Six of the Greatest Movie Soundtracks From This Century
A movie’s music choices can be just as memorable as the film itself.
1. Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" is a 2025 Best Picture Oscar-winning film that combines fascism and rebellion with a unique cadence. Composer Jonny Greenwood was hired to create music before shooting, which is then edited to match the film's pace. The soundtrack features percussive piano, robotic drums, and twanging guitars, emphasizing the chaotic nature of social movements.
2. Tom Nichols' favorite film soundtrack from the past two decades is John Williams' "Darkest Hour." Set in 1940, the movie follows Winston Churchill's early days in office, facing the Nazi threat. The score alternates between piano meditations and orchestral flight, capturing the tension and urgency of Churchill's leadership. The final track, "We Shall Fight," is a moving and uplifting piece that pays tribute to Churchill's unwavering spirit.
3. Howard Shore's score for "The Fellowship of the Ring" remains Jeremy Gordon's single favorite piece of original movie music in this century. The Lord of the Rings series transports viewers to a magical world through Shore's form-fitting compositions. The enchanting score accompanies the epic adventure of hobbits, wizards, and dwarves, making Peter Jackson's movie as visually and sonically captivating as it is.
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