Star Wars is the ultimate film franchise, with unforgettable characters, awe-inspiring set pieces and absolutely epic soundtracks. Naturally, we’re here to explore the latter. Welcome to our article about the best Star Wars music.
Its soundtracks have been setting standards since 1977 when Star Wars (now known as Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) was released. But which film has the best soundtrack? And what are the best Star Wars songs? Journey with us into a galaxy far, far away to discover the answers.
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Ranked: The Star Wars Music
1. Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
Composed by: John Williams
The second instalment in the prequel trilogy, Attack of the Clones focuses on the adventures of 35-year-old Obi-Wan Kenobi and the teenage Anakin Skywalker as they attempt to stop the evil Sith.
By no means is the soundtrack to Attack of the Clones bad, it’s just the most forgettable soundtrack in the franchise so far (it doesn’t help that the film is one of the lowest-rated Star Wars films ever created).
Having said that, there’s one song that we hold close to our heart and that’s ‘Across the Stars’. Also known as the ‘Love Theme’, it captures the chemistry between Anakin and Queen Amidala of Naboo, Padmé.
‘Across the Stars’
2. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Composer: John Powell and John Williams
This film focuses on a young Han Solo, treating audiences to the story of the rugged rebel pre-New Hope.Solo. It’s s a unique entry in the Star Wars universe; humorous and grounded, it swaps sci-fi vibes for a space Western feel.
The film may be light years away from the Skywalker Saga, but the soundtrack will be familiar to fans. Composed by English composer John Powell in collaboration with John Williams, the two created a collection of scene-stealing songs that add an extra element of excitement to the film. Unarguably, the best song is ‘Enfys Nest Theme’, which plays during the standout train sequence.
‘Enfys Nest Theme’
3. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (Episode VI) (1983)
Composer: John Williams
Return of the Jedi was the highly anticipated final chapter of the original Star Wars trilogy that centred on Luke Skywalker and the rebel battle against the Galactic Empire. As you may or may not know (actually, come on, you must know), he does this while coming to terms with the revelation that the villainous Darth Vader is his father.
As you can imagine, Return of the Jedi is paired with an emotionally stirring soundtrack. The album is filled with poignant compositions that are now considered classics – of course, this includes the impassioned ‘Luke and Leia’ track.
‘Luke and Leia’
4. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Episode VIII) (2017)
Composer: John Williams
Rian Johnson’s Star Wars – Episode VIII: The Last Jedi was a breath of fresh air: it modernised the franchise in all the right ways and was a hit with avid fans and casual filmgoers alike. It follows the journey of a range of old and new characters (including Rey, Finn, Poe, Luke Skywalker and General Leia Organa) as they rebel against the nefarious First Order.
Following on from his work on The Force Awakens, John Williams took things in a new direction with this second instalment of the sequel trilogy. The most rousing track, ‘Holdo’s Sacrifice’, plays during what is arguably the film’s most intense scene.
‘Holdo’s Sacrifice’
5. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX) (2019)
Composer: John Williams
The final chapter of the Skywalker Saga, which follows Rey’s journey to finding herself, defeating Kylo Ren and guiding the rebels to victory – is not to everyone’s liking. In fact, it’s the lowest-rated Star Wars film ever. But one thing that everyone can agree on is that the soundtrack is impressive.
Just like the film, the soundtrack is filled with big moments. There’s ‘Anthem of Evil’, a haunting piece with a ghostly lead vocal; ‘Destiny of a Jedi’, a multilayered study of the complex relationship between a Jedi and the force; the brilliantly nostalgic-sounding ‘The Old Death Star’; and our favourite, ‘Finale’, which succinctly wraps up the Skywalker Saga.
‘Finale’
Your Time to Shine
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This page was updated 04/04/2024 and 23/04/2024.
