14 Amazing Soundtracks from Sci-Fi Films

      No great sci-fi film is truly complete without a breathtaking musical score that enhances the visual experience; here are fourteen of the finest...

      An exceptional musical score can transform the film's visual realm, providing another layer that immerses the audience. For genre films, a well-crafted score is crucial in enriching the narrative with mystery, fantasy, excitement, and suspense. It can propel action films, generate tension in horror films, and instill a sense of wonder in sci-fi. While outstanding sci-fi transports us to far-off planets, dystopian environments, or extraordinary situations, the music often needs to be just as captivating to fully sell the director's visual vision.

      From the ethereal sounds of synthesizers to the stirring elements of a full orchestra, here are 14 remarkably incredible sci-fi movie scores that have helped bring extraordinary tales to life, with some elevating the films to new heights…

      Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith – John Williams

      It’s impossible to discuss exceptional scores without acknowledging John Williams, a true master of unforgettable film music. We also must mention one of his most legendary franchises, Star Wars. His iconic marches and recurring motifs are recognized by nearly everyone, even those who haven’t seen a Star Wars film; the main themes have permeated public awareness. The grand fanfare and resonant tones are unforgettable. Although Revenge of the Sith has its flaws, it features many of Williams' renowned themes, albeit with a darker and more complex tone. One could argue it’s the finest score within the Star Wars series.

      Miracle Mile – Tangerine Dream

      This remarkable yet underappreciated nuclear apocalypse thriller unfolds over a single night, as an ordinary man accidentally receives a warning about a bomb about to hit the city. In a frantic quest to locate a girl he had just met and catch a helicopter to safety, the film's relentless pace demands a pulsating score that Tangerine Dream excels at. Much of the film’s cult following is attributed to its outstanding score.

      Interstellar – Hans Zimmer

      Christopher Nolan is skilled at crafting epic sci-fi films, and one key asset of both Inception and Interstellar is Hans Zimmer's music. The famed composer has created numerous memorable scores across various genres, with a particular talent for sci-fi. Interstellar is grand and complex but also deeply emotional. It certainly doesn't come off as emotionally detached, as some critics claim about Nolan's work, yet it avoids sentimentality. Tasked with producing something innovative, Zimmer rises to the occasion and perhaps delivers his finest composition.

      Oblivion – M83

      While Tom Cruise now risks his life in Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning, he starred in the compelling sci-fi film Oblivion in 2013, rich with existential angst and dystopian tension, complemented by a score from M83 that, while reminiscent of Zimmer, incorporates a more pronounced synth element. Given the high caliber of Joseph Kosinski's work and Cruise's typical dedication, it's surprising the film didn't receive a warmer reception. The soundtrack arguably stands out as its greatest asset, enhancing a solid, though not exceptional, sci-fi experience.

      Masters of the Universe – Bill Conti

      The first live-action adaptation of Masters of the Universe drew mixed reactions, but over time, it has gained a renewed appreciation, providing nostalgia for fans who grew up with it. The upcoming reboot will likely fall short in comparison, particularly with regard to the score. In fact, grand, thematic, and unique scores are relatively rare today. Bill Conti provides a fantastic score for what many consider an average film (though they are mistaken, as it truly is great). Besides the deliciously villainous performances from Frank Langella and Meg Foster, Conti's music carries the film. As a friend remarked upon revisiting it, the score will give you "goosebumps."

      2001: A Space Odyssey – Various

      This iconic film, a groundbreaking moment in sci-fi, has left a significant mark on cinema, influencing numerous subsequent projects, including Interstellar. Instead of using a traditional score, Stanley Kubrick paired his stunning visuals with classical music selections from renowned composers like Johann Strauss and György Ligeti. Many pieces are instantly recognizable, even detached from the film's context, but specific iconic scenes within 2001 are so vividly intertwined with their classical soundtracks. The most notable is arguably "Also Sprach Zarathustra" by Richard Strauss, which accompanies the apes in the "Dawn of Man" segment.

      Jurassic Park – John Williams

      Similar to other iconic films on this list, the legacy of the original Jurassic Park has spawned a long-running franchise, which is set to release another installment later this year, Jurassic World: Rebirth. Will it match the original? Unlikely. As with each blockbuster he scored, John Williams crafted a remarkable score featuring memorable themes, exhilarating music that uplifts and excites. The score of Jurassic Park is truly exceptional.

      E.T. – John Williams

      Once again