Many of the most iconic films in cinema are accompanied by an equally iconic score: Star Wars, Superman, and Batman are just a few examples of iconic film scores. The 2010’s brought forth even more iconic film scores worth checking out, and below I’ll list 10 of my favorite film , along with the highlight pieces from each film. (Note: These are just 10 of my favorite, not necessarily my top 10).
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Highlight Piece: “Portals” – Alan Silvestri
Endgame brought forth the culmination of a 22-film story that started with 2008’s Iron Man. Marvel has enlisted a plethora of fantastic composers for each of their films stretching from Michael Giacchino all the way to Henry Jackman. Probably the most influential and impressive has been Alan Silvestri, who gave us the iconic theme for The Avengers in 2012.
However, the one piece that stands out among the rest is “Portals”, which worked so well with the narrative and the emotion in the final act of Endgame. It ever so elegantly puts a much larger and grander spin on the original theme to encapsulate just how far the heroes have come since the first Avengers film.
Inception (2010)
Highlight Piece: “Time” – Hans Zimmer
Inception not only makes for a great film, but it allows for Hans Zimmer to further expand his portfolio with such an intensely personal and emotional score. “Time” by far represents the tone of the film extremely well, while also capturing the essence of Hans Zimmers style.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Highlight Piece: “The Jedi Steps and Finale” – John Williams
John Williams is debatably one of if not the best composers of our time. For many, he is the ultimate composer. His catalogue goes through numerous film franchises; Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jaws, Superman: The Movie, and so on and so forth. What makes this piece so special is its blending of an OG Star Wars track with the brand new style for Star Wars scores’. It elegantly moves from piece to piece in a single track.
Man of Steel (2013)
Highlight Piece: “Sent Here for a Reason” – Hans Zimmer
Man of Steel brought a new spin on a classic character that was not received with the best criticisms. The reviews were fairly mixed upon initial release before just fading into the background. That all being said, the score for this film was phenomenal. Hans Zimmer proved, yet again, that he knows how to handle a score, especially for superheroes. He perfectly matches the score with the tone and flow of the film. “Sent Here for a Reason” shares pieces from multiple elements of the film that best represent what this film is.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Highlight Piece: “End of the Line” – Henry Jackman
The Winter Soldier placed Captain America in a position where he had to question what world he was defending, why he was defending it, and showed he was willing to go against his own government to do what is right. Because he had to let morality stand above his own well-being, Steve Rogers had to make some pretty large sacrifices, and “End of the Line” plays when he has to give up a fight in order to make a point to his best friend, who doesn’t even recognize him. This somber piece reels you in to destroy you with the emotion and compassion in the scene.
Jurassic World (2015)
Highlight Piece: “The Park Is Closed” – Michael Giacchino
It can be debated whether or not Jurassic World should even exist as a movie. Truthfully, the original Jurassic Park should have been left alone. However, Jurassic World is the only sequel that actually makes sense. We get to see what the park looks like when it’s open and running.
What it also gave us is great continuation of the original JP score. Michael Giacchino is a master at working with pre-existing film scores, and then spinning it in his own original way. “The Park Is Closed” showcases how Giacchino has taken the original theme, and blended it with his own in such a grand manner. The emotion from the original movie is not lost in this one.
Black Panther (2018)
Highlight Piece: “Ancestral Plane” – Ludwig Goransson
Black Panther brought a lot of new things to the superhero genre and just film in general. One of the best things we were given was the score, which blends elements from the movies album with Gorannsons own style and helps create a world with a unique culture that feels extremely lived in. Wakanda is a fictional nation that takes inspiration from other African nations, and uses the score to help this nation feel grounded in reality. “Ancestral Plane” further adds a level of spirituality, and adds an intense, emotional core to the film.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Highlight Piece: “Dad” – Tyler Bates
Both Guardians films have amazing soundtracks and scores, so it’s kind of tough to decide which one had the better score. For the sake of this list, it seemed fitting to highlight the second films score. Both are very emotional scores, but this one streamlines the movies theme, as well as further emphasizes the characters sacrifices, like the sacrifices made while “Dad” plays. The Guardians films are definitely known for their colorful soundtrack of classic 70’s and 80’s music, but if you haven’t already, take a look at the scores too.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Highlight Piece: “Spider-Man Loves You” – Daniel Pemberton
Spider-Verse brought multiple different versions of Spider characters together, as well as many different styles to the score. Playing over the final few moments of the film, “Spider-Man Loves You” flows through the final few minutes, weaving through the feelings of excitement and joy as Miles Morales comes into the role of Spider-Man, realizing that anyone can wear the mask.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
Highlight Piece: “Tears in the Rain” – Hans Zimmer, Benjamin Wallfisch
Another prime example of not only Hans Zimmer’s stellar work, but a fine job of blending of the old school with the new. Calling back to the end of the original film, “Tears in the Rain” ties up Ryan Goslings characters arc up nicely, giving him a cathartic end. The pace of the music allows for the expression of relief to flow freely.
