Hans Zimmer is one of the most gifted music composers out there. It seems every film, old and new, we see his name appear in the credits. He's scored a wide range of films and genres in different decades, making the music to accompany some of the world's biggest blockbusters.
Even if you don't know him, you've certainly heard his music at one point or another. He's capable of creating the kind of music that suits the action or mood of a scene, and though it's hard to narrow down his best work, we've taken a shot at it here. That said, here are 10 of his most epic soundtracks.
The Lone Ranger (2013)
Making a score to go along with a classic character isn't easy, but Zimmer added his own fun take to it. The score deserves a shout-out for its clever and mischievous tone, almost making a mockery of the characters and their crazy situations but in the best way. It suits John Reid (aka The Lone Ranger) who doesn't quite have the skills his brother did when it comes to law enforcement, and thus learns the hard way throughout most of the film, hence the comedic aspect of the score.
Tonto's (Johnny Depp) odd and funny personality is also captured in the score. Pieces like "Building Railroad" stands out as a way of emphasizing something grand, and "Cavendish" is more sinister, clueing the audience in as to what to expect from such a character beyond his grotesque appearance.
Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron (2002)
Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron is an animated film that tells the remarkable story of a wild horse that refuses to give up after he's been captured, finding a friend and a love interest along the way. It's an inspiring children's movie, and Zimmer lent his hand to score it. The music is just as inspiring as the film.
"Homeland-Here I Am" gradually builds itself up, becoming louder as it plays, instilling hope into any listener. "Young Hearts" has a more whimsical sound, a fascinating piece that has both a slower and faster pace to it that comes together to make one beautiful piece of music.
The Holiday (2006)
The 2006 rom-com is about two women, one from England and the other from America, that switch homes over the holidays and find love in unexpected places while learning a bit more about themselves. Zimmer created an airy, light-hearted score that could switch to serious in a heartbeat.
You can hear beautiful piano playing and feel lifted away. It's the kind of soundtrack that makes you think anything is possible, which suits the tone of the film. Zimmer can score an action movie any day, but a rom-com is more unusual, so The Holiday deserved a shout-out on this list.
Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)
Zimmer has been a part of plenty of franchises, so of course he found his way into the Pirates of the Caribbean. Zimmer received praise for his work on the score. "Davy Jones" is particularly impressive, starting out with a music box before turning dark and dramatic.
The soundtrack features violins, basses, cellos, and even a wailing female voice. The work thereof is dark and somewhat haunting, which suits the Davy Jones character and the film overall. When it comes to emphasizing a character's personality in music form, Zimmer has it down.
Rain Man (1988)
Rain Man is a 1980s gem, and so is its music. In some ways, Zimmer's score sounds similar to the one he composed for Thelma & Louise.
Yet, this score is still its own, as its has considerably more vocals, a definite '80s sound in some pieces, and more piano in the mix than Thelma & Louise. It's just as dramatic and unpredictable as the movie itself like Zimmer knew what emotions to capture and emphasize upon.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
Sherlock Holmes carries with it a distinct sound, which suits the Holmes character and the movie perfectly. Zimmer once said to Guy Ritchie (the director) that the score was "the sound of The Pogues ing a Romanian orchestra.
" Yeah, that's pretty much how we'd describe it, too. "Discombobulate" can get you in the mood to do some crime-solving, or at least give you an epic track to listen to while driving to work. Not to mention--how many scores have you heard with banjos in them? Pretty cool, if we do say so ourselves.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Thelma & Louise made an impact, especially where it concerns feminism when it was released in 1991. Following the titular characters on a road trip, we watch everything go wrong as they become criminals and ultimately drive off the Grand Canyon.
Zimmer's score accompanies these two ladies throughout, exerting a sort of sound that suits the desert, sometimes using the music to make the two seem isolated in a way. The score also carried an overall "Old West" type of sound and vibe to it. It suits the criminal aspect, and these two women perfectly, especially when you listen to "The Chase/Grand Canyon".
Gladiator (2000)
Gladiator holds one of Zimmer's more epic film scores. The music is prominent, demanding attention to what's happening onscreen. It's a good soundtrack to get pumped up before your meeting, to help you wake up in the morning or something along those lines.
However, a track like "Elysium" is better for somber reflection or just to have playing in the background while you meditate or otherwise take a moment out of your day to just breathe.
The Lion King (1994)
Zimmer won an Oscar for his score of The Lion King. It's one of his best-known scores, given the movie's popularity. Chants and percussion greet our ears when we listen to this score.
It's one of the scores that means the most, given it accompanied so many important moments in Simba's life and helped tell a beautiful story. Listening to Zimmer's score for this movie is like reliving your childhood in a way, so it's time to head to YouTube and listen to it all over again.
Batman Begins (2005)
Hans Zimmer created a score that's just as dark and mysterious as Batman himself. Christopher Nolan directed the 2005 hit superhero film, Batman Begins, putting the best of the best into it. Zimmer didn't hold back on the soundtrack. If you listen to "Opening Titles/Young Bruce Falls", the first sound you hear resembles the whipping of a cape.
Zimmer worked on the score with James Newton Howard, another great composer in his own right, and the two created something brilliant that upped the ante of each scene in the movie, the music adding to the overall intensity.
