story, or on a quiet night to calm your mind and reflect, the work’s emotional impact will deepen even more.

Anthem of EvilJohn Williams24rank/position

John Williams – Anthem of Evil (From “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”/Audio Only)

Composed as a theme symbolizing the power of evil for the film Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, released in December 2019.

It opens with a spine-chilling, Gothic-style chorus and builds from a cappella into a grand orchestral climax—truly breathtaking.

The piece masterfully portrays the Sith’s worldview, conveying majesty and solemn beauty amid fear.

It is included on John Williams’s album Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and the soundtrack was nominated at the 92nd Academy Awards.

A perfect track for when you want to immerse yourself in the saga’s weighty narrative or experience music that is terrifying yet beautiful.

Christmas at HogwartsJohn Williams25rank/position

Christmas at Hogwarts

Christmas is a major winter event for people all over the world—and it’s the same in the magical world.

This piece, used in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, plays during the scenes set at Hogwarts as the Christmas season arrives.

Harry had never experienced a happy Christmas before.

The sound arrangement, which seems to overflow with his joy at “receiving so many presents,” is particularly memorable.

Its atmosphere makes us smile along with him.

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Araki Jakkan

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Diagon Alley The Gringotts VaultJohn Williams26rank/position

Diagon Alley and the Gringotts Vault

Here is the theme song of Diagon Alley that appeared in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

It’s the place where the items needed for wizarding school are sold, and where Harry and Hagrid walked.

The piece is crafted with dynamic expression, perfectly suited to a mysterious town.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Dobby the House ElfJohn Williams27rank/position

Dobby the House Elf

This is the theme song for Dobby, a popular character who appears in the second installment of the series, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Dobby has a rather quirky personality, and the music carries a uniquely whimsical mood to match.

If you listen knowing what he’s like, you can easily picture him darting around with those wide, darting eyes.

The Harry Potter series features many mysterious creatures and races, and even just the music alone sparks curiosity—making you wonder what they look like and what they do.

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Araki Jakkan

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E.T.John Williams28rank/position

E.T. : RTÉ Concert Orchestra

A masterpiece by film music maestro John Williams.

It brilliantly captures the heart of a moving story about the friendship between a lonely boy and a gentle extraterrestrial.

It won the Academy Award, the Golden Globe, the Grammy, and the BAFTA.

Williams is the only person to have received all of these awards multiple times with the same score.

This piece symbolizes universal themes of friendship, adventure, and cross-cultural exchange, expressing the film’s magical world through music.

Born from Williams’s long-standing collaboration with director Steven Spielberg, it is a gem that conveys the profound bond between cinema and music.