John Williams is a name synonymous with film music and his compositions have become iconic in the world of cinema. From the thrilling score of Star Wars to the magical melodies of Harry Potter, Williams has created some of the most memorable film music of all time. In this article, we will be ranking his top 10 remarkable scores and exploring what makes them so beloved by audiences around the world.
10. Catch Me If You Can
The true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a con man who posed as a pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer, among other things, and was pursued by an FBI agent named Carl Hanratty. A jazzy and upbeat piece of music that perfectly captures the playful and mischievous spirit of the film. As we watch this game of cat and mouse unravel between Hanratty and Abagnale played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks, Williams received a nomination for Best Score.
9. Close Encounters of the Third Kind
A group of people who have had contact with UFOs are drawn to a mysterious location in Wyoming where they hope to make contact with the aliens. A haunting and mysterious piece of music that perfectly captures the sense of wonder and awe that the film embodies. The main theme, which is played during the film’s opening sequence, is a beautiful and otherworldly piece that perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the movie. Another nomination for Williams for Best Score.
8. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
A young boy named Elliott befriends an alien who is stranded on Earth. Together, they try to find a way to send E.T. back home before he is captured by the government. a whimsical and magical piece of music that perfectly captures the sense of wonder and excitement that the film embodies. Williams won his fourth Academy Award for Best Score.
7. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
The beginning of an entire saga is when a young orphan discovers that he is a wizard and is accepted into the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Along with his friends Ron and Hermione, he uncovers a plot to steal a powerful magical stone. Williams was given the incredible task of once again making a theme that would set the tone for not just one film, but seven others. Thankfully, he managed to pull it off with “Hedwig’s Theme” and created a theme that is recognized throughout the world. Yet another nomination for John Williams.
6. Jaws
When citizens start to be eaten by something in the ocean a police chief, a marine biologist, and a shark hunter team up to hunt down a great white shark that is terrorizing a seaside town. The score here is a masterclass in tension and suspense. The main theme, which is played during the film’s opening sequence, is a simple but effective piece of music that perfectly captures the sense of danger and fear. A score that seems so simple, but yet incredibly effective. This film was William’s 2nd Academy Award win.
5. Superman
The origin story of Kal-El, from his birth on the planet Krypton to his arrival on Earth and his adoption by the Kents. As an adult, he uses his superhuman powers to fight for truth, justice, and a better tomorrow. The main theme, which is played during the film’s opening sequence, is a soaring and uplifting piece that has become one of Williams’ most iconic compositions. Anyone who looks at that red and yellow S often backs up its recognition with William’s score. Another nomination for the master.
4. Schindler’s List
The true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of more than a thousand Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. A hauntingly beautiful piece of music that perfectly captures the tragedy and heartbreak of the Holocaust. If the film’s content doesn’t bring you to tears, the heart and emotion behind William’s score will do it to you. This beauty was the 5th and last Academy Award that Williams received for Best Score but has had many nominations afterward.
3. Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
Following the adventures of Indiana Jones, an archaeologist and adventurer, who is hired by the US government to find the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis do. Another one of the master’s most recognizable scores on our list, Williams perfectly captures the spirit of the character as Indy sprints away from rolling boulders, battling Nazis, or running through the streets of Cairo. The original Indiana Jones trilogy received Academy Awards nominations.
2. Jurassic Park
A group of scientists create a theme park filled with genetically-engineered dinosaurs. When the park’s security systems fail, the dinosaurs escape and begin to terrorize the park’s visitors. The film’s theme is a beautiful and majestic piece of music that perfectly captures the sense of wonder and awe that the characters experience upon seeing the dinosaurs for the first time. Surprisingly, this is the only film on our list Williams did not receive an Academy Award nomination for.
1. Star Wars
The adventures of a young farm boy named Luke Skywalker as he joins forces with a group of rebels to fight against the evil Empire. Along the way, he discovers his connection to the Force and learns to become a Jedi. “Main Title” is an epic and sweeping piece of music that perfectly captures the sense of adventure and excitement that the films embody. Full of other memorable themes, including the “Imperial March,” which is used to represent the villains, and the “Force Theme,” which is used to represent the Jedi and their connection to the Force. These themes are used throughout the series to great effect, helping to create a sense of continuity and connection between the different films.
