What makes Kubo and the Two Strings – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack by Dario Marianelli notable?

The soundtrack received critical acclaim, earning a nomination for Best Original Score at the Academy Awards. Its unique blend of orchestral and Japanese musical influences not only enhanced the film’s narrative but also contributed to its cultural representation in animation. Dario Marianelli was already an established composer by the release of this soundtrack, following his Academy Award win for Atonement in 2008. Kubo and the Two Strings marked a continuation of his exploration into cinematic scoring, showcasing his ability to integrate cultural elements into film music.

How many songs are on Kubo and the Two Strings – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack?

Kubo and the Two Strings – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack has 16 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

Kubo and the Two Strings – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Dario Marianelli · 2016

53 min · 16 tracks

A rich tapestry of orchestral sounds blends with traditional Japanese motifs to create an evocative sonic landscape.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Impossible Waves — This opening track sets the emotional tone for the entire score with its sweeping melodies and dynamic orchestration, capturing the film's adventurous spirit.
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Origami Birds — This piece beautifully encapsulates the whimsical and delicate nature of Kubo's journey, weaving intricate musical motifs that mirror the visual art style of the film.
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Showdown With Grandfather — This climactic track combines intense orchestral swells with dramatic pacing, reflecting the high stakes of Kubo's final confrontation and highlighting Marianelli's skill in building tension.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The soundtrack effectively combines orchestral and Japanese elements, enhancing its cinematic storytelling.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate motifs that reflect the film's narrative, such as recurring themes and variations that evolve throughout the score.
The last three tracks gradually decrease in intensity, providing a reflective conclusion to the album's emotional journey.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 The Impossible Waves 2:37
2 Kubo Goes to Town 1:25
3 Story Time 2:10
4 Ancestors 2:07
5 Meet the Sisters! 2:33
6 Origami Birds 3:25
7 The Giant Skeleton 3:30
8 The Leafy Galleon 4:36
9 Above and Below 3:59
10 The Galleon Restored 1:06
11 Monkey's Story 2:57
12 Hanzo's Fortress 5:45
13 United-Divided 3:01
14 Showdown With Grandfather 7:04
15 Rebirth 1:33
16 While My Guitar Gently Weeps 5:23

What to play next

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Anna Karenina – Original Music from the Motion Picture

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata