The UK public have named the best movie soundtrack ever - and the results are SURPRISING

The Lord of The Rings trilogy has the best movie soundtrack ever, in the opinion of the British public.

In a poll conducted by Classic FM radio station, movie fans were asked to name the movie, or movie series, which has the best music, with Peter Jackson's epic trilogy coming out on top. For those movies, the soundtrack was composed by Howard Shore, who was delighted to come out on top in the voting.

What are the top 10 most popular shows on Amazon Prime right now?

Tuesday 10 February 2026, 14:38

What are the top 10 most popular shows on Netflix right now?

Monday 9 February 2026, 15:27

“Many thanks to all the Classic FM listeners," he said.

"I’m very happy that I was able to bring you a little closer to JRR Tolkien’s Middle-earth."

Lord of the Rings beat stiff competition from Schindler's List, Star Wars, Out of Africa and Gladiator which made up the top five.

READ MORE: Harry Potter star DISAPPOINTED with character arc in the movies

A list of the top 100 soundtracks of all time was published and then played on Classic FM, with John Williams emerging as the most popular composer. He has five movies in the top 20 alone and is the most successful composer in the history of the Academy Awards.

Other notable names that feature include Hans Zimmer, John Barry, Ennio Morricone and Debbie Wiseman.

After the voting was concluded, host Jonathan Ross said on Classic FM:

"I’m so thrilled to see The Lord Of The Rings make it to number one in this incredible celebration of history’s greatest film scores in the Classic FM Movie Music Hall of Fame.

"JRR Tolkien’s adventures are beautiful, spectacular films, but the experience is so enhanced by the incredible score that I’m delighted to see Howard Shore’s music getting this much love."

The best movie soundtracks ever

Have a look at the top 20 below...

1. The Lord of the Rings - Howard Shore

2. Schindler's List - John Williams

3. Star Wars - John Williams

4. Out of Africa - John Barry

5. Gladiator - Hans Zimmer

6. Wilde - Debbie Wiseman

7. Dance with Wolves - John Barry

8. Jurassic Park - John Williams

9. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - Ennio Morricone

10. The Mission - Ennio Morricone

11. Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone - John Williams

12. Chariots of Fire - Vangelis

13. Indiana Jones - John Williams

14. Ladies in Lavender - Nigel Hess

15. Doctor Zhivago - Maurice Jarre

16. The Magnificent Seven - Elmer Bernstein

17. Interstellar - Hans Zimmer

18. The Godfather - Nino Rota

19. Titanic - James Horner

20. Pirates of the Caribbean - Klaus Bedelt