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15 Legendary John Williams Film Scores

Creating some of the most recognizable and well-loved movie music themes of all time, John Williams has shaped the music industry as a whole.

Musicnotes

• 9 min read
15 Legendary John Williams Film Scores

We’re not sure if “legendary” is a big enough word to describe John Williams. Iconic, unmatched, transcendent–no matter which adjective you use, there is no doubting the impact this man has had on film scoring. Creating some of the most recognizable and well-loved movie music themes of all time, Williams has shaped the music industry as a whole.

It is impossible to overestimate the impact of John Williams music. His scores practically invented the summer blockbuster. He’s been nominated for 52 Best Film Score Oscars, an all-time record. John Williams compositions are performed around the world, every day. He has directly influenced not just the shape of film composition, but the act of filmmaking itself. Let’s take a trip down nostalgia lane and dive into 15 of our favorite Williams scores.

Jaws

John Williams created one of the most famous movie themes of all times with just two notes. But of course, the soundtrack to Jaws is far more involved than going back and forth between a half-step. Williams’ traditional orchestration in the 1975 film brings a small summer vacation island to life, peers into a mind-blowing mystery, and takes you on a wild chase from a legendary shark.

Jaws Awards:

  • Grammy for Album of Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special (1975)
  • Academy Award for Best Original Dramatic Score (1975)

Harry Potter

Although John Williams didn’t score all 8 Harry Potter films, he set the tone for what would be an iconic series. His enchanting “Hedwig’s Theme” became the centerpiece of each film, and is now one of the most recognizable movie themes of all time. The tinkering bell sounds Williams placed in the scores of Harry Potter not only created a unique sound, but they made the world fall in love with the magical wizarding world.

Harry Potter Nominations:

  • Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Composition (2001, "Hedwig's Theme")
  • Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score (2001, Sorcerer's Stone)
  • Grammy nomination for Best Score Soundtrack Album for A Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media (2002, Sorcerer's Stone)
  • Grammy nomination for Best Score Soundtrack Album for A Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media (2003, Chamber of Secrets)
  • Grammy nomination for Best Score Soundtrack Album for A Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media (2004, Prisoner of Azkaban)
  • Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score (2004, Prisoner of Azkaban)

Indiana Jones

Every time the “Raiders March” plays in an Indiana Jones film, you can’t help but smile. Williams encompasses true adventure in the Indiana Jones films, taking you through wild car chases, booby trap filled caves, and mountains of jaw-dropping treasure. The triumphant horns and energetic strings in these scores make you feel like you could take on the world with Indy!

Indiana Jones Nominations:

Star Wars

John Williams has scored eight Star Wars films so far and plans on doing just one more before he passes the torch. There is no doubt that he will be greatly missed, as the music composed for Star Wars is some of the most famous music in the history of film. The brass melody at the beginning of the Star Wars Main Theme is one nearly anyone, any age, could sing on cue. The rest of these incredible scores take you on a trip through space, from galaxy to galaxy.

Star Wars Nominations:

  • Grammy nomination for Album of the Year (1977, Star Wars)
  • Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score (180, The Empire Strikes Back)
  • Grammy nomination for Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special (1983, The Return Of The Jedi)
  • Grammy nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Performance (1991, Star Wars Trilogy Album)
  • Grammy nomination for Best Score Soundtrack Album for A Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media (1999, The Phantom Menace)
  • Grammy nomination for Best Score Soundtrack Album for A Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media (2005, Revenge Of The Sith)
  • Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score (2015, The Force Awakens)
  • Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score (2017, The Last Jedi)

Star Wars Awards:

  • Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Recording (1977, Star Wars)
  • Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition (1977, Star Wars – Main Title)
  • Grammy for Best Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special (1977, Star Wars)
  • Academy Award for Best Original Score (1997)
  • Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media (2016, The Force Awakens)

Jurassic Park

People everywhere were thrilled when Jurassic World continued the Jurassic Park series for the first time in 14 years in 2015. But we were just excited to hear the incredibly imaginative Jurassic Park Theme again! You can’t help but get lost in the wonder of this beautiful theme. The combination of the beautiful strings, tinkering bells, and powerful horns make this masterpiece one of John Williams’ most recognized and adored pieces of music.

Jurassic Park Nominations:

  • Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Competition Written for a Motion Picture or for Television (1993, Jurassic Park)
  • Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Competition Written for a Motion Picture or for Television (1997, The Lost World)

E.T. The Extraterrestrial

John Williams takes you on your very own flight across a starry night sky in the E.T. Flying Theme. This score immerses you in the curiosity and adventurousness of your youth, with fluttering flutes, rich strings, and bold trumpets. Though the movie itself is nearly 40 years old, the music is timeless; still studied and listened to by many. This score is considered so creative it is routinely studied in film composition programs at major universities.

E.T. Nominations:

  • Grammy nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Performance (1982)
  • Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Composition (1982, “Adventure on Earth“)

E.T. Awards:

  • Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition (1982, “Flying – Theme from E.T.“)
  • Grammy for Best Album of Original Instrumental Background Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television (1982)
  • Grammy for Best Arrangement of an Instrumental Recording (1982, “Flying – Theme from E.T.“)
  • Academy Award for Best Original Score (1982)

Superman

With the release of Superman in 1978, John Williams defined our feelings towards superheroes. His massive brass fanfare ushered in victory and triumph over the bad guys, making the hearts of people everywhere swoon for the hero from Krypton!

Superman Nominations:

  • Grammy nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Performance (1979, Main Title)
  • Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score (1978)

Superman Awards:

  • Grammy for Best Album of Original Instrumental Background Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television (1979)
  • Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition (1979, Main Title)

Saving Private Ryan

Saving Private Ryan was incredibly influential in the war films genre. With powerful messages of brotherhood and patriotism, John Williams captured the emotions perfectly. In one of the film score favorites, “Hymn to the Fallen,” Williams makes use of march-like snare drums and a powerful choir to accompany a magnificent orchestration.

Saving Private Ryan Awards:

  • Grammy for Best Instrumental Competition Written for a Motion Picture or for Television (1998)
  • Academy Award nomination for Best Original Dramatic Score (1998)

Schindler’s List

We have to warn you, Schindler’s List is a very emotionally heavy film. Set in Germany in the midst of World War II, it takes on some very serious themes, and so does the music. Williams captures the raw emotion of this film in some incredibly moving orchestrations. His use of the violin and cor anglais in the Main Theme reflects the somber subject and begs the listener to watch, reflect, and remember.

There’s a funny story Williams tells about this film. When Spielberg approached him about Schindler’s List, Williams said, “Steve, you need one of the great film composers for this movie.” Spielberg replied, “I know John, but all the great composers are dead. So I’m asking you.”

Schindler’s List Awards:

  • Academy Award for Best Original Score (1993)
  • Grammy for Best Instrumental Competition Written for a Motion Picture or for Television (1994)

Catch Me If You Can

The life of Frank Abagnale Jr. was a complete thrill ride, to say the least! John Williams captures the life of this charming conman in Catch Me If You Can with playful saxophone lines and finger snaps. He also makes excellent use of space in this film score, keeping the listener on the edge of their seat and begging to see what happens next. The 2002 hit film was adapted into a musical in 2009, bringing the screen to the stage, and although it wasn’t composed by Williams himself, it was his tunes that laid the framework for the Tony Award Winning musical.

Catch Me If You Can Nominations:

  • Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score (2002)
  • Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television, or Other Visual Media (2003)

Catch Me If You Can Awards:

  • Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Capella (2017, Escapades For Alto Saxophone And Orchestra)

Memoirs of a Geisha

Set in Japan, throughout the entirety of Memoirs of a Geisha, there are many elements of traditional Japanese music. With many lovely moments for cello and violin, the score features the famous cellist, Yo-Yo Ma. You can’t help but get lost in the beauty of this Williams soundtrack, being swept up into the mysterious life of a powerful woman.

Memoirs of a Geisha Nominations:

  • Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Composition (2006, “Sayuri’s Theme“)
  • Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score (2005)

Memoirs of a Geisha Awards:

  • Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television, or Other Visual Media (2006)

Hook

Who doesn’t love the fantastical world of Peter Pan? John Williams took on the spin of the famous childhood favorite with Hook and left us even more in love with the tale when he was done. His full orchestra and bold brass melodies perfectly encapsulate the free spirit of Peter Pan, and in the case of Hook, return us all to childhood.

Hook Nominations:

  • Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song (1991, “When You’re Alone“)
  • Grammy nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Performance (1992)
  • Grammy nomination for Best Instrumental Competition Written for a Motion Picture or for Television (1992)

The Book Thief

Markus Zusak’s novel, The Book Thief is an international bestseller, translated into several languages, and was adapted into a film in 2013. Another film set in Germany in the midst of World War II, the story follows a curious and intellectual girl, and the soundtrack carries you along the way. Williams incorporates delicate piano and string lines throughout the film, peaking your own curiosity and emotions as you watch.

The Book Thief Nominations:

  • Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score (2013)

The Book Thief Nominations:

  • Grammy for Best Instrumental Composition (2014)

Home Alone

John Williams showed his holiday composing chops in the Christmas classic Home Alone. Complete with sleigh bells and beautiful choral moments, this soundtrack puts you right in the Christmas mood, no matter what season it is. You’ll find yourself laughing and crying in this iconic film, and the music plays a huge role!

Home Alone Nominations:

  • Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score (1990)
  • Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song (1990, “Somewhere In My Memory“)
  • Grammy nomination for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television (1991, “Somewhere in my Memory“)

We know your mind is pretty blown right about now, but if you still haven’t had enough, click here to browse even more John Williams masterpieces. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll be planning a few movie marathons in the near future!

John Williams FAQ

  1. How Many Movies has John Williams Scored? 110. The first was 1958’s Daddy-O directed by Lou Place with a story and screenplay by David Moessinger. The most recent is The Rise of Skywalker from 2019. In addition to blockbuster movies, he has scored short films, TV films, and various miscellaneous pieces, such as music for Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park attractions.
  2. What Are John Williams’ Most Important Scores? Everyone has their favorites, but if you talk to the industry experts at the American Film Institute, they rank the original Star Wars film score as the top film score of all time. It is certainly one of the most influential. Other Williams’ scores that are crucial in the genre include E.T., Jaws, Schindler’s List, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the first Harry Potter movie.
  3. How Many of Spielberg’s Films Did John Williams Score? Williams has scored 28 of Spielberg’s films. It is one of the longest-running collaborations in Hollywood. The first was a movie called The Sugarland Express from 1974. The most recent was The BFG from 2016.
  4. What Were John Williams’ Most Important Influences? Williams was fortunate to come of age in a Hollywood that had legendary scorers, such as Bernard Herrmann, Franz Waxman, and Alfred Newman. These gifted composers were still tapped into the old-school orchestral sounds of Vienna. Williams worked for them as an orchestrator in addition to playing the piano for studio sessions. In this way, he was able to learn the art and importance of great melodic writing.
  5. Is John Williams Still Composing? Despite being well past the age at which many composers retire, Williams worked on a new Spielberg movie, The Fabelmans, and is reported to be working on the score for the fifth Indiana Jones movie. In addition, he still composes classical concert music. He debuted his second violin concerto just last year with Anne-Sophie Mutter.
  6. How Can I Listen to John Williams Soundtracks? Many of John Williams’ scores are available on movie soundtrack compilations or for purchase or streaming through your favorite outlet. Some of the earlier more obscure ones, such as “Not with My Wife, You Don’t!” are hard to find. Of course, the best way to listen to any of his soundtracks is to watch the movie the score comes from. That way you catch a glimpse of the pure genius that marries music with action and feeling so compellingly.