5 Iconic Movie Themes That Made History

Many times, what makes a movie tick doesn’t actually take place on screen. Ever since sound was added to moving pictures, soundtracks have been a crucial part in film making – sometimes even topping the movies themselves and achieving cult status.

We’ve compiled a short (and not at all thorough!) list of some of our favorite hits, that add that extra oomph to the movie experience.

Ghostbusters, 1984

Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters, of course!

The American sci-fi comedy film, directed and produced by Ivan Reitman, featured Bill Murray, Aykroyd, and Ramis. The noted actors portrayed three parapsychologists who start a ghost-catching business.

The Ghostbusters score was composed by Elmer Bernstein, who had won an Oscar for his score to Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967) and was nominated for 14 Oscars in total.

Back to the Future, 1985

The cult science fiction film, starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd was directed by Robert Zemeckis. Fox portrayed in the quirky teenager, Marty McFly, who accidentally travels back in time, where he meets his future parents. And the soundtrack added to the epic experience. Alan Silvestri actually began recording the score just two weeks before the film’s first preview.

The Original Star Wars Trilogy (1977-1983)

The epic film, written and directed by George Lucas, came out with the added bonus of an out of this world soundtrack. Perhaps the most recognizable theme, present throughout the franchise, is the Imperial March, also known as Darth Vader’s theme. Because how can you be the baddie without a suitable march that follows you around?

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (1966)

The classic Western from legendary director Sergio Leoni, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly features this memorable tune. The theme was written by Italian composer Ennio Morricone, who has composed over 500 scores for cinema and television, as well as over 100 classical works.

Mary Poppins (1964)

The musical film directed by Robert Stevenson and produced by Walt Disney featured numerable hits written and composed by the Sherman Brothers. 

Perhaps one of the catchiest of them is A Spoonful of Sugar. The melody is heard throughout the film and has become associated with the cheeky nanny.