12. Up - Michael Giacchino
PixarPixar is in the business of brightening up the lives of children along with one other venture; making grown men and women weep. And they've done an excellent job at it over the years, to the point of Toy Story 3 creating a sense of trauma in anyone who grew up with the films. So with 2009's Up, directed by Pete Docter, Pixar was at it again. Only this time, they had help from composer Michael Giacchino, who crafted one of the most simple, yet audaciously charming themes of all time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjAWAUc_33k The theme takes center stage in a cue called "Married Life", which shows the lifespan of Carl and Ellie's relationship over the decades. Giacchino's deceptively simple 4-note melody gently sifts throughout the sequence, taking you on an emotional roller coaster that deals with some heavy themes. Life, love and death all play a key part, which Giacchino is reflecting perfectly in his score. The Up theme goes through a series of subtle evolutions throughout the film, which culminates in a peaceful rendition to end the film.