Blade Runner Vs. Blade Runner 2049: Which One Is Better?

8. Music

Blade Runner
Warner Bros.

Vangelis' synth-driven, jazz-like score for the original movie is pretty much peerless in the sci-fi genre, a ground-breaking masterwork that's endured as one of the film's most distinctive elements. It is a perfect accompaniment to the gorgeous visuals, and unsurprisingly had fans begging him to return for 2049.

Though Vangelis didn't come back for the sequel and 2049's original composer Jóhann Jóhannsson was ditched during post-production, Hans Zimmer and Benjamin Wallfisch stepped in to save the day, providing those eye-watering images with a soundscape that honoured the original while introducing some of Zimmer's more typical, bombastic elements also.

Winner: 2049's score is undeniably driven by Vangelis' original themes, so due to its influence and unquestionable impact, the first film has to win out here.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.