You may not know his name, but you’ve heard his music. 

Hans Zimmer is widely considered one of the best composers in the film industry. This German film score composer has earned multiple Oscars and Grammys from his catalog of over 200 scores. 

On March 27th, the Kirkland Fine Arts Center will host The Hollywood Film Orchestra for its show, “The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others.” The show is set to honor music in film through the work of this extraordinary man. 

Now, to get you pumped for this enchanting night of intoxicating music, laser projections, and selected film sequences, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite Hans Zimmer scores. 

Please note that I am not a musician in any way, other than playing the violin as a child. I will not be ranking these scores but rather highlighting certain aspects that I enjoy.  

So without further ado, it’s showtime, folks. 

Man of Steel

Zack Snyder’s 2013 film Man of Steel was the original story about not a bird nor a plane, but Superman. 

The film focused on Kal-El’s struggle with his identity and isolation. Zimmer’s score reflects this tone. 

The song “Flight” is a favorite from the film. This song is used when Clark Kent learns to fly. The song is a liberating moment for the Man of Steel because he finally accepts that he is someone special in our world. 

It’s an emotional moment that can easily be played when times are tough in our own lives. 

Gladiator 

Ridley Scott’s 2000 film, Gladiator, took home the Oscar for Best Picture. The story follows a Roman general whose life is obliterated and who is forced into slavery, fighting in the colosseum. 

It’s a film dedicated to defiance and revenge. 

Zimmer’s “Now We Are Free” is the best song from the soundtrack. It’s the final song from the movie and deals with finding peace after winning the impossible dream, with angelic vocals backing it up. 

It’s a testament to the journey of our hero, Maximus Decimus Meridius, and will be forever engraved in our souls after just one listen. 

Interstellar

Sir Christopher Nolan’s 2014 film, Interstellar, is one of the best science fiction movies I’ve ever watched. 

With humanity on the brink of extinction, we send Matthew McConaughey into space to save our world. 

Zimmer cooked with this soundtrack, including songs such as “Mountain,” where every tick heard is one full day on Earth, and the ever-so-iconic “Cornfield Chase.” 

What I love about the latter of the two is that it feels like the calm before the storm. It’s a calming melody intertwined with a sense of curiosity and wonder. 

Later on in this article, you’ll come to the conclusion that when Zimmer and Nolan team up, something spectacular is destined to arrive. 

Kung Fu Panda

Yes, Zimmer also works on animated films. 

The melodies of the Dragon Warrior were composed by a German. Shocking. 

The film’s score is widely celebrated because of its authenticity to Chinese culture. The film’s music is a mix of energetic sounds and surprisingly emotional songs, such as “Oogway Ascends.” 

The score mirrors the wisdom of the Old Master, using gentle strings to help the audience learn to let go. Knowing that Jack Black has a movie with Hans Zimmer is truly one of the funniest things I’ve learned. 

Now Zimmer just needs to join Minecraft 2 so we can get an epic version of “Steve’s Lava Chicken.”  

F1

Brad Pitt, Director Joseph Kosinski, and Hans Zimmer are a heavenly combo. 

F1 was one of last year’s smash hits, earning itself a nomination for best picture. As a newer fan of real F1 racing (Let’s go Cadillac F1), the movie felt like a great introduction to rich people’s NASCAR. 

I’m just kidding about that last part, but the movie and score are great. 

I’m basic with this choice, but the main song “F1” is my favorite from the film. It uses electronic beats with an underlying emotional undertone that makes your internal engine rev up. 

Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if I heard this song at the club. 

The Dark Knight Trilogy 

Three epic movies, one legendary composer. Nolan reteamed with Zimmer to create the score across all three Christian Bale Batman films. 

Bale’s Batman is more grounded and realistic than his comic book roots. Each film represents Batman’s rise, fall, and rebirth. 

The soundtracks are intense, fitting the gritty tone of Gotham City. I mean, there’s something special about listening to “A Dark Knight” as Batman is forced to flee. 

However, this wouldn’t be the last time Zimmer would create music for the Caped Crusader. 

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest

Although he did not make the score for the original Pirates of the Caribbean, Zimmer came in clutch with its sequel. 

His song “Jack Sparrow” captured both the epicness of the titular character and his chaotic side. My favorite parts of the song are the use of loud horns that almost sound like a drunkard stumbling into a saloon. 

I remember playing the video game Lego Pirates of the Caribbean, and this song played in the background of the hub world. I always find myself cracking a smile when I hear it.  

It also would be a crime if I failed to mention his haunting song, “Davy Jones,” which uses a music box to convey the titular character’s sorrow and an organ to show his menacing side. 

The Lion King

This is an all-time Disney classic that earned Zimmer his first Oscar. 

Although Elton John wrote the lyrics, Zimmer was the one who infused Africa into the soundtrack. For “Circle of Life,” Zimmer composed the iconic African choir. It’s one of the boldest starts of any movie. 

We have no dialogue setting up the characters, yet we learn everything about the movie through this song. We feel the awe and wonder of life just as Simba does. 

Dune Trilogy 

Hiding underneath the sands of Arrakis lies Zimmer’s second Oscar. 

The sounds from this film feel otherworldly. We have distorted sounds from the experimental music Zimmer crafted. The score also wouldn’t be complete without all the chanting, screaming, and throat singing. 

Now, I wouldn’t add this score to my playlist, but watching what the cinematic marvel director Denis Villeneuve created gives me goosebumps every time. 

Inception

This is not a dream within a dream. Nolan and Zimmer teamed up again. 

Zimmer created the score of this dream heist movie. 

I’ve really come to enjoy the song “Mombasa.” It’s a fast beast that feels like a heart beating out of someone’s chest. It’s really great to listen to while on the treadmill. 

Thanks to this movie, Zimmer also created the legendary sound known as the “BRAAM.” 

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

I know what you are thinking. This isn’t a movie. You’re correct, but I thought Zimmer should be recognized for scoring the main theme of the greatest Call of Duty game of all time. 

Coincidentally, this was my very first Call of Duty, so now it holds double meaning in my life. 

Even though I’ve hung up my Call of Duty days, I ask my fellow gamers to press F to pay their respects to this great composer. 

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Zimmer’s return to Gotham is even better than before. 

Out of all the iconic scores, this one is probably my absolute favorite. I honestly could have done this whole article writing about this movie’s score. 

Even though Zach Snyder’s movie is a mixed bag, there are flickers of a great film hidden among the trash. One thing everyone can agree on is that the score was spectacular. 

We open the film with “Beautiful Lie,” a song that uses soft instruments to show Bruce’s childhood trauma. There’s a lingering sadness about it that becomes the foundation of Ben Affleck’s Batman. 

Then we have “The Red Capes Are Coming,” which becomes Lex Luthor’s theme. It’s the definition of sinister. It’s something I picture Nero listening to as Rome burned. 

We have the “Black and Blue” that is used during the confrontation between the “World’s Finest.” The instruments are loud, just like the hands Batman was throwing at Superman. 

But what I love the most is the track “Men Are Still Good.” Zimmer captured the sounds of Batman finding faith in humanity once again. The song is warm and uplifting. 

The movie is filled with a dark score, but this one song truly makes you feel hope, capturing the soul of the movie.  

Obviously, I’m not going to go in-depth with each score of his, but I wanted to leave you with one important lesson: No matter what movie you watch, if you see Hans Zimmer’s name attached to it, you’ve got yourself a major motion picture. 

So let’s grab our popcorn and turn up the volume as we let Hans Zimmer’s sounds bless our ears. 

Tickets are still available to purchase for The Music of Hans Zimmer & Others at the Kirkland Fine Arts Center.

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