The man, the myth, the legend. Hans Zimmer is my favorite composer in Hollywood. The guy has been delivering and producing some of the most iconic and epic soundtracks to ever hit the big-screen. His resume has endless hits, like "The Lion King," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "The Dark Knight," "Man of Steel," "Interstellar," "Inception," "12 Years a Slave," and "Gladiator." There will be some great tracks of his that won’t make this list – it’s inevitable. The following will be a list of my favorite tracks from all of his soundtracks that he has scored – which are in no particular order. I'll include all of the tracks in a playlist at the bottom as well so you can hear them.
1. "Now We Are Free” -- "Gladiator"
One of the best parts about one of the great swords-and-sandals movies is the score. This track in particular demonstrates the uplifting, ancient, warrior sound that brings out the scene. As the track keeps going, the stronger, yet more touching it becomes. It’s the ultimate feel-good tribute.
2. "Flight” – "Man of Steel"
In perhaps my favorite complete soundtrack of his, this song is easily the standout. This track plays over Superman putting on the suit for the first time and learning how to fly. It’s grand, heroic, and beautiful. It tugs at your heart and takes you along for an incredible flight. Just imagine watching the scene it’s played in that includes Russell Crowe’s famous voice-over and Henry Cavill soaring above giraffes, ice, and sea. Goosebumps are likely to occur.
3. "S.T.A.Y.” – Interstellar
One of the most talked about movies of 2014 had a great soundtrack to accompany it. This one in particular helped provide one of the most riveting scenes in the thriller. The track gives off a harmonious, cosmic, dream-like vibe. If you’ve seen the movie, you know exactly which scene this one is a part of (I can’t spoil it for those that haven’t seen it). Even though it is conveyed through music, it is filled with powerful emotions – that’s the beauty of it.
4. "Is She With You” – "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice"
The new Wonder Woman theme is truly the best track of any kind that I’ve heard in years. There’s the epic cello/electric guitar-esque line combined with the thunderous drumline and a hint of mystery and intrigue. When the wind instruments and choral parts take over, I get goosebumps from head to toe. Zimmer absolutely nailed this track in every way. The only part I don’t like is that it had to end.
4. "This Land” – "The Lion King"
This is one of the most beautiful pieces of work that Zimmer has done. Interestingly enough, it was actually his first big hit as a film composer. His soundtrack elevated this Disney movie to astronomical heights of glory. The music is so powerful and emotionally gripping that ends on such on a high note.
6. "Rise" -- "The Dark Knight Rises"
I think it’s fair to say that this track is the clear standout on the entire soundtrack. The familiar and hopeful beginning that transitions into the slower, more somber stage that ultimately leads back into the hopeful, impactful ending. The track essentially plays off of the famous line from the first installment in the franchise that Alfred spoke: “Why do we fall, sir? So we can learn to pick ourselves back up.”
7. "Beautiful Lie” – "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice"
This one might be one of the more under-appreciated tracks on the list. This track exemplifies the character of Batman and starts off the movie on a good note. There is the bombastic beginning, the emotionally touching middle, the build-up, and the tragic fall. The soft piano, combined with the heartfelt vocal part, provide one of the best tracks on the album and perhaps one of the more popularly-covered songs on YouTube.
8. "Drink Up Me Hearties Yo Ho” – "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"
Captain Jack Sparrow! This might be my personal favorite track from any of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. The way it starts might make you scratch your head, but it doesn’t take long to get into one of the most famous movie themes of the 21st Century so far. Once it hits that mark, the track becomes gold.
9. "Arcade” – "Man of Steel"
The beginning of this excellent, masterful track reveals General Zod’s theme, which then transitions into a hint of what I would call the “calm before the storm” moment. Once it officially transitions into the uptempo, epic part, it will surely bring back those goosebumps. The track plays during an action scene in the film and elevates a good action scene into a fantastic one. Battle music!
10. "Introduce a Little Anarchy” – "The Dark Knight"
This track was honestly one of many from this soundtrack that could have fit the last spot on the list. In fact, this movie might be the best one on the list. Hans Zimmer and Christopher Nolan really brought their A-game when making this film. This track in particular has quite a few elements to it. There's the familiar Batman theme in the beginning, but then it goes back and forth between the meticulously slow and "ticking" part that gives way to a faster, edgier sound. It's almost cat-and-mouse like, which is no surprise knowing that the Joker is the one saying the title of the track.
Well, that's my list of my 10 favorite Hans Zimmer tracks. Do you agree with my list, or did I leave one out that should have made it on here? Let me know!
