Hans Zimmer is one of the world’s most well-known composers, creating stunning soundtracks to some of the biggest blockbusters in recent history. Over his career, Zimmer has won two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, four Grammy Awards, and has been nominated for three Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. Composing music for over 150 films, he combines electronic music sounds with a traditional orchestra to create something otherworldly. If you enjoy the music just as much as the film, check out these seven best movies composed by Hans Zimmer.
7. Dune (2021)
Seventh on our list of best movies composed by Hans Zimmer is Dune, based on the bestselling novel by Frank Herbert. The film follows Paul Atreides, a gifted young man born into a destiny beyond his understanding. He travels to one of the most dangerous planets in the universe, Arrakis, to ensure the future of his family and people. However, when malevolent forces appear, only those who can overcome their fear will survive.
–IMDb score: 8.0
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
Head to the world of the pirate for our sixth selection of the best movies composed by Hans Zimmer, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl. While all of the films have incredible Zimmer music, the first film starts it all and introduces viewers to Captain Jack Sparrow, a pirate who joins forces with blacksmith Will Turner. The two must save Elizabeth Swann from Jack’s former allies who are under a nasty curse.
–IMDb score: 8.1
5. The Lion King (1994)
The only animated film on this list is The Lion King, ranking fifth for the best movies composed by Hans Zimmer. Simba is a young lion prince destined to rule over the same stretch of land his father did. However, Simba’s bitter uncle Scar wants the throne for himself and sets up an elaborate plan to eliminate Mufasa and blame it on Simba. Banished and all alone, Simba grows up away from the throne and responsibility, until his past comes rushing back.
–IMDb score: 8.5
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4. Gladiator (2000)
Gladiator ranks fourth on our list of the best movies composed by Hans Zimmer, taking us back into the Roman Empire. Maximus is a powerful general, chosen by the aging Emperor Marcus Aurelius as his successor. When the Emperor’s son hears, a power struggle results in Aurelius dead and Maximus condemned to death. Managing to escape, Maximus makes his way back to the capital, this time as a Gladiator who plans to exact revenge on Emperor Commodus.
–IMDb score: 8.5
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3. Interstellar (2014)
Rounding out the top three movies composed by Hans Zimmer is Interstellar, a journey into the stars that stretches time and space. In the near future, Earth has become uninhabitable, devastated by sandstorms and diminishing crops. Looking to the stars for a new home, ex-NASA pilot Joseph Cooper is recruited to fly a spaceship to possible viable planets. Cooper must decide to go and try to save humanity while leaving his kids behind, or stay home and watch them grow up.
–IMDb score: 8.7
2. Inception (2010)
Taking the second spot for the best movies composed by Hans Zimmer is Inception, a truly mind-bending masterpiece from the setting to the musical score. Dean Cobb is a famed thief, but instead of stealing objects, Cobb retrieves secrets from the subconscious during the dream state. With one last job on the line, Cobb must plant an idea instead of stealing one. However, there is someone on Cobb’s trail, and it’s an enemy only he could have seen coming.
–IMDb score: 8.8
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1. The Dark Knight (2008)
Last but not least on our list of the best movies composed by Hans Zimmer is The Dark Knight, the second installment in Christopher Nolan’s trilogy of the famed hero. Set a year after Batman Begins, the caped crusader has joined forces with Lieutenant James Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent to keep criminals off the streets. That is until a mysterious figure known only as “The Joker” comes to play, wreaking havoc on Gotham City and forcing Batman to confront everything he believes to stop him.
–IMDb score: 9.0
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