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Most Magical Fantasy Movie Soundtracks

Find yourself transported to another world on the peaceful tones of these magical fantasy movie soundtracks.

By Sarah QuinnPublished 7 years ago 5 min read
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Sometimes it’s fun to visit a dark world where creatures jump out at you and everyone’s a little mad. At other times, you’d like to fall asleep, relaxed and happy, imagining yourself enjoying a pint in the Shire and watching Gandalf’s fireworks. Here are some of the most enchanting soundtracks a fantasy-loving dreamer could possibly imagine.

Howl’s Moving Castle

Howl’s Moving Castle was the third-highest-grossing film in Japanese history, and it’s no wonder - Miyazaki’s animated classic is a beautiful adventure into another world with elements of steampunk woven into a simple story perfect for the young and the young at heart. “The Witch of the Waste,” “The Boy Who Drank Stars,” and “Sulliman’s Magic Square: Return to the Castle” are favorites. It’s impossible to imagine a Hayao Miyazaki movie without the incredible talent of Joe Hisaishi - his music is so integral to the films (it’s almost as symbiotic as the way that Tim Burton and Danny Elfman’s work flows together). There’s grandeur to the score, almost like a fancy-dress ball of the Victorian era, but you’ll also catch the notes of an accordion, reminding you of a Parisian cafe.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring 

If “Concerning Hobbits” doesn’t fill you with an innocent wonder and longing to live in the Shire, I’m pretty sure you didn’t have my childhood. Hearing just the first few notes brings to mind Gandalf’s golden fireworks, the sweetest romance of all time (Samwise and Rosie ftw), and the well-stocked pantries of hobbit holes everywhere (second breakfast, anyone?). Of course, John Williams’ epic soundtrack (the first in the ever-lengthening series of films Peter Jackson has been cranking out) goes on to darker things. I used to re-read the books and listen to this at the same time, and I have to say, it was a pretty transcendent experience. Bonus, it's now streaming on Amazon Prime music, so you can listen for free. (Also good listening Lord of the Rings reading background music: David Arkenstone’s Music Inspired By Middle Earth. Just phenomenal.)

How to Train Your Dragon 

Based on the wildly popular children’s book series by Cressida Cowell, How to Train Your Dragon is not as good in film version as it is on the page, but that says nothing about the soundtrack. This is joyous, stirring, rambunctious music, the kind you can really kick your heels up to. I’m a huge sucker for a great fiddle and this has got that from beginning to end. A favorite is “Forbidden Friendship” with a haunting female vocalist and freaking sleighbells (why is that not more of a thing?). Also streaming for free on Amazon Prime music if you want to give it a listen. And by the way, if you’ve never listened to the How to Train Your Dragon audiobook series, narrated by David Tennant, it’s hysterically funny and the voice acting is just the best. Perfect for a long car trip, with or without kids, and they just get funnier as they go alone.

Cloud Atlas 

Reading Cloud Atlas for the first time blew my mind. What WAS this book anyway? Though it totally defies any genre classification, Cloud Atlas definitely has fantasy elements woven throughout from beginning to end. The score is a journey through space and time that is especially important in telling the story because so much of it is about music - writing it, remembering it, hearing it for the first time but recognizing it right away. Since there are six separate protagonists in the story in vastly different circumstances, the music both exemplifies certain moods and time periods while somehow cross-pollinating each theme with unique elements that repeat again and again. Trying to explain something so complex falls short of the experience itself, which is not to be missed by anyone who loves an unsolvable puzzle.

The Neverending Story 

I didn’t see The Neverending Story until college, where somebody randomly put in on one afternoon and THEN, to my chagrin, proceeded to mock it. I was immediately captivated by Atreju’s story and the sweeping, dramatic melodies of the score helped draw me right in. “Bastian’s Happy Flight” is perhaps one of the best tracks, with French horns galore; “Atreju’s Quest” and “The Auryn” are also favorites. Along with the powerful instrumental tracks that accompany the film, you get an 80s synth/pop version of “The Ivory Tower” (the original one from the movie is pretty much impossible to find anywhere). Enjoy it anyway in all its glory.

The Princess Bride 

I own approximately ten movies. This is one of them. (The Three Amigos, Memoirs of a Geisha, Star Wars, and The Village also make the list, in case you were wondering). The Princess Bride really does have everything, even for little boys sick in bed who are a bit squeamish about kissing. You probably don’t remember the soundtrack from The Princess Bride because it’s been so skillfully woven into the action that it never intrudes on the story. When you listen to it on its own, though, you’ll immediately conjure up images from the film and wonder how you ever missed hearing it. “Florin Dance” and “Storybook Love” are two of the best tracks, but it’s all good. It’s a perfect example of an uplifting fantasy soundtrack - whether it’s a thrilling fight song, a romantic slow song, or the humorous background to a joe-off between Fezzik and Inigo, you won’t get any downers on this score. Give this a listen, and I mean it! (Anybody want a peanut?)

Tuck Everlasting 

Pastoral, timeless, and wistful, the Tuck Everlasting score does have its surprises. You’ll find them in “Cave Dance,” wild with richly patterned tribal percussion; you’ll discover it in “Graveyard,” a spooky, spare song complete with eerie whistling. These tracks are short and sweet - they come, they do their work (and they do it well), and then they’re over, leaving you longing for more. The folk sound of this reminds me (again) of the Shire, but there’s a Western kick to some of the tracks that puts you in the right time and place immediately. The feeling of peace and safety that surrounds you makes this suitable for curing your insomnia or melting away your anxiety, leaving you resting peacefully in a lovely, gentler place.

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About the Creator

Sarah Quinn

I'm a writer in love with India, Stars Wars, fantasy, travel, and Thai curries. My childhood heroes were Luke Skywalker and Joan of Arc. I muse on superheroes, sci-fi, feminism, and more.

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