20 amazing soundtracks from war movies! And because beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it’s not any top 20, the order is completely random, though every soundtrack in this article is worthy of hearing again. Perhaps it will bring back memories about some movies, that you really liked and want to watch again.
Can you imagine a movie without great music? Sometimes it’s as important as the main actors or a storyline. For example, the famous composer Hans Zimmer music helped many movies to scale new heights and created the unique atmospheres that added to the drama.
1. Empire of the Sun
“Empire of the Sun” with an amazing traditional Welsh lullaby written by an unknown composer. This one is performed by James Rainbird, lip-synched by a young Christian Bale.
2. The Hunt For Red October
“The Hunt for Red October” main theme was composed by Basil Poledouris.
3. With Fire and Sword
Heart-wrenching track composed by Krzesimir Dębski for the movie “With Fire and Sword”.
4. Tears of the Sun
Melancholic theme song from “Tears of the Sun”.
5. Gladiator
This sent shivers up and down my spine. Music composed by Hans Zimmer.
6. Pearl Harbor
Without this melody, it’s highly probably that American forces would have lost against Imperial Japan. Of course in the movie, not in reality.
7. Letters From Iwo Jima
Music by Kyle Eastwood and Michael Stevens. This song really hits you right in the heart.
8. The Thin Red Line
Another masterpiece made by Hans Zimmer. “Journey to the Line” from “The Thin Red Line”.
9. Black Hawk Down
“Black Hawk Down” and track “Leave No Man Behind”. The Soundtrack of this movie was composed by a musical genius – Hans Zimmer.
10. Fury
April 1945. Score composed by Steven Price. Perfectly fits for “Fury” theme.
11. Schindler’s List
“Schindler’s List’ supported by John Williams music.
12. The Pianist
“The Pianist” and one of Chopin’s late nocturnes. Excellent match for fans of classic music.
13. Full Metal Jacket
The Trashmen with their track “Surfin’ Bird” from the movie “Full Metal Jacket”. Memorable track.
14. Rota Stas
9th Company and their adventures in Afghanistan. Dato Evgenidze was the composer of the track and it was his first major project.
15. Saving Private Ryan
“Saving Private Ryan” without the main theme made by John Williams? Not a chance!
16. We Were Soldiers
Scottish accents in “We Were Soldiers”. This song was sung by Joseph Klina McKenzie to honor his Grandfather who died in the World War I.
17. My Way
The main theme of “Mai Wei”. With very beautiful lyrics!
18. Stalingrad
“Stalingrad” and the main theme by Norbert J. Schneider.
19. War Horse
And now a cheerful song from the movie “War Horse”. Composed by John Williams.
20. Valkyrie
“They’ll remember you”. Valkyrie movie confirms the authenticity of the song title. We do remember Claus von Stauffenberg.
Bonus: Band of Brothers
While not really a war film, we thought we had to include it in this list