Michael Giacchino Popular Songs Ranking [2025]

Mission: Impossible ThemeMichael Giacchino8rank/position

Mission: Impossible Theme

The theme song for “Mission: Impossible,” created by Lalo Schifrin for the original series, has been repeatedly used—albeit in different forms—throughout the “Mission: Impossible” film franchise.

Each installment features arrangements that reflect the unique style of the artist involved, which is fascinating.

Here, let’s highlight the version used in 2006’s “Mission: Impossible III.” It’s a dynamic orchestral arrangement by Michael Giacchino, an Academy Award–winning composer who scored the film itself.

The arrangement exudes the quintessential spirit of classic action-entertainment film music—truly cool and spot-on.

As an aside, director J.

J.

Abrams and Giacchino have a long-standing collaboration; Giacchino has scored many of Abrams’s television shows and films.

Mission: Impossible Theme (Out With A Bang Version)Michael Giacchino9rank/position

Mission: Impossible Theme (Out With A Bang Version)

The main theme of Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, the fourth installment in the series, released in 2011.

As fans, there’s surely the thrill of seeing how musicians arrange this familiar piece.

Precisely because it’s so famous, a composer’s taste and skill are put to the test.

Michael Giacchino, who handled the music for the third and fourth films, delivered a solid arrangement that stays true to the fundamentals.

By not introducing the most famous phrase right at the beginning, he allows the build-up in the middle to come through—even within a score that’s less than a minute long.

Mood IndiaMichael Giacchino10rank/position

Mood India

This piece is titled Mood India, composed by Michael Giacchino.

It was used in the film Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.

It skillfully combines the sitar—an Indian-origin instrument related to the guitar—with electronic instruments.

The repeating sitar phrase really sticks in your ears.

It doesn’t have a strong Bollywood vibe, but it still captures a sense of India.

Schifrin and VariationsMichael Giacchino11rank/position

Schifrin And Variations

For some of you, when it comes to Mission: Impossible, this is the song that screams “heart-pounding!!” This track has tension, a flashy vibe, and captures the best of action films.

For those pulse-racing scenes, music like this is absolutely essential for the effect.

It might just be the perfect song to get your heart racing and hype you up!

The Imperial SuiteMichael Giacchino12rank/position

Michael Giacchino – The Imperial Suite (From “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”/Audio Only)

When you think of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, this is the track that comes to mind! Composed by Michael Giacchino, it brilliantly captures the terrifying might of the Empire.

The highlight of this piece is its suite-like structure that fuses the Empire’s ruthless march with the theme of the fiercely ambitious Director Krennic.

Performed by a 110-piece orchestra and a 90-voice choir, its massive sound is absolutely overwhelming.

Released in December 2016 as a track on the album “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack),” it lends an eerie color to the Empire’s appearances in the film.

Immerse yourself in the Empire’s overwhelming scale and enjoy this powerfully impactful sound!

The IncreditsMichael Giacchino13rank/position

The Incredibles (Soundtrack) – The Incredits

This is the theme song from the 2004 film The Incredibles.

The movie’s soundtrack CD won a Grammy Award in the Best Score Soundtrack Album for a Television, Motion Picture or Other Visual Media category.

It’s a classic Disney tune that instantly brightens the atmosphere and livens up any venue, making it perfect for a Halloween party.

This Title Makes Me JurassicMichael Giacchino14rank/position

This Title Makes Me Jurassic

When I hear this piece open with its ominous low tones, I can’t help but sense a major incident about to unfold.

The folk-like rhythms, razor-sharp strings, and pounding percussion seem to herald a story’s perilous beginning.

By the time the grand orchestra and choir reach the climax, I’m on the edge of my seat.

By the way, it’s the very first track on the soundtrack.