Essential video game music listening

The albums that define video game music.

Our picks for where to start with video game music — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The video game music essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Inception

Hans Zimmer

Inception

A haunting blend of orchestral and electronic elements that evoke a sense of dreamlike tension and introspection.

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The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Hans Zimmer

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

A sweeping orchestral landscape infused with electronic elements, capturing the tension and heroism of Spider-Man's world.

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Le Petit Prince – Bande originale du film

Hans Zimmer

Le Petit Prince – Bande originale du film

A whimsical and enchanting score that blends orchestral depth with playful motifs, capturing the essence of childhood wonder.

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Black Hawk Down – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Hans Zimmer

Black Hawk Down – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

A pulsating blend of orchestral tension and tribal rhythms that immerses listeners in the chaos of war.

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Minecraft – Volume Alpha

C418

Minecraft – Volume Alpha

Delicate ambient soundscapes intertwine with playful melodies, evoking the tranquil yet adventurous spirit of exploration.

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Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Original Game Soundtrack

Michiru Yamane

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night Original Game Soundtrack

A haunting blend of orchestral arrangements and gothic melodies that evoke the eerie atmosphere of Dracula's castle.

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Rango – Music from the Motion Picture

Hans Zimmer

Rango – Music from the Motion Picture

A vibrant orchestral tapestry blending whimsical motifs with thrilling crescendos, capturing the essence of a wild west adventure.

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Interstellar: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Hans Zimmer

Interstellar: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Ethereal melodies intertwine with haunting organ tones, crafting a sonic landscape that evokes the vastness of space.

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The Dark Knight

Hans Zimmer

The Dark Knight

A brooding orchestral soundscape intertwines tension-building motifs with haunting, minimalist melodies throughout the narrative.

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The Simpsons Movie – The Music

Hans Zimmer

The Simpsons Movie – The Music

A playful orchestral romp intertwining whimsical themes and character-driven motifs from the beloved animated series.

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The Creator (soundtrack)

Hans Zimmer

The Creator (soundtrack)

Sweeping orchestral arrangements intertwine with electronic elements, crafting an immersive auditory landscape for a futuristic narrative.

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Beyond Rangoon

Hans Zimmer

Beyond Rangoon

A haunting tapestry of orchestral swells and minimalist motifs that evoke deep emotional resonance.

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Music of Dune (2021 film)

Hans Zimmer

Music of Dune (2021 film)

Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with pulsating rhythms, evoking the vastness and mystique of the desert planet Arrakis.

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No Time to Die: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Hans Zimmer

No Time to Die: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

A sweeping orchestral landscape enriched with haunting melodies and dramatic crescendos, evoking cinematic tension.

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Batman Begins

Hans Zimmer

Batman Begins

A darkly atmospheric score blending orchestral grandeur with haunting electronic textures to evoke Gotham's complexity.

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Dune: Part Two (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Hans Zimmer

Dune: Part Two (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

A sweeping orchestral journey infused with ominous tones and ethereal soundscapes, capturing the essence of an epic science fiction tale.

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The Da Vinci Code

Hans Zimmer

The Da Vinci Code

A haunting blend of orchestral grandeur and subtle electronic textures that evoke mystery and tension.

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Man of Steel

Hans Zimmer

Man of Steel

Epic orchestral swells intertwine with haunting motifs, creating a powerful sonic narrative of heroism and sacrifice.

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Rush

Hans Zimmer

Rush

A pulsating blend of orchestral grandeur and adrenaline-fueled motifs capturing the essence of racing.

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M:I-2 – Music From the Original Motion Picture Score

Hans Zimmer

M:I-2 – Music From the Original Motion Picture Score

A dynamic orchestral landscape layered with electronic textures, perfect for high-stakes cinematic moments.

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12 Years a Slave – Original Score

Hans Zimmer

12 Years a Slave – Original Score

A hauntingly beautiful orchestral score that evokes deep emotional resonance and historical weight.

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The Dark Knight Rises

Hans Zimmer

The Dark Knight Rises

A sweeping orchestral landscape intertwines with haunting motifs, embodying the epic struggle of Gotham's heroism and despair.

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Sherlock Holmes: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Hans Zimmer

Sherlock Holmes: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

A whimsical blend of orchestral arrangements and quirky motifs that capture Holmes' eccentricity and the film's adventurous spirit.

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Kung Fu Panda 3

Hans Zimmer

Kung Fu Panda 3

A vibrant orchestral tapestry blending traditional Chinese motifs with grand cinematic sweeps and playful melodies.

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