The Top 10 James Newton Howard Movies: A Must-Watch List
James Newton Howard is a renowned music composer who has created mesmerizing soundtracks for some of the most iconic movies of all time. Born in Los Angeles, Howard began his musical career as a keyboardist and session musician before transitioning into composing music for films. He has won several awards for his work, including a Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media. In this article, we will take a look at ten of the best James Newton Howard movies that are a must-watch for any movie lover.
1. The Hunger Games (2012)
The Hunger Games is a dystopian science-fiction film that is based on a novel of the same name. Howard’s score for this movie perfectly captures the tension and drama of the story, and his haunting melodies have become synonymous with the franchise. The score features a mix of orchestral and electronic elements, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that perfectly complements the movie.
2. King Kong (2005)
Peter Jackson’s epic retelling of the classic King Kong story features a breathtaking score by James Newton Howard. The score features sweeping orchestral themes that perfectly capture the grandeur and majesty of the giant ape. Howard’s music is an integral part of the movie, adding emotional depth and intensity to the action-packed sequences.
3. The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight is widely regarded as one of the best superhero movies of all time, and James Newton Howard’s score plays a crucial role in creating the movie’s dark and brooding atmosphere. The score features a mix of orchestral and electronic elements, with the haunting Joker theme being one of the most memorable pieces.
4. Maleficent (2014)
Maleficent is a live-action retelling of the classic Sleeping Beauty story, with Angelina Jolie in the titular role. James Newton Howard’s score perfectly captures the magic and wonder of the fairy tale world, with the soaring strings and ethereal choirs creating a sense of enchantment.
5. Signs (2002)
Signs is a science-fiction thriller that tells the story of a family that discovers crop circles in their cornfield, leading to a series of terrifying events. James Newton Howard’s score for this movie is a masterclass in tension-building, with the sparse piano melodies and eerie strings creating a sense of unease that perfectly complements the movie’s suspenseful plot.
6. The Village (2004)
The Village is a psychological thriller that tells the story of a small community that lives in fear of mysterious creatures that inhabit the surrounding woods. James Newton Howard’s score for this movie is haunting and atmospheric, with the haunting violin and cello melodies perfectly capturing the sense of foreboding that permeates the movie.
7. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a spin-off of the Harry Potter franchise, and James Newton Howard’s score for this movie perfectly captures the magic and wonder of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world. The score features a mix of orchestral and electronic elements, with the soaring themes and whimsical melodies creating a sense of enchantment.
8. The Fugitive (1993)
The Fugitive is a classic thriller that tells the story of a man who is wrongfully accused of murdering his wife and goes on the run to clear his name. James Newton Howard’s score for this movie perfectly captures the sense of urgency and paranoia that permeates the story, with the tense strings and percussion creating a sense of unease.
9. Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
Snow White and the Huntsman is a dark retelling of the classic fairy tale, with Charlize Theron as the evil queen and Kristen Stewart as Snow White. James Newton Howard’s score for this movie is haunting and atmospheric, with the ethereal choirs and sparse piano melodies creating a sense of magic and wonder.
10. The Sixth Sense (1999)
The Sixth Sense is a psychological thriller that tells the story of a young boy who communicates with spirits that don’t know they’re dead and the psychologist who tries to help him. James Newton Howard’s score for this movie is hauntingly beautiful, with the tender piano melodies perfectly capturing the movie’s themes of loss and redemption.
Key Takeaways
- James Newton Howard is a renowned music composer who has created mesmerizing soundtracks for some of the most iconic movies of all time.
- The top 10 James Newton Howard movies are a must-watch for any movie lover, featuring scores that range from haunting and atmospheric to grand and majestic.
- If you are interested in pursuing a career in the music industry, consider taking the NYU x Billboard | Music Industry Essentials online course and certificate program provided by Yellowbrick. This program provides an in-depth understanding of the music industry and can help you develop the skills you need to succeed.
