10 Best Movie Soundtracks Of All Time

When it comes to movie soundtracks, there are certain scores that stand the test of time and continue to be celebrated by audiences and critics alike. Here are ten of the best movie soundtracks of all time. The list could be subjective, and there are many other great soundtracks out there in the film industry but these have certainly made an impact to date.

The Godfather (1972) – Composed by Nino Rota, the iconic music from The Godfather trilogy perfectly captures the mood and atmosphere of the films. From the lush, romantic theme for the Corleone family to the tense, foreboding music for the underworld dealings, Rota’s score is a masterclass in film composition. The soundtrack won the Academy Award for Best Original Dramatic Score in 1972. Film composer Ennio Morricone said of Rota’s work, “Nino Rota’s music for ‘The Godfather’ is a masterpiece. It is the perfect representation of the film’s themes and moods.”

Star Wars (1977) – Composed by John Williams, the Star Wars soundtrack is one of the most recognizable and beloved in film history. From the rousing main theme to the ominous Imperial March, Williams’ music perfectly captures the epic scope and action of the films. The soundtrack won the Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1977. Film composer Danny Elfman said of Williams’ work, “John Williams’ ‘Star Wars’ score is a true classic. It is the perfect representation of the film’s epic story and characters.”

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966) – Composed by Ennio Morricone, the music for The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a true classic of the western genre. The memorable main theme, as well as the suspenseful and atmospheric music, perfectly complements the film’s action and visuals. Morricone’s score was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1967. Film composer Hans Zimmer said of Morricone’s work, “Ennio Morricone’s music for ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ is a true masterpiece. It perfectly captures the film’s gritty and iconic western feel.”

Psycho (1960) – Composed by Bernard Herrmann, the music for Psycho is a true classic of the horror genre. From the iconic shower scene to the eerie and unsettling music that accompanies Norman Bates, Herrmann’s score perfectly captures the tension and terror of the film. Herrmann’s score was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1960. Film composer Jerry Goldsmith said of Herrmann’s work, “Bernard Herrmann’s ‘Psycho’ score is a true classic. It is the perfect representation of the film’s tension and terror.”

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) – Composed by Richard Strauss and Gyorgy Ligeti, the music for 2001: A Space Odyssey perfectly captures the film’s grand, cosmic scale. From the majestic “Also sprach Zarathustra” to the eerie electronic sounds of Ligeti’s “Requiem,” the soundtrack is a true masterpiece of film music. The soundtrack was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1968. Film Composer John Williams said of the score, “The music for ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ is a true masterpiece. It perfectly captures the film’s grand and cosmic story.”

The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – Composed by Thomas Newman, the music for The Shawshank Redemption perfectly captures the film’s emotional depth and range. From the beautiful and uplifting “End Title” to the haunting “Brooks Was Here,” Newman’s score is a true masterpiece of film music. The soundtrack was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1994. Film composer Hans Zimmer said of Newman’s work, “Thomas Newman’s ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ score is a true masterpiece. It perfectly captures the film’s emotional depth and range.”

The Dark Knight (2008) – Composed by Hans Zimmer, the music for The Dark Knight perfectly captures the film’s dark and gritty tone. From the iconic “Why So Serious?” to the rousing “A Dark Knight,” Zimmer’s score is a true masterpiece of film music. The soundtrack was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score in 2008. Film composer Michael Giacchino said of Zimmer’s work, “Hans Zimmer’s ‘The Dark Knight’ score is a true masterpiece. It perfectly captures the film’s dark and gritty tone.”

The Social Network (2010) – Composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, the music for The Social Network perfectly captures the film’s modern and edgy tone. From the pulsing electronic beats to the tense and atmospheric music, the soundtrack is a true masterpiece of film music. The soundtrack won an Academy Award for Best Original Score in 2010. Film Composer David Arnold said of Reznor and Ross’ work, “Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ ‘The Social Network’ score is a true masterpiece. It perfectly captures the film’s modern and edgy tone.”

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) – Composed by Howard Shore, the music for The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a true epic masterpiece. From the beautiful and haunting “Concerning Hobbits” to the rousing “The Bridge of Khazad-dûm,” Shore’s score perfectly captures the grandeur and emotion of the films. The soundtrack won an Academy Award for Best Original Score in 2002. Film Composer James Newton Howard said of Shore’s work, “Howard Shore’s ‘The Lord of the Rings’ score is a true masterpiece. It perfectly captures the film’s grand and epic story.”

Gravity (2013) – Composed by Steven Price, the music for Gravity perfectly captures the film’s intense and suspenseful tone. From the adrenaline-pumping “Debris” to the haunting “Aningaaq,” Price’s score is a true masterpiece of film music. The soundtrack won an Academy Award for Best Original Score in 2013. Film Composer Hans Zimmer said of Price’s work, “Steven Price’s ‘Gravity’ score is a true masterpiece. It perfectly captures the film’s intense and suspenseful tone.”