The Best 50 Film Scores of All Time

Music and audio in general are imporant elements of any video edit or film.

To selectively use Shakespeare’s words: music is indeed the food of love, but the excess of it won’t make us sick and lose our desire.

Music has the power to invoke emotions, be it love, hope, anger, passion, and more.

Since the advent of motion pictures, film score has remained a vital part of the whole movie-watching experience.

Film scores help directors draw the audience into the plot.

They help further the story and generate a response that even great dialogues cannot.

Without any further delay, here are 50 film scores that you need to listen to in your lifetime.

50. Laura

One of David Raksin’s best creations, the beautiful monothematic music of Laura has steadily grown in popularity.

The music makes the heroine ‘Laura’ almost omnipresent which adds to the mystery of the movie.

Whether it’s the title track or tunes derived from the song that travels throughout the movie, the music fits the story like a glove.

49. Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

Not many would have thought it possible that soulful music could so well fit a martial art film. It’s the genius of the composer Tan Dun and director Ang Lee that made it possible.

Although a period movie, Tan Dun beautifully combines Chinese classical music with certain Hollywood themes and a pinch of Turkish folk music.

The result is magical, powerful, and soulful. The music of the movie is on par with its action sequence.

48. The Red Shoes

Can you imagine the audience sitting through a 15-minute ballet sequence today? Sure, not just one but many, if the music was as good as the tracks in The Red Shoes (1948).

Brian Easdale had to compose the whole soundtrack in a very short time. The music appeals to the sensibilities of the younger generation because it’s both modernist and evocative.

Brian richly deserved the accolades and the Academy Award for the Best Music and Scoring of a Dramatic and Comedy Picture.

47. The Pink Panther

Henry Mancini has provided us with some unforgettable soundtracks. But, the music in the movie The Pink Panther is something extraordinary.

The soundtrack is ingrained into the consciousness of millions of movie fans. Throughout the movie, the composer perfectly balances light music with up-tempo songs.

Of all the songs, none will forget the jazz tune Royal Blue.

46. Inception

Ask any person about the soundtrack of the movie Inception, you’ll feel the music was tailor-made for the movie.

Surprisingly, Hans Zimmer, the composer, wasn’t shown the movie until the soundtrack was ready.

The music of the film was heavily inspired by the Edith Piaf song ‘Non, je ne regrette rien’. Throughout the movie, Zimmer employs highly manipulated versions of the famous song.

45. The Last Emperor

In The Last Emperor, the Italian director Bernardo Bertolucci presents a compelling portrait of Chinese history as seen by the west.

The music by Sakamoto Ryuichi, David Byrne, and Cong Su capture the varying moods in the movie.

While Byrne highlights the cheerful moments in the movie with positive music, Ryuichi captures the emotions of the characters during tragic events with his sad soulful tunes.

The music directors won Grammy and Academy Awards for their efforts in the Last Emperor.

44. Trouble Man

The popularity of the soundtrack of Trouble Man outperformed the movie itself.

Marvin Gaye didn’t want the music of the movie to be unfairly compared to his hugely successful album ‘What’s Going On’.

Gaye’s music perfectly captures the fast-changing lives of young black Americans. Gaye could relate to the theme and his music successfully emulated in equal parts the vibrancy and tension of his generation.

43. Romeo and Juliet

At the time of its release, many critics described the music of this 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet as ‘brilliant and moving’. After five decades, we can add ‘immortal’ to the list.

A key factor that contributed to the worldwide success of the movie was the music by Nino Rota. His composition was hailed as the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication.

He composed the film score keeping in mind modern sensibilities, and at the same time, capturing the essence of the Renaissance Era.

42. Rocky

It’s an unwritten rule that music in sports films must elevate the mood, ignite passion, and boost motivation. Composer Bill Conti does more than a commendable job with the music.

The song ‘Gonna Fly Now’ in the movie became more popular than the soundtrack, record, and CD version.

The song in the movie and other tracks had a lot more energy which greatly contributed to the success of the low-budget film.

41. Seven Samurai

Much has been written about the cinematic masterpiece Seven Samurai and its creator Akira Kurosawa. The music did not receive equal attention.

Perhaps it’s because the music was so in synch with the narration, that it did not command the attention of the average moviegoer.

Nonetheless, the marvelous composition of Fumio Hayasaka greatly adds to the portrayal of the characters, the differing pace of the storytelling, and the emphasis of the action sequence.

40. The Social Network

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have many accolades to their name. But, their gained acclaim after the release of The Social Network.

In 2011, when the movie was released, its music composition was considered revolutionary, unlike any life-based drama.

In The Social Network, the music is not just an added component, but an inclusive one that flows with the scenes and makes its way into your heart. The composition perfectly captures the emotions of the characters and the dialogues.

39. Chinatown

More often masterpieces are products of sudden inspiration than continued effort. The soundtrack of Chinatown (1974) is a prime example.

The music in the film by Jerry Goldsmith is neither classical nor straight-up jazz. It’s a complex mix of mournful trumpet solos with some sprinkle of strings, harps, and pianos.

The music veteran, called at the last moment to score for the film, produced refreshingly unique contemporary music to a storyline set in the 30s.

38. Anatomy of a Murder

Even after decades, the music of Anatomy of a Murder is fresh and mesmerizing. The director Otto Preminger had a unique choice in Duke Ellington.

It was Ellington’s first film and it was also the first time a full-fledged jazz musician was roped in to compose for a movie.

The composer used all his experience to come up with tracks and sounds that convey the rich and varied emotions of the cinema.

The music doesn’t overshadow the crime and courtroom drama. Instead, it makes its appearance felt at the right moments to highlight the tension and other moods in the movie.

37. Koyaanisqatsi

When a video has no dialogue the music assumes special importance. Composer

Philip Glass took the minimalist route to create a breathtaking soundtrack for the haunting visuals of the documentary.

In places, the music almost sounds like a repeating of a mantra. The music became so popular that the Philip Glass Ensemble performed Koyaanisqatsi Live in all the major cities around the world.

36. The Adventures of Robin Hood

It’s true; we have lost some of the original music of the 1938 movie. But, what’s remaining stands testament to the genius of Erich Wolfgang Korngold.

The Oscar-winning score is one-of-a-kind, remarkable in its effect on listeners even today.

The music composed during the ‘Golden Era’ of Hollywood is still invigorating and at the same time touching.

35. Solaris

If you have heard the music of Solaris (1972) and were moved by it, then know this, the soundtrack almost didn’t happen.

Initially, the director Andrei Tarkovsky approached Eduard Artemyev only to create ambient sounds for the movie.

The fans are glad that Artemyev went beyond that to create separate themes for the planet Solaris, Earth, and the character Hari.

Music lovers the world over were bowled over by the composing, especially the recreation of Bach’s chorale preludes.

34. Moonlight

The orchestral score is beautiful and it emerged from the theme of the movie. Along with the original score, the composer Nicholas Britell prepared a playlist of tracks that would fit the movie like a glove.

Britell used the chopped and screwed technique on music from various sources.

Moonlight (2016) has 18 compositions from Barbara Lewis, Boris Gardiner, Goodie Mob, and of course Britell. The music in Moonlight is emotional, moving, and hypnotic.

33. Chariots of Fire

Even those who haven’t seen the movie (not many in this category) would have heard and enjoyed the title track.

The title score and other compositions by Vangelis are soul-steering, highly moving, and grandiose. You can hear the title piece a whole day and not get bored.

The Oscar-winning composer created five themes for the movie; each perfectly fitting the different motifs of the movie.

32. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy

An epic score for an epic trilogy by Howard Shore. The music alone has won several awards including Golden Globes (two), Oscars (three), and Grammys (four).

It’s tough to pigeonhole the music into a single genre. That said, without the orchestral scoring of Shore which is poised and magical, the various music pieces in the trilogy wouldn’t have been so impactful and successful.

31. Suspiria

Suspiria was Thom Yorke’s first film and it wasn’t an easy project at all. Composing music for a horror flick is a tough challenge and Yorke came out with flying colors.

The music, created before the filming began, fits seamlessly into the storyline. The composer took inspiration from James Holden, Pierre Henry, and the Blade Runner soundtracks.

The outcome was a magical, hypnotic, and haunting soundtrack that delights and unsettles us at the same time.

30. The Godfather (Parts I and II)

Can we expect anything less than perfection from Nino Rota? The composition is brilliant and the music is elegant, looming, and dark.

As critics said at that time, even without the movie, Rota’s music is a timeless classic. Surprisingly, the producers weren’t too keen on Rota’s composition, but Coppola insisted.

The soundtrack of Godfather Part I became one of the best scores of gangster movies.

29. Citizen Kane

Although his first movie, Bernard Herrmann was bold to deviate from the set practice in Hollywood.

He avoided the non-stop music technique and introduced 5-15-second cues that highlighted the important scenes and heightened the emotional response of the characters.

They beautifully matched the music with the gravity of the scenes.

For example, the graceful waltz used in the breakfast scene in the beginning gradually became darker to suit the changing personality of Kane.

Orson Wells considered the music a major contributing factor to the artistic success of the film.

28. Eraserhead

The music of Eraserhead is considered by many as a masterpiece of dark ambiance. It has to be to match the surrealistic and dark nature of the movie.

The movie has just two soundtracks, running a total of 38 minutes. The background sound by David Lynch is immersive, enhances the mood of the scenes, and although dark helps further the narrative.

27. The Red Turtle

The Red Turtle is the kind of movie that stays with you for a long time, largely thanks to its brilliant music by Laurent Perez del Mar.

The movie’s visual magnificence is ably matched by its powerful music.

In the absence of any dialogue, the music helps bring out the moods and emotions ranging from playful and optimistic to thoughtful and disappointment.

The movie and its music compel the audience to sit up and take notice.

26. Casablanca

Casablanca is a very musical film and its soundtrack has become immortal because of Max Steiner.

The score is so woven into the story the two become inseparable.

The music by Steiner is also special because it beautifully connects the romantic and political themes and also highlights their dramatic effect.

The composition whips up a wave of emotions in the viewers even today.

25. Aguirre, the Wrath of God

The music by the Popol Vuh band forms an inseparable part of the movie. It’s brilliantly human and ecclesiastical. The haunting music brings out numerous emotions including hope, greed, and doom.

The promise of gold and great achievement has enticed Aguirre and his men to embark on a doomed mission and it’s the music alone that holds and carries the audience until the end.

24. In the Mood for Love

The director claims the movie is more than an obtuse take on cheating; for him, it’s a closer and deeper look at social tendencies and etiquette.

What sets the movie apart? Of course, it’s the deeply moving music from Michael Galasso. The score is sophisticated and it lurks around the characters and comes to the foreground only when the scene so demands.

The music and songs are apt for the storyline and they bring out the various emotions and moods of the characters so well.

23. Vertigo

Bernard Herrmann worked in several of Hitchcock’s movies. His composition in Vertigo was hailed by many including Hitchcock.

In fact, in several scenes of the movie, the director let the music take center stage.

Herrmann was incredibly masterful at using music to highlight the obsessive theme and behavior of the protagonist.

Not many can forget the two-note falling motif that haunts the audience several times in the movie.

22. The Third Man

Carol Reed accidentally met Anton Karas in Vienna and as the saying goes – the rest is history. A fairly unknown Karas stayed in Reed’s house to compose the music for the film.

Reed was right, Karas perfectly captured the moods and themes of post-World War II Vienna. All agree that the unforgettable music perfectly fits the story narrative and sticking cinematography of the movie.

Karas mesmerizes the audience the same way he enthralled Reed with his solo zither act in Vienna.

21. The Piano

With a mute lead character in the movie, the music of Michael Nyman assumes special significance. The composer doesn’t disappoint.

His score, including ‘The Heart Asks Pleasure First’ won hearts and awards aplenty. Through Ada’s piano, Nyman communicates and enthralls the audience with music.

You’ll find the music of The Piano in most Top Film Scores lists. Most people would have heard the music even if they haven’t seen the film.

20. Jaws

No. It wasn’t the mechanical-powered monster called Bruce that scared the audience. It was the two-note theme by John Williams that frightened them out of their wits.

The rest of the music score is equally captivating and forms an indispensable part of the movie.

For the two-note theme to have the effect it did, the composer uses the right tunes (to establish a sense of tranquility) to slowly give it an edgy note to finally unleash the scare that jar the viewers.

19. The Battle of Algiers

To bring out the emotions in a war drama, Ennio Morricone uses every style, tune, and skill in his repertoire.

To start with, the scene in which the French soldiers pass through the streets is infused with sounds that heighten the expectation of an attack.

The composer uses different styles to describe the two sides of the story. The scenes that present the Algerian point of view are filled with music that’s predominantly North African.

In contrast, the European style of music is used in scenes dominated by the French.

The way Morricone harmonizes both music styles is magical.

18. Jules and Jim

George Delerue had an unenviable task at hand, to score music for a range of themes, from friendship, and elation, to tragedy.

The initial happier parts are infused with livelier melodies and the changing dynamics of their relationships see the composer using heavier tunes.

As many critics have commended the music is a dominant element that heightens the emotional appeal of the movie.

17. Cinema Paradiso

Time and again Ennio Morricone proved he doesn’t need a strong storyline to compose great music. But, he is at his absolute best when he has a strong plot to work on.

The music in Cinema Paradiso is just brilliant. It elevates you spiritually and leaves you yearning for more.

Along with his son Andrea, Morricone uses various themes (piano, guitar, love, and melancholy) in ways only he can. The charm and grace that he infuses into the movie will leave the audience spellbound.

16. Taxi Driver

Taxi Driver is as much a Bernard Herrmann film as it’s a Martin Scorsese or Robert De Niro movie.

No one can better Herrmann in exploring and presenting the psyche of the protagonist through vague melancholy jazz music.

There is more. He switches to tense and serious brass tunes to highlight the violence and hate in the movie. The composer manages the calmness, despair, and menace so beautifully.

15. Raiders of the Lost Ark

John Williams has given us many scores that have become part of our childhood memory. The music of Raiders of the Lost Ark is one such score that also set the tone for the sequels.

The main theme is iconic and the rest of the music is brilliant and memorable. Another big plus is the versatility, as Williams includes themes from various regions of the world like Arabic tunes, Peruvian mystique tunes, etc.

The music also helps add the elements of surprise, mystery, and adventure into the movie.

14. Elevator to the Gallows

Elevator to the Gallows was recently restored and released a few years back. One of the primary reasons why the new-age audience should watch the movie is for the music of Miles Davis.

The viewers would be awestruck by the trumpet music and how the composer brings out a plethora of emotions with the instrument.

The music of the movie stands on its own and it’s worth hearing again and again.

13. Once Upon a Time in America

There is something for everybody in Ennio Morricone’s Once Upon a Time in America.

The viewer is awed by the opening theme, has the foot-tapping for the music of the bygone prohibition era, and feels melancholy and sad during the Friendship and Love song.

The composition is not just powerful and magnificent, it’s also emotional and touching – only Morricone can pull it off in a gangster flick.

12. Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters

The music of Mishima is an absolute masterpiece from Philip Glass who was at his peak in the 80s.

To suit the different themes of the movie, Glass uses three different ensembles.

He uses the string quartet for black-and-white biographical scenes, a large symphonic orchestra for stylized scenes, and percussion and string orchestra for the last day footage of the writer.

The music by Glass is bound to immerse the audience in the narrative.

11. Under the Skin

The music by Mica Levi received a positive response from the audience and other artists.

Levi uses a minimalistic technique to haunt the mood of the viewers.

The ambient music both soothes and at the same time gets under the skin of the listener.

The music of the movie is considered one of the best compositions of the decade.

10. Mulholland Drive

A mystery drama high on tense moments and usage of multiple themes and interpretations needs a guide to navigate the audience through the complex storyline.

Angelo Badalamenti’s music does exactly that. In the movie, the music is the emotional guide that takes the viewers through the various themes.

Badalamenti effortlessly skips between multiple music styles to keep the viewers engrossed in the story. In several places, the composer uses noir jazz to build up the tension, and after the tempo is built uses string music to generate an eerie feel.

The music in Mulholland Drive is widely considered Badalamenti’s best work. The music is unique and refreshing yet so familiar.

In places, the music, songs, and sounds strike a chord and help you emotionally connect with the characters.

9. Schindler’s List

The instrumental theme song in Schindler’s List is without parallel, at least in the 90s. The violin music never ceases to trigger a wave of emotions in the viewer every time it’s played.

John Williams was initially reluctant to work on the movie and appealed to Spielberg to find someone else because the challenge was too big for him to compose for such a powerful theme.

Although Spielberg recognized the enormity of the task he nonetheless requested Williams to work on the movie. He replied that he couldn’t find anyone better because none are alive of that caliber.

Williams beautifully captures the WWII era with his vibrant and dynamic music. No amount of praise is enough for the violin and piano music that is rhythmic and emotional, creating the perfect melody that would stay with the listener forever.

8. Jackie

Natalie Portman gave an enthralling performance that was widely appreciated. But, the real star of the biographical drama is music composer Mica Levi.

A lot has been said and written about the former first lady, but director Pablo Larrain presents a unique perspective.

The director brilliantly uses old footage and a new realistic portrayal to showcase the melancholy and vulnerable side of Jacqueline Kennedy just before and after the assignation of President Kennedy.

The story and its different elements are beautifully presented by composer Mica Levi. The music is also the emotional glue that holds the different themes of the film together.

In Levi’s score, there is something optimistic and sunny in the jazz music at the beginning. Then, after the shooting, a mix of edgy drums and piano, fragile chords, mixed with eerie silence brings out a sudden change in mood that depicts sadness, loneliness, and fear.

7. Once Upon a Time in the West

Sergio Leone again turns to his trusted and reliable friend Ennio Morricone for the western Once Upon a Time in the West. And once again, the master composer doesn’t disappoint.

Not many would have thought it possible to top or even match the heights achieved in the ‘Dollars’ trilogy.

Well, the music in Once Upon a Time in the West became one of Morricone’s greatest compositions. Plus, he composed just with a screenplay in his hand.

The opening sequence of the movie is unscored. The background music starts just a few seconds before the first fight scene.

Morricone created separate themes for the main characters and all three are considered classics. The best of the three is when Jill finds her new husband isn’t at the train station to receive her. Morricone uses the vocals of Edda Dell’Orso with the orchestra for the theme and the result is magical.

For the second theme, Morricone uses harmonica (Bronson’s nickname in the movie) mixed with a breathtaking orchestra and choir. Finally, the third theme features banjo music, for the character Cheyenne, which is also great.

It’s impossible to remember a western classic like Once Upon a Time in the West without remembering its music.

6. Psycho

Why is the music of Psycho so hauntingly good? Even today anyone watching Psycho for the first time would experience an eerie feeling hearing the one-note tune.

The bump-bump-bump note throughout the movie would unnerve anyone. Imagine the experience of the audience nearly 60 years ago in a dark movie theater.

Along with the camera work, the music plays a big part in creating the haunting and eerie atmosphere that Alfred Hitchcock is so famous for.

So, we expect the director to be closely involved in composing. He loves to plan everything, and focus on even the smallest detail, even before the filming began.

But, in the case of Psycho, Hitchcock had so much confidence in Bernard Herrmann that he left the composer alone.

It’s the hallmark of geniuses that they exceed expectations when the odds are against them. A black-and-white movie in the color era, Psycho was made on a small budget with an even smaller fund allocation for music.

With limited instruments, Herrmann came up with cold, chilly tunes that the audience can’t help but shudder when visualizing the scenes of the movie.

Instead of timpani and other such instruments, the composer startles and scares the audience with percussive effects on his strings.

Do you remember the shower scene in which Marion (Janet Leigh) is stabbed and murdered? Initially, Hitchcock didn’t want to use any music. Herrmann went ahead and created something anyway.

Later, when the director felt the scene was incomplete without music, Herrmann played his tune and the rest, as they say, is history.

5. There Will Be Blood

Applauded by many as the unsung hero of the movie, Jonny Greenwood is now defining how Hollywood music of the 21^st century is perceived.

A lead guitarist and keyboard player in a rock band, Greenwood was called upon to compose for the epic period drama. If that wasn’t challenging enough, There Will Be Blood was Greenwood’s debut in Hollywood.

At no point in time, do the viewers suspect this is Greenwood’s first foray into movies. The music becomes an inseparable part of the storyline.

The string-heavy music draws the audience into the life of Daniel Plainview, transporting us to a part of American history that’s ruthless, greedy, passionate, and resolute.

Earlier, we saw how composers often write themes for characters. In his own words, Greenwood said he deviated from the standard practice, and instead composed for the story and scenery.

In the right places, the music induces goosebumps and gives the viewers a dark and spooky feeling.

Greenwood’s work in There Will Be Blood is, without doubt, one of the best motion-picture scores.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t considered for the Academy Awards because a small portion of the score was plucked from Popcorn Superhet Receiver, which Greenwood did for BBC in 2005.

4. Lawrence of Arabia

Music is such a big part of Lawrence of Arabia because it breathes life into the desolate desert wind that’s thirsty for power and blood.

More than the storyline, it’s the music that makes this movie a larger-than-life epic and adventure. The composition for this movie also earned Maurice Jarre an Oscar for Best Score.

Initially, three composers were chosen for the movie. The other two opted out which increased pressure on Jarre to compose music for the whole film in less than a month. The result is there for everyone to see (and of course hear).

To create the ethnic and exotic tunes that the movie demanded, Jarre used 11 percussionists. To create a sense of grandeur and expansiveness that the script and locations demanded, the composer used triton intervals both melodically and harmonically.

Throughout the film, Jarre uses different themes to hold the viewer’s attention. The signature theme is one of sweeping romanticism used to highlight the vast desert scenes.

The movie also has at least two Arab themes. One is a percussive theme that is melodic and clear. The other has an ethnic construct that is powerful and exotic.

In addition, as a background for our enigmatic hero, the composer uses a bravado theme. Even if you have watched the movie, we recommend you watch it again just for the music.

3. Star Wars

John Williams creates out-of-this-world magic with his score for the Star Wars franchise. Critics and fans of the franchise have run out of adjectives to describe and praise the music and its composer.

It’s the tension, depth, and variety that Williams manages to create that makes the music in Star Wars iconic, unforgettable, and masterful.

The music of Star Wars is unique perhaps because the director preferred a classical approach to the Space Saga.

The pacing of the music and the right mix of melody and bold-held notes keep the audience arrested to the screens. The grandeur of the space themes is equally matched by pitch-perfect music.

Of all the themes, the ‘Imperial March’ is the most famous and best recognized. The long-short pattern makes the theme instantly recognizable to youngsters even today. The music phase is dark, terrifying, and menacing like the character Darth Vader.  

The theme music for the characters – Yoda and Princess Leia – reappears several times and their composition and use are brilliant. The Yoda theme is stately, reflective, and noble and the Princess Leia theme is heart-wrenching yet beautiful.

In addition, Williams has one common theme; the melody of hope that uplifts the mood and expectations of the audience.

2. Blade Runner

What makes a great film score? Some say the music should be an integral part of the narrative, seldom standing out on its own. While others prefer music that sticks out, captivates, and stays in the memories of the viewers for a long term.

In fact, a great film score does both, like the music in Blade Runner. Although the soundtrack was rolled out a decade after the movie’s release it still had the potential to engross the audience.

In fact, even after four decades, music by Vangelis is still haunting good. Blade Runner 1982 was a cinematic and aesthetic masterpiece. Before the release, many expected the dystopian world to be dark, hopeless, and disturbing.

Instead, the audience was awestruck by the dystopian Los Angles. A similar, or greater, impact on the audience came from the music. One could close the eyes and listen to music, the scenes would still convey the story, manipulate our emotions, and transport our thoughts to the dystopian world. 

Does the composition of Vangelis deserve such a high degree of praise and second position on our list? Yes, it certainly does. Vangelis heightens the mood and also manages to create a deep, dark, dystopian world with just his music.

1. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Now, it’s easy to single out The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly as one of the greatest spaghetti westerns ever. But, back in the 50s and 60s, westerns were quite common.

So, what made the movie such a worldwide success? Some will say it’s the cast, for some it’s the storyline, but most would agree that the music was a key element in the movie’s success.

So much so, that the music composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone has become part of our cultural fabric.

In the years and decades following the movie’s release, the music was everywhere, on TV shows, radio, parties, advertisements, playgrounds, and the lips of youngsters.

No one thought the howling coyotes, yodeling, and gunfire would one day become part of an iconic soundtrack.

The music theme for the three main characters is infused with a two-note motif played with three different instruments. The flute music was used to represent Clint Eastwood, an ocarina for Lee Van Cleef, and a choir for Eli Wallach.  

Instead of playing a subordinate role, the music emerges as a special, unique character that lifts the visual moments and adds to the gravitas of the scenes.

The vocal arrangements, animal sound, whip-cracking sound, and the use of electric guitars, trumpets, and Sicilian folk instruments create unique themes that elevate the cinema-watching experience like never before.

Do you agree with our list of the best 50 film scores of all time? If we have missed anything, do let us know. In addition, share your thoughts and suggestions.