The theme tune of classic sci-fi series Star Wars is the most memorable movie melody of all time.
To mark the release of James Bond’s 25th cinematic outing in Skyfall, LOVEFiLM – Europe’s largest subscription service instantly streaming films and TV series over the internet and sending DVDs and games by post – polled over 2,500 film fans to uncover the best movie melodies, with John Williams’ Star Wars theme topping the list with sixteen per cent of the vote.
Despite featuring in one of the most anticipated films of the year, James Bond failed to take gold(finger) with his iconic theme, but managed to secure a respectable second place with ten per cent of the vote.
John Williams’ ode to everyone’s favourite fish Jaws claimed seven per cent of the vote, taking the number three spot.
The theme from Sylvester Stallone’s Italian stallion Rocky failed to punch its way into the top three, but did finish fourth with six per cent. This was one place above the inspirational strains of Vangelis’ Chariots of Fire theme, which enjoyed plenty of airtime this summer but – with only five per cent of the vote – didn’t break any world records.
Ray Parker Jr’s rousing Ghostbusters theme claimed sixth spot in the list with five per cent, leaving the classic Indiana Jones Raiders of the Lost Ark theme trailing behind in seventh place with four and a half per cent of the vote.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Superman, soaring into the number eight spot with four per cent of the vote. Following closely behind in ninth place was the theme to Francis Ford Coppola’s classic gangster flick The Godfather, beating Platoon, whose “Adagio for strings” track – with only three percent of the vote – ended the list in tenth place.
The best movie melodies of all time according to LOVEFiLM members are:
1. Star Wars – 16%
2. James Bond – 10%
3. Jaws – 7%
4. Rocky – 6%
5. Chariots of Fire – 5.5%
6. Ghostbusters – 5%
7. Raiders of the Lost Ark – 4.5%
8. Superman – 4%
9. The Godfather – 3.5%
10. Platoon – 3%
Other – 40.5%
Helen Cowley, Editor of LOVEFiLM, commented:
“This poll goes to show just how significant and well-loved movie music is. It is difficult to go through this list without humming at least a few bars of each of these top tunes.”
“Film fans can give their ears a treat with their favourite movie themes and tracks on LOVEFiLM’s huge catalogue of films available on DVD, Blu-ray or to stream instantly via LOVEFiLM Instant for as little as £4.99 per month.”
