The best movie soundtracks of all time (2023)

Since the advent of sound in cinema, the all-powerful film music has become an integral part of the movie experience. Some took years, some were invented on the spot, but all the best movie scores have a few things in common. They can convey what the movie is trying to say without words and evoke an emotional response that even the most brilliant dialogue cannot. Some scores even last longer than the movie they set to music.

Take a look at some of the best movie soundtracks on vinylhere.

Without further ado, here is a list of the best movie soundtracks of all time to discuss, discuss, and maybe even agree on.

74: Laura (1945)

An exceptionally haunting score by David Raskin,laurarelies heavily on variations on the title track, which features evocative lyrics by Johnny Mercer. In the song, Laura is the last and untouchable object of desire; In the movie, she is a murdered woman who becomes obsessed with a police officer played by Dana Andrews. So with the mix of love, sex and death... you could call this a proto-gothic song. Frank Sinatra's version is wonderfully relaxed (it's one of his first tracks with a minute-long orchestral intro), as is Patricia Barber's newer version. – Brett Milan

73: The Hours (2002)

There could be no better choice than Philip Glass to compose an intense and psychological film about three women linked through the works of Virginia Woolf over different decades. All of Glass's hypnotic hallmarks are here, and the circular nature of Glass's music underscores the invisible connections between the characters to make them alternately relaxing and chilling. – Brett Milan

72: Sunset Boulevard (1950)

The miracle of the soundtrack by Franz Waxman alsotwilight boulevardwas that he put you inside Norma Desmond's head, which was a really tricky place. Consequently, the score could be described as one of the first mixes to feature snippets of jazz and folk songs, alongside more haunting themes illustrating Norma's madness. Film scholars have pored over this score for decades; and in 2012, they saw an unused song, "The Paramount Don't Want Me Blues," a reflection on Norma that was considered too much of an inside joke at the time. – Brett Milan

71: A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

longing for the final seasonit was one of the first mainstream films to have an entirely jazz-based score, befitting the New Orleans setting. But Pennsylvania-born composer Alex North was a true musical eclectic, also studying and writing symphonies with Aaron Copland; it is known that he wrote a score for2001: A Space Odysseythat Stanley Kubrick never used. He also wrote a melody that you must have heard: "Unchained Melody". – Brett Milan

70: By the Water (1954)

on the sea tripwas the only real film music by Leonard Bernstein, apart from the famous musicals (West Side Story,What did you wear) that were filmed. Although recognized as one of the best soundtracks today, it proved somewhat controversial at the time, as Bernstein saw the music as a crucial part of the development of the story, as a vehicle that interacted with and commented on the plot and dialogue. Bernstein was frustrated that director Elia Kazan discarded some of his work, a possible reason why he never scored another film. – Brett Milan

69: By the Golden Pool (1981)

Jazz-connected pianist Dave Grusin is one of the most celebrated film composers of the modern era: all non-Paul Simon music, for starters.The graduateit was his - and also the owner of the GRP label. His combination of elements of jazz, pop and new agegolden pondThe score captures both the film's rustic New England setting and the bittersweet story of a couple, played by Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn, who meet late in life and find acceptance. – Brett Milan

68: Midday (1952)

the plot ofMiddayBuilding slowly towards its climactic gunfight, Dimitri Tomkin's score is packed with dramatic tension, with recurring themes including the hooves of an advancing horse and the menacing melody of the title track. Featuring a vocal by Tex Ritter in the film, the percussive sound of the song's hooves was actually produced by a Hammond Novachord, an instrument invented in 1935 that was a precursor to the synthesizer. – Brett Milan

67: Out of Africa (1985)

This was one of English composer John Barry's later soundtracks, forever associated with his James Bond scores. Although the score is short (it covers only half an hour of the film), it contains some of Barry's most beautiful and melodically compelling themes. Barry won his penultimate Oscar for Best Original Score (he would win again in 1990 fordance with wolves) and produced a hit single, "The Music of Goodbye (Love Theme)" by Melissa Manchester & Al Jarreau. Interestingly, director Sidney Pollack was determined to use African music for the score and originally edited the film that way; Barry had to personally convince him to change direction. – Brett Milan

66: Ben Hur (1959)

the biblical epicben-howgot a good score from Miklos Rozsa; At two and a half hours of music, it was the longest score used in a film at the time. Everything in the score is larger than life, from its variety of fanfares to the chariot race to the heavenly church organ accompanying the onscreen appearance of Jesus. The Oscar-winning score was cut to a single LP for the original release, though many extended versions have since appeared. It is considered a major influence on John Williams'star waraudio tracks – Brett Milan

65: How the West Was Won (1962)

Alfred Newman has one of the longest careers as a film composer, from the Charlie Chaplin films of the 1930s to his graduation project.Airport, in 1970. His score for the epic westernhow the west was wonit was unusual in that it used folk and country melodies and large orchestral arrangements. One of the pivotal moments was an adaptation of Greensleeves, here called A Home in the Meadow, which Debbie Reynolds enchantingly sings as the parlor performer. – Brett Milan

64: Alma (2020)

Almatruly offers two soundtracks in one, alternative electronic music by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross and jazz/R&B songs by Jon Batiste. As you'd expect from a Nine Inch Nails related project, the soundtrack can be quite haunting, but it's also very different from Nine Inch Nails, offering a lot of simple beauty in the "Epiphany" theme and creepy music box-sounds. similar in " Descending". Reznor famously said itRolling Stonewhich he hoped to "outshine Pixar", but also cheered it up a bit. – Brett Milan

63: King Kong (1933)

Born in Austria, Max Steiner was still a new name in Hollywood when he was writing music.my king, who has made a name for himself and has expanded the possibilities of film music. Much of the music has a French Impressionist twist borrowed from Ravel and Debussy, though it reinforces the grandeur in the Empire State Building scene. The score was innovative in its use of specific musical themes associated with each of the main characters, as well as its use of open spaces: Steiner intentionally used no music at all for the first 20 minutes, letting the New York sound create. the atmosphere. – Brett Milan

62:If Beale Street could talk(2018)

Nicholas Britell delivered one of the best film scores of the 21st century for this Barry Jenkins film. An early draft of the score featured only trumpets, but strings came into play as development progressed. Britell said in an interview at the time of its release: "What's remarkable about the way Jenkins made the film is that it explores so many different kinds of love. It explores the love of parents for their children, it explores romantic love, explores that pure, divine love that exists between human beings. The strings symbolized that for us in so many ways." –Sam Armstrong

61:The Phantom Dimmer(2017)

Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood has taken an increasing interest in film soundtracks and music over the years. While his work often features strange electronic timbres,The Phantom Dimmerhe explored symphonic pop, jazz, and classical music of the 1950s. Glenn Gould, Ben Webster, and Nelson Riddle are just a few of the inspirations used to create the score. –Sam Armstrong

60:The adventures of Robin Hood(1938)

Score by Erich Wolfgang KorngoldThe adventures of Robin Hoodit deserves a place on this list not only for its wonderful music but also for its historical value. The 1938 film score marked the first time a composer had won the Academy Award for Best Original Score. Previously, the letter was delivered to the head of the studio's music department. –Sam Armstrong

59:Chinatown(1974)

Jerry Goldsmith's beautiful score for one of the greatest noir films of all time has done the vital job of transporting you to a faraway time and place. The famed composer's 'Love Theme' still sounds impressive, a lush, romantic piece carried by a lone trumpet. –Sam Armstrong

58:Jackie(2016)

Mica Levi's score forJackieit fits perfectly with a film that explores the inner workings of Jacqueline Kennedy, the First Lady of the United States. The strings tremble and bend in strange ways, and silence is used liberally. It's the sound of a world that seems normal but has actually been turned upside down. Mica has become a master like this: she just checks out her work for the Scarlett Johansson movieunder the skin. – Sam Amstrong

57:Grand Hotel Budapest(2014)

Alexandre Desplat has worked on countless movie scores since the 1980s, but perhaps his most famous association is with director Wes Anderson.Grand Hotel BudapestDesplat won his first Oscar at the Academy Awards for Best Original Score. Typical of his work for Anderson, the music is simple and whimsical, perfectly in tune with Anderson's unique visual style. –Sam Armstrong

56:Hidden Dragon Crouching Tiger(2000)

The hit 2000 action movieHidden Dragon Crouching Tigerit enacted what director Ang Lee called a "China of the imagination." Composer Tan Dun's score was helpful, as he melded Chinese themes with typical Hollywood soundtrack flourishes, courtesy of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. Tan Dun's ability to communicate with both viewers helped make the film a huge success. –Sam Armstrong

55:emma

Rachel Portman is one of Hollywood's most active film composers, having worked on projects like "chocolate,The rules of the cider house, and the Oscar-winning score foremma. The delicate, symphonic score was a perfect fit for the narrative of Jane Austen's novel. With the win, Portman became the first woman to win an Academy Award for Best Original Score. –Sam Armstrong

54:Requiem for a Dream(2000)

Clint Mansell is Darren Aronofsky's most in-demand film composer. Early in their association, Mansell's innovative combinations of electronic elements and symphonic scores gave Aronofsky's film a unique sound.Requiem for a Dreamperhaps the best of those early soundtracks, with "Summer Overture" still sounding like a haunting march into oblivion decades after the film's release. –Sam Armstrong

53:A Clockwork Orange(1971)

In 1968, Wendy Carlos presented dazzling renditions of Bach compositions to audiences en masse on the Moog synthesizer. For Stanley KubrickA Clockwork Orange, the Moog was once again the instrument that was (for the most part) consistently represented. The effect, however, was quite different. Combined with the powerful and provocative images of the film, the sound of the Moog was strange and uncomfortable. Decades later, it remains one of the most iconic soundtracks of all time. –Sam Armstrong

52:planet of the monkeys(1968)

Jerry Goldsmith's iconic and avant-garde "Main Title" forplanet of the monkeysinstantly puts you in the mood of the main character. When you're thrown into a foreign land, everything seems hazy and danger lurks around every corner. It's hard to believe that just a few years later, Goldsmith would resume production of the relatively straightforward model.ChinatownScore. –Sam Armstrong

51:Black Panther(2018)

Ludwig Göransson and director Ryan Coogler previously had a long collaboration.Black Panther, but the superhero movie was obviously a big undertaking. The score, which won Best Original Score at the Oscars, was the result of extensive research by Göransson. The composer traveled to Africa, learning about the different musical forms of the continent and integrating them seamlessly into a score that also included the participation of Senegalese musician Baaba Maal. –Sam Armstrong

50:tron: legacy(2010)

Combine the principles of traditional film orchestral music with the electronic wizardry of French electronic duo Daft Punk, and you have a score far greater than the sum of its parts. With the help of American composer, arranger and producer Joseph Trapanese, Daft Punk has broken new ground in film music while paying homage to Wendy Carlos' original work for the 1982 film.

49:dry(1984)

The ever productivemandarin dreamthey boast a set of movie soundtracks nearly as long as their parent album discography, anddryit was his first. Released in 1977, it helped lay the foundation for the creepy, synth-drenched tracks that became a horror trademark in the '80s and remains a huge inspiration for revival soundtracks today, primarily the Netflix show.strange things.

48:Flash Gordon(1980)

The campy space opera based on an iconic Alex Raymond comic strip may have missed the point. ThatFlash GordonThe soundtrack, however, hit the spot. rock godsreinahe did not skimp when it came to putting the wood for what he was going to givestar wara run for your money. Ultimately, the music far outshone the film and remains one of the best scores ever written by a rock band.

47:ET El alien(1982)

in a masterpieceJuan Williamshe created not only an extremely catchy movie theme, but also an emotionally moving piece of music that has influenced generations of moviegoers and filmmakers alike. The score itself is exactly how everyone's childhood should feel: filled with naivety, wonder, and a sense of danger (but not doom) to remind us all that men in hazmat suits are terrifying.

46:elevator to gallows(1958)

What could fit better with the new loose and improvised style of acting that characterized French New Wave cinema than a completely improvised soundtrack? The origin story of howMiles DavisHe met French director Louis Malle differently, but the result is undeniably one of pure cosmic destiny, with Davis and a host of other French session musicians improvising on that groundbreaking genius.jazz sheet musiclive to projected movie clips. A key work in Davis' artistic development (it was his first foray into modal jazz on the way to recording the seminalkind of blue), also remains one of the best film scores in the jazz world.

45:die mission(1986)

This is not the Ennio Morricone we are used to. Most would think that the best scores for The Maestro were for westerns, but here Morricone clearly wanted the world to know that he was more than an echo of harmonicas and catchy stabs of spaghetti western. Not exactly strange to those familiar with Morricone's work as a composer, it's his best non-action score to date.

44:Jurassic Park(1993)

Another collaborative masterpiece by John Williams and Steven Spielberg, it has all the hallmarks of a classic Williams score: rising strings, dramatic brass, and a childlike wonder inherent in what is, at its core, a fantasy adventure tale. Flexing his dramatic muscles, Williams matched the menacing tone of the danger he lurked in the park. With just a few notes, he created a musical signature for theJurassic ParkFranchise that evokes hope, adversity and great adventure in the same theme.

43:the seven samurai(1954)

Drums and impending doom. Akira Kurosawa's groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece single-handedly created the "mission film" as we know it, but the score has largely gone unappreciated for his contribution to modern cinema. It's unclear why Fumio Hayasaka's scores don't get more attention for creating one of the best scores in modern cinema, but it's easily a favorite among Kurosawa fans.

42:gold finger(1964)

With his work on the James Bond films, composer John Barry created a musical vocabulary that will always be synonymous with 007. While it was hard to choose between his Bond scores, Barry honed his sound with the bold, metallic theme togold finger.

41:dizziness(1958)

Exactly what the best film scores of this era are supposed to do. Although a bit on the nose, this manic, swirling approach to the subject also works as a brilliant piece of music in its own right. Alfred Hitchcock and Bernard Herrmann worked together constantly and this was one of their best film scores.

40:La red social(2010)

As dubious as the idea of ​​a "Facebook movie" sounds, it's hard to imagine the scenes about the theft of tech and branding without the chilling, haunting (and Oscar-winning) tones.nine inch nailsFrontman Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross provided David Fincher's story of greed and an out-of-control ego.

39:Titanic(1997)

James Horner's score is everything this film is. Is big. it's swimming. It crashes. He wake up. It freezes in the middle of the ocean. Wait... cross that last one out. James Horner is no slouch, and neither is James Cameron, who knew exactly the man for the job of composing this masterpiece.

38:Close Encounters of the Third Kind(1977)

If it's just the weird tune that human scientists and aliens use to communicate, this movie deserves its hopeful and exciting score on this list. This is John Williams having fun, and it shows.

37:The Godfather Part II(1974)

A nice stretch of story and music that wasn't just a repeat of the original Godfather score. Composed by Nino Rota and conducted by Carmine Coppola, the score for The Godfather II expertly accomplished what its predecessor did, transporting the listener to turn-of-the-century Italy and New York. It's a truly remarkable achievement, standing on its own among the best Hollywood scores, especially given the iconic soundtrack that followed.

36:Welle(1971)

WelleIt's not the only movieIsaac Hayesachieved, but it is undoubtedly the best known. From the wah-wah infused guitar groove to his own baritone voice, Hayes proved that he is a force to be reckoned with on modern American soundtracks.

35:taxi driver(1976)

You will hardly find a work of art that better encapsulates the growing disillusionment and moral decline of 1970s New York than Martin Scorsese's seminal film and its accompanying soundtrack by Bernard Herrmann. Herrmann eschewed the classical orchestration typical of the time, employing a palette of dissonant sounds and instruments that left audiences with a deep sense of uneasiness long after the credits had rolled.

34:Butch Cassidy y Sundance Kid(1969)

Burt BachachPlaying a movie about two of the most notorious outlaws to ever terrorize the Wild West might seem like an odd choice, but boy did it deliver. Not only did he provide the score, but he gave the world the song "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head," which won an Oscar for Best Original Song.

33:The Untouchables(1987)

The music of Brian De Palma's gangster classic will run through your head every time you find yourself in an old train station. It's a harbinger, full of adventure, and almost makes Al Capone look like a hero. Fresh and classic at the same time, Ennio Morricone's score brings the characters of the film to life.

32:Dra. Schiwago(1965)

This film may not resonate with modern viewers accustomed to fast-paced narratives and characters with easy-to-digest backstories, but David Lean and Maurice Jarre's hauntingly beautiful score will stay with you and keep you wanting more. this amazing classic.

31:Pat Garrett y Billy the Kid(1973)

Bob Dylannot only did he provide the unique version of a western soundtrack in this rare gem of a film, but he also has a small, almost silent role as one of Billy's gang. Dylan's songs, composed exclusively for the film, couldn't be a better fit for this postmodern Western.

30:bug juice(1988)

Just sit back and listen to this spooky, fun and exciting score that jumps, leaps and calypso right to your childhood memories.bug juiceis an early collaboration between director Tim Burton and Danny Elfman, resulting in one of their best film scores, capturing the whimsical and menacing tones that characterize much of their work.

29:The dark knight(2008)

When it came to breathing new life into the famed Batman franchise, Christopher Nolan reimagined the caped crusader as a brooding anti-hero, and he needed a score to match. Begin withBatman BeginsNolan wroteHans Zimmerand James Newton Howard to create a dark soundscape of pounding bass and screeching strings. If you listen closely, you can almost hear the voice of Heath Ledger's Joker in your head, urging you to do something... crazy.

28:the hired hand(1971)

Folk musician Bruce Langhorne, the inspiration for "Mr. Tambourine Man," was what Dylan found again on his boot heels after composing Peter Fonda's western with a domestic twist in 1971. Dylan would do the same.Pat Garrett y Billy the Kidsoundtrack in 1973, though Langhorne's stark Americana music is arguably the more atmospheric of the two and remained a cult soundtrack for decades until its final release in 2004.

27:The Empire Strikes Back(1980)

Notably, it wasn't until the second part of the original Star Wars trilogy that John Williams gave fans The Imperial March, the theme song you hear when you think of Darth Vader, the Dark Lord of the Sith. WithThe Empire Strikes Back, Williams expands on the original film's theme songs and creates more in the process.

26:Mad Max: Fury on the road(2015)

It's hard to find modern film scores that don't feel derivative, but George Miller knew what he was doing when he hired Dutch multi-instrumentalist and composer Tom Holkenborg, aka Junkie XL, who was a close associate of Hans Zimmer. Holkenborg's immersive and propulsive score equals an audio assault perfectly suited to the chaotic world ofmaximum crazyFranchise.

25:Conan the barbarian(1982)

Even though the film itself rarely charts, Basil Poledouris's scores can get anyone's blood pumping and deserve respect, especially in the fantasy B-movie genre.

24:once upon a time in the west(1969)

Beautiful and brutal at the same time, this might be the best thing Ennio Morricone has ever done. Of course he scored tooThe good, the bad and the ugly; In the western genre, Morricone's only competitor is himself.

23:Edward with scissor hands(1990)

Danny Elfman at his most mischievous, dancing in the middle of the street, luring you into the deep and mysterious forest. While not quite as whimsical as some of his work, Elfman has veered a bit into romance and gothic tales here, paving the way for his next project.the nightmare before christmas.

22:Terminator 2: Judgment Day(1991)

A violent, foreboding and dark look at the horrors of a possible future, there is not a single moment of levity or room to breathe in this score. From start to finish, Brad Feidel takes listeners on a journey through an inevitable clash between good and evil.

21:2001: A Space Odyssey(1968)

While Stanley Kubrick initially commissioned noted Hollywood composer Alex North to compose his interstellar masterpiece, he eventually discarded North's work in favor of pieces of classical music, which he had originally used as a guide. From Johan Strauss's waltz The Blue Danube to the avant-garde György Ligeti and Richard Strauss' symphonic poem Also Sprach Zarathustra, Kubrick catapulted these composers back into the spotlight, making these classic pieces forever synonymous with the iconic film. of the.

20:Hallowe'en(1978)

Juan ZimmermannHe is a man to be reckoned with. When people hear this music, they start looking in every corner and hiding their steak knives. He's menacing and catchy, and it feels like the movie's villain is never going to stop.

19:Rewarded accommodation(1982)

Like the amazing effects and somber mood of the cult classic, this music seems to ooze down the wet sidewalks with everything else in the film. Was it director Ridley Scott's fever dream? No, he's just one of the mysterious ones.evangelistThe best movie music.

18:the seven of glory(1960)

Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson and one of the greatest Western scores ever seen on screen. Listen to it and you will want to get on a horse and ride off into the sunset. With a single melody, famed composer Elmer Bernstein created a score that has come to epitomize the idea of ​​the American West. So much so that the theme song even became the "Marlboro Cigarette Theme". (For more Bernstein greatness, check out his scoreKill a Mockingbird.

17:chariot of fire(1981)

Even before his groundbreaking work forRewarded accommodation, Greek composer Vangelis applied his synthesizer skills to historical cinemachariot of fire, in the middle of the 1924 Olympics. Director Hugh Hudson certainly didn't want a movie gamblecarriageTo feel like a stuffy, legacy film, he commissioned Vangelis to create a modern soundtrack, resulting in one of the most popular early '80s theme songs, parodied to infinity.

sixteen:The Pink Panther(1963)

If someone doesn't know who Peter Sellers was, there is no better introduction than this series of films. It was as brilliant as Henry Mancini's score, and that's really saying something. The broad and, yes, cartoony subject matter showcases the slapstick comedy of this classic to a tee.

quince:Psychopath(1960)

Have you ever been scared while taking a shower? You can thank Bernard Herrmann for creating the ultimate cultural touchstone of horror with just the cry of a string. How is it that so many know the music from this classic Hitchcock film without ever having seen it? Here is the true genius of Bernard Herrmann.

14:bat Man(1989)

For many, there are two main film composers who represent the genre: John Williams and Danny Elfman. And that is the crowning glory of Danny Elfman. The main theme can make a person feel like they are sitting on a roof thousands of feet above a fictional city.

13:Superman(1978)

How many times can a sheet music speak to its audience? Not just emotionally, but literally. For example, when the main theme reaches its climax and the listener can hear the word "Superman" even though it's not there. John Williams' best scores become characters in their own right, and this one stands out in his line of blockbuster work in the '70s.

12:brave Heart(1995)

Known for his beautifully lush orchestration, James Horner has captured the spirit of William Wallace's journey with his striking compositions infused with Celtic textures to create a score that is both breathtaking and melancholic. The listener is transported with expert efficiency to the rolling green hills of Scotland and then suddenly to the legendary blood-soaked battlefields.

11:Lawrence de Arabia(1962)

To many, the work of Maurice Jarre evokes the soulful scores of John Williams, but it was Jaree who first brought the soundtrack to one of the greatest adventures to the screen when he composed the music for this desert epic with Peter O'Toole. in 1962 and wrote the title role. With its grand theme and exotic instrumentation, this haunting soundtrack is a work of astonishing mastery that remains one of the greatest film scores ever recorded.

10:Return to the future(1985)

It's easy to determine if a soundtrack deserves its place among the greatest film scores of all time: just think of a dialogue… “Roads? We don't need roads where we're going.” Have you heard? ThatReturn to the futureScore changed Alan Silvestri's career and turned the jazz percussionist into one of the great bands.

9:Kiefer(1975)

What John Williams can do on the signature piece of music we all know and hate while swimming is nothing short of miraculous. two notes Repeated. Touched harder as if they were getting closer until… well, you get eaten by a shark. In a figurative sense, of course.

8:The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring(2001)

Is there anything more ethereal than the goblins in this movie? yes there is Howard Shore's score seems to have emerged from a celestial bubble of creativity that has traveled the cosmos ever since JRR Tolkien emerged from that mortal shell.

7:Rocky(1976)

It can be hard to find the desire to climb an incredibly tall flight of stairs. But put on the score of the movie that introduced the world to the hard-headed, crooked-mouthed, brainless but strong-hearted hero of this film, and everyone will find themselves dancing on the top step. Their combination of pulsing horns and pounding drums spawned the training montage that has become the definitive anthem for athletes around the world.

6:lost treasure hunter(1981)

Not surprisingly, John Williams appears more than any other composer (eight times in total) in this list of the best film scores of all time. His touching score for the firstIndiana JonesThe adventure makes you want to put on a fedora, grab a whip, and beat up some Nazis. In another collaboration with his two muses, George Lucas and Stephen Spielberg, Williams was once again commissioned to create an enduring theme for one of cinema's most famous heroes. The result was an immersive soundtrack that could draw you in one moment and terrify you the next.

5:casablanca(1942)

It takes the likes of Max Steiner to create a musical masterpiece out of just a six-note chorus, and yet one of the most iconic movie themes of all time is based on a borrowed melody. Tasked with using a popular song at the time, "As Time Goes By," Steiner deftly disarms a simple 1930s tune and turns it into a dramatic instrument that sets one of cinema's greatest romances to music.

4:blown by the wind(1939)

It would be hard to find a score more characteristic of the Golden Age of cinema. The main theme of this film could not be more heartbreaking, grandiose and tragic thanks to the legendary composer Max Steiner who uses music as a character development tool. Steiner was instrumental in making the best Hollywood soundtracks as important as what happened in the foreground, setting the blueprint for every film that followed.

3:The good, the bad and the ugly(1966)

Ennio Morricone is a master of western gothic soundtracks and this particular work couldn't be more unique and tied to his legacy. Thanks to his groundbreaking work with director Sergio Leone, this is not only one of the best soundtracks ever,The good, the bad and the uglyis without a doubt the best western film music of all time. Think of the Old West and you'll immediately hear the opening whistle followed by three guitar notes letting you know danger is just around the corner.

2:The Godfather(1972)

Is there a score that better represents the images, sounds and sounds of the accompanying film? Sure there isn't. Written by the prolific Italian composer Giovanni "Nino" Rota, this score is so powerful that even true gangsters cry when they hear it.

1:Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope(1977)

When it comes to the greatest movie scores of all time, few can match the impact of John Williams' symphonic score for the original.star warMovie. George Lucas's Grand Space Opera would not be the emotionally moving cultural giant it is today without John Williams' transformative score. He restored an epic score to films that had been lost to the smallest storytelling, and his influence can still be felt in almost every movie that hits the screen today.

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