I don't think anyone can deny that the music behind a movie is very important. It makes a film go just as much as a story, or an actor's performance. Can you imagine Indiana Jones fighting his way through the Temple of Doom without that trademark score? Nor can I.
There are a lot of music pieces that stick with me, but here are my top five. Yeah, I'm probably leaving out one or two popular picks, but I've probably got some in the five too.
5. Superman (1978)
Where superhero movies began. It's going to be strange seeing a Superman film released this year, and not have this classic piece by John Williams.
4. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)
The first Trek movie I saw as a kid. James Horner (Oscar winner for Titanic), mixes the classic TV theme with a piece that somehow creates a feeling of peril. Makes sense, given them movie's cat-and-mouse game played by Kirk and Khan.
3. Batman (1989)
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As I recall, this was the first live action movie I ever saw as a kid. It was pretty awesome for a 7 year old, and Danny Elfman's Gothic composition made it even more memorable.
2. Back To The Future (1985, 1989, 1990)
Even today, the Back To The Future trilogy is my top movie series. The cast, the car, the quotable script. All excellent. So is Alan Silvestri's theme music.
1. To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)
One of the most beloved novels became one of the most beloved movies in 1962. Elmer Bernstein weaves a hauntingly beautiful theme here, amplified somehow when that marble hits the other. Fantastic. Bernstein is also remembered for his works on The Ten Commandments, The Great Escape and Ghostbusters.
That's all I've got. What movie music is your favorite?
Mrs. MacGruder, pet store clerk:"Oh, hello, Miss Daniels."
Melanie Daniels:"Have you ever seen so many gulls? What do you suppose it is?"
Mrs. MacGruder, pet store clerk:"Well, there must be a storm at sea, that can drive them inland, you know. I was hoping you'd be a little late because he hadn't arrived yet."
Melanie Daniels:"Oh, but you'd said three o'clock..."
Mrs. MacGruder, pet store clerk:"Oh I know, I know. I've been calling all morning. Oh, Miss Daniels you have no idea. They are so difficult to get, really they are. We have to get them from India, when they're just baby chicks, and then we have..."
Melanie Daniels:"But this one won't be a chick, will he?"
Mrs. MacGruder, pet store clerk:"Certainly not. Oh no, certainly not. This will be a full grown mynah bird, full grown."
Melanie Daniels:"And he'll talk?"
Mrs. MacGruder, pet store clerk:"Well yes, of course he'll... well no, you'll have to teach him to talk. My. I guess maybe I'd better phone, they'd said three o'clock. Maybe it's the traffic. I'll call. Would you mind waiting?"
Melanie Daniels:"Well, maybe you'd better deliver him. Let - let me give you my address."
Mrs. MacGruder, pet store clerk:"Oh, well, alright, but I'm sure they're on the way... Would you mind if I called?"