11 February 2021

Fellow film buffs know that if a movie features a Hans Zimmer soundtrack, it's bound to be epic. But who is he?

Best known for being Christopher Nolan's score composer of choice (something we'll explore a little later), Hans Zimmer is responsible for some of the most immersive music in film and television history.

Here we take a look at the 25 best Hans Zimmer Soundtracks (so far) – from The Dark Knight to Gladiator.

And if you’re looking for the soundtrack to your next project (but your budget doesn’t stretch to Mr Zimmer) – no matter if that's a film, or TV show, look to our expertly-chosen playlists for everything you need.

The Best Hans Zimmer Soundtracks

1. Batman Begins (2005)

Our first pick for Hans Zimmer’s film work is the opening chapter in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy, better known as Batman Begins. This marked the first time the British director and Hans Zimmer worked together.

For us, the standout moment from the Batman Begins soundtrack is the ‘Ending Theme’. It's tense, dramatic and effectively creates a sense of impending doom.

Looking for something similar? Check out our tense and dramatic background music pages.

2. The Dark Knight (2008)

The Dark Knight is the second chapter in Nolan's Batman trilogy that relies on the musical talents of Hans Zimmer. Frequently praised as one of the best films of all time, the film contains themes of anarchy and chaos – and its soundtrack does a great job reflecting that.

The ‘Main Theme’ from The Dark Knight is a lot like its titular character – strong, heroic and mysterious. Some may say it’s as iconic as the film's career-defining performances.

3.The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Completing the trilogy alongside Nolan, Hans Zimmer returned for 2012's The Dark Knight Rises: a film that puts the 'grand' in grand finale.

As expected, Zimmer upped the ante for Christian Bale's final outing as Batman, adding heavy percussion and angelic vocals into the mix to create tracks like ‘Rise’: an aptly-titled, foreboding track played during the last few minutes of the film.

4. Inception (2010)

Outside of the Batman trilogy, Nolan and Zimmer have collaborated on other film projects – including 2010's Inception.

Starring some of the greatest actors and actresses of our time, Inception is a genre-defying blockbuster that Nolan will forever be remembered for. Similarly, ‘Time’ is a warm and weighty track from the soundtrack, tapping into the plot’s esoteric and philosophical themes.

5. The Lion King (1994)

Adored by millions worldwide, The Lion King is one of the most impactful films ever created. And whilst Elton John and Tim Rice are known for penning the musical's catchy songs, it's Zimmer that composed all of the compositions in between.

Of course, that includes the track 'Remember Who You Are' that plays as Simba speaks to his deceased father (who FYI appears in the clouds). This music moment helped Zimmer win his first and – to date - only Academy Award.

6. The Lion King (2019)

When Disney decided to recreate The Lion King using new live-action technology, recruiting Zimmer was paramount. Who else would be able to capture the cathartic essence of the Shakesperian narrative?

After watching The Lion King (2019) for the first time, the song that stuck with us the most was ‘Stampede’. As the name suggests, this track plays during the scene in which Simba tragically loses his father. The combination of the life-like visuals and the foreshadowing tune in the 2019 flick was so powerful, it triggered feelings inside of us we never even realised we were capable of.

7. Gladiator (2000)

Anybody who's anybody has worked with British film director Ridley Scott – needless to say, that includes Hans Zimmer. Most notably, Zimmer provided the soundtrack to Scott's swords and sandals epic, Gladiator.

Speaking to GQ, Ridley Scott once said, ‘In my head, I listen to [Zimmer's] music and I don't even have to shut my eyes. I can see the pictures. And that's why, in many respects, I know I can talk pictures with Hans. He responds to pictures.’ See what the director means by checking out Gladiator's ‘Main Theme’.

8. The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Ron Howard’s The Da Vinci Code may have been released all the way back in the mid-00s, but it continues to divide opinion (on and offline) to this day. Albeit, one thing everyone can agree on is that Hans Zimmer’s soundtrack hits all the right notes.

How does one go about creating a soundtrack for the literary film adaptation of Dan Brown's mystery-thriller? Judging by the film's ‘Main Theme’, you aim to create an atmosphere and provoke the audience's emotions.

You can find atmospheric and emotional music in our catalogue.

9. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

The first Pirates of the Caribbean film set the pace for the rest of Jack Sparrow’s swashbuckling franchise – in terms of storyline, locations, character arcs and music.

It therefore comes as no surprise that Hans Zimmer is the man behind The Curse of the Black Pearl’s music; he composed the iconic theme song alongside fellow German-composer Klaus Badlet.

10. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)

The sequel to The Curse of the Black Pearl had a lot to live up to – and so did its soundtrack. Expectedly, Zimmer blew expectations out of the (pirate-riddled) water.

'Jack Sparrow' from Dead Man’s Chest is one of the quirkiest tracks Zimmer has ever created in his career. The song moves quickly and unexpectedly and features chirpy strings and rousing percussion.

Searching the high seas for more quirky music? We think X marks the spot on this particular map.

11. Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007)

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End is a lot of fun, and so is its soundtrack. In classic Zimmer-style, each song is bold and action-packed and deserves to be listened to on surround-sound speakers.

In the famous Up is Down sequence of the film (a personal favourite from the POTC franchise), music adds tension to an otherwise comical scene. Check it out for yourself to see exactly what we mean.

12. Interstellar (2014)

Interstellar is Christopher Nolan's most ambitious film to date, and, naturally, it's aided by a ground-breaking soundtrack provided by Zimmer.

The thematic ‘No Time For Caution’ track encompasses the epic feel of the sci-fi cinematic experience and keeps viewers on the edge of their seat. If you're looking for some similar music for your next project, we suggest you look to our cinematic orchestral album.

13. Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Dennis Villeneuve’s creative eye and Zimmer’s ear for music joined forces in 2017 for Blade Runner 2049. The result? A phenomenal visual and audio spectacle that takes the audience on a trip to the future.

At the end of the film, a Zimmer-fied version of the ‘Tears In The Rain’ track from the 1982 film plays. The soft, touching track helps Villeneuve wrap the labyrinthine narrative up in a way that respects the franchise and its fan base.

14. Dunkirk (2017)

By 2017, Hans Zimmer’s music was a key ingredient to auteur Christopher Nolan’s films. Hence, he played an important part in ensuring that historical war film Dunkirk sounded every bit as extravagant as it needed to.

The standout song on the Dunkirk tracklist is ‘The Mole’, a tune that aims to evoke uneasiness within the audience. Its restless ticking and dramatic climax makes the action on screen seem all the more exciting.

15. Sherlock Holmes (2009)

The Zimmer soundtrack to Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes captures the zeitgeist of London in the Victorian era: frantic, eccentric and hard working.

Take ‘Discombobulate’, for example, a composition that fits perfectly within the world of the idiosyncratic detective.

16. Planet Earth II (2016)

The only TV show to make it to our list is BBC's Planet Earth II. The nature docuseries – spearheaded by cherished presenter Sir David Attenborough – is a celebration of our world (and a sequel to 2006's Planet Earth) spread over six episodes.

Listen to how Zimmer took inspiration from the captivating footage to create music by watching and listening to the iconic and very dramatic Iguana vs Snakes clip.

17. The Prince of Egypt (1998)

When Dreamworks decided to bring a Bible story to life on screen, they knew they'd need the help of Hans Zimmer to create a ground-breaking, sea-parting soundtrack.

As you may already know, the final song of Prince of Egypt is aptly sublime and leaves the audience in its feels. Ergo, it's one of our favourite Hans Zimmer movie soundtracks of all time.

18. 12 Years A Slave (2013)

12 Years A Slave is a powerful statement, an impressive period film and a poignant biography all rolled into one. Unsurprisingly, Hans Zimmer took on the challenge of providing a soundtrack for the film with aplomb.

The song ‘Solomon’ – named after the film's lead character – encapsulates the complex mood of the film that concurrently summons a whole range of emotions.

19. Man of Steel (2013)

Say what you like about Zack Snyder's Man of Steel, but for heaven's sake do not come for Zimmer's formidable soundtrack: it's everything a Superman soundtrack should be.

Listen to Hans Zimmer (and his orchestra) perform the leading song from the film, and we dare you not to get goose bumps.

20. The Simpsons Game (2007)

If you're wondering what Hans Zimmer game soundtracks exist, then wonder no longer as we're about to unlock a new memory. Zimmer provided the soundtrack for (drum roll please...) The Simpsons Game.

Released on consoles back in 2007 (AKA the PS3 era), The Simpsons Game was an immersive video game experience that made players (including us) like a Springfield resident, helped along by Zimmer’s music.

21. Hidden Figures (2016)

Hidden Figures – starring Taraji P Henson, Janelle Monáe and Octavia Spencer – is a modern classic that features a soundtrack created by Hans Zimmer, British composer Benjamin Wallfisch and the one-and-only Pharrell Williams.

The bewitching set of songs successfully merges Zimmer's flair for orchestral sounds with soul-stirring vocals and graceful piano notes. For this reason, it's one of our favourite soundtracks to make it to this list.

22. Pearl Harbor (2001)

Pearl Harbor packs an emotional punch – something it wouldn't have been able to accomplish without Hans Zimmer's help.

‘Tennessee’ is a beautifully composed track that's known across the world as the theme song to the 2001 film. Need reminding? Have a listen by watching the video.

23. Shark Tale (2004)

Shark Tale is one of Dreamworks' biggest success stories to date – and if you ask us, that's got everything to do with Hans Zimmer's contagious soundtrack. One song that's stuck with us since the animation's release is ‘Some of My Best Friends Are Sharks’. Who knew a song inspired by the sea could be so warm?

24. Batman VS Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Batman VS Superman: Dawn of Justice is a film that collides one world with another. So, it was only fitting that the film's soundtrack brings together the worlds of German-born Hans Zimmer and Dutch composer Junkie XL.

Not seen the film? We suggest you listen to ‘Do You Bleed?’ from the DC soundtrack to get a taste of what was achieved from the collaboration. (Hint: it's pretty magnificent.)

25. Madagascar (2005)

Madagascar just goes to prove that you can capture the attention of both kids and adults with the help of a magical soundtrack. Especially if that soundtrack is composed by Mr Hans Zimmer.

‘Zoosters Breakout’ is a song from the motion picture that tells the story of the animals breaking out of the urban zoo in audio form. And judging by the comments, it’s also the soundtrack of many millennials’ childhoods.

For more expert advice and inspiration, check out our articles!

Looking for music to license for a big screen project? We have everything from action to comedy, documentary to blockbuster trailers to fit every genre, mood and emotion.