Most reconziable and famous movie themes.

Recently I've been wanting to come up with a good top TEN list of movie themes. I've gotten into debates about it with friends and it has been on my mind for a while. It's bugging me so much I may create a public survey about it.

But anywho, that is besides the point. I would like for TF.N movie music lovers to help me come up with some of the best movie themes. The requirements have to be that the song has to be the "main" theme for the movie and it has to be original to the movie. So that rules out things such as Singing in the Rain or 2001: A Space Odyssey. Also, the movie theme can be famous itself, as in recognizable, but the movie doesn't have to be as famous or recognizable though.

 

In my opinion, if you are looking for the most recognizable movie themes in terms of the general public, then there are really only two choices:

The Jaws Theme

&

The music from the murder scene in Psycho





Mace Windy,
five years of windiness!

 

Yes, that is what I mean, in the eyes of the general public.

 

The James Bond Theme is also a pretty big one too.

 

I would say that the Star Wars and Indiana Jones themes are very recognizable to the general public as well as the themes already mentioned.

Hmm, what else? Perhaps the Forrest Gump piano theme? Or maybe the Back To The Future theme?

 

Jaws
Star Wars
Indiana Jones
James Bond
Back to the Future
Jurassic Park
Man with No Name Trilogy
Lord of the Rings (as of late, anyway)
Chariots of Fire
E.T.

I thought of the Star Trek theme, but it's more famous because of TNG, really. There's also Superman, but it is not always as well known. Also, people tend to confuse it with Star Wars. And I'd bet that while people recognize these themes, they probably wouldn't know them for the films that they were written for. (Most probably think of Vacation when they hear Chariots of Fire.)

 

I would add that the Imperial March is probably as famous as the Main Theme.

I think that "Apollonia" from The Godfather is quite recognizable, though maybe moreso due to the film than the music.

Goldsmith's Main Title from Star Trek: TMP is one of the most famous themes out there. Even before the TNg series on TV.

How about the begining of "The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly"?

One of my favorite all-time movie songs... "As Time Goes By" from Casablanca?

 

10 most recognizable in MY experience with dealing with other people re. movie themes

1) Star Wars Main Title
2) Jaws Main Title
3) Psycho "Shower Scene"
4) The Raiders March
5) James Bond Theme
6) Titanic theme (My Heart Will Go On)
7) Tara Theme (Gone With The Wind)
8) Chariots Of Fire
9) Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life (The Life of Brian)
10) Theme from Lawrence of Arabia


and for good measure the five most overused movie tracks in film trailers and live events:

1) Theme from STARGATE
2) Roll Tide from CRIMSON TIDE
3) Heart of the Dragon from DRAGON: THE BRUCE LEE STORY
4) Gothic Power (original composition)
5) Anvil of Crom from CONAN THE BARBARIAN

 

I guess Mission Impossible doesn't count because it's a TV theme?

 

Close Encounters piano thing.

 

1) Theme from STARGATE
2) Roll Tide from CRIMSON TIDE
3) Heart of the Dragon from DRAGON: THE BRUCE LEE STORY
4) Gothic Power (original composition)
5) Anvil of Crom from CONAN THE BARBARIAN

You have to add "Bishop's Countdown" from Aliens to that list.

 

-The Imperial March (TESB)
-Star Wars Main Title (SW-Saga)
-Terminator 2 theme (T2-JD)
-Gondor theme (LOTR-ROTK)
-Rohan theme (LOTR-TTT/ROTK)
-Anvil of Crom (Conan)
-Jurassic Park Theme (JP-trilogy)

 

I would think "The Great Escape" is a pretty famous theme, even if (like "Chariots of Fire") it is more recognized from its usage in other films. Also, the Batman theme has got to be high up there.

 

You have to add "Bishop's Countdown" from Aliens to that list.

Thank you I KNEW I was missing something

Incidentally isn't Bishop's Countdown actually a cue that's been assimilated from ANOTHER music cue? Perhaps a public domain one? I've heard the last few strains of that cue on MANY movies from the 1960's and 70's.

 

Also, coming to thought, it seems Hedwig's Theme is pretty recognizable to most; it's rather new of course, but it's getting there.

 

Jaws is the most easily recognized. It only takes two notes. Beat that.

 

I'm surprised no one mentioned Dr. Zhivago.

And like that...he's gone.

 

St. Crispins Day from Henry V
Superman theme
Dueling Banjos from Deliverance
Zorba the Greek theme
E.T. theme
Rudy theme
Robin Hood Prince of Thieves theme

 

I am appalled that nobody mentioned Henry Mancini's Pink Panther theme.

 

Jaws is the most easily recognized. It only takes two notes. Beat that.

A lot of people could probably get the Star Wars Main Titles in 1.

 

I think Rocky deserves a nod.

 

Good calls on Rocky and Pink Panther.

But appalled? Come on.

 

The Magnificent Seven is pretty famous as well.

As for overused trailer music, you can't forget Dragonheart.

 

Bram Stoker's Dracula should be added to the overused trailer music list.

 

James Bond theme.