John Williams Popular Song Rankings [2025]

Battle of DestinyJohn Williams8rank/position

STAR WARS Duel of the Fates

Since 2014, pop music has also been permitted for figure skating programs, but it still feels like classical music predominates, image-wise.

Even those who aren’t very interested in classical music often find themselves suddenly captivated when a familiar piece or a pop song comes on.

Many of you have probably heard the piece Duel of the Fates.

It’s one of the famous tracks from the movie Star Wars.

At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, France’s Adam Siao Him Fa used a remix of this piece together with the well-known Darth Vader theme, The Imperial March, for his short program.

The tense atmosphere that plays during battle scenes—those edge-of-your-seat moments—really makes your palms sweat, doesn’t it?

Double TroubleJohn Williams9rank/position

Double Trouble

What is this song that gives off nothing but ominous vibes.

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? This piece was also used in the trailer when the film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was released in theaters.

The school choir sings it at the start of the new term, but with all the “Double, double, toil and trouble,” it’s like—where did the celebratory new-term mood go? I’ve heard the lyrics riff on the spell muttered by the three witches in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

No wonder it sounds so foreboding—keep that in mind as you listen.

The Chamber of SecretsJohn Williams10rank/position

The Chamber of Secrets

A very dynamic piece named after the second installment in the series, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

Its development builds impressively, as if gradually closing in on the mystery of what the “Chamber of Secrets” really is.

The interplay between the strings and the brass heightens anticipation for the story.

For some listeners, this single track alone may deliver the satisfaction of having watched an entire film.

It’s a hugely popular work, passionately supported by fans of the Harry Potter series.

The Dueling ClubJohn Williams11rank/position

The Dueling Club

At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Lockhart announces he’s starting a dueling club.

He picks Snape as his assistant and opponent, but is promptly defeated.

The scene where he gets up while making excuses always makes me chuckle.

Then comes the serious bout between Potter and Malfoy, which somehow still feels kind of adorable.

Tension and comedy—this is a track that carries those contrasting vibes.

The Imperial March from The Empire Strikes BackJohn Williams12rank/position

John Williams – The Imperial March from The Empire Strikes Back (Audio)

One more piece from Star Wars: the familiar theme of Darth Vader.

In Episodes IV and V, which were released earlier, Lord Vader was the most formidable enemy.

The terrifying feeling of this piece—like, “He’s coming! He’s coming!”—is exquisite.

When I had just started working, there was a hot-tempered boss, and all the employees used to say, “That’s his theme song.” Sometimes the boss himself would even make an entrance while humming it.

Hedwig’s Theme (Main Theme from the film “Harry Potter”)John Williams13rank/position

Harry Potter – Hedwig’s Theme (Piano Version)

When you think of the Harry Potter films, this is the song that comes to mind! Named after Hedwig, the snowy owl who is Harry Potter’s pet, this piece is used in key scenes throughout the series and is widely loved as the “Harry Potter theme.” Incidentally, it’s said to be the only piece featured in every installment of the series.

Its simple melody, which exudes a mysterious atmosphere that draws listeners into an otherworldly realm, pairs perfectly with the delicate tone of the piano.

Even casually playing the opening section is enough to get you into the Halloween spirit!

Hedwig’s Theme: Harry Potter and the Chamber of SecretsJohn Williams14rank/position

Harry Potter – Hedwig’s Theme – John Williams | WDR Funkhausorchester

When you think of the Harry Potter films, this is the song that surely makes everyone nod in agreement.

Composed by John Williams, this piece brims with a mysterious allure that whisks listeners into a magical world in an instant.

The melody, opening with the sparkling timbre of the celesta, is perfect for heightening Halloween’s spooky-yet-festive mood.

It first debuted on the album Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and went on to color the story in the soundtrack for the sequel, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (released in November 2002).

Incidentally, it’s such an emblematic piece of the series that it’s even quoted in the spin-offs.

Play it on Halloween night, and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped right into a school of witchcraft and wizardry!