John Williams: His 20 Best Film Scores

10. Hook (1991)

https://youtu.be/2EFiTuG21jg Most people would agree that Steven's Spielberg's Hook was at least disappointing, but the same cannot be said of Williams' wonderful score. Williams combines elements of fantasy, drama, comedy, and even some romance into a jam-packed twist on a classic story. Peter's journey to remembering who he is provides juicy material for musical exploration. There are many standout tracks, but the prologue is one of John Williams' most extraordinarily concentrated compositions. Though the track is a mere 90 seconds long, it completely sets the stage for the film to come, effortlessly floating from tingling fantasy to sweeping action. It is an exquisite cue in a score full of many. Highlight tracks include: "Prologue," "Hook-Napped," "The Never-Feast," "Remembering Childhood," "You Are the Pan," and "Farewell Neverland."

9. Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (2003)

http://youtu.be/DLw9F72c_Zc Alfonso CuarĂ³n, a newly crowned Oscar winner for Gravity, directed the third entry in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. It is by far the most unique vision to accompany Harry to the silver screen, and with it comes Williams' most unique Harry Potter score. From a hilarious waltz to a jazzy chase, a chorus rendition of "Double Trouble" to a haunting flute solo in "A Window to the Past," this score is a brave departure from the previous two. "Quidditch, Third Year" highlights the dark nature of the film in a thrilling action cue, but the real standout is "Buckbeak's Flight." An initial percussive barrage transitions into one of Williams' most awe-inspiring sequences of soaring string music. Don't miss Williams' final exploration of Harry Potter's wondrous world. Highlight tracks include: "Aunt Marge's Waltz," "The Knight Bus," "Double Trouble," "Buckbeak's Flight," "A Window to the Past," "Quidditch, Third Year," and "Mischief Managed!"
 
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Contributor

A chronicler of all things media. A lifelong film and television geek. A tenacious listener of movie music.