Callum Ward
The Star Wars saga is one of the most iconic and enduring franchises in cinematic history, spanning generations and shaping the very landscape of blockbuster filmmaking. From its groundbreaking visual effects to its timeless characters, the series has captivated audiences for nearly five decades and continues to do so. But among all of Star Wars’ defining elements, few are as universally revered as its music.
John Williams’ legendary scores have been the beating heart of the saga, elevating its most thrilling battles, heartbreaking losses and triumphant victories from the very beginning. His compositions don’t just accompany the story—they are the story, evoking emotion with every bombastic brass fanfare and triumphant choral swell. Whether it’s the ominous presence of the Imperial March or the wistful longing of Across the Stars, Williams’ music has been integral to the saga’s emotional weight and cultural impact.
With that in mind, we’re ranking the scores of the nine mainline Star Wars films—not by the quality of the movies themselves, but by the power, memorability and impact of their soundtracks as well as deciding on my favourite track from each score. Let’s dive in!
9. The Rise of Skywalker
The Rise of Skywalker features a score so unoriginal that it forced the Academy Awards to update its rules for the Best Original Score category in the form of 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. This film featured very few original pieces and instead relied on very slight re-works of existing scores from the original trilogy, especially in the key moments of the film.
Whilst this nostalgia-driven approach does result in some stirring moments, it ultimately lacked the originality that made previous Star Wars soundtracks so memorable. That being said, one standout track is “Reunion”, a beautifully swelling piece that underscores the emotional moment when Rey, Finn, and Poe embrace after their final victory. This track captures the warmth of the saga’s found-family theme and provides one of the few fresh musical highlights in an otherwise heavily recycled score.
8. The Last Jedi
Rian Johnson’s entry into the sequel trilogy with The Last Jedi is one of the most divisive films in the saga but without a doubt one of the high points of the film was the score. John Williams managed to introduce new motifs throughout that will stand the test of time while also revisiting classic themes in fresh ways.
The best example of this is “The Battle of Crait”, which blends elements of The Rebellion Is Reborn with Luke’s heroic last stand. The track builds tension beautifully, capturing both the desperation of the Resistance and the grandeur of Luke Skywalker’s final act, with the haunting reprise of “The Force Theme” as Luke projects himself across the galaxy is one of the film’s most powerful moments.
7. The Force Awakens
Returning to Star Wars after a decade, John Williams had the challenge of crafting music for a new generation of heroes. While The Force Awakens leaned heavily on nostalgia, it also introduced one of the saga’s best new themes: “Rey’s Theme”.
This track is whimsical, mysterious and full of hope, reflecting Rey’s journey from a lonely scavenger to a Jedi in the making. The delicate use of woodwinds and strings sets it apart from previous Star Wars themes, making it one of the most memorable pieces from the sequel trilogy.
6. The Phantom Menace
Say what you will about The Phantom Menace, but its score is undeniably its strongest aspect. John Williams went all out with the orchestration, creating a musical experience that feels grand and operatic.
The standout track, of course, “Duel of the Fates”, is perhaps the most famous Star Wars battle theme ever composed. With its dramatic choir and thunderous strings, it transforms the final lightsaber duel between Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Darth Maul into something mythical. Even decades later, this track remains one of the most electrifying pieces in the franchise. Despite such a high point with “Duel of the Fates”, the rest of The Phantom Menaces score, whilst still strong, doesn’t quite have enough to it to move it up in the rankings.
5. The Empire Strikes Back
The Empire Strikes Back is often hailed as the best Star Wars film and its score is just as legendary. While “The Imperial March” is undoubtedly its most famous track and is truly excellent, my personal favourite is “Yoda’s Theme”.
This piece perfectly encapsulates the wisdom, serenity and quiet strength of the Jedi Master. The gentle, flowing melody stands in stark contrast to the chaos of the war around him, highlighting Yoda’s role as a guide and mentor. It’s a beautiful, understated theme that adds depth to one of the saga’s most beloved characters.
4. Attack of the Clones
Despite the mixed reception to the film itself, the score for this Attack of the Clones is a thing of beauty. Throughout the entire final third of the film the score is a thrilling and impactful as the action on screen, if not more so, but without a doubt the standout part of the score is “Across the Stars”.
This sweeping love theme for Anakin and Padmé is rich with longing, tragedy and inevitability. The soaring strings and melancholic undertones foreshadow the doomed romance at the heart of the prequels, making it one of the most emotionally powerful themes in the saga. If nothing else, Attack of the Clones gave us a love theme worthy of its Shakespearean ambitions and is easily one of the saga’s best tracks.
3. A New Hope
A New Hope’s music is packed with iconic moments, from the triumphant “Main Title” to the swashbuckling “TIE Fighter Attack”. However, one of the most magical pieces is “The Princess Appears” (also known as Binary Sunset).
This track plays when Luke gazes at the twin suns of Tatooine, longing for something more. It’s a moment of pure cinematic wonder, elevated by the sweeping grandeur of The Force Theme. It’s a piece that embodies the essence of Star Wars—hope, adventure and destiny.
2. Revenge of the Sith
The darkest Star Wars film needed a score to match, and John Williams delivered with a soundtrack dripping in drama and tragedy with Revenge of the Sith’s score.
The entire score reinforces the film’s sense of inevitable downfall. “Battle of the Heroes” mirrors “Duel of the Fates” but trades its aggression for something more tragic, perfectly underscoring Anakin and Obi-Wan’s final duel. Meanwhile, “Anakin’s Dark Deeds” transforms his attack on the Jedi Temple into a chilling, operatic moment of despair. Even quieter pieces like “Padmé’s Ruminations” add to the tension, making this one of John Williams’ most powerful and emotionally charged scores.
My personal favourite of the film is “The Immolation Scene”, one of the most devastating pieces in the entire saga, playing as Obi-Wan watches Anakin burn on Mustafar. The sorrowful strings and haunting choral notes make this one of Williams’ most heart-wrenching compositions. It’s a moment of pure operatic tragedy, cementing Revenge of the Sith as one of the most emotionally charged entries in the saga.
1. Return of the Jedi
Return of the Jedi had the nearly impossible task of delivering a satisfying conclusion to the most beloved sci-fi trilogy of all time. In many ways, John Williams’ score was the glue that held it all together, balancing thrilling action, deep emotional weight, and the triumphant sense of resolution that the saga deserved. “Luke and Leia” is one of Williams’ most underrated themes, beautifully capturing the sibling bond between the Skywalker twins. Then there’s “The Emperor”, an ominous, chanting piece that embodies pure evil. But in my opinion, no track embodies what Star Wars is better than “Victory Celebration and Finale”.
While the original version of the film ended with “Yub Nub”, the 1997 Special Edition replaced it with this more expansive and emotional piece. The track beautifully encapsulates the resolution of the saga, blending a sense of peace with a hint of nostalgia. It transitions seamlessly into a medley of the saga’s greatest themes, ending Star Wars on a triumphant, bittersweet note. It’s the perfect conclusion to an epic journey, and solidifies Return of the Jedi’s spot at the top of my favourite Star Wars score list!
John Williams’ music is the soul of Star Wars, turning already great moments into something truly unforgettable. Whether it’s the tension of Duel of the Fates, the heartbreak of The Immolation Scene, or the sheer hopefulness of Rey’s Theme, his compositions have left an indelible mark on cinema. While the ranking of the films may always be up for debate, one thing remains certain: Star Wars wouldn’t be the same without John Williams.
