Top 10 Best Hans Zimmer Soundtracks

The Top Ten
1 Inception

Yeah, and it isn't very close. I can name three songs from the Inception soundtrack that are better than any other Hans Zimmer song, and three songs that are extremely close. Dream is Collapsing is so amazing and powerful, completely captivating the audience and reminding you of the scene very well. Time is chillingly beautiful and has been streamed almost ten times more than any Zimmer song not from the Inception album. And like Dream is Collapsing, the song Mombasa has you on the edge of your seat and is super exciting, reminding you of the epic chase where this song was used.

There are so many more amazing songs from this amazing album, such as One Simple Idea, 528491, Dream Within a Dream, and We Built This World. I could explain why all of those are amazing, but I don't want to waste too much time. In conclusion, this is easily the best Zimmer soundtrack and maybe even the best movie soundtrack of all time.

2 Interstellar

A unique and ambitious soundtrack for an equally unique and ambitious movie, which not only enhances the viewing experience like most of Zimmer's soundtracks, but uniquely propels the core aspect of the film. You can feel the relationship between father and daughter changing throughout the film, along with the constant love and hope that a father can fulfill the promise he made to his daughter. Coop is taken into another dimensional world, and so is the viewer in the film, thanks to Zimmer's emotional and hypnotic soundtrack that defines Interstellar as a truly extraordinary film.

3 The Dark Knight

This music is Batman. Listen, everyone knows that Christian Bale made Batman, Batman, and that Heath Ledger took this movie to a whole different level. However, Hans Zimmer made The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight. This movie is one of my favorites, but the music... it is my favorite. One of the first soundtracks I ever listened to by Zimmer, and as I listened to others (Inception included), I've yet to be disappointed. However, while they are all amazing, Dark Knight is just on a different level.

Hans Zimmer has defined the Batman theme of the decade. The main Dark Knight theme, which revolved around the variations of a part of "Molossus," has been equated to Batman since the Danny Elfman version. But Zimmer made it better. Besides those scores, the overall music in The Dark Knight brings out the emotions of the trilogy, and they fit every scenario perfectly! Another wonderful masterpiece by Hans Zimmer, a true work of art indeed!

4 Gladiator

Who can listen to Earth without being relaxed? Who can listen to Barbarian Horde without being energized? Who can listen to Now We Are Free without being uplifted? You see, that's the thing. These songs were composed with a mission to complete, a feeling to leave you with. Hans Zimmer nailed it with this one! Not my favorite, but my #3.

Now We Are Free is the masterpiece of Zimmer. It truly does connect with one's emotions and draws you in. It's been 14 years now, and I still haven't found a perfect replacement for this composition. Wonder if even Hans Zimmer can outdo himself once more!

5 The Dark Knight Rises

This is an incredible soundtrack. His use of simple chords and repeating phrases makes for an intense and intriguing watching experience. These recurring patterns within the music help the audience to associate certain parts of the film with certain characters. Although the score may not require intense skill to perform, this does not diminish its impact. This score is often given bad reviews because of its simplicity, but this simplicity helps the audience in creating an atmosphere and a certain amount of tension. I always say, "If the music in a film catches your attention when it shouldn't, it may be too complex." I often sit down to watch a movie because of the score and the composer, and then, two hours later, I've just watched a movie and haven't listened to the score at all. That must have been a fantastic score to draw me into the storyline. This score does that for me. Great job, Overlord Hans.

6 Man of Steel

Absolutely amazing! Definitely amongst the top of Zimmer's best. Also, the movie overall is a superhero masterpiece! Everything works oh so perfectly well. Loved everything about MoS.

I watched this movie for Hans Zimmer. Listen to "Arcade" and "What Are You Going to Do When You Are Not Saving the World?" Amazing stuff, should be in the top 10! Get it up, guys!

Intense. Emotional. Lots of action but still melodic. This track captures the places, scenes, people, and events better than any other Zimmer I've heard.

7 The Lion King

How?! It's one of the most unique soundtracks he's ever done in his entire career, and it captures the feel of the entire movie. I simply cannot describe how it feels to hear this soundtrack - it's just so damn amazing.

All of the songs such as 'King of Pride Rock', 'Remember Who You Are', and 'Stampede' perfectly encapsulate all the emotions of this spectacular movie. The melodies have stuck with kids to this very day, and I even find myself humming them once in a while. Perfectly unique and absolutely stunning, The Lion King is definitely the best track he's ever made.

8 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

In spite of the fact that Klaus Badelt was credited for this score, Hans Zimmer produced and co-composed it along with Badelt. Many of the themes from this film were, in fact, written by Zimmer. The title theme, 'He is a Pirate', was Zimmer's composition, albeit an uncredited one.

The first soundtrack that introduced me to Hans Zimmer, making me a huge fan. I've downloaded numerous Hans Zimmer soundtracks since then. Every time I listen, I fall in love all over again.

One of the greatest soundtracks of all time. The only thing keeping it from being Zimmer's best is the fact that he did not do all of it.

9 Batman Begins

It laid the groundwork for The Dark Knight Trilogy scores and is a genuinely fantastic piece of music.

10 Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

The 'Drink Up My Hearties' track comprises a more refined composite masterpiece from Hans Zimmer and presents one of his stronger pieces. The way this song evolves with each minute is genuinely mesmerizing, and to think that humans are capable of producing such brilliance is profound! Hans Zimmer's limits are boundless.

I Don't Think Now is the Best Time is an amazing track on an equally magnificent score - easily my favorite on there. I'm always amazed at how the music can go so under-acknowledged in a film.

The Contenders
11 The Da Vinci Code

Chevaliers de Sangreal, simply amazing. It gives me so much tranquility, it happens more than often that I sit on my study chair and keep listening to this wonderful piece of art. Really, the music cannot be described in words, it can only be felt.

Simply beautiful. The crescendo…

12 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

An invigorating, uplifting, and, better yet, a phenomenal piece of music that distinctly encapsulates the despair and battle of Davy Jones' broken heart. The distant booming of pipe organs playing in the background assists the complex structure of "The squid-faced man's" story. Such sorrow can only be met by the brilliance of Hans Zimmer's on-point accuracy of composition. Hands down, one of the very few good songs that can be played over and over again. I present to you the (DAVY JONES) theme!

This movie contains one of the most complex pieces of music composed by Hans Zimmer. No, I am not talking about "The Kraken," which, as much as I like it, does not equate to "Complex Music" with its loud music and senseless blasting of orchestration. I am referring to "Jack Sparrow," a 6-minute concert-styled suite full of chaos and mayhem. It starts with a slow, drunken-styled theme. And yes, you all will say, the starting 1 minute is so boring, and the best part is the last 30 seconds! But DUH! Both the beginning and the end are one and the same tune itself! Haven't you people been actually LISTENING to the music? This piece of music is the most complex (and I really mean "COMPLEX") piece of music ever developed by a composer, living or dead, which includes greats like Mozart and Wagner. And why does great music always have to be either dark, negative, slow, or sad? Why can't it be fast-paced, beautiful, positive, and uplifting like how "Jack Sparrow" is?

13 The Last Samurai

This one for me is more than music. It demonstrates the real capability of a human being, gives me a reason to try harder in whatever it may be to achieve perfection. Such wonderful music!

Hans' music in The Last Samurai is astounding. It captures the warrior spirit brilliantly and for me focuses on the battle within ourselves to overcome fear and be the best we can be.

One of my favorite soundtracks of all time. My daughter loves it too. It is so moving and tells the story in music, even if you've never watched the film!

14 Sherlock Holmes

This one showcases his legendary work. Hats off to him!

Great soundtrack for a great movie!

An incredible soundtrack that immediately immerses you in the world of Sherlock.

15 Dunkirk
16 Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

This is the "only" soundtrack my nephew will listen to in the car. It's simply amazing, and I love that he composed with Bryan Adams. He's got a tremendous amount of talent, and I love his voice! My all-time favorite, next to Pearl Harbor. I even have my husband enjoying his music.

Oh please? How many of us fell in love with this soundtrack when we were little? Were captivated by every song? This has to be one of the top ten. My childhood would not have been the same without Spirit and Hans Zimmer! Couldn't be happier with this soundtrack!

17 The Pacific
18 Rush

Lost but Won. One of the greatest soundtracks ever made.

Just listen to it, and you will understand how great it is.

Terribly underrated as a Hans Zimmer soundtrack.

19 Kung Fu Panda
20 Kung Fu Panda 2

Although it sounds completely like a Powell score, Zimmer did write several parts. Lorne Balfe was involved in half of the tracks (He writes additional music for many Zimmer scores).

21 Driving Miss Daisy
22 The Amazing Spider-Man 2

I love "I'm Spider-Man", "You're That Spider Guy", and "The Electro Suite". I like that he also collaborated with a group he and the director made called "The Magnificent Six", featuring Pharrell Williams and Johnny Marr.

The full movie was a fun ride, mainly due to Hans Zimmer's score. I truly love Electro's theme and the I'm Spider-Man theme.

Just listen to the Electro Remix. It gives a different perspective on the character.

23 Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
24 King Arthur

A bad film with a wonderful soundtrack. I'm a big fan of Zimmer and I think that this is his masterwork. The last 5 minutes of "All of Them" are the best music I have ever heard.

It elevates some scenes from this underrated movie to a pure emotional masterpiece. Atmospheric. Give it a shot.

I fall asleep listening to this music. It's perfect for the scenes and helps tell the story.

25 Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

This is an incredible score. It builds upon the masterpiece that was the Man of Steel soundtrack and takes it to new levels. It hits all the story beats perfectly, providing you with just as much narrative as the original script.

Terrific Soundtrack with memorable themes. "Is She With You" (Wonder Woman theme) stands out. Lex's theme is a great addition. He and Junkie XL did an amazing job on the Batman theme. Superman's theme from Man of Steel continues to be great.

The most underrated movie and soundtrack. In my opinion, this is Hans' best score, hands down.

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