I have always loved listening to movie music. In fact, my Spotify Wrapped is always overtaken by artists like Hans Zimmer, Michael Giacchino, Lorne Balfe and Ludwig Goronsson. After watching a new movie, I'm in the habit of logging onto Spotify and adding my favourite tracks. I've even been to see a couple of live orchestra performances of my favourites, which were amazing experiences.
I thought it might be fun to collate a roughly ranked list of 100 of my favourite scores as of January 2023. A couple of disclaimers: This won't be according to 'most iconic' because I'm sure dozens of those lists already exist, so if you're wondering why Psycho, The Godfather or Jaws isn't on here, it's not because I don't love those soundtracks (I do), it's just that I don't listen to them much outside of the films. This is very much a list of the music I personally love to listen to. I have also limited it to 1 track per movie, television show or video game.
With that said, here is Part 1 of 5 of my list. I'll link each Youtube track but you can also find my full Spotify playlist including many, many more tracks here!
100) The Orange Man - Unbreakable (2000)
by James Newton Howard
A soundtrack so underrated it isn't even available on Spotify. M Night Shyamalan's low-key superhero story, Unbreakable, is unlike any other and as is James Newton Howard's score. 'The Orange Man' is the most euphoric iteration of the main theme, and makes a fairly simple fist-fight absolutely epic.
99) Dark Star - Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
by Harold Faltermeyer, Lady Gaga, Hans Zimmer, & Lorne Balfe
Maybe it's recency bias or maybe it's because Top Gun: Maverick is one of the most thrilling yet sincere blockbusters in recent memory but the opening track, 'Darkstar', brilliantly set the tone for how exhilarating the flight sequences would be, while never losing sight of the human story at its center ("talk to me, Goose"). I'm a sucker for music that captures the thrill of flight and this is a brilliant addition to that list.
98) Sweetwater - Westworld Season 1 (2016)
by Ramin Djwadi
Westworld Season 1 was a brilliant, contained mystery sci-fi. The concept of the show is dependent on its blend between philosophy, technology and the pop-culture thrill of living in a Western. The way in which the track 'Sweetwater' is repeatedly played through the season to signify the repeating experience is ingenious.
Honourable mentions: This World, Dr Ford, Main Title, Do They Dream
97) To Be Closer To You - His Dark Materials Season 3 (2022)
by Lorne Balfe
His Dark Materials quietly solidified itself as one of the most solid adaptations of a fantasy book series with its powerhouse cast and slick visuals. For readers, the bittersweet ending of Lyra and Will's relationship was inevitable, but seeing it adapted onscreen was still hugely impactful. 'To Be Closer To You' weaves the brilliant main theme into the show's very final montage.
96) Take You Down - The Man from UNCLE (2015)
by Daniel Pemberton
One bit of casting notwithstanding, The Man from UNCLE is still one of the most underrated spy films of the last few years. The film introduced me to composer Daniel Pemberton's work which is always energetic, playful and unique. 'Take You Down' is just an absolute blast.
95) Evey Reborn - V for Vendetta (2005)
by Dario Marianelli
V For Vendetta is a powerful story about freedom in the face of government oppression, based on the graphic novel of the same name, 'Evey Reborn' accompanies the most impactful scene in the film where Natalie Portman's character, Evey, has a dramatic revelation after a traumatic experience.
94) Apocalypse - The Umbrella Academy Season 1 (2019)
by Jeff Russo
The Umbrella Academy Season 1 was a delightful mix of wacky characters, comedy and intriguing mystery, but it was Jeff Russo's score that truly elevated the show. 'Apocalypse' simultaneously serves as Vanya's violin performance and also a stunning accompaniment to the season's cliffhanger ending.
93) Awaken - Jane Eyre (2011)
by Dario Marianelli, Jack Liebeck, Benjamin Wallfisch
2011's Jane Eyre is a solid adaptation of the classic novel and Dario Marianelli's haunting but romantic score really adds to to the air of melancholy that permeates the story. A great one to listen to while studying.
92) Katawaredoki - Your Name (2016)
by RADWIMPS
Your Name is well-known for being one of the most beautifully animated anime movies, but its score is also really poignant. If you love tranquil scores with a touch of something slightly fantastical, this is one of the best.
91) City on the Mesa - Horizon Zero Dawn (2017)
by Joris de Man
Horizon Zero Dawn is one of my absolute favourite video games. It is has been praised for having exciting, addictive combat and gorgeous visuals but I also find its soundtrack to be one of the best albums to work to. The ambient music that plays as you explore the world is stunning, and 'City on the Mesa' makes every visit to Meridian all the more memorable.
Honourable mentions: Aloy's Theme, Homecoming, Years of Training, The Good News, In Great Strides,
90) The Prince That Was Promised - House of the Dragon (2022)
by Ramin Djawadi
Ramin Djawadi is an absolute master. If there was any doubt that House of the Dragon might not feel like Game of Thrones, hearing his familiar music immediately put that to rest. His music makes it effortless to step back into Westeros. The only reason it is so low on the list is because it repeats GoT's work quite a bit (which may make an appearance further up the ranking, hint hint).
Honourable mentions: The Power of Prophecy, Aemond Rides Vhagar, The Crown of Jaehaerys
89) The Run (Urban Legends) - Nope (2022)
by Michael Abels
The change in music style during the climactic scene of Nope, where Daniel Kaluyaa rides on horseback to lure Jean Jacket, was completely unexpected but wholly welcome. The blend of the main theme with an almost John Williams-esque sense of adventure is brilliant.
88) Salvation - Adrift (2018)
by Hauschka
Adrift was a solid movie depicting the true life story of Tami Oldham's struggle to survive a deadly hurricane leaving her stranded at sea with her boyfriend. What is truly remarkable about the film is its stunning score. 'Salvation' is a beautiful testament to Oldham's tenacity and bravery.
87) Arrival - Lion (2016)
by Dustin O'Halloran and Hauschka
Another Hauschka composition, this time in collaboration with Dustin O'Halloran. This score accompanies the absolute gut-punch of an ending. If you ever need a cry, this should be a go-to.
Honourable mentions: Mother, River, Lion Theme, Orphans, A New Home
86) The Winner Is - Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
by DeVotchKa
I don't know how but DeVotchka's track 'The Winner Is' somehow captures the messiness, pain, and hope of life. The story features an eclectic mixture of characters who are each dealing with their own issues, but the filmmakers' decision to focus in on Olive's unwavering aspiration to compete in the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant is so touching.
85) Michelle - 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016)
by Bear McCreary
Bear McCreary's score for 10 Cloverfield Lane is one of my favourite examples of a soundtrack that adds so much atmosphere. The music gives this psychological mystery a strong ambience whether its during the wordless foreboding opening or the thrilling montage of Michelle's plan to escape Howard's bunker. Though it definitely has echoes of Bear's other work (for example The Walking Dead), the eerie and ominous tone of the soundtrack has its own unique identity.
84) Path of the Wind - My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
by Joe Hisaishi
'Path of the Wind' is one of the best pieces of music to come out of a Studio Ghibli film which is saying a lot- I could make a whole list of Joe Hisaishi's best work. It effortlessly evokes the memory of a warm summer's day in your childhood. Hisaishi's style is always so playful, light and magical.
83) Your Father Would Be Proud - Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
by Michael Giacchino
Michael Giacchino was such a worthy successor to be the first composer to step into John Williams' shoes in the Star Wars movie franchise. Rogue One's third act is Star Wars perfection and Giacchino's music gives the ending an extra gut-punch (not to mention how devastating Jyn and Cassian's fate becomes becomes in light of Andor... "I burn my life to make a sunrise that I know I’ll never see").
82) Those We Don't Speak Of - The Village (2004)
by James Newton Howard
The Village is a movie that blends a period drama with M Night Shyamalan's signature horror storytelling and Howard's score masterfully balances that blend.
'Those We Do Not Speak Of' begins as a horror piece but as Lucius grabs Ivy's hand in the scene, the music transitions to a stunning violin composition that seems like it belongs more to Sense and Sensibility than a Shyamalan horror.
81) Briony - Atonement (2007)
by Dario Marianelli and Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Dario Marianelli makes another appearance on this list with one of the most creative scores I have heard. Infusing his usually beautiful classical sensibilities with the sound of Briony's typewriter is incredibly effective, but also interweaves the narrative within the texture of the film rather than just being an empty gimmick.
Thank you for reading the first part in my top 100 list! Part 2 will be up very soon - you can follow my Instagram (cinematicwallflower) to find out when I post it. In the meantime let me know what your favourite film soundtracks are, or if you've added any of the above to your playlists.
I do not own any of the images or videos used in this post.