The marriage between animation and music is a match made in cinematic heaven. When done well, the combination can be nothing short of enchanting, transporting viewers to new worlds and evoking powerful emotions. In this article, we explore the top ten animated films with exceptional music, highlighting the scores that have become iconic and integral to the viewing experience.
Randy Newman’s score for “Monsters, Inc.” (2001) is a vibrant and playful accompaniment to the film’s witty humor and adorable characters. His use of jazz and lively melodies perfectly captures the whimsical nature of the story. In contrast, Shôji Yamashiro’s score for “Akira” (1988) is a masterclass in atmospheric music, capturing the film’s chaotic and restless energy. The blend of percussion and techno sounds creates a sense of urgency and intensity, perfectly matching the film’s breakneck pace.
Joe Hisaishi’s score for “The Boy and the Heron” (2023) is a beautiful and moody accompaniment to the film’s surreal and atmospheric world. His use of abstract and undulating melodies creates a sense of mystery and wonder, perfectly capturing the film’s themes of grief and maturity. The score for “Pinocchio” (1940), composed by Leigh Harline, Paul J. Smith, Frank Churchill, and Edward H. Plumb, is a timeless classic, featuring some of the most memorable and iconic songs in Disney history. The music is both charming and innocent, perfectly capturing the film’s sense of wonder and adventure.
Alan Menken’s score for “Beauty and the Beast” (1991) is a masterpiece of romantic music, featuring some of the most iconic and memorable songs in Disney history. The music is both elegant and haunting, perfectly capturing the film’s themes of love and acceptance. Michael Giacchino’s score for “Up” (2009) is a thrilling and touching accompaniment to the film’s heartwarming story. His use of leitmotifs and orchestral arrangements creates a sense of depth and emotion, perfectly capturing the film’s themes of love and loss.
A Still From The Boy and the Heron (Photo: The Boy and the Heron)
Joe Hisaishi’s score for “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” (2013) is a beautiful and nuanced accompaniment to the film’s complex and mature themes. His use of instrumentation and vocal arrangements creates a sense of intimacy and wonder, perfectly capturing the film’s sense of wonder and magic. Hans Zimmer’s score for “The Lion King” (1994) is a masterpiece of orchestral music, featuring some of the most iconic and memorable themes in Disney history. The music is both evocative and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the film’s themes of love, loss, and redemption.
Michael Giacchino’s score for “The Incredibles” (2004) is a charming and thrilling accompaniment to the film’s action-packed adventure. His use of Big Band sounds and orchestral arrangements creates a sense of excitement and energy, perfectly capturing the film’s themes of heroism and family. John Powell’s score for “How to Train Your Dragon” (2010) is a masterclass in atmospheric music, capturing the film’s sense of wonder and adventure. His use of instrumentation and orchestral arrangements creates a sense of excitement and emotion, perfectly capturing the film’s themes of friendship and growth.
These scores have become iconic and integral to the viewing experience, elevating the animated films they accompany to new heights. Whether it’s the whimsical charm of “Monsters, Inc.” or the epic grandeur of “The Lion King,” these scores have captured the hearts of audiences around the world.
