Top 10 Hans Zimmer Scores Which Prove He’s The Best

While visuals are the heart of a cinematic piece, sound is its soul. Soundtracks are what breathe life into a particular scene and might make or break them. Also, just like production design, costumes and hairstyling, sound is one aspect that is ignored by many movie goers. While there is nothing wrong with that, this is an appreciation post for one of the living legends of the scoring world, Hans Zimmer. If you have never heard of him, well then that’s sad and here’s to hoping that you’ll learn something from this piece.

Hans Florian Zimmer is a German Film Composer who basically pushed the limit of film scoring and inspired a new generation of artists. Hans Zimmer is one of the only few composers to have a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As of this year, he has been nominated for 12 Academy Awards (1 win), and 18 Grammy Awards (4 wins). In totality he has been nominated for over 185 prestigious awards and 45 of them.

His entire career has been an inspiration and he has given the world of cinema, some of the best compositions of all time. Many fans tend to call him the Mozart of our time and to those fans I’d like to say – No guys, Zimmer is the Zimmer of our time and comparing him to anyone is demeaning what he is. Zimmer stands apart, Zimmer stands above and beyond anyone in what he does. Having composed scores for over 150 films, it’s impossible to narrow them down to a few favorites. But anyways, here are my top 10 favorite Hans Zimmer compositions.

10. Supermarine – Dunkirk (2017)

If anxiety had a signature tune, it would be this. A film with a really simple story but with highly twisted and non-linear narrative was saved by its technicalities. Christopher Nolan films are often technical masterpieces and one of the reasons behind it is Hans Zimmer. With his musical gift, he composed this highly anxiety inducing soundtrack which turned even the most non-thrilling sequences into nail biters.  

9. Remember Who You Are – The Lion King (1994)

Do I really need to write anything about this? I mean this film got him his Oscar and every tune in The Lion King is worth humming, all thanks to Hans Zimmer and the legendary Elton John. If anything, I apologize for ranking “Remember” so low in the list.

8. Why Do We Fall – The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

One of the most iconic scenes in Batman live action history is the Pit Climb/Prison Escape scene from The Dark Knight Rises. This was the scene were Bruce overcame his fears once again and rose to a new dawn with a new and improved Batman. What makes this scene so incredibly is its score and the chanting of the prisoners with loads of symbolisms. Whenever I hear this composition, I can literally recreate and relive this incredible scene in my mind all over again.

7. He’s A Pirate – Pirates of the Caribbean Series (2003-17)

This is one of the signature themes of both Hans Zimmer and the Pirates of the Caribbean Franchise. Ever since the audiences first heard it in 2003, they’ve been hooked on it and it has become something that defines the franchise. The jolly and Caribbean like music has inspired many other compositions as well including Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag theme. When you hear this composition, only one thing comes to your mind – Captain Jack Sparrow’s final quote in the film and the credits popping up.

6. Lost But Won – Rush (2013)

If you’ve seen the film you know why this track is a part of my list. The sense of urgency and rush it creates stands true to the title of the film and it does that without making you anxious. The way this track progresses is just commendable and is what intensified the final race in the film. With every lap the Lost But Won gloriously progressed as viewers got hooked on the screen awaiting the result of the epic final race. Caution – never hear this track while driving, or your brain will force you to overspeed!

5. First Step/S.T.A.Y – Interstellar (2014)

This one actually needs no explanation as it is literally one of the most amazing pieces of composition ever produced. S.T.A.Y makes you feel like flying and just relieves you of the excess wait life might have bestowed upon you. The reason why there are so many Christopher Nilan films on this list is that they’ve worked together a lot and created loads of masterpieces for fans to relish.

4. What Are You Going To Do When You Are Not Saving The World – Man of Steel (2013)

This soundtrack along with “Flight” is the best thing about this film. Man of Steel has a cult following and its soundtrack is the main reason behind it. While both Flight and WAYGTDWYANSTW are incredible, the latter piece is whole sentiment. It played in the final scene of the film and provided so much heart to the widely popular film. This 6 minute theme conveys the entire story of Superman and that is why it is so iconic. The theme was used again in the Flight 2.0 scene from Zack Snyder’s Justice League which concluded Superman’s struggle in a symbolic manner.

3. Time – Inception (2010)

Hans Zimmer’s Time is a timeless classic. The track is literally the pinnacle of the “sound is the soul of a film” concept. It made something as obvious as a man walking out of the airport, one of the best and most memorable movie endings of all time. Seriously, all this scene is about is Cobb (Di Caprio) walking out of the airport and finally meeting his kids. But this goosebumps inducing track took the scene to whole other level which gave birth to a lot of Hans Zimmer God of Music memes. With just two prominent notes and mindblowing progression Zimmer knocked it out of the park.

2. Now We Are Free – Gladiator (2000)

Now We Are Free from Gladiator is one of the most peaceful and relaxing track I have ever heard in my life. Standing true to it’s title, it gives a sense of freedom and peace and prosperity for all kind of vibes. I mean if the diplomats and decision makers of countries hear this it’ll put an end to all Wars. It is like a ritual to visit this track at least once everyday and calm our senses. I call this track 8 minutes of salvation.

Honorable Mention – The Crown Main Theme (2016-Present)

Unlike Ramin Djawadi (Game of Thrones/Westworld), Zimmer hasn’t composed a lot for web series. But the main theme from Netflix’ The Crown is surely one of his best creations. While some of you may not find the track itself very impressive but if you have seen The Crown, you know what I am talking about. The track completely syncs with the tone of the show and is now even used in official Queen Elizabeth addressing the nation videos. Fans often joke about how this might soon become the new national anthem of England.

1. Paul’s Dream – Dune (2021)

Dune is the film for which Zimmer won this year’s Golden Globe and will most likely win the Oscar and Grammy as well. Dune is what he considered to be his dream project and it actually seems like he put everything he’s got into this one. The sheer atmosphere this track creates is applaud-worthy. You are literally transported to Arrakis and it seems like you are actually living the story. It is nothing short of a cinematic triumph and just hearing the track alone makes you feel the world of Dune. Good thing is Zimmer will continue to score rest of the installments of Dune, so loads of new epic soundtracks are on their way.

Fans often tend to crib about the fact the Zimmer hasn’t won enough Oscars. Well, I’d say he is one such artist who is beyond such awards. The man is a living legend and there are no two ways about it. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how many awards are displayed on your shelf. What matters is how much you contributed to the world and the lives of people in it. While The Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement is waiting for him, it doesn’t define who he is. And who is he? He’s the Zimmer of our time and the time that’ll follow.

If you have any questions regarding the world of cinema, feel free to ask in the comments below and stay tuned. As usual, like, subscribe and share our articles as we here are trying to build a community of people High on Cinema!