Legendary musician John Williams is arguably the most renowned film composer of all time, boasting 52 Oscar nominations throughout his illustrious career.
The 92-year-old music maestro has bagged five Oscars for his film scores, which include Fiddler on the Roof (1971), Jaws (1976), Star Wars (1977), E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and Schindler’s List (1993). He has also scooped up 25 Grammys, seven BAFTAs, and three Emmy Awards.
Given this, it’s hardly surprising that Disney Plus has chosen to produce a feature documentary titled Music by John Williams, charting the composer’s phenomenally successful career.
The upcoming doc, featuring insights from Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, Kathleen Kennedy and other cinema luminaries, will premiere on the platform on November 1, reports the Mirror.
Ahead of its launch, here are our top 10 film scores from the genius composer.
10. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
It was almost impossible to rank Williams’ various scores over the years – and the fact that Close Encounters of the Third Kind only just made it into the top 10 demonstrates just how talented the composer is. Honourable mentions should also go to 1991’s childhood classic, Hook, and 1998’s Saving Private Ryan.
With stand-out tracks like Wild Signals, Close Encounters of the Third Kind’s score perfectly compliments the eerie Steven Spielberg’s story about aliens visiting Earth for the first time.
9. Schindler’s List (1993)
Spielberg’s Oscar-winning film depicting the atrocities of the Holocaust required a skilled composer to communicate the heartbreak and devastation through music.
Luckily, Williams rose to the occasion with a main theme that captured the dark and poignant themes throughout.
8. Superman (1978)
Williams’ soaring score for Richard Donner’s Superman is instantly recognisable thanks to its uplifting tune and triumphant orchestra.
Fans are most likely to recognise the Prelude and Main Title March, the music throughout the movie is truly something special.
7. Jaws (1975)
Williams’ unmistakable score for Jaws is characterised by his ingenious use of semi-tones, which alternate at an increasingly fast tempo as the shark draws nearer.
With two simple notes, he was able to depict fear and suspense through the Spielberg film’s Main Title.
6. Home Alone (1990)
Nothing tugs on the heartstrings quite like Williams’ score for Home Alone does, with the orchestra perfectly capturing the spirit of Christmas.
The movie, which was directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, will certainly get you in the festive spirit with its moving melodies and heartfelt messages about human kindness.
5. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
The Indiana Jones theme tune is truly iconic, and the score for Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark has to be the best of all, with tracks like The Miracle of the Ark tipping it over the edge.
The film, which stars Harrison Ford in the titular role, gives Williams the freedom to unleash his creativity and hit audiences with something big and bold.
Disney+ has brought back its popular deal that lets new and returning customers join its Standard with Ads plan for £1.99 a month for three months.
This means members can stream hit shows like Only Murders in the Building, The Bear and Shōgun, plus countless titles from Star Wars and Marvel, for a fraction of the usual price.
£1.99
Disney+4. Jurassic Park (1993)
Yet another Spielberg film to grace this list is the cinematic classic Jurassic Park, which sees dinosaurs let loose in a theme park with humans trapped inside.
The movie, based on Michael Crichton’s story of the same name, is accompanied by a Williams score filled with wonder, with the composer himself once admitting: “I’m going to write the most beautiful song in the entire world.”
3. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
Another score that should prove particularly nostalgic is that of Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, which sees a wide-eyed alien form a lasting friendship with a little boy named Elliott.
The music from Williams is heartfelt and positively tear-jerking, with tracks like Toys showcasing his incredible talent.
2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2002)
All eight of the Harry Potter films boast some of the most memorable film music of all time – and that is thanks to Williams. Tunes such as Hedwig’s Theme and Leaving Hogwarts never fail to bring out your inner-child.
However, Chris Columbus’ first film Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone has to land the penultimate spot, as this bewitching score truly brings J.K. Rowling’s magical wizarding world to life.
1. Star Wars (1977)
Arguably belonging to the most famous film score of all time, the Main Title from Star Wars is possibly Williams’ best piece.
Whether you’re a fan of the George Lucas movie series or not, everyone knows the main theme, as well as the menacing Imperial March, which accompanies Darth Vader.
Music by John Williams makes its debut on November 1, exclusive on Disney Plus.