| Some films have a song so powerful and memorable | | | | new music for the three high definition prequels, which |
| that it sticks in the common consciousness like glue. | | | | may be their most redeeming feature. Williams' work |
| Lots of movies have great soundtracks overall, | | | | could easily comprise this entire top 5 list, with |
| whether original scores or creative selections of | | | | impressive scores for E.T., Indiana Jones, Superman, |
| existing music, but it is more rare to find a single theme | | | | Schindler's List, Jurassic Park, and Harry Potter - but |
| song that really captures the spirit of the movie and | | | | we will move on to some other champions. |
| enjoys lasting fame of its own. A single bar from any | | | | Chariots of Fire: It's funny that the theme song for a |
| one of these songs is enough to instantly recall the film, | | | | movie about speed - namely a bunch of young |
| and important scenes come flooding back. Even for | | | | athletes preparing to run in the 1924 Olympics - should |
| those who have never seen the movie in question, the | | | | be so strongly associated with slow motion. Sports |
| song is so enduring that they probably recognize it | | | | movies always benefit from a good song, and Greek |
| anyway. We have picked out what are, in our humble | | | | composer Vangelis took a chance by using a slower |
| opinion, the five very best movie theme songs, each | | | | sound for the fast runners. |
| one an original composition made especially for its film. | | | | Rocky: Bill Conti is the genius responsible for Rocky's |
| All of these air on satellite TV, so keep your eyes and | | | | underdog pump-up music, the "Gonna Fly Now" theme |
| ears open to catch these unbeatable musical | | | | song. It has become a favorite song for athletes in all |
| masterpieces. | | | | sports, just the right sound for training for the big |
| Jaws: With just two notes, "da-na," (E - F) you have it, | | | | match. It's also the only song on this list that includes |
| a menacing shark terrorizing swimmers and sea-goers | | | | lyrics and vocals. The whole Rocky series airs at |
| with its awesome power. Released in 1975, Jaws was | | | | intervals on satellite TV, though we'd just as soon stick |
| a major moment in cinema history, establishing the | | | | with the first and the final installments, and skip the rest. |
| genre of the summer blockbuster. But most of all it | | | | The Pink Panther: So far most of these songs have |
| was important for John Williams' stunning shark theme, | | | | embodied a sense of sheer drama, whether for noble |
| full of ominous suspense and imminent danger. This | | | | sports, ferocious beast, or adventurous epic. The Pink |
| was just the beginning of an illustrious composing | | | | Panther theme, however, embodies sheer silliness. |
| career for Williams. | | | | Henry Mancini composed the perfect score for these |
| Star Wars Episode IV: Just two years after the | | | | farcical murder mysteries. |
| extraordinary success of the Jaws theme, John | | | | You don't need high definition or a big screen to enjoy |
| Williams again stunned audiences with a remarkable | | | | these songs, though it certainly helps to fully enjoy the |
| original score. The Star Wars music sounds so | | | | movies. Listen on your stereo or catch the flicks on |
| classical, yet fits in perfectly in the futuristic world, the | | | | satellite TV, and either way these award-winning |
| perfect theme for excitement and adventure. Following | | | | songs are sure to stand out in your mind and heart |
| the original trilogy, Williams has continued to provide | | | | forever after. |