Soundtracks
Music is the soul of the movie, conveying happiness, tragedy, horror, and laughter. A good soundtrack can make one recall certain scenes, such as the famous desert truck chase sequence from Raiders of the Lost Ark or the Emperor's March from The Empire Strikes Back. I'm referring mainly to pure score soundtracks, as opposed to many films that gather a bunch of pop songs and slap them together to create a "soundtrack". An exception is when a song or songs are written directly for a film, such as for Disney animation.
Superman The Movie
A superhero, a super movie, and a super soundtrack! This John Williams score is even better than Raiders or any of his Star Wars works. The majestic main theme is inspirational, and the love theme irresistably romantic. Perfect compliment to the film.
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Another memorable John Williams score. The Raiders March is instantly recognisable, but the Map Room and the Desert Chase are even more impressive. Lots of frivolity, plus one love theme.
Titanic (1997)
The soundtrack to the most expensive and most profitable motion picture of all time is also the highest-selling soundtrack of all time. James Horner's score is alternately lush, rich, romantic, evocative, dramatic and tragic. Contains the by-now ubiquitous Celine Dion hit, "My Heart Will Go On."
Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Sensational soundtrack to Disney's masterpiece is in the style of a Broadway musical, with several showstopping numbers mixed with more tender songs. The score by Alan Menken is beautiful, and the lyrics by the late Howard Ashman unequalled.
The Empire Strikes Back
The best film in the trilogy has a great soundtrack to match. The Imperial March is one of the most menacing and exciting themes in history, but there is also Yoda's Theme, the Han Solo and Princess Leia love theme, and the chase through the Asteroid Field. John Williams outdid his Oscar-winning Star Wars with this work.
The Little Mermaid
Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's first Disney animated collaboration is a delight, mirroring the wonder and creativity of the film itself. Probably the most diverse soundtrack of all, mixing conventional Disney tunes, opera, calypso, reggae, and even a French-inspired ditty!
Jaws 2
Another case of a Williams score for a sequel being better than its celebrated original. He had to work hard to produce a worthy follow-up to his famous Jaws, and succeeds admirably. Evocative of the sea one moment, and outright terror the next. Also contains the exhilarating Catamaran Race, a celebration of the joie-de-vivre of teenage life by the sea.
The Untouchables
Ennio Morricone is one of the best composers around, and his music for Brian de Palma's classic film version of the TV show does much to underline the emotion, drama, and suspense. Morricone's music is unique, and is well represented here. Indeed, it was hard to choose this over others like The Mission or Cinema Paradiso.
Dances with Wolves
John Barry is a legend, having composed most of the early James Bond scores. His music is easily recognisable, often dominated by a lush main theme. Dances with Wolves is one of his crowning achievements, complementing the wide open spaces beautifully.
ET the Extra Terrestrial
Another John Williams Oscar winner. Thunderous, imaginative, rich, and with one memorable piece after another. Contains all the hallmarks of a classic Williams soundtrack.