What is the best John Williams film score?

John Williams is the most celebrated film composer in history, having scored everything from Star Wars to Schindler's List. Which of his legendary soundtracks deserves the crown?

1

Star Wars: A New Hope

The 1977 space opera score that single-handedly revived the orchestral film score tradition.

1000pts

2

Schindler's List

The 1993 Academy Award-winning score, its plaintive violin solo among the most moving in cinema.

867pts

3

Memoirs of a Geisha

The 2005 Oscar-winning score weaving Japanese shamisen with sweeping Western strings.

809pts

4

Superman

The 1978 superhero score whose brass fanfare remains the definitive superhero theme.

674pts

5

Jaws

The 1975 thriller score famous for its two-note motif that became synonymous with dread.

606pts

6

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

The 2001 fantasy score whose 'Hedwig's Theme' instantly defined the wizarding world.

539pts

7

Lincoln

The 2012 historically resonant score of restrained grandeur reflecting a nation at its crossroads.

539pts

8

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

The 1982 fantasy score whose bike-flight finale is one of the most euphoric in film history.

455pts

9

The Empire Strikes Back

The 1980 score introducing The Imperial March, arguably the most famous villain theme ever composed.

455pts

10

Saving Private Ryan

The 1998 war film score that mixes solemn hymns with harrowing battlefield tension.

455pts

11

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

The 1977 sci-fi score built around five unforgettable notes used to communicate with aliens.

455pts

12

Catch Me If You Can

The 2002 jazz-infused score capturing the playful cat-and-mouse of the con artist story.

455pts

13

Hook

The 1991 fantasy score that brought Neverland to life with childlike wonder and soaring themes.

455pts

14

Jurassic Park

The 1993 adventure score blending wonder and terror across sweeping orchestral vistas.

346pts

15

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

The 1981 adventure score featuring the swashbuckling Raiders March that defined the franchise.

0pts