So...
Here I have laid out some of my favorite composers and some of my favorite pieces. I have left off others, not because they are undeserving, but because the movie is special to me, or the composer really help make the film excellent.
[This is motion picture scores only. If you want my thoughts on a number of soundtracks/compilations, checkout the page on Favorite Soundtracks]
Danny Elfman
Once the lead of the 80's band Oingo Boingo, Danny Elfman is a self-taught composer. Known mostly for his collaborations with Tim Burton, it's easy to see from the following list why he ranks highly in my heart.
- Batman
- MIB
- Spider Man
- The Simpsons
- Tales From The Crypt
- Edward Scissorhands
- Beetlejuice
- Sleepy Hollow
- Alice in Wonderland
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- Pee-Wee's Big Adventure
James Newton Howard
This composer has stolen a huge chunk of my heart in the last few years, as I only recently discovered how many beloved pieces or entire scores written by this composer were ones I had known since my early years.
- The Fugitive
- The Sixth Sense
- Unbreakable
- The Village
- Batman Begins
- The Dark Knight
- Stir of Echoes
- Pretty Woman
- Blood Diamond
- Charlie Wilson's War
- The Green Hornet
- Maleficent
- The Bourne Legacy
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
John Williams
Arguably the most iconic composer of all time, and the soundtrack to many people's childhoods, myself included. 'Nough said.- Star Wars
- Close Encounters
- Superman
- E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
- Indiana Jones
- Jurassic Park
- Harry Potter
Hans Zimmer
Hans Zimmer always seems to be attached to works with two major defining features: they are epic; they are strange. The movies always have an otherworldly feel to them, worlds that are magic, mind-bending...and fighting the greatest odds. Zimmer manages to find the epic nature of these stories and take you along for the ride.- The Lion King
- Inception
- All the Pirates of the Caribbean movies
- Prince of Egypt
- The Dark Knight
Clint Mansell
Mansell's style fits the many works for which he has composed music so well, that it borders on overwhelming. His music is visceral, ethereal, and trippy. Just like the movies for which he composes, they are true experiences.- The Fountain
- Black Swan
- Requiem for a Dream
- Ghost in the Shell
Howard Shore
Even if Howard Shore hadn't done any other works, he should be lauded for the brilliant scores on the Peter Jackson-helmed, live-action adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien's works. It's almost hilarious to put movies like Dogma and High Fidelity next to it, but I think that just shows his range.
- LotR & Hobbit Trilogies
- The Cell
- High Fidelity
- The Truth About Cats and Dogs
- Dogma
James Horner
Horner manages adventure in the majority of his works, but it's the tragedy in many of these stories that he most aptly captures. You. Will. Cry. ....like, ugly cry.- Project X
- Willow
- Glory
- Swing Kids
- Legends of the Fall
- Braveheart
- Jumanji
- Avatar
- The Amazing Spider-Man
Jerry Goldsmith
Goldsmith wrote powerful themes that are unforgettable. Despite his strong style, he was excellent at finessing emotions right out of you. I grew up on a number of the below listed, and I know he influenced me as an artist. He is missed.
- The Secret of NIMH
- Legend
- Gremlins
- Innerspace
- Medicine Man
- The Ghost and the Darkness
- Mulan
- The Mummy
- The 13th Warrior
Alan Silvestri
Alan Silvestri captures more whimsical aspects of movies. His work is often light, and leaves you feeling like you've been sprinkled with fairy dust. This would already be quite a feat for adults watching children's movies; the fact that he manages it with adult movies is simply outstanding.
- Romancing the Stone
- Back to the Future Trilogy
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
- The Long Kiss Goodnight
- Contact
- Practical Magic
- Cast Away
- Serendipity
- Lilo & Stitch
- A-Team
- Captain American: The First Avenger
- The Avengers
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