When we think about films, we often think not only of the storytelling, performances, and visuals, but also of another element we carry with us as soon as the credits roll — the music. Without it, many of cinema’s greatest and most iconic moments might not have stayed with us the same way.
We are fortunate to have maestros like John Williams and Hans Zimmer, whose contributions have shaped the sound of modern cinema. Their legendary collaborations with some of the world’s greatest filmmakers — on iconic films in their respective resumes such as The Dark Knight, Jaws, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and Jurassic Park — have proven that music is part of the powerful storytelling that elevates films into unforgettable experiences that stand the test of time.
Before the music of these two maestros is brought to life by the Filharmonika Orchestra under Maestro Gerard Salonga in Film Music Legends: The Scores of John Williams & Hans Zimmer, Billboard Philippines revisits seven films that feature their legendary themes and scores.
Jurassic Park
Steven Spielberg‘s 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park remains a masterful piece of cinema even today. That year proved monumental for the renowned director, who also released the critically acclaimed historical drama Schindler’s List. Yet this science-fiction adventure is far more than just a popcorn spectacle. Jurassic Park might not be as memorable without John Williams’ iconic contributions to its soundtrack. From the moment the characters enter the park and are welcomed by Richard Attenborough’s John Hammond, to Sam Neill’s Alan Grant and Laura Dern’s Ellie Sattler gazing in awe at the Brachiosaurus, Williams’ score elevates the scene into an unforgettable cinematic moment.
The Dark Knight
Christopher Nolan‘s seminal superhero film The Dark Knight was released in 2008 to critical and commercial acclaim. Featuring a mesmerizing and iconic performance from Heath Ledger as the Joker, the film also reunited Nolan with composer Hans Zimmer for its unforgettable soundtrack. From the opening scene of Ledger and a group of criminals robbing a bank, the music sets the stage for the menace and chaos that define Ledger’s performance. Zimmer, collaborating with James Newton Howard, adds a level of gravitas that elevates the entire film. Scores like “Why So Serious?” for the Clown Prince of Crime and “A Dark Knight”, which plays during James Gordon’s final monologue, cement the music as an integral part of the film’s overall legacy.
Jaws
Another Spielberg classic, Jaws, made waves in the 1970s and is widely considered the first-ever summer blockbuster due to its scale and impact. Who could forget the shark’s appearance, brief yet terrifying, during the film’s climactic moments? While the practical effects convinced audiences that the shark was real, Williams’ theme became a character of its own. From the suspenseful, stalking moments in the deep waters of the shark ot its ultimate encounter with the main characters, Williams’ score drives the story’s tension and suspense, cementing itself as one of cinema’s most iconic and recognizable themes.
Inception
With Inception, Nolan challenged audiences with a complex, mind-bending narrative that pushed the boundaries of cinema. Packed with an all-star cast, including Oscar heavy-hitters like Leonardo DiCaprio, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, and Michael Caine, the film stands on its own. However, it’s Zimmer’s impeccable score that elevates it to another level. The Nolan-Zimmer collaboration has always been a hit, and here it reaches new heights. The track “Time” has profoundly moved audiences with its rich, beautifully arranged composition, perfectly capturing the story’s exploration of memory, dreams, and the nature of life.
Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back
As audiences were transported to a galaxy far, far away, and at hyperspeed, no less, Williams gave us one of, if not the most recognizable, theme music in cinema history. The main Star Wars theme, first heard in 1977 with A New Hope, set the tone for a franchise that would become legendary. With the release of the second film in the original trilogy, The Empire Strikes Back, Williams reintroduced the iconic score with the opening title crawl. The rest complements the film’s darker tone and the unforgettable twist that Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker’s father. A story set in the space opera genre wouldn’t be complete without epic orchestral pieces like those of John Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Shifting from one franchise to the next, Williams always delivers when called upon. In the Harry Potter film series, it was the orchestral piece “Hedwig’s Theme” that first appeared during the opening credits of the first film, The Philosopher’s Stone. The series eventually took a darker turn under Alfonso Cuarón’s direction for the third film, The Prisoner of Azkaban, which many fans rank as one of the best entries in the franchise. As we come of age along with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, the film featured unforgettable moments such as the reveal of Sirius Black, the Knight Bus ride, flights with Buckbeak, and more. Williams’ score enhanced these magical moments, building anticipation for the eventual penultimate battle with Lord Voldemort and his army in the later films.
Blade Runner 2049
Ridley Scott returned to the world of his acclaimed 1982 science-fiction classic Blade Runner decades later with 2017’s Blade Runner 2049. Returning star Harrison Ford was joined by Hollywood superstar Ryan Gosling for another journey into the world of replicants and humans. Zimmer, collaborating with Benjamin Wallfisch, provided the film’s haunting and atmospheric score, which perfectly complements the dystopian landscapes and neon-lit cityscapes. Apart from its technical and cinematic achievements, the score pays homage to the legacy of Vangelis’ iconic original music from the first film, and ultimately contributes to why this sequel is considered one of the best in the genre in modern cinema.
Film Concerts PH’s Film Music Legends: The Scores of John Williams & Hans Zimmer is happening from to January 14 to 15, 2026 at The Theatre At Solaire.