John Williams: His 20 Best Film Scores

8. Superman (1978)

http://youtu.be/e9vrfEoc8_g Perhaps no theme embodies the heart and soul of a pre-existing character quite like John Williams' for Superman. The two have become inextricably bound, and that is a true testament to the power of movie music. In the score for Superman, Williams moves fluently from the majestic and inspiring main theme, to a powerful anthem for the dying Krypton, a poignant love theme and a soaring composition for flight. In the end, you will believe a man can fly; the score is tremendously effective. Highlight tracks include: "Theme from Superman (Main Title)," "The Planet Krypton," "Love Theme from Superman," "Leaving Home," and "The Flying Sequence."

7. Jurassic Park (1993)

http://youtu.be/D8zlUUrFK-M The score for Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park contains some of the most stunningly beautiful music in Williams' entire repertoire. It is a shame that it was initially overshadowed by the music for Schindler's List having both came out in the same year, because Jurassic Park deserves recognition as well. The "Theme from Jurassic Park" is gorgeous, majestic, and chill-inducing. "Journey to the Island" is a fantastic action cue, "Hatching Baby Raptor" is equal parts breathtaking and ominous, and "My Friend, the Brachiosaurus" contains beautiful string music. The music for Jurassic Park is certainly worthy of its subject matter: the dinosaurs approve. Highlight tracks include: "Theme from Jurassic Park," "Journey to the Island," "Hatching Baby Raptor," "Welcome to Jurassic Park," "My Friend, the Brachiosaurus," and "Remembering Petticoat Lane."
 
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A chronicler of all things media. A lifelong film and television geek. A tenacious listener of movie music.