Cinematic film scores have become an essential part of movies, especially in the 21st century. They bring life to any movie by conveying the exact emotions behind the scenes that words can’t describe. From the crashing music in action movies to the intense and thrilling music in horror movies to the instrumental piano in a rom-com; all are perfectly realistic cinematic scores!

Nowadays, cinematic scores are being appreciated widely - not just because of the artistic and realistic elements they bring in the movie, but also because of their remarkable quality! In fact, fans are now listening to movie scores and soundtracks more than any other lyrical song in the world!

Here is a list of top 10 cinematic scores in movies as an inspiration for budding musicians and artists:

1. Harry Potter – John Williams, Patrick Doyle, Nicholas Hooper, Alexandre Desplat (2001-2011)

One can never get enough of the magical and wondrous cinematic scores throughout the eight installments of the Harry Potter Movie Series. John Williams, Patrick Doyle, Nicholas Hooper, and Alexandre Desplat composed the signature haunting solo celesta “Hedwig’s Theme” that is still evergreen. This film score got worldwide recognition, Oscar nominations, and a chance to feature in the Harry Potter’s follow-up trilogy; Fantastic Beasts.

Video Link: Harry Potter's Main Theme (Hedwig's Theme) - J. Williams | 8D Film Music. Use headphones.

2. The Lord of the Rings - Howard Shore (2001 - 2003) 

The Lord of the Rings by Howard Shore is undoubtedly one of the best movie scores of all time. The movie series contains over 13 hours of joyous music and chirping flute sounds that perfectly complemented the theme. The production of the music included at least 400 musicians, and the whole cinematic score won 3 Oscars, 2 Golden Globes, and 3 Grammys. The score of “The Shire” especially gained never-ending worldwide popularity!

Video Link: Lord of the Rings Sound of The Shire

3. The Pink Panther (Henry Mancini) (1963)

The film score of the Pink Panther Movie by Henry Mancini is a masterpiece of all times. The composer and the animator worked remarkably well at creating and syncing the music with what was happening on screen. The Pink Panther soundtrack won the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 2021 and was nominated as the Best Original Score for Academy Awards too.

Video Link: The Pink Panther | Soundtrack Suite (Henry Mancini)

4. There Will Be Blood – Jonny Greenwood (2007)

Next, we have a cinematic film score debut by Radiohead member and exemplary guitarist Jonny Greenwood. His vibrant, moving, and hauntingly dramatic film score for the movie There Will Be Blood got an Oscar and Grammy nomination and was admired by people from all over the world. All in all, the score perfectly matched the horror of this drama film!

Video Link: There Will be Blood - Full OST / soundtrack - (HQ)

5. Pirates of the Caribbean – Klaus Badelt, Hans Zimmer (2003-2017)

Pirates of the Caribbean was like a treasure trove for the German composer Klaus Badelt; the first big-budget film of his entire career. The sounds and melodies of this film contain a collection of sea shanties and ostinatos by Hans Zimmer. The song “He is a Pirate” takes you to a whole different world; from billowing sails to wild water waves, you can picture everything!

Video Link: Pirates of the Caribbean (Full Orchestra) - By Klaus Badelt/Arranged by Ted Ricketts (Score & Sound)

6. Black Panther – Ludwig Göransson (2018)

Black Panther is just one of the superhit movies by Marvel Studios, and half of the credit goes to the spectacular cinematic score by the composer Ludwig Göransson. His score had hints of traditional African instrumentation and the typical “superhero battles” orchestral music. 

The most interesting part about this score is that Ludwig himself wandered the villages of Africa to learn about the local traditions and music. The soundtrack of the entire movie was simply unique and captivating.

Video Link: 'Black Panther' Main Theme by Ludwig Göransson

7. Joker – Hildur Guðnadóttir (2019)

Remember the iconic scene when Joaquin Phoenix danced under the dim lights of the bathroom in the movie Joker? Yes, it was Hildur Guðnadóttir’s cinematic score that gave life to that sinister scene! 

Hildur Guðnadóttir is not just a composer, but a classically trained and renowned cellist too. He utilized his cello skills the most he could in this movie by playing an electro-acoustic cello, a Halldodophone, and resonating strings to give an unexplainable feel!

Video Link: Joker (2019) - 'Bathroom Dance' scene [1080p]

8. The Social Network-Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross (2010)

The Social Network; a Facebook movie about tech theft, branding, ego, and greed would have been incomplete without the remarkable sound score by the composers Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The creepy and haunting subtle tones created an aura for the viewers while leaving them with goosebumps. 

Video Link: Trent Reznor And Atticus Ross - The Social Network Soundtrack [Full Album] 

9. “Tenet” (Ludwig Göransson) (2020)

After Black Panther, the oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson rocked the cinema with another remarkable score in the movie Tenet. The music complements the theme and story of the movie so perfectly that we were left in awe with goosebumps on our skin. The vibrant sounds and crashing cymbals by Ludwig Göransson are what this movie needed to become a blockbuster!

Video Link: TENET Official Soundtrack | RAINY NIGHT IN TALLINN - Ludwig Göransson | WaterTower

10. “Minari” (Emile Mosseri) (2020)

Emile Mosseri went from nothing to one of the most in-demand collaborators in a matter of 2 years. Want to know how? By creating a remarkable cinematic score for the movie Minari in 2020. The pulsed sounds synced so well in the trainer alone, and the airy vocals and twinkling pianos make the whole movie a treat to both eyes and ears!

Video Link: Minari | Official Trailer HD | A24

Final Words

Music plays an important part in our lives and a more important part in the success of any movie. Cinematic scores are the lives of movies, irrespective of the genre. The list above proves that our musicians are doing their best to provide the industry with quality soundtracks. We should honor them and definitely learn from them!