10 Iconic Film Scores from Renowned Composers

Film scores have the power to evoke emotion and elevate a movie beyond the visual experience. Here are 10 iconic film scores from renowned composers.

1. Star Wars (1977) - John Williams

John Williams' score for Star Wars is one of the most recognizable film scores in history. The sweeping main theme, with its memorable hook, captures the epic scale of the space opera and has transcended the film to become a cultural icon.

2. The Godfather (1972) - Nino Rota

The Godfather's haunting theme, composed by Nino Rota, sets the tone for the film's depiction of the sinister underworld of the Mafia. The mournful melody is surrounded by lush, romantic orchestrations that give the film its tragic grandeur.

3. Jaws (1975) - John Williams

John Williams' suspenseful score for Jaws is a masterclass in building tension through music. The relentless, repetitive two-note motif that signifies the approaching shark is one of the most iconic in film history and still sends shivers down viewers' spines today.

4. Jurassic Park (1993) - John Williams

John Williams' score for Jurassic Park perfectly captures the wonder and terror of the film's prehistoric creatures. The main theme is a joyous celebration of the incredible feats of science that brought the dinosaurs back to life, while the suspenseful cues are a reminder of the danger that lurks around every corner.

5. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1966) - Ennio Morricone

Ennio Morricone's twanging, iconic theme for The Good, The Bad and The Ugly is synonymous with the Western genre. The haunting melody is easily recognizable and sets the scene for the film's epic showdowns.

6. Psycho (1960) - Bernard Herrmann

Bernard Herrmann's screeching, high-pitched violin score for Psycho is one of the most famous in film history. The discordant, unsettling music perfectly mirrors the twisted mind of the film's protagonist, Norman Bates, and has become a shorthand for creepy, horror movie music.

7. The Pink Panther (1963) - Henry Mancini

Henry Mancini's playful jazz score for The Pink Panther is as catchy as it is fun. The bouncy theme, with its jaunty saxophone solo, is instantly recognizable and synonymous with the film's comedic hijinks.

8. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) - John Williams

John Williams' score for E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial is a heartwarming, nostalgic masterpiece. The soaring melody that accompanies the film's iconic flying bike scene perfectly captures the feeling of youthful wonder and adventure.

9. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) - Various Composers

The soundtrack for 2001: A Space Odyssey is a collection of classical pieces adapted to fit Stanley Kubrick's film. The use of Richard Strauss' Also sprach Zarathustra in the film's opening sequence sets the stage for the grandeur of the space exploration to come, while the use of György Ligeti's Requiem during the film's psychedelic light show subverts viewers expectations in a thrilling way.

10. Titanic (1997) - James Horner

James Horner's lush, romantic score for Titanic is a perfect accompaniment to the lavish production values of the film. The soaring main theme, with its sweeping strings and haunting vocals, perfectly captures the doomed romance at the heart of the story and has become one of the most iconic love themes in movie history.