Action movies are well-known for their jam-packed scenes filled with exhilaration and intensity. You almost always forget that one key factor in building that excitement is through the use of great musical scores. The music within action movies plays a huge role in helping to aid the story as well as provide anticipation and generate strong emotions.
There are many movies that you can recognize by just hearing some of the music scores, without even seeing the screen yet! Here we will explore some of the most memorable and arguably some of the best musical scores that you will find in action movies.
Pirates of the Caribbean
Hans Zimmer is knowingly one of the best composers for modern films of all genres, this being no exception. Surprisingly this score is less reflective of his earlier (and notably, later) film scores, but it demonstrates his willingness to be experimental and come up with just the right feelings within the music. There are fast, exciting and catchy tunes throughout the extensive duel scenes and the undeniably notable score that plays for Captain Jack Sparrow’s memorable entrances.
Back to the Future
Though it was through the wonderful talents of Huey Lewis and the News, whenever you hear that awesome catchphrase, “gotta get back in time,” you know that Michael J. Fox in his golden days will be on your screen. The exciting moments that included the time travel and the catchy tune that you know by heart was directed by Alan Silvestri and carried through to the two sequels that followed the original.
Top Gun
Usually, when you hear the voice of Kenny Loggins, this is the first of two films that come to mind (the other being Caddy Shack). There are also other great hits laced throughout this movie that are associated, including Berlin’s “Take my Breath Away” and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” by the Righteous Brothers. The film’s notable score by Harold Faltermeyer brings the rock feelings into the suspense, also bringing the fiery action scenes in the sky to life. Though not the most actionable of films, there is still enough within this film to deem it a good action flick. (And is anyone else excited for the sequel Maverick to come out?)
Jurassic Park
This is not the first time that John Williams will be brought up since his music has captivated audiences for years. One of the best things about the score to this well-known film is that the music really brings about the story, evoking emotions in a way you might not have realized that music can. Since dinosaurs and settings within the film don’t talk, the music truly speaks for those parts that bring you to awe, also drawing on the excitement and anticipation of what is to come next.
Rocky
Sylvestor Stallone definitely gave Rocky a great persona, but there is no doubt that the music in this film tells of his great journey to triumph, from the first to the last film in the series. Rocky’s theme has been used by many school wrestling teams and boxing matches as a tribute to its infamy thanks to Bill Conti. This is the kind of music that makes you want to run up and downstairs, train with some punching bags, and will have you fist-pumping to the very end.
Mission Impossible
A different kind of action, dealing with the use of technology and spies, Mission Impossible’s music brings about a different kind of emotion. There are some suspenseful scenes that have you in full anticipation with great use of music, and the bassoon that utilizes the trill to kick off the theme song is impossible to forget. It is very big and pushing, and seems even bigger as the franchise of sequels grows into more movie soundtracks for our enjoyment.
Superman
The nostalgia inspired by another of John Williams’ masterpieces, this film and subsequent other films to follow is part of one of the most iconic theme songs in film history. The impact of the music on the initial director was profound, he was so excited by the feelings it stirred he yelled out some words of excitement and they had to re-take the scenes. Williams did yet another amazing job, carefully coordinating all pieces of the music to succinctly and definitively pull the right emotions out that just scream Superman to its audience.
Gladiator
Probably the most underrated music score within this list, this music was partially created by Hans Zimmer, who is more well-known for his modern music scores to movies that contain more romance and drama than action. But this movie is all about the battles, and there is no doubt the movie would be weaker without the amazing music that accompanies these incredibly crafted scenes, bringing you back to the times of Ancient Greece and Rome within the Colosseum.
Though Zimmer does work later with Christopher Nolan films like The Dark Knight, where his talent for brooding and dark, ominous tones come into play, the music from this score that he did with Lisa Gerrard has a profound impact on creating a great atmosphere.
Indiana Jones
Going back and continuing to keep John William’s themes alive, this is yet another iconic action-packed theme song that just seems to fit its leading character, and the music continued throughout the trilogy, now with a fourth movie in the mix as well. The music in this musical score tells the audience right away that it is going to be an action-packed movie, even before it begins.
Star Wars
We couldn’t do a list of musical scores and not include this. Granted, there is no one particular film within the franchise we want to single out since they all contain great scores as a whole. Williams created great touching moments with the music that was more emotional, in addition to mismatched musical mashes throughout that are jarring and create a lack of harmony between the viewer and the movie/scene, but somehow it all works tremendously together in an amazing musical score. Director J.J. Abrams is quoted about Williams saying, “he writes feelings… and knows how to make your heart soar like no one else.”
Music In Films Is Important
Knowing that musical score is what helps to aid and demonstrate a story in a way that scenes and dialogue cannot is the true mark of a great filmmaker, director, or screenwriter. Utilizing a music production studio that can provide custom tracks is a really fantastic way to ensure that the music a filmmaker chooses evokes the right emotions in scenes.
Movies have never really been silent, even back when they were first made. There was always music that was played that helped move the story in the right direction. Music guides the audience and moves them in a way that has them coming back for more.