Since the early days of cinema, music has played a pivotal role in shaping the emotional landscape of films. Each genre and narrative brings its unique musical requirements, yet certain qualities are consistently found in the most memorable movie scores. They enhance the pacing and atmosphere of the story, enrich the portrayal of characters, and provide an array of melodies that linger in the minds of viewers long after the film concludes.
Over the last quarter-century, numerous exceptional scores have emerged that are now considered timeless classics. From sweeping sci-fi blockbusters to iconic fantasy epics and impactful dramas, the following films showcase the most outstanding music released since the year 2000. These moving, grand, and intricate compositions underscore the significance of film music as an art form. This comprehensive list evaluates each score based on its auditory excellence, its contribution to the film’s narrative, and the lasting impact it has had since its debut.
10
‘Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith’ (2005)
Composer: John Williams
The legendary John Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest film composers of all time, and his acclaim is well-deserved. He has crafted numerous iconic scores throughout film history, with his contributions to the Star Wars franchise being among the most celebrated. Although not every score from the Star Wars saga penned by Williams in the 21st century has resonated equally, one particular score stands out as a masterpiece: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith.
In this remarkable work, Williams showcases his unparalleled talent for creating new leitmotifs, including the stirring theme for General Grievous and the dramatic score accompanying Anakin and Obi-Wan’s duel on Mustafar. The composer masterfully integrates established motifs, exemplifying the musical genius that only someone of Williams’ caliber can achieve. The score of Revenge of the Sith is packed with haunting emotional tracks, exhilarating rhythms, and grand, epic themes. While it may not claim the title of the best score in the entire franchise, it certainly stands as the finest Star Wars score of the 21st century.
9
‘Challengers’ (2024)
Composers: Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor
It’s truly unfortunate that Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor were not nominated for an Oscar for their groundbreaking score for Challengers. The music in this film plays a crucial role in driving the narrative as powerfully as the screenplay itself. The duo has previously created some of the most memorable movie scores of the past 25 years; however, their work on this film stands out as their magnum opus to date.
The electrifying techno-infused score is brilliantly executed, always enhancing the most pivotal moments in innovative ways. In many respects, it serves as the emotional heartbeat of the entire film, articulating the nuances of character dynamics, setting the tempo for both the tennis matches and heated arguments, and expressing what the characters often cannot voice aloud. This score exemplifies how music should seamlessly support a storyline without overpowering it.
8
‘The Incredibles’ (2004)
Composer: Michael Giacchino
The talented Michael Giacchino has long been a favorite composer for both Pixar films and action-packed genres, and his standout work is found at the intersection of both realms. The Incredibles is undoubtedly one of the finest superhero films ever created. Its incorporation of Big Band elements infuses the narrative with a nostalgic spy thriller vibe, which is integral to the film’s overall tone.
Suspenseful tracks like “Kronos Unveiled” dramatically ramp up the stakes; meanwhile, exhilarating pieces like “100 Mile Dash” significantly heighten the tension and enjoyment during the action sequences, solidifying it as one of the best action films of the past 25 years. Additionally, “The Incredits” remains one of the most iconic tracks in superhero cinema. While Giacchino’s other works have garnered considerable acclaim, the depth and emotional resonance of The Incredibles make it a standout achievement.
7
‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ (2018)
Composer: Nicholas Britell
Regarded as one of the most beautiful yet often overlooked romance films of the 2010s, If Beale Street Could Talk is the follow-up to Barry Jenkins‘ Oscar-winning masterpiece, Moonlight. While Moonlight features a heart-wrenchingly exquisite score by Nicholas Britell, anyone who has experienced Beale Street will concur that it stands as the composer’s finest work to date.
Imagine if the emotions of yearning and love could manifest as sound; they would likely resemble the ethereal quality of the score for Beale Street. Sweet and rich like honey, yet never shying away from the complexities and struggles of Black love in the 1970s, the score is a tapestry woven from flowing melodies supported by deep brass and eloquent strings. It elevates the film to an almost otherworldly, transcendent experience.
6
‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2010)
Composer: John Powell
Considered by many to be the best score ever composed for an animated feature, John Powell‘s music for the original How to Train Your Dragon is truly exhilarating beyond description. The film itself has gained immense popularity and acclaim due to its rich world-building, compelling character arcs, and adventurous spirit. None of these elements would have been as impactful without Powell’s masterful score.
Before 2010, Powell had collaborated on five other DreamWorks Animation projects, typically alongside co-composers. This score marked his first solo endeavor with the studio, and it showcased his ability to lead such an ambitious project. With traditional Scottish and Irish influences shaping each track, the score brims with excitement and personality, making it an album where every composition is worth listening to in its entirety, even outside of the film’s context.
5
‘Gladiator’ (2000)
Composers: Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard
Acclaimed by many as the greatest film composer of all time, Hans Zimmer enjoys collaborating with a diverse range of musicians and composers. For Ridley Scott‘s Oscar-winning film Gladiator, he partnered with Australian singer and composer Lisa Gerrard. Together, they produced one of the most epic and hauntingly beautiful scores of the 2000s.
A perfect encapsulation of what Ancient Rome would probably have sounded like if it had had background music.
While Zimmer boasts numerous underrated scores, this particular work is rightfully celebrated. The collaboration between him and Gerrard on Gladiator is both thrilling and ethereal, encapsulating the auditory essence of Ancient Rome as one might imagine it. The innovative instrumentation and creative arrangements enhance the action sequences with nail-biting suspense, while the emotional moments are beautifully complemented by Gerrard’s angelic vocals.
4
‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ (2001)
Composer: John Williams
The Harry Potter franchise is renowned for its exceptional and memorable scores, but it was John Williams who laid the foundation. When it comes to the realm of Harry Potter music, the first installment stands out. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone features some of the most catchy, imaginative, and instantly recognizable tracks in the history of fantasy cinema.
Williams’s score for Sorcerer’s Stone tells its own story, shifting in tone from enchanting and thrilling to eerily suspenseful and innocent, all while maintaining an unmistakable sense of magic. The intricate world-building that would make this franchise a cultural phenomenon began here, with a deeply nuanced score that plays an essential role in that success. It is undoubtedly one of Williams’ most iconic and beloved compositions, which is a significant accomplishment in his illustrious career.
3
‘Babylon’ (2022)
Composer: Justin Hurwitz
