Music in movies can be a powerful force in delivering the scene to the audience. It is the straw that stirs the drink. Whether it’s a horror, action, or fantasy film, music can provide an additional drop of emotion. Soundtracks have put their mark in cinema history, which is evident in the selling of official soundtrack albums in retail stores once a movie has been released. Although there have been some tremendous musical pieces in different genres, the most notable one is a great uplifting melody. One that instills a hopeful setting, even when the chips are down. These inspiring pieces can cause the listener to feel at peace, when the scene is happening. Here is a list of the top ten inspirational movie themes. First some honorable mentions of those that almost made the list, Robocop – Across the Board, Rocky – Gonna Fly Now, and Mortal Kombat – Techno Syndrome.
1. The Last of The Mohicans – Promontory
Here it is ladies and gentlemen, it doesn’t get any better then this. The 1992 film The Last of The Mohicans, had a score on the list titled, Promontory. This theme was a piece originally created by Dougie MacLean and was called The Gael. Either way, the song was well done. The song is played in the extremely intense final battle sequence of the film. A very powerful, heart wrenching moment in cinema history. Promontory provides a slow paced beginning, then a pick up moment, followed by a soul raising transition. The drums, violin, and guitar plays off one another perfectly. The final battle moment when Hawkeye fires at enemy warriors, behind an enraged Chingachgook, as he makes his way towards the leader, Magua, is a great fight climatic ending.
2. Space Jam – I Believe I Can Fly
This unbelievably moving track was written and performed by R. Kelly. It was used in the 1996 movie, Space Jam. The film stars Michael Jordan, and is a live-action/animated motion picture that also enlists the cast of the Looney Tune characters. I Believe I Can Fly has been placed high on popular musical charts, including reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was sung by contestants Katharine McPhee, Anwar Robinson, and Aaron Kelly on the hit reality show, American Idol. I Believe I Can Fly is a song about all of us eventually overcoming the impossible and finding ourselves, once we succeed. It is ranked on the list as number two.
My personal all-time favorite song in the list of songs sung by the late Michael Jackson. The uplifting melody, lead by Mr. Jackson’s powerful lyrics, sends goosebumps down the spine. A wonderful group of background singers also provides a great message, with their hums and words. Will You Be There was used in the 1993 film, Free Willy. The song has sold 10,530,000 copies worldwide, and was certified Gold. Will You Be There plays during the end credits of the movie, as the main character, Willy the whale, swims in the open ocean.
A hypnotic musical piece, that can be listened to over and over again. The opening piano solo to the song is simply priceless. As the film progresses, the viewers would see a story unfold of fresh newcomers enter an unusual island, filled with prehistoric dinosaurs. Along their journey, the visitors would have to avert certain dangerous situations, that would threaten their lives. In their darkest of hours, this melody would enter through the speakers and give a hopeful aspect, that these faithful adventurers would find a way to escape the island — still in tack.
Such an upbeat, powerful track. This is the type of song that all good guys hear when the tables are turning and their oppositions are paying the price, for their dirty deeds. The horns blazing throughout the song is incredible. Along Indiana Jones’ adventures to uncover certain rare and unique artifacts across the globe, the Raider’s March would play once a villain had to be brought down.
The end credits theme for the feature film, Back to The Future, was strong and intense. Extremely heroic, giving the incredible duo of Marty McFly and Doc, a theme worthy of their adventures through time travel. A slightly different version of the theme was used in the legendary skateboard chase scene. Back to The Future is a 1985 classic film, staring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd.
7. The Punisher – Main Title
Only a minute long song, however, the piece gets the job done. The main theme of the 2004 film, The Punisher, coincides with the premise of the main character, Frank Castle, loosing everything but still raising above the crisis around him. The melody was composed by Carlo Siliotto. This track delivers the message of fight till the end.
8. Quigley Down Under – The Attack
Quigley Down Under is a western movie, that was released in 1990. The story is set in the Australian outback. Matthew Quigley (played by Tom Selleck), plays the fearless marksman cowboy, who comes to Australia for a job offer. Once the job description is revealed, Matthew refuses the offer, and is beat to a pulp. The Attack, plays when the hero is fighting for his life. He is thrown in the outback by two of the criminals, and the plan is to let the intense natural conditions to be his demise. Mr. Quigley finds a way to get out of this predicament by stabbing one of the bad guys, and shooting the other at long range distance while he tries to escape by horseback carriage. This is a powerful scene and the music shouts out, “Never give up!”
9. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles – Power to Believe
For all of those who believe in themselves, and have high inner will, this song sends that message out loud and clear. This song is performed in the 1987 hit Planes, Trains and Automobiles. It is a comedy film, about Neal Page (played by Steve Martin) and Del Griffith (played by John Candy), who are both trying to find their way home. This song plays during the infamous “Real Article” scene, when Del tells Neal that he may not be perfect, but he isn’t changing. Not for Neal, not for anybody. Great song and a great movie about trials and tribulations to see things through and overcome.
10. Home Alone – Somewhere In My Memory
A peaceful Christmas melody, for the holidays. Somewhere In My Memory is a heart tugging song that tells the listener, without words, be with loved ones and family. This song can be found in the 1990 movie, Home Alone. A family comedy, about a little child, Kevin McCallister, who has to protect his home against two nutty thieves. The song has a kids choir that accompany the piece. It is truly an inspiring song, that makes you feel alive.
