As the age-old saying goes, no movie is complete without an amazing soundtrack to accompany it. From the timeless classics, the indie underdogs and the critically acclaimed, the Tarantino’s to the Spielberg’s, many of the most memorable and incredible cinematic moments have been defined by the music.
We have decided to put together ten of the best, and if you want to listen to them all in one place, we’ve created a Spotify playlist via the link below:
1. ‘Theme From Schindler’s List’ - Schindlers List Composer: John Williams
There is nothing quite as harrowing or heartbreakingly beautiful as the violin featured in this incredible masterpiece from the legendary John Williams. The movie, based on Oscar Schindler’s crusade to save 1200 jews from Nazi concentration camps during the holocaust and the second world war, is one of the most important historical movies ever released to date. Directed by Steven Spielberg, the movie won countless accolades including the Oscar for Best Original Score. What’s interesting is when Spielberg asked his go-to composer John Williams to write the score, Williams didn’t think he was good enough to do the film justice, after being moved to tears upon seeing an early cut of the movie. On hearing Williams’ suggestion to select a better composer, Spielberg quipped “I know, but they’re all dead.”. Williams enrolled legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman to perform the solo violin parts which make the soundtrack, and this song in particular, so hauntingly heartbreaking.
2. ‘Time’, Inception Composer: Hans Zimmer
“You're waiting for a train, a train that will take you far away. You know where you hope this train will take you, but you don't know for sure.”
So many moments of Christopher Nolan’s beautifully crafted film based on incepting dream worlds are memorable, but most notable is the closing scene and its enormous cliff hanger. Zimmer’s ’Time’ fits incredibly with the ending, with its simple and steady piano introduction transforming into an atmospheric sea of electronic strings in the form of violins and trumpets. The big question is whether the totem is still spinning! Interestingly, Hans Zimmer enlisted former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr to play the guitar on the track. Marr, upon accepting the role in the score, spent four 12-hour long days working on the notes written by Zimmer. Check out Hans and his incredible touring orchestra perform ‘Time’ live below:
3. ‘Freedom’, Braveheart Composer: James Horner
Mel Gibson’s 1995 historical fiction war film won a number of awards including Best Picture and Best Director at the Oscar’s. James Horner’s brilliant score also earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Original Music Score. The film tells the story of Scottish nationalist William Wallace’s fight against the English in their attempted invasion of Scotland in the 13th century. Although not historically accurate, the film highlights the determination and plight of the Scotsmen who defended their country at all costs. The final track of Horner’s score, ‘Freedom’ captivates perfectly the overall feeling of pride and loyalty Wallace and his men had towards their country, and the respect and love the people had for Wallace, as he awaits his execution. The best bit? Hearing William Wallace’s rallying cry of ‘Freedom’ as the bagpipes bellow high above the orchestral ensemble of violins and drums, in a truly brilliant moment of directorial craftsmanship that gives me goosebumps every. single. time.
4. 'Now We are Free' - Gladiator
Composed & written by: Gavin Greenaway, Lisa Gerrard, Hans Zimmer, Klaus Badelt
After an incredible journey that concludes with Maximus Meridius (Russell Crowe) succumb to his injuries after beating the Emperor in battle, Hans Zimmer’s prolific reputation proceeds him as his score captures the sadness that resonates around the colluseum. Lisa Gerrard’s powerful and harrowing vocals compliment the atmospheric rise and fall of the strings, as the undefeated gladiator passes into the afterlife, to finally be with his family again. Zimmer’s score earned an Oscar nomination and took home the Grammy and BAFTA award for best score that year.
5. 'One Summer Day' - Spirited Away Composer: Joe Hisaishi
Studio Ghibli’s frequent collaborator Joe Hisaishi composed the score for this critically acclaimed Japanese animated classic. The score and in particular the opening song ‘One Summer Day’ perfectly sets the scene of this magical tale of spirits, dragons and talking frogs, with its steady atmospheric rise of strings culminating in a full orchestral frenzy of frantic notes and cymbals. If you haven’t seen this movie, watch it right now!
6. 'The Sacrifice of Faramir' - The Lord of the Rings, The Return of The King
Composed & Performed by: Howard Shore, Billy Boyd
The Lord of The Rings trilogy and its soundtrack are nothing short of genius, and it was hard to pick a favourite from Howard Shore’s excellent and award winning score, which if you didn’t know took him four years to write. However for me this song perfectly encompasses the synchrony of the scenes in the film and the music that accompanies them. The Sacrifice of Faramir is the heartbreaking tale of Faramir’s charge into certain death to take back Osgiliath from Sauron’s army. As the men of Gondor ride towards the enemy, their arrows drawn, Billy Boyd’s (Pippin) harrowingly solemn verse of song perfectly captures the moment the soldier’s stare death in the face. The vocals sung by Boyd, like all other vocals throughout the Lord of the Rings films, are translated from the elvish language J.R.R Tolkien created when writing the books.
7. 'Cockeye’s Song' - Once Upon a Time in America Composer: Ennio Morricone
One of the greatest composers of all time, Italian composer Ennio simply had to feature in this list. Writing the score for Sergio Leone’s epic four and a half hour tale of gangsters and poverty-stricken kids growing up in the slums of New York City, was going to be no menial task. But Morricone delivered in his typical style of professionalism, brilliance and efficiency. Cockeye’s song features the unusual use of the pan flute, which adds a unique depth to the song like no other throughout the film. Interestingly, Morricone’s score was regularly played on the set whilst filming was taking place, as the composer had completed composing before filming was even halfway complete.
8. 'Waking Up' - Lone Survivor Composer: Steve Jablonsky, Explosions in the Sky
This biographical military action film has an incredible soundtrack throughout, with composer Steve Jablonsky working alongside American post-punk band Explosions in the Sky. 'Waking Up’ encompasses the bands excellent talent in producing calming and melodic guitar riffs and instrumental masterpieces, reminiscent of their song ‘Your Hand in Mine’. As First Officer and main protagonist Marcus Luttrell (played by Mark Wahlberg) sets out for an early morning run at a US army base in Afghanistan, this song begins to play just as the sun rises above and it couldn't compliment the scene more perfectly. If you ever happen to get up early enough to enjoy the sunrise, play this song.
9. Any Other Name, American Beauty Composer: Thomas Newman
American Beauty won a whole host of awards, including five oscars and an Oscar nomination for best original score. The film, based on Lester Burnham’s (Kevin Spacey) mid-life crisis and infatuation with his daughters best friend, was so well written that when Steven Spielberg received the original script from screenplay writer Alan Ball, he told Dreamwork's studio execs “lets make this movie and let's not change a word”. The song ‘Any Other Name’ accompanies the famous and cinematically renowned ‘plastic bag blowing in the wind’ scene, and includes all the unique elements of Newman’s composing that make it such a compelling score, such as his use of marimbas, pianos, xylophones and bongos, as well as more unconventional tools such as metal bowls.
10. Pirates of the Caribbean, He’s a Pirate Composer: Klaus Badelt
Klaus Badelt put together a swashbuckling, adventure filled score to accompany this classic Disney film, and its brilliance is no more evident than during the final scene and the final song ‘He’s a Pirate’, in which Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) finally gets his hands on his beloved ship, the Black Pearl. "Drink up me hearties yoyo" Jack quips as he sails off into the distance and the music begins... what an ending!
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