Photo Credit: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra via Instagram
Photo of Williams conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in March 2023
At 92 years old, John Williams has composed music for over 75 films. Many of these films belong to the biggest franchises to exist.
Amongst his large discography, there are five franchises whose soundtracks rise above the rest, along with one that is too nostalgic to be left out.
Honorable Mention: “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”
This soundtrack is one that inspires wonder, especially when it comes to the track titled “Escape/Chase/Saying Goodbye.”
I place this as an honorable mention only because there isn’t necessarily more than one theme. As well, this isn’t the first space movie to have a soundtrack that was memorable.
5. ”Superman: The Movie” (1978)
This film was the first major superhero movie ever. It set the tone for every single superhero film made after it, by focusing on the representation of being a hero.
Additionally, the theme perfectly accompanies the title sequence. The titles fly, just likeSuperman does later on in the film.
However, I rank the soundtrack at fifth because Williams’ work was only for this film and not its sequels. If he had composed the sequels, there would have been more original tracks for the franchise to face off against others with.
4. The “Indiana Jones” Franchise
Throughout the “Indiana Jones” franchise, the music onscreen perfectly matches the moment. One track in particular is “Indy’s Very First Adventure.” When Indy first receives his fedora, the music implies that this moment is extremely important.
Some ideas that the soundtrack has explored are adventure, fear, and love. As well, the repetition of Indy’s recognizable theme throughout the franchise is able to perfectly represent the heroic actions he makes.
However, the soundtracks of the films are not as powerful as the franchises put ahead of it.
3. The “Jurassic Park” Franchise
When “Jurassic Park” was first released, it was a worldwide sensation. Being able to see computer generated dinosaurs was a really big deal. John Williams truly understood his assignment when it came to this soundtrack.
The “Theme from Jurassic Park” captures the pure awe of the moment. It allows the viewer’s mind to be blown even further. Over time, however, this slow and calming theme transitions to notes of terror and fear.
What makes me rank this franchise’s soundtrack so high is Williams’ ability to make listeners feel every single emotion that is seen on the screen. Although he did not work on the “Jurassic World” franchise, Michael Giacchino recreates the themes, putting a modern twist to them.
2. The “Harry Potter” Franchise
Although Williams only composed the first three films, there were so many themes created. All of these were successfully able to add magic to the films.
The soundtrack of the first film, however, remains the best one in my opinion. Over the course of the film, the introduction to the wizarding world gives tracks that grow more prominent by the minute. The music’s rise also symbolizes Harry’s emergence into the world he was destined to be a part of.
This franchise’s soundtrack fits especially well within the Universal Studios theme parks. Williams’ work allows guests to feel immersed, as if they actually were stepping foot into places such as Gringotts Bank and Diagon Alley.
1. The “Star Wars” Franchise
This ranking is self-explanatory. There are so many original themes that Williams wrote for this franchise. Every single theme identifies and goes in depth with ideas such as war, adventure, hope, and love.
With that being said, themes such as “The Imperial March,” and “Duel of the Fates” are unforgettable. To this day, these themes are still relevant in the franchise even though Williams’ work ended with 2022’s “Obi-Wan Kenobi.”
It was this soundtrack that inspired so many films, not just set in space, to carry forward with the usage of classical music.
Overall, John Williams will never be forgotten. The music he has composed throughout the years will forever remain some of the greatest film soundtracks of all time.
Williams’ film scores can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.