John Williams - Composer
zoom_in Click to enlarge

John Williams

9.5
Brilliant
update Last updated: Feb 8, 2026

description John Williams Overview

John Williams is the most famous and successful film composer of all time, responsible for iconic scores like 'Star Wars,' 'Jaws,' 'Indiana Jones,' and 'Harry Potter.' A master of the late-Romantic orchestral idiom, he writes memorable, thematic music that powerfully drives narrative and emotion. His work has reintroduced symphonic music to global popular culture. While a brilliant craftsman, his concert hall works are less prominent, and his style, though effective, is often derivative of earlier Romantic composers like Holst and Korngold. His impact on film and popular perception of orchestral music is, however, undeniable and massive.

help John Williams FAQ

What are some of John Williams' most famous film scores?

Some of John Williams' most famous film scores include 'Star Wars,' 'Jaws,' 'Indiana Jones,' and the 'Harry Potter' series.

How does John Williams compare to other composers like Hans Zimmer?

While both are highly successful, John Williams is known for his late-Romantic orchestral style, which often draws comparisons with earlier composers like Holst and Korngold, whereas Hans Zimmer's work tends to be more modern and electronic.

What are some of the concert hall works by John Williams?

John Williams has composed several concert hall pieces, but they are generally less prominent than his film scores. Some notable examples include 'The Sorcerers Apprentice' from Disney's 'Fantasia' and his theme for the NBC television network.

How has John Williams influenced popular culture?

John Williams has significantly impacted popular culture by reintroducing symphonic music to a broader audience through his iconic film scores, which have become deeply ingrained in global cultural consciousness.

Reviews & Comments

Write a Review

lock

Please sign in to share your review

rate_review

Be the first to review

Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.

Save to your list

Create your first list and start tracking the tools that matter to you.

Track favorites
Get updates
Compare scores

Already have an account? Sign in

Compare Items

See how they stack up against each other

Comparing
VS
Select 1 more item to compare