You know what I mean: when your skin starts to prickle in response to a piece of music. For me, this most often happens in film/television when the scene is paired with incredible music to elevate the whole experience. Actors are necessary (though not always), cinematography can be gorgeous, effects can be awesome, but it all comes to nothing without some killer music backing it up.
Horror and suspense movies in particular have this down, but that is not what I am focusing on today. In this post, I will be giving you eleven examples of music from film that sent me over the edge (I’m talking full body shivers). This post will focus on original music with and without words, while in the future I hope to do another on music adapted into a film score.
So, without further ado, here we go!
Make Me Emotional (Music with Words)
1. Will I? – RENT
Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson
Performed by: Aaron Lohr, Wayne Wilcox, Jesse L. Martin, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Bianca Sams, and Liisa Cohen
Wow. Have there ever been four more emotionally charged lines than these? For those of you who’ve never seen the stage musical, this scene is insta-chills with the whole cast on stage and singing. I was a bit worried that it wouldn’t translate on film, but there was no need. As soon as Adam Pascal comes in while everyone is singing, I am there. Just gorgeous.
2. Goodbye May Seem Forever – The Fox and the Hound
Content warning: extreme sadness, grab your tissues
Written by Richard Rich
Lyrics by Jeffrey C. Patch
Performed by Jeanette Nolan and Chorus
I have to say, it was a challenge not to make every single one of these from Disney or other animated movies (they spare no expense when it comes to scores and songwriting, I guess). But this one takes the cake in its ability to absolutely destroy me every single time. Case in point: I had to take a break writing the post after I watched even this blurry video (or maybe it isn’t blurry and that’s how hard I’m crying?). I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve actually cried watching a movie. This bit, though? Never fails. I think I need to go rescue a fox now… I’ll be back.
3. Hoist the Colors – Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
Music by Hans Zimmer and Gore Verbinski
Lyrics by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio
Performed by Brendyn Bell, Lawrence Cummings, Chris M. Allport, Jim Raycroft, Robert Hovencamp, Geoffrey Alch, Ned Wertimer, Samela A. Beasom, Jessica-Elisabeth, Caesar Peters, Reggie Lee, and chorus
Hans Zimmer shows up more than once on this list, as you’ll see. What can I say, the man knows how to write a song that packs a punch. Whatever you want to say about the rest of the film, the third entry in the Pirates franchise opens with a bang. I love how it starts out soft and haunting, and then the chorus comes in bringing all the chills with it. Shiver my timbers, Hans!
4. Inama Nushif – Children of Dune
WARNING: SPOILERS BELOW! Click here to for the spoiler-free version!
Music by Brian Tyler
Performed by Azam Ali
I’ve raged about the Children of Dune soundtrack before, and here I go again. Montages always tend to use music well, but this one is NEXT LEVEL. This comes at a point in the story when a whole lot happens (hence the spoiler-free link), but the sequence is so amazing I had to include the full clip. Context, of course, is also a huge factor in the emotional connection to music, so I’m sure the clip doesn’t do it justice. Bottom line? Go watch Children of Dune and then come back. You wouldn’t think three minutes of people mostly staring off into space would be moving, but hot dang… give me a minute to reign in my feelings!
5. Invisible – Klaus
Written by Justin Tranter, Jussifer and Caroline Pennell
Performed by Zara Larsson
What did I say about animated movies and brilliant music? Here is another example from Netflix. Stunning visuals paired with a gorgeous score and fantastic vocals is the recipe for ALL THE FEELS. The instant that adorable little Márgu sails on her sled, my heart just melts! There are a few other leitmotifs in this score that are almost as moving, like when the first delivery is made and again near the end of the film. If you haven’t watched this little gem, check it out and crank up the volume.
6. Sing Along – Rudderless
Written by Simon Steadman and Charlotte Pettus
Performed by Billy Crudup
I tried to keep it at five, but I just couldn’t do it.
You want another movie underscored by raw emotions? Find this underrated delight ASAP. Perhaps delight is the wrong word… but definitely worth watching. You will have noticed that this is the only video that doesn’t have an actual clip, and that is because there are MAJOR spoilers immediately before and during this song. I don’t want to take away your enjoyment of the movie. That being said, Billy Crudup is incredible in this movie (he really is a golden god), and this song, the final scene in the film, brings all the emotion you’ve been building to a close.
Give Me Chills (Instrumental/Choral Music)
1. You Came Back/Transformations – Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Music by Alan Menken
The original score is iconic, but the update in 2017 is somehow bigger and better. I know a lot of people take issue with the singing (specifically the use of pitch correction), but can anyone seriously argue that the score itself does not absolutely slap? Maybe it’s the evolution of the production, or maybe they really did get a bigger crew together, but there is just so much more sound. This sequence is also altered from the original, and the musical addition is spot on. Don’t try to tell me you feel NOTHING as all the characters are turning into household items! And then the gorgeous Transformation hits! In this film, there is no dialogue after the Beast transforms. This allows the wonderful music to tell the story and express all the emotions (and the actors too… I suppose).
2. Main Title – Star Wars
Music by John Williams
Is there any movie music more emotionally charged than this? I don’t think so. I remember seeing Phantom Menace in the theater (the first time I experienced Star Wars on the big screen), and the second those horns started tooting… hurray! Now, this theme consistently sends the shivers through me. John Williams is a master, and this is no exception. This song doesn’t need any visuals; it packs a punch all on its own. At least every movie starts with a bang, regardless of what happens after… Hats off, Mr. Williams.
3. Beyond the Forest – The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Music by Howard Shore
The vast majority of Tolkien fans resent the inclusion of Tauriel in these movies. I disagree, if only because my girl gets the BEST theme music in the series. Both the love theme (starting at 1:03) and the Tauriel theme (2:36) are ear candy. The latter I love especially: I am a sucker for a good counter melody. Bonus: we get the intro to the Elven King smushed in between (1:46), a scene which always give me goosebumps! Although maybe that’s because I know Lee Pace is about to chew some scenes…
I think the Hobbit movies are underappreciated as a whole, and the genius of the soundtracks gets lost in the negativity. Both the sequences in this track and the Thrice Welcome bits send the shivers through me. I am also a sucker for soaring vocals and strings, as you may have already guessed.
4. Welcome to Jurassic Park – Jurassic Park
Music by John Williams
I don’t think anyone will debate the quality of the score as a whole. That being said, this scene NEVER FAILS to give me goosebumps. I had the opportunity to see this score performed live by a full symphony along with the film, and I cannot recommend the experience highly enough. Also, shout out to some amazing lower string action up in here (viola power!). The score perfectly captures the wonder and joy of the characters.
5. Finale – The Lion King
Music by Hans Zimmer & Lebo M.
This is another film with a brilliant score and soundtrack all the way through, but the ending blows it out of the water. The beautiful, sweeping This Land theme provides the gentle reminder of a happier time. Then wise old Rafiki literally tells us “it is time” for the real music to kick in. Bam! In comes the percussion and the vocals with soaring high strings, and I here I go shivering just thinking about it. Epic and awesome. Also, the animation is gorgeous.
Okay, I really want to know more examples of fantastic, chill-inducing music in film and television. Once again, I plan to do another post including music that is included in scores/soundtracks but was not originally written for that purpose (like Pachelbel’s Canon in Ordinary People), but if you have any recommendations for those, please also comment! Enjoy the music!