Mark Zuckerberg, (The Social Network)
The Theme: David Fincher only uses Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’ Hand Covers Bruse over integral moments in Mark Zuckerberg’s (Jesse Eisenberg) life in his modern classic. This includes Mark’s walk through his Harvard campus after being dumped by Erica Albright (Rooney Mara) and during his trial with the Winklevii (Arnie Hammer and Josh Pence).
Its Effect: Lonely and awkward yet still with bags of confidence deep within, Reznor and Ross have created the musical equivalent of the Facebook founder.
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Buzz Lightyear & Woody, (Toy Story)
The Theme : Played over the opening titles to show the tight relationship between Andy and his toy cowboy Woody (Tom Hanks), Randy Newman’s lullaby ultimately becomes the national anthem for the Sheriff and his new buddy Buzz (Tim Allen). Only after they’ve sorted out a few minor quarrels first though.
Its Effect: It packs an emotional yet guilt-ridden punch and after hearing its opening bars you’ll be ringing your oldest pal and apologising for being such a terrible friend.
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Harmonica, (Once Upon A Time In The West)
The Theme: With one single blast of his harmonica, Charles Bronson’s musically inclined gunman jumps off his train and is immediately face-to-face with Frank’s (Henry Fonda) henchman, before dispatching them with ease in Leone’s spell-binding western.
Its Effect: You’ll think you’re a cold-blooded killer and might even consider playing the wind instrument in the corner of your local pub. Don't! You'll just look weird and will probably end up barred.
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Frank Abagnale Jr., (Catch Me If You Can)
The Theme: John Williams’ first entry, but by no means his last, proved that the greatest movie conductor of all time could even make a modern and energetic soundtrack to a distinctly average Spielberg flick. Catch Me If You Can never comes close to outdoing its incredible Saul Bass inspired opening titles scene, which coasts along to the maestros’ baton.
Its Effect: Quirky and quick but also perfectly concise and filled with charisma, your mind can hardly grasp the content it’s just heard before it has moved on again. It’s the OST equivalent of a brain freeze.
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Beetlejuice, (Beetlejuice)
The Theme : Recently perished couple Adam Maitland (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara (Geena Davis) seek the help of a bio-exorcist known as Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), saying his name three times and introducing havoc to their afterlives, all against a plodding Danny Elfman overture.
Its Effect: Maybe being dead isn’t such a drag after all?
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The Magnificent Seven, (The Magnificent Seven)
The Theme: Elmer Bernsteins’ beloved theme is played as the posse is collected by Yul Brynner’s Chris but simply sounds great just over the star’s names and an establishing shot.
Its Effect: Awe-inspiringly rousing, it’s the kind of music you’d go to war to.
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George S. Patton, (Patton)
The Theme: Jerry Goldsmith’s composition is Patton’s (George C. Scott) call to war and acts as the tough and grouchy general’s marching anthem, reappearing throughout the film as he prepares for battle.
Its Effect: If you can get your hands on an enormous American flag then you’ll want to stand before it and salute. Or start a kick-ass water balloon fight with your school bully.
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Harry Potter (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone)
The Theme: Hagrid’s journey down to terra firma from Hogwarts with the infant Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) in his arms is accompanied by another magical John Williams score. The scarred wizard’s presence is often shadowed throughout the film series by this wonderful overture.
Its Effect: Enchantingly beautiful, you can’t help but weave your head in tune, think back to your first meeting with young Mr Potter and ponder what mischief you’d get up to if you were a wizard.
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Kyle's Mum, (South Park : Bigger, Longer & Uncut)
The Theme: Hardly the most ringing endorsement for a parent, is it?
Cartman decides to voice his hatred for Kyle’s mother in song and suddenly finds the entire school singing in unison with him, until she stands sternly behind him having heard enough to feel rightly peeved.
Its Effect : Contagiously stirring, you’ll want to voice your own opinions over your friend’s overbearing matriarchal figure. You probably shouldn’t use as many profanities though.
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Ethan Hunt, (Mission Impossible)
The Theme: Like a ticking time bomb to awesome, Lalo Schifrin’s TV theme comes into full force when Ethan Hunt ‘s (Tom Cruise) chewing gum blows up Franz Krieger’s (Jean Reno) helicopter in the Channel Tunnel.
Its Effect: Eschewing confidence, anytime you hear this music you’ll feel like you can take on the world and overcome any deadly obstacle in front of you. You’ll obviously fail, but it’ll be fun trying.
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