History Leitmotif / FIlm

* In Film/RequiemForADream, Clint Mansell's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9MMZEl5cUI remix of Mozart's Lux Aeterna]] is used throughout the whole movie, and different portions are taken for different parts. It's also the penultimate track on the movie's soundtrack.

**

** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRZAk2rfESU famous title theme]] from ''Film/Batman1989'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge5HZuKd9Bc became]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02ryWaqCQlU the initial leitmotif]] for ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'', but was phased out as the show came into its own and replaced with the animated Batman's true leitmotif for every show in the rest of the Franchise/DCAnimatedUniverse. This was [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOPWTjPa--0 Shirley Walker's Batman theme]], which eventually got its own cinematic treatment as [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-m0ehT3_mo a gigantic orchestra/choir version]] in the opening credits of the animated movie ''Film/BatmanMaskOfThePhantasm''. Several characters in the animated series have their own leitmotifs. Even Batman's childhood idol, the in-universe fictional character Gray Ghost (based on Radio/TheShadow), gets [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr-8PNLsXHI his own cool leitmotif]].

* In the '*Franchise/{{Godzilla}}'' films, nearly every monster in the franchise gets its own leitmotif. The most famous ones probably are [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5hthWktPtM Godzilla's]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0CDA-ELlJs King Ghidorah's]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJEjdPxGsdw&feature=related Rodan's]]. [[LoadsAndLoadsOfCharacters And that's only three of them!]].

** The "NUH-nuh NUH-nuh NUH-nuh NUH-nuh BATMAN!" theme counts as one for the [[Series/{{Batman}} Adam West series]] and [[UsefulNotes/TheSilverAgeOfComicBooks Silver Age Batman]]. Oh, "NUH-nuh NUH-nuh NUH-nuh NUH-nuh BAT-MAN!" counts as a leitmotif itself. So much any homage to those cheesy fighting scenes have to include both [[WrittenSoundEffect onomatopaeia]] and the theme.
** This use of villain themes began with the campy 1960s ''Series/{{Batman}}'' t.v. series. In the 1966 film, the four primary villains (The Catwoman, The Penguin, The Joker, and The Riddler) are all [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf61-sYqe6g introduced accompanied by their individual themes]]. The leitmotif for Burgess Meredith's Penguin became particularly well-known, even making an appearance in a popular rock song in the 1980s.

* ''WesternAnimation/SpiderManIntoTheSpiderVerse'': Noir, Peni, and Spider-Ham are always accompanied by cues that reflect their characters; Noir's is booming dramatic trumpets, Peni's is J-pop and Spider-Ham's is a ''Franchise/LooneyTunes''-esque score.
* ''WesternAnimation/ToyStory'' characters have their own leitmotif. Woody, the cowboy, has a theme that resembles old western movies. Buzz Lightyear, on the other hand, has a leit motif of epic blaring horns which are taken from "I Will Go Sailing No More".[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4f65bsPdn4]]

* Disney's ''Disney/TheHunchbackOfNotreDame'' had the villain, Frollo, followed by an ominous greek choir singing "Kyrie Eleison", which in church greek translates into "Lord have Mercy."

** Phoebus has a little 5-note phrase that often plays when he is onscreen. This melody waa turned into the song "Rest and Recreation" in the stage show.

** Interestingly, the humans have one tucked into Scorpnok's theme, which is used when the cavalry is called in. A modified version, tucked into [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6x9__W42Yc Optimus vs Megatron]] (at 1:56) complements Lennox's Crowning Moment of Awesome.

* In the original [[WesternAnimation/TheManyAdventuresOfWinnieThePooh Winnie-the-Pooh]] featurettes, composer Buddy Baker took some inspiration from Prokofiev's ''Peter and the Wolf'' and had different instruments represent each character: baritone horn for Pooh, a sad bass clarinet for Eeyore, flute for Kanga, piccolo for Roo, a fussy sounding clarinet for Rabbit, oboe for Piglet, French horn and ocarina for Owl, and staccato bass harmonica with electric bass for Gopher's walks.

* ''WesternAnimation/YellowSubmarine'' has one for the sub itself when it is on its way to Pepperland with the Beatles and Old Fred in tow. It is featured on the 1969 soundtrack album on the cuts "Sea of Time" and "Sea of Monsters." In the film it is also used when the sub leaves the Sea of Nowhere and at the end when the Chief Blue Meanie reforms.

** "{{Franchise/Gamera}} is really neat! / {{Franchise/Gamera}} is full of meat! / We are eating {{Franchise/Gamera}}!"

* In the '*Franchise/{{Godzilla}}'' films, nearly every monster in the franchise gets its own leitmotif. The most famous ones probably are [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYPRNQgG2Vs&playnext=1&list=PL2E2ED416F42908AD Godzilla's]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZZbP_2_0ZM King Ghidorah's]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJEjdPxGsdw&feature=related Rodan's]]. [[LoadsAndLoadsOfCharacters And that's only three of them!]].

* Disney's ''Disney/TheLionKing''. The first time the theme "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlYMBzxEW4Q This Land]]" appears is during the rainstorm immediately following the confrontation between Mufasa, Scar, and Zazu, and it is as grand and choral as you could possibly imagine...that is, until it takes things a step higher during the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCyc5KPjS7I scene]] where Simba speaks to his father's ghost. There's also a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq2ymgK6HPs heartbreaking rendition]] which occurs in the gorge after cub Simba finds Mufasa's body. By the time the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0oOHHi5z_E finale]] arrives, and Simba is ascending Pride Rock to the most powerful, stirring, and uplifting version yet, you know Hans Zimmer is truly a genius. What is most disappointing, however, is that one of the most awesome versions of this theme ever, that which plays during Simba and Scar's BattleAmongstTheFlames, does not appear on the official soundtrack and is in fact not available anywhere.
** Part of it is actually on the Spanish-version soundtrack. Good luck finding it, though; it may only be available on cassette tape.
** The battle version of the theme is actually included on the ''Legacy Collection'' soundtrack as a part of the almost twelve minutes long track "The Rightful King".
** There are also separate themes for [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uts7MHcwG7o the hyenas]], along with [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7v8Dg6Jc7c Timon and Pumbaa]].
** "This Land" is actually a suite of themes. The leitmotif that is introduced during the rainstorm scene and when Rafiki is in his Tree is Simba's theme. The reoccurring Busa motif is also a secondary theme of his. The theme that mostly plays during Mufasa-related scenes (such as his death and the Ghost sequence) doubles as both a leitmotif for Mufasa and Kingship in general. All three themes play in succession during the film's climax, where we get one final rendition of Mufasa/The King's material as the rains begin to wash away the flames, followed by a grand choral rendition of Simba's theme, and concluding with the Busa theme and a quick reprisal of The Circle of Life.
* In Disney's ''Disney/TheGreatMouseDetective'', the three main protagonists had their own recurring leitmotif tunes. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDaHLkF0d0k&feature=related Basil's leitmotif]] was also the film's main title theme music, Dr. Dawson's leitmotif almost always prominently featured a bassoon, and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTSNwl_RON4 Olivia Flaversham's leitmotif]] was also used for the tune the musical dancing doll her father made would play. Professor Ratigan also had his own little leitmotif played on a clarinet.
* In ''WesternAnimation/TheBraveLittleToaster'', composer David Newman gave all five of the appliances a theme, which pops up whenever one of them does anything, but you really have to pay attention to catch it. Toaster's theme loops around itself, illustrating his reflective personality. Blanky is the little kid of the group so his theme is childlike and innocent. Lampy illuminates things and is carefree so his theme is quick and fun. Radio is an entertainer so his theme is loud and brassy. Kirby is a grumpy old guy so his theme plays in lower chords. Each theme can be heard playing for each character as they're introduced at the beginning of the film. You can also hear all of them in quick succession when each character sinks in the mud. (Though Toaster's is usually longer than just three notes.) Ironically, the only one not heard here is Radio's. The song cuts off when he's sinking. Finally, the second half of the end credits music is a medley consisting of all their themes. Some of the secondary characters such as the Master and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxX_zxWUhN0 Elmo]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P2miEm57kA&feature=related St. Peters]] get themes as well.
** A distinct [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztKkbC_FM8c motif]] plays when Blanky tries to snuggle with Toaster and Toaster pushes him away. The motif plays again when Toaster does the same to the flower, causing it to die and changing his attitude towards Blanky. It plays one last time when Toaster comforts the frightened Blanky in the forest.
* ''Disney/TheLittleMermaid'' has a theme for almost every character. Ariel is represented by "[[IWantSong Part of Your World]]," Ursula has "[[VillainSong Poor Unfortunate Souls]]", whose melody was also used in the intro of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eNnHxFqXqs "I Want the Good Times Back"]] from the Broadway version of the stage musical, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snusSDhCZsk Scuttle's theme]] was [[WithLyrics lyricized]] as "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEB4Tr1PNRk Beyond My Wildest Dreams]]" in the ScreenToStageAdaptation ; similarly, Flotsam and Jetsam's theme was written into "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWLuOAjbXRg&feature=related Sweet Child]]"; [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jVC4h0VWX0 Triton]] is given a royal {{Fanfare}}, which can also be heard in [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcnWEJAa2rk "Human Stuff"]] from the Broadway production; Eric has a wistful, longing tune, heard at the beginnings of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UQsECA7RZU "Bedtime"]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC12EVZGSK4 "Eric To the Rescue"]]; and the human society is represented in a more upbeat manner, with variations appearing in "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9oyoosEzdc Jig]]", which in turn is the basis for [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avMpYBYKDwY "One Step Closer"]] in the stage adaptation, and "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZs9R0haI_s Tour Of the Kingdom]], elements of which are used in the musical's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I8fpGo0xIM "Her Voice"]].

* Disney's ''Disney/TheHunchbackOfNotreDame'' had the villain, Frollo, followed by an ominous greek choir singing "Kyrie Eleison", which in church greek translates into "Lord have Mercy."
** Also notice that the song "Hellfire" is essentially [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5tD9oFqlk4 "The Bells of Notre Dame" ]] tune, but in a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRO-M4XyAbM ''minor'']] key.
** Phoebus has a little 5-note phrase that often plays when he is onscreen. This melody waa turned into the song "Rest and Recreation" in the stage show.

* In Pixar's 10th film ''WesternAnimation/{{Up}}'', a leitmotif figures prominently, representing Carl's late wife Ellie.
* Another Pixar example: in WesternAnimation/MonstersInc., [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flLBeTPFfIg Boo has her own leitmotif]]. [[TheRival Randall]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCrUlOhr2EU also has one whenever he appears]], which sounds [[ReptilesAreAbhorrent sneaky and sinister.]]
** There's also a sentimental theme that plays during emotional moments between Sully and Boo.
** There's also a theme that's typically played during intense moments like chase scenes. It's also heard briefly in ''WesternAnimation/MonstersUniversity'' when the Oozma Kappa brothers run from MI security.
* ''Disney/SnowWhiteAndTheSevenDwarfs'' has a themes for [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC7NpEISWxU Dopey]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFc-vdwaGD8 the Magic Mirror]], and the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZIDJxMNRrU Queen/Witch]] called "Theme Sinister."
* ''Disney/{{Pinocchio}}'' has his own theme based on the CutSong "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggzVoHXuEwo Turn on the Old Music Box]]," and there is a jaunty little ditty for Jiminy.
** And meanwhile, Geppetto and the Blue Fairy had "Little Wooden Head" and "When You Wish Upon A Star" as their themes respectively.
** Whenever Pinocchio makes a wrong choice that seems right at first, like going to see Stromboli or when he lands on Pleasure Island, "An Actors Life for Me" will play.
* ''Disney/SleepingBeauty'' gives Maleficent a wonderfully [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAYR80fIXe0 ominous]] theme.
* If one were to listen to the soundtrack of ''Disney/TreasurePlanet'', there are several distinct leitmotifs throughout; there's a soft and tender melody for some of the more heartwarming scenes between [[IntergenerationalFriendship Jim and Silver]], an energizing and exciting one for Jim's [[SkySurfing solar surfing]], and a triumphant one for the [[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome moments you want to cheer.]] All of which can be heard in the order mentioned [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uhwotthHLU here.]]
* Wilbur's theme from ''Disney/TheRescuersDownUnder'' was the guitar riff to "Wipe Out" when ever he was about to take off for flight.
* ''Disney/BeautyAndTheBeast'' has the "Prologue" theme, the Beast's theme (which has a DarkReprise during his death scene), "Belle", Maurice's theme, "Gaston", and "Prince Charming" (the love theme). Some of these became the bases for new numbers in the ScreenToStageAdaptation.
* Disney/TheBlackCauldron is ''built'' on leitmotifs. Almost every character has their own theme.
** For example, here's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjgLEdYVGrE the Horned King's theme, followed by Creeper's theme]].
* Both WesternAnimation/KungFuPanda movies have a few subtle ones, but they're there. At least Po, Tai Lung and Lord Shen have themes that usually accompany their appearances. Po's is called "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtPqjywOp2E Panda Po]]" (Remixed as "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3kIFhrHkak Dumpling Warrior]]" and its remix in the sequel's OST), Lord Shen has "Ancient China/Lord Shen" and Tai Lung's, while not named in the OST, first appears as the music Shifu plays on his flute/staff, and is featured prominently in their battle as well as, naturally, his escape from Chorh-Gom. The movie's main theme also appears to be Oogway's, since it plays during his [[spoiler:[[AscendToAHigherPlaneOfExistence Ascent to a Higher Plane of Existence]]]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6eRWvT8RZI scene]].
* The Crocodile from ''Disney/PeterPan'' has a leitmotif based on the CutSong "Never Smile at a Crocodile."
** There's also Peter's theme, which is heard in a fanfare at the very beginning of the film. It is often played on the flutes.
* ''WesternAnimation/ThePrinceOfEgypt'' makes some use of leitmotif. One of the more notable uses is a snippet of the melody of "All I Ever Wanted" (the part of the song where the lyrics are "This is my home") that plays when Moses is living in Midian with Tzipporah, signifying that he has found a place where he is truly happy, but he's still hiding from the task at hand. A CherubicChoir also appears several times to signify a miracle occurring. The choral part becomes a lushly orchestrated theme right after Moses encounters the burning bush.

* For the animated ''Disney/AliceInWonderland'', Alice is represented by the title song, the White Rabbit by "I'm Late", the Mad Hatter by "The Unbirthday Song", the Cheshire Cat by "'Twas Brillig" and the Queen of Hearts by "March of the Cards".
* In ''WesternAnimation/SouthParkBiggerLongerAndUncut'', Wendy is represented by "Wendy's Song". In some scenes, the Mothers Against Canada have [[VillainSong "Blame Canada"]] as an accompaniment.
* ''WesternAnimation/ToyStory'' characters have their own leit motif. Woody, the cowboy, has a theme that resembles old western movies. Buzz Lightyear, on the other hand, has a leit motif of epic blaring horns which are taken from "I Will Go Sailing No More".[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4f65bsPdn4]]

* ''Disney/{{Bambi}}'' has an repeating three-note theme for "Man" which gets more louder and ominous to symbolize that he's getting closer. It has garnered comparisons to the theme from ''Film/{{Jaws}}''.
* Early in ''Disney/{{Hercules}}'', the titular character sings "Go the Distance." This becomes his leitmotif.

* The appearance of Mrs. Tweedy in the movie ''WesternAnimation/ChickenRun'' is always accompanied by what sounds like a mandolin.
* In the original [[WesternAnimation/TheManyAdventuresOfWinnieThePooh Winnie-the-Pooh]] featurettes, composer Buddy Baker took some inspiration from Prokofiev's ''Peter and the Wolf'' and had different instruments represent each character: baritone horn for Pooh, a sad bass clarinet for Eeyore, flute for Kanga, piccolo for Roo, a fussy sounding clarinet for Rabbit, oboe for Piglet, French horn and ocarina for Owl, and staccato bass harmonica with electric bass for Gopher's walks.
* The first three ''WesternAnimation/{{Bionicle}}'' movies had recurring themes for several characters or objects. Often their tones and their instruments would shift to suit the mood of the scene, and at times multiple shorter versions of these motifs would play in succession, one leading into the other. Some of the more memorable ones are: Makuta's theme which ranges from dark and ominous to booming and overwhelming, the Matoran people's theme which ranges from triumphant to heartwarming, Lhikan's theme that goes from fast and action-packed to majestic and noble, then tragic, Vakama's theme which covers his unsure beginnings, self-doubt, the discovery of his power, then his literal downfall in the 3rd movie, the Toa Metru's motif, Keetongu's motif, the Dark Hunters' motif, the theme of the Mask of Time, and of course multiple overarching ''Bionicle'' tunes used in all three. Roodaka's own track went unused in her film, though its main cue shows up in some scenes and a variation of it can be heard on the DVD menus.

* ''Film/StreetAngel'': "O Sole Mio" is the song Gino constantly whistles. It becomes the music theme for their love with Angela.
* The King of the Leitmotif: ''Film/{{Jaws}}''. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvCI-gNK_y4 Here comes the shark]]!
* Franchise/JurassicPark: The tune that plays whenever the Velociraptors are even ''mentioned'' could be considered the ''Jaws'' theme of the franchise.
* Creator/LaurelAndHardy: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snnCKVFzjHE&list=RDaQqC6_6Wf0M "Dance of the Cuckoos"]]
* The ''Franchise/StarWars'' series has instantly recognizable leitmotifs for many of its characters, all of them [[AwesomeMusic/{{Film}} awesome]]. Particularly notable are the ''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bzWSJG93P8 Imperial March]]'', which goes with both Darth Vader and shows of Imperial power, and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXcoM_AHuk8&feature=PlayList&p=EBD6497622AB3C3C&index=9 Luke's Theme]] (also the main theme of Star Wars). Music/JohnWilliams got to have some fun with his leitmotifs when scoring the prequel trilogy: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_rzI7Y_NUs&feature=related Anakin's Theme]] has weaving through it Luke's Theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ2P_-yO3h8 Leia's Theme]], and the Imperial March, thus telling us musically [[ForegoneConclusion what we already know]]; this little kid is going to do some very big things before he's through. Likewise, when at the end of ''Attack of the Clones'' we see the Clone Army mobilizing, the fanfare morphs into the Imperial March played in a triumphant major key, telling us that while this is a good development for now, it's going to lead to much, much worse things. The best, however, is [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7hj6qP167k&feature=related Augie's Great Municipal Band]], at the end of Episode I; the melody of the song is the Emperor's Theme, switched from minor to major and sung at fast pace by an exuberant children's choir. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6W6Agqujpw&feature=related The Emperor's Theme]] is also used as the motif for Darth Sidious [[spoiler: who is the same person.]]
** The sequel trilogy (also scored by John Williams) gives us some catchy ones for new characters. There's a quite beautiful one for [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65As1V0vQDM Rey]], as well as two for [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uggMUO23L58 Kylo Ren]], an aggressive military one which represents his public facade and connection to the First Order, and another that is more introspective and represents moments of his internal struggle.
* In Film/RequiemForADream, Clint Mansell's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9MMZEl5cUI remix of Mozart's Lux Aeterna]] is used throughout the whole movie, and different portions are taken for different parts. It's also the penultimate track on the movie's soundtrack.
* Franchise/{{Rocky}}'s [[http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=AuULcVaMTf0 Theme]].
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELNh23yRiJc Christopher Reeve]] ... er, Film/{{Superman}}.
* ''Franchise/IndianaJones''
** The main section of the "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bTpp8PQSog Raiders March]]" always plays when Indy pulls off an IndyPloy... enough so that sometimes other shows will play this theme when their hero pulls an IndyPloy. The bridge of the march sometimes plays when Indy is coming back from what looks like defeat. ''Indiana Jones'' movies also have a few leitmotives, such as the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLaFMmaIXbs&feature=related Ark's theme]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2lrlIbv2F8 Marion's theme]].
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgzWO2BkNHw Short Round's theme]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzXpn_Tx7tA Willie's theme]].
** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlSfzaLci2c Grail theme]] and the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_2LeU8Wz2I Nazi theme]].
** Henry Sr. gets a leitmotif posthumously whenever he's mentioned in ''Film/IndianaJonesAndTheKingdomOfTheCrystalSkull''. It's the theme that plays in the finale of ''[[Film/IndianaJonesAndTheLastCrusade The Last Crusade]]'' for the Grail Knight.
* ''Series/MysteryScienceTheater3000'' films:
** ''Film/ManosTheHandsOfFate'' always played a generic four-note synthesized tune anytime Torgo came on screen, which Crow of ''Series/MysteryScienceTheater3000'' called "The Haunting Torgo Theme". In [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0s9OC6rzAA one instance]], it played went he went to get luggage, stopped when he was picking it up, and then ''[[MickeyMousing started up again]]'' once he continued walking.
** The ''Master Ninja'' episodes featured character Leitmotifs (including stereotypical Japanese flute music that played whenever the title character's recurring enemy appeared). The idea of Leitmotifs is explored during a skit where Joel and the bots -- dressed up and acting like characters from the movies -- "battle" each other with their theme music.
*** Not to mention the end of the episode, where Joel cheered up the bots by leading them in a loud, acapella version of the Master Ninja theme while reading viewer mail (occasionally pausing to loudly add "Master Ninja Theme Song!" to the music).
** Film/FugitiveAlien had a recurring horn-heavy piece of orchestra go on whenever something actiony happened. Thanks to Joel and the Bots, it will forever be known as the "He Tried To Kill Me With A Forklift!" theme.
** "{{Franchise/Gamera}} is really neat! / {{Franchise/Gamera}} is full of meat! / We are eating {{Franchise/Gamera}}!"
** They also poked fun at the theme for ''Film/PumaMan''.
-->"Poo. Ma-Man. He flies like a moron!"
* ''Franchise/PiratesOfTheCaribbean'':
** Davy Jones goes so far as to play his own leitmotif on a gigantic OminousPipeOrgan, in the bowels of his cursed ship, during a thunderstorm, ''with his beard'', in case we'd forgotten he was a badass demon squid pirate who had the time and money to put a pipe organ in a ship that frequently ''went under water''. He also possesses a locket that plays a music box version of the same, though it's not one-of-a-kind. This inevitably forms a plot point of the [[Film/PiratesOfTheCaribbeanAtWorldsEnd third film]].
** Captain Jack Sparrow also has his own one. It usually starts with a cello motif, sounding like it's supposed to represent an almost 'drunk' mood. It's incredibly fun to play and listen to, as it just sounds mischievous.
** Jones also has an organ theme for his pet Kraken.
** The character Cutler Beckett and the East India Trading Company (pure eeeeevil, in real life and in fiction) had a creepy single string melody that played every time a character affiliated with him/them, or even every time their logo appeared on screen. In the third movie, this melody evolved into a full fledged theme. It was based on the melody of Music/EnnioMorricone's "[[Film/OnceUponATimeInTheWest Man With a Harmonica]]", which gets a full, electric guitar-led homage in the third film.
* ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'' movies are chock-full of themes:
** The "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUIZvAe3RBg Fellowship theme]]", a traditional balls-to-the-wall triumphant brass theme as heard over the montage of the Fellowship traveling out of Rivendell towards the Gap of Rohan. Later used for the Three Hunters, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli. Notable in that, according to the composer Howard Shore, it never quite makes a full reappearance after the events in Moria; at least one note is off, or the rhythm is changed.
** The "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pGaz_qN0cw Shire/Hobbit theme]]", a sort of jaunty flute piece with bassoons and oboes evoking pastoral countryside. Plays over the "Concerning Hobbits" narration. Gets more and more wistful the more the hobbits, especially Frodo, go through BreakTheCutie - only to be restored to [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jJnyyta07k#at=373 full orchestral glory]] when everyone bows to the hobbits during Aragorn's coronation.
** The "Rohan Theme". [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om_BKWttz18 Wistful when we first hear it]] on the Norwegian fiddle when the heroes arrive at Edoras, it later appears in [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESnMzQZubKg full-on brass mode]] for Helm's Deep. Plays over the charge of the Rohirrim at the Battle of Pelennor Fields, with Norwegian fiddle and brass sections working together.
** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afY_Srf4xjk "Gondor Theme"]]. Majestic, soaring theme that wouldn't sound entirely out of place in a pirate movie. Heard as Gandalf and Pippin arrive at Minas Tirith and gallop up the city to see Denethor, as well as over the lighting of the beacons. An early version of this theme is played on solo French horn as Boromir speaks at the Council of Elrond.
*** A bit of FridgeBrilliance: 2nd half of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdsR8o0MH4I this clip]]. Those blasting trumpets? The Gondor Theme. The soaring violins? That's the ''Númenor'' Theme.
** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPVo2KDOosk "Mordor Theme"]]. Dark and dramatic with lots of brass and ominous chanting when needed. Heard as Gandalf witnesses the arrival of the Nazgûl. Used to excellent effect first as a threatening sound when Sauron first appears before the Allied Army, single-handedly stopping their attack with his very presence, and then blasting into angry brass and choir as he sweeps away scores of soldiers with casual swings of his mace.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkXbzffVl44 "Gollum's Theme"]], appears all the way through the second film whenever Gollum is around, but most notably as a song in the end credits sung by Emiliana Torrini.
** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_q2mYi7N4s "Isengard Theme]]," (no, not [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE-1RPDqJAY this one]]) played with heavy brass and percussion in the Caverns of Isengard or when the Uruk-hai are on the move. Unlike other themes, which are in more conventional timing, Isengard's theme is done in 5/4 time, which sounds a little bit off or unnatural (as most music these days is done in 4/4 or 2/4 time), to reflect the twisting of nature and industrial methods of Saruman.
** The Lothlórien theme (for Galadriel's Elves) is first heard as an [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCVG9SeMqHA ethereal, dreamy piece]] with generous amounts of CherubicChoir and OneWomanWail. In the second movie, though, it gets transformed into a badass [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_mxSQcGTBw military march]] during the scene where [[TheCavalry the elven army comes to the rescue]] at Helm's Deep. For additional fun, in "Film/TheHobbitAnUnexpectedJourney", the battle version of the theme shows up just for a moment when the dwarven company is being rescued from the wargs by a then-unknown savior, hinting at the fact that the saviors are elves.
** "The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVV7ijh01jo History of the Ring"]], representing the power of the One Ring, especially when it changes hands or when someone tries to take it -- plays under the title card of each movie, so easily mistaken for the theme to the trilogy itself -- or perhaps it is, in a way. It also plays in ''Film/TheHobbit'' at several key moments associated with the Ring, such as when Bilbo sees it for the first time.
** The "Nature's Reclamation" theme (perhaps best known as [[http://youtu.be/kIGUKXtRFUo?t=2m10s "The Last March of the Ents"]]) does a double duty of representing nature in Tolkien's [[RomanticismVersusEnlightenment nature versus industry]] conflict (for example, [[http://youtu.be/l8yOdAqBFcQ?t=1m40s as the Rohirrim prepare to charge against the Orcs]] in the Battle of the Pelennor fields), as well as representing [[GaiasVengeance beings that are nature personified]] such as the Ents or the Eagles (especially as [[http://youtu.be/t11_Xx61AYM?t=3m9s the latter come down on the Nazgûl]] at the Battle of the Black Gate). This theme also comes back for the appearances of the Eagles in ''Film/TheHobbit''.
* ''Film/TheGodfather''
** The main theme is a mournful waltz.
** There's also a tragic theme for Michael Corleone.
** A love theme that plays when Michael is in Sicily and meets Apollonia. It is heard in ''Part II'' when Vito and his family return to Sicily.
** In ''Part II'' there is a theme for when young Vito Corleone arrives in America and his early days as an immigrant in Little Italy.
* In ''Film/KillBill'' the same eerie, whining siren-like riff plays in several scenes when The Bride lays eyes on her targets of vengeance. It's taken from the first few seconds of the ThemeTune from the series ''Series/{{Ironside}}''.
* Fritz Lang's 1927 movie classic ''Film/{{Metropolis}}'' featured specific tunes for nearly every major character. In addition, many recurring events (such as the worker's monotonous march into the factory) also had their own distinct tunes.
* ''Film/HarryPotter'':
** "Hedwig's Theme" grew to prominence over the entire rest of the score. It essentially became the theme for Harry Potter and, more interestingly, a musical cue representing good magic. It has been retained through all eight films, even as the original composer, John Williams, left after the third. Notable in that it is played over the sight of the innumerable other owls trying to deliver Harry's letter of acceptance - long before Hedwig herself has even been introduced.
**
** Gilderoy Lockhart has [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ob2jTy33nU a very noticeable, ostentatious theme]] which perfectly reflects [[SmallNameBigEgo his personality]].
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_bBc8iMLPE&feature=related Dolores Umbridge's leitmotif]] in the fifth film is cloyingly jaunty with a hint of poison behind it.
** Dobby has [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ac6tYjGIvA a leitmotif]] which is played only partially when he confesses to stopping Harry's mail, but which is included on the soundtrack.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPjBnBdq5Os Fawkes' Theme]], a heart-lifting, memorable melody, is one of the most successful adaptations from book to film: phoenix song builds courage in those who hear it.
** In the final film ''Deathly Hallows Part II'' Alexander Desplat wrote a theme for Harry's mother Lily.
** Due to the composers changing, Voldemort has a leitmotif that is [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4_0bc1M4F4 only used in the first two films]].
** Hogwarts has a noble theme played in the first movie, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5pPAMQyP4w Hogwarts Forever]], which is later turned into a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rP4V6ZoNK7E quirky marching band tune]] representing Hogwarts in the Triwizard Tournament.
* ''Film/JamesBond''.
** The main theme, when taken by itself or as accompaniment to the BondGunBarrel sequence, stands for the franchise as a whole, but within the movies it stands for "Bond being Bond." It plays in fragments and licks woven into the score when he's preparing to be awesome, and rocks out in brassy belligerence when it comes time to give him an awesome ThemeMusicPowerUp. Bond's theme was notable in ContinuityReboot ''Film/CasinoRoyale2006'' by its absence -- set up in several subtle moments across the duration of the film, it didn't play in full until the very last seconds, when he snipes a man and comes up to him looking dangerously dapper in a suit. Uncoincidentally, it's accompanied by another heretofore absent Bond staple, "TheNameIsBondJamesBond."
** Vesper also had a theme in ''Casino Royale'', conveniently titled [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTpepPLu_V0 "Vesper"]]. The main motif that's repeated are the four piano notes played at the very beginning.
* '' Film/{{Transformers}} '' movie has a few notable leitmotifs:
** particularly the OminousLatinChanting of the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAYV8X-RX64 Decepticons]] - No one has been able to determine exactly what's being sung, but by gum if it doesn't make you afraid of giant evil robots. According to the composer, he based it on the Catholic prayer, Dies Irae.
** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEL5atUKRZQ Autobots]] also get their own leitmotif, which compared to the deep, chanting, build-up present for the Decepticons, sounds far more uplifting and angelic.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87Ji4Taw3aE Optimus]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8foTMjFqIk Bumblebee]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDFns0LA7O0 Scorponok]], Sam, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FICrZ0sDT3I The All Spark]] and Sector 7 all get their own. Even the freaky little Frenzy, whose theme was never heard in the actual film had one arranged for him.
** The new Big Bad, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHh-BS37vuw The Fallen]], also gets one for ''Revenge of the Fallen''.
** Optimus [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frADyjHdiKE Prime]] also has his own theme that is different to what was used in the first film, although it could apply to the previous Primes. Moreover the theme first used for the government group, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4gngu-7fDY NEST]], also makes a number of reprisals in the film. Most notably the 'main' part of the theme plays when anything especially 'heroic' happens.
** The Autobots' leitmotif gets reused when Optimus goes into UnstoppableRage[=/=]PapaWolf during the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-Dcg7cdnRY Forest Battle]] (skip to 1:24). Parts of "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4H0JDomv8ac Arrival to Earth]]" (considered one of the best tracks) gets reused twice: [[spoiler: Optimus parachuting into Shanghai at the beginning, and during the search for Jetfire at the Smithsonian.]]
** Interestingly, the humans have one tucked into Scorpnok's theme, which is used when the cavalry is called in. A modified version, tucked into [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6x9__W42Yc Optimus vs Megatron]] (at 1:56) complements Lennox's Crowning Moment of Awesome.

* ''Film/TheWizardOfOz''
** Dorothy has "Over the Rainbow" representing her in a few scenes, such as during "Merry Old Land of Oz" (you can hear it playing when she's getting her makeover) and when she's held captive at The Witch's castle.
** The Witch's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4kiXh8YOzk theme]] in is also used for Miss Gulch, to demonstrate the [[AndYouWereThere connection between the two characters]].
* ''Film/TwoThousandOneASpaceOdyssey'', used "''Music/AlsoSprachZarathustra" for two key scenes, both times when humanity (or its forebears) made some kind of evolutionary/spiritual leap.
* ''Film/{{M}}'' has one of the earliest and most iconic cinematic Leitmotifs: Every time Hans Beckert is about to attack, he whistles "In the Hall of the Mountain King" by Edward Grieg.
* ''Film/GoneWithTheWind'' has "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikVeY0brtXU&feature=related Tara's Theme]]".
* ''Film/{{Gladiator}}'' has a choir crescendo every time Maximus does [[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome something... well.... awesome.]]
* ''Film/DoctorZhivago'' and "Lara's Theme". So many times that it gets annoying!
* Film/RepoTheGeneticOpera is chock full of these, of course. They can be as subtle as Blind Mag's indiscernible vocals in songs she's not even part of (Things You See In A Graveyard) to the hilariously blatant "REEEEPO MAN!" that follows Nathan's alter-ego.
* Calm but eerie music was used every time the title character in Film/{{Mikey}} was scheming or about to do something evil.
* Music/EnnioMorricone liked to use instruments to represent characters in ''The Film/DollarsTrilogy'', rather than particular melodies, which is a tendency which gets more pronounced as the series goes on. In ''Film/AFistfulOfDollars'', Joe is accompanied by a swift descending scale on a recorder whenever he does something impressive/we see his face/[[MickeyMousing he happens to blink]]. In ''Film/ForAFewDollarsMore'', Manco was represented by a different recorder riff, and Mortimer was accompanied by a single twang on a Jew's harp. In ''Film/TheGoodTheBadAndTheUgly'', everyone has the same melodic motif, probably because [[EvilVersusEvil everyone is an equally shitty human being in it]], but it's played on different instruments for each character (recorder followed by a wah-wah voice for Blondie, screams followed by a wah-wah voice for Tuco, and a bass ocarina followed by an electric guitar for Angel Eyes). Which instrument goes with which character is drummed into our heads right from the very beginning of the opening credits when the [[{{Rotoscoping}} rotoscoped]] characters appear in quick succession, accompanied by their themes. And they each get BossSubtitles, which play their themes as they come up. Twice. You will ''not'' forget who's who.
* Every major character in ''Film/MaryPoppins'' is accompanied by a signature tune. This is most obvious with Mary Poppins herself (Spoonful of Sugar), Bert (Chim Chim Cher-ee), Mr. Banks (A British Bank), and Mrs. Banks (Votes For Women).
* ''Film/{{Snatch}}'' uses Leitmoffs occasionally by sampling bits of songs from its soundtrack when it shifts focus to another group of characters. Perhaps most noticeable is the use of "Dreadlock Holiday" several times when focus switches to the pawn shop gang. Just as conspicuous is the Russian folk tune "Korobushka", which tends to follow Boris wherever he goes. [[MickeyMousing As in, he walks into a room, the song plays, he walks out, it stops, he walks back in,]] [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments it continues.]]
* ''Film/TheThirdMan''. The Harry Lime theme underscores the menace and charisma of Harry's presence in the film.
* In ''Atonement'', while Briony schemes against Robbie (albeit unknowingly), we are introduced to a sinister tune as she walks around the estate. The song returns whenever Briony does.
* The music of ''Franchise/TheMatrix'' (composed by Don Davis) uses a staggering series of horns as the primary series leitmotif. While it doesn't seem that Neo himself has a specific leitmotif, he shares a love leifmotif with Trinity in all three movies (you first hear it after Neo saves Trinity after jumping from the helicopter). Agent Smith shared the original foreboding agent leitmotif in movie # 1 with the other agents, but later gained not only one, but two pieces of musical flair for ''Film/TheMatrixReloaded'' and ''Film/TheMatrixRevolutions''. The first is a nasty chant (listen to it just as Neo begins wailing with the metal pole in ''Reloaded'''s 'burly brawl') and the second is a buzzing viral sound as he replicates relentlessly in the last films.

* ''Film/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles''
** The Shredder from ''Film/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles1990'' had a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKEIfBBbgm8 particularly memorable theme]] which started with an ominous drum bass before working it's way up the something decidedly more 'metal'. It then becomes a very unique sounding theme (most notably played when he fights the Turtles for the first time) that feels so thematically conflicting.
** In the [[WesternAnimation/{{TMNT}} 2007 CGI movie]], Raphael's vigilante alter-ego, The Nightwatcher, has one.
* ''Film/BackToTheFuture''
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDVhSP5sUoY The theme]] plays whenever something epic is happening.
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEvJLbTeQoM Mr. Sandman]]" appears to be the theme song of 1955 Hill Valley or something. It's played when Marty first enters the 1955 town square in both ''Part I'' and ''[[Film/BackToTheFuturePartII Part II]]'', something which inspired us to [[MisterSandmanSequence name a trope after it]].
* The long, low, almost mechanical groan that can be heard in the ''Franchise/{{Terminator}}'' franchise whenever there's a terminator doing something [[BuffySpeak terminator-y]]. And also when Sarah Connor is [[HeWhoFightsMonsters trying to kill Miles Dyson]].
* Various recurring themes are heard in the movie version of Film/BattleRoyale. Most recognisable are Kiriyama's theme (rising strings and a repeated blast of low choir humming) and the eerie choir music that plays whenever Noriko and Kitano are together.
* Every character in ''Film/{{Oldboy 2003}}'' has his/her own theme. Oh Dae-Su has the low techno beat and trumpets of "In A Lonely Place"; Mido has the flutes and strings of "The Last Waltz". The theme most thoroughly worked into the movie, however, is [[BigBad Lee Woo-Jin's]] theme. This waltz is recurrent with some variations even on the soundtrack album, as "Cries and Whispers", "Breathless" and "Farewell My Lovely". Apart from reinforcing many scenes as a part of the soundtrack, it is also heard as the little midi tune accompanying the release of the gas in Oh Dae-Su's prison, and it is the ringtone on the phone Oh Dae-Su given when he is released.

* ''Film/BriefEncounter'' has Rachmaninov's Second Piano concerto, over and over again. The second movement is mainly used for love scenes, with the darker outer movements used to more dramatic effect.
* ''Film/InglouriousBasterds'': Hugo Stiglitz has a deep, rock-ish, two-note leitmotif taken from Billy Preston's [[{{Blaxploitation}} Slaughter]] theme that shows up twice right before the film features his flashbacks. These are both accompanied by his awesome bitchface.
* In Hal Hartley's ''WesternAnimation/TheBookOfLife'', [[LouisCypher Lucifer]] has a brief 70's riff that plays for a moment when he appears on screen.

* Music/PinkFloyd's ''Music/TheWall'' reuses [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_bvT-DGcWw Another Brick in the Wall, Part II's]] riff [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dbh_k5GLRuQ over]], and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bDY0DfEjmo#t=1m21s over]], and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCMHmDnfD6I#t=3m21s over]].
* ''Zeiram'' has an incredibly unsettling theme, being equal parts classical Japanese instruments, spacy sci-fi music and OminousLatinChanting.
* The 1990 version of ''[[Film/TreasureIsland1990 Treasure Island]]'' starring Creator/CharltonHeston as Long John Silver featured leitmotifs provided by the Chieftains for the loyals, the pirates, the island, and the ship. The only character to have his own leitmotif was Silver, however.
* In ''Film/OnceUponATimeInTheWest'', Harmonica plays his own leitmotif. Usually just before he kills somebody.
* ''Film/BlackDynamite'' has the phrase '''[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcim1O9ECTE DYNOMITE! DYNOMITE!]]''' played pretty much every single time the titular character appears.
* ''Film/XMenFilmSeries''
** ''Film/XMenFirstClass'':
*** Erik's guitar theme forms the core of "Not That Sort of Bank" and "Frankenstein's Monster," before finally blasting into the bombastic "Magneto" at the end of the film.
*** The ''X-Men: First Class'' theme (besides the two eponymous tracks "First Class" and "X-Men") plays heavily in "Cerebro" and "X-Training," and heartwarmingly shows up for Erik in "Sub Lift."
*** When listening to the complete score on the Blu-Ray release, Charles is associated with a simple violin melody which gradually evolves into the ''X-Men: First Class'' theme. This makes perfect sense because he's the leader of the group. "Rage and Serenity" is actually a combination of Charles' and Erik's themes.
*** Raven's piano theme shows up in "Would You Date Me?" and "To Beast or Not to Beast."
*** Edith Piaf's "La Vie en Rose" for Sebastian Shaw.
** ''Film/XMenDaysOfFuturePast'':
*** Composer John Ottman elaborates on Professor X's theme [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg2wAjThiQA in this interview]].
--->'''Radio host''': We talked about Xavier's theme which almost acts as the central theme for the film because his story is so important, and it hovers around him. Since the film is about hope, and his character is about hope and rediscovering his hope, kind of a lost soul, where did you really draw the music from [...]?
--->'''John Ottman''': [...] I knew what the character's challenge was, what the film was about, so I tried to create a piece of music or a theme that could play both sides, sort of despondent and tortured, but also be designed so that it can be hopeful as it evolves later in the movie. I started sketching on an electric piano, and it sounded so cool and vintage [...]. Early in the movie, when it's just very subtly underscoring him, it's a lot of electric piano within the strings.
*** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4rl47uDxUQ In this featurette]], Ottman brings up Magneto's theme.
--->'''John Ottman''': Magneto's theme is a very simple "baauum baaaaw." That's basically it, it's so simple you can identify with it and feel it. [...] When he does his stuff at the end and you hear that big sound, it's bigger than it ever was before, and it ties things together.
* In the '*Franchise/{{Godzilla}}'' films, nearly every monster in the franchise gets its own leitmotif. The most famous ones probably are [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYPRNQgG2Vs&playnext=1&list=PL2E2ED416F42908AD Godzilla's]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZZbP_2_0ZM King Ghidorah's]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJEjdPxGsdw&feature=related Rodan's]]. [[LoadsAndLoadsOfCharacters And that's only three of them!]]
* Ladies and gentlemen, the [[http://youtu.be/Wp8mvZX9uas Captain America March.]]
* John Slade from the movie ''I'm gonna git you sucka'' has a band that follows him playing his theme music. Stating that "Every good hero should have one", Jack Spade then gets his own band at the end of the film.
* ''Film/CloseEncountersOfTheThirdKind'' had themes for [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwGQKsFTK9Q the aliens]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zah0Jtt9Ek0 the Devil's Tower]], and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opyg4fC5GyE the government]].
* ''Film/HomeAlone'' gives us a silly theme for the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMh4RVdznC8 wet bandits]] to match their incompetence.
* Film/{{Hook}} has themes representing [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JM_1SZlO_Qc&feature=plcp&context=C438ba4dVDvjVQa1PpcFPAVNU9SaQWPjipgTsmlfo91d-biN-86Sg%3D childhood]] and Tinkberbell. Hook and pirates have [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBxbWRXbEMY&feature=plcp&context=C42288c6VDvjVQa1PpcFPAVNU9SaQWPjdIHzh6Y7Las1wTXLcwewg%3D multiple]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsejLziECo0 themes]].
* In addition to the two themes that every Music/JohnWilliams fan knows by heart, ''Franchise/JurassicPark'' has a four-note motif for the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DrL17Pz7Gw raptors]].
* The Music/JohnWilliams scores to ''Literature/WarHorse'' and ''WesternAnimation/TheAdventuresOfTintin'' are so complex, they need full a [[http://www.jwfan.com/?p=1364 full]] [[http://www.jwfan.com/?p=1266 analysis]]!
* Film/WhoFramedRogerRabbit has themes for Roger, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6muvkhKQFlE Jessica]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09wdBz379U8 Eddie Valiant]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm9t7b_lRHw Judge Doom]], and the Toon Patrol.

* In the 2011 film ''Film/{{Warrior}}'': Brendan's trainer Frank Campana uses Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" as his intro music, which is at odds with the rap and Russian music intros of the other fighters.
* The ''Franchise/{{Saw}}'' franchise has the ScareChord-heavy "Hello, Zepp", written for the climax of the [[Film/SawI first movie]] and remixed for the (many) sequels. When it starts playing, you can expect some combination of OnceMoreWithClarity / an especially gruesome death / the villain sealing someone in a room and declaring "GameOver." It's also been used in movie trailers and, for some reason, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1tCDdYF7IQ a Brazilian gymnast's floor routines]].
* Ghostface even has his own theme in the ''Film/{{Scream}}'' films, which is usually four whole note chords after he kills. [[https://youtu.be/fnTckzsYgg0 Skip to 1:31 for the theme.]]
* ''Film/BeverlyHillsCop'' has [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V93XY-KQfak "Axel F".]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYHKxhFcMfk This tune was also remixed]] in ''Film/BeverlyHillsCopIII''.
* "Ringo's Theme (This Boy)" from ''Film/AHardDaysNight''. It's actually just an instrumental version of the song "This Boy," but it nicely captures the melancholy of Ringo's TenMinuteRetirement in the film.

* Since it was used again in the ''Catching Fire'' teaser trailer, it looks like Rue's 4-note tune will be one for the ''Film/TheHungerGames'' movies', or at least its advertising anyway.
* Film/ConfessionsofaTeenageDramaQueen has "I'll Never Leave You (Uh -Oh)" as Carla's leitmotif.
* In ''Film/FerrisBuellersDayOff'', Cameron is the only character to get a leitmotif -- a minor-key synth dirge accompanied by a pulsing and fading high note when he is introduced. In his final scene, when he resolves to stop being afraid of life, the theme is reinstated, [[TriumphantReprise but in a major key.]]

* In ''Film/TheWolfman2010'', Talbot's werewolf form is always introduced by three short notes on a violin.

* In the direct-to-video sequel to ''Film/{{Dragonheart}}'' titled ''Dragonheart: A New Beginning'', Lian's leitmotif is the credits song, "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UJj69zNGyQ My Heart Goes With You]]". She even hums it at one point in the movie.

* Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse:
** Superman's theme in ''Film/ManOfSteel'' is "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFr3ih6Xu_8 What Are You Going To Do When You're Not Saving The World]].", a simple piano medley that crescendos into a full orchestra with marching drums in the background, symbolizing his purity, power, and patriotism. It gets a DarkReprise in ''Film/BatmanVSupermanDawnOfJustice'' as [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O3Q98uUjlE "Day of the Dead"]] as this Superman is still struggling with his place in the world as his actions are called into question. For ''Film/JusticeLeague2017'', Music/DannyElfman opted to bring back Music/JohnWilliams's theme from ''Film/SupermanTheMovie''.
** ''Film/ManOfSteel'' gives General Zod "I Will Find Him," "Arcade," and his own self-titled piece, menacing compositions consisting of rapidly ascending and descending strings, menacing war drums, and roaring trumpets that simultaneously evoke [[TheBerserker battle-fueled rage]] and [[{{Determinator}} fanatical determination]]. In this manner, his theme reflects not only his [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy savagery]] and [[{{Pride}} megalomania]], but his [[KnightTemplar single-minded obsession with becoming Krypton's savior]]
** ''Batman V Superman'' gives Batman two. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QLj5bC93OY "Their War Here"]], which serves as a antithetical mirror to Superman's more hopeful theme. The second is [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9BL59uiAz8 "Beautiful Lie"]], which played during the flashback to the murder of his parents. For ''Film/JusticeLeague2017'', Elfman opted to bring back his ''Film/{{Batman|1989}}'' theme.
** Wonder Woman in ''[=BvS=]'' has [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCHGhNteXmU "Is She With You"]], which is meant to be elegant and regal, yet also powerful in fight. There's also a lighter version that's never been officially released. [[Film/WonderWoman2017 Her own solo film]] sees [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puEi1ZFPwFo "Amazons Of Themyscira"]]
** Lex Luthor in ''[=BvS=]'' has "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYr0U8lY7U0 The Red Capes Are Coming]]", a traditional elegant piece that also captures this Luthor's insanity and an inversion of Superman's theme.

* ''Film/CloudAtlas'': The film gives one to Cavendish; the other stories utilize RecurringRiff to the fullest as opposed to using character-specific motifs.

* ''Film/DrZhivago'' and ''Lara's Theme.'' So many times that it gets annoying!

** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRZAk2rfESU famous title theme]] from the 1989 ''Film/{{Batman}}'' movie [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge5HZuKd9Bc became]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02ryWaqCQlU the initial leitmotif]] for ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'', but was phased out as the show came into its own and replaced with the animated Batman's true leitmotif for every show in the rest of the Franchise/DCAnimatedUniverse. This was [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOPWTjPa--0 Shirley Walker's Batman theme]], which eventually got its own cinematic treatment as [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-m0ehT3_mo a gigantic orchestra/choir version]] in the opening credits of the animated movie ''Film/BatmanMaskOfThePhantasm''. Several characters in the animated series have their own leitmotifs. Even Batman's childhood idol, the in-universe fictional character Gray Ghost (based on Radio/TheShadow), gets [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr-8PNLsXHI his own cool leitmotif]].
** The Joker gets a minor one in the 1989 ''Film/{{Batman}}'' in the form of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwvVJaJm5b0 "Waltz to the Death"]], but Danny Elfman outdoes himself in ''Film/BatmanReturns'' with not only an omnipresent dark [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1rCjmdbi8g four-note theme for the Penguin]], but also a [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOGm2TSOi2s haunting theme]] for Catwoman, featuring meowing violins.

** Amusingly, the Nolan movies' Batman leitmotif sounds an awful lot like a minor key version of the Adam West series' "NUH-nuh NUH-nuh NUH-nuh NUH-nuh BAT-MAN!", of all things. This might be a bit of an in-joke by Hans Zimmer, given that the three films occassionally payed some InternalHomage to elements of previous live-action Batman adaptations.

** ''Batman V Superman'' gives Batman two. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QLj5bC93OY "Their War Here"]], which serves as a antithetical mirror to Superman's more hopeful theme. The second is [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9BL59uiAz8 "Beautiful Lie"]], which played during the flashback to the murder of his parents. For ''Film/JusticeLeague2017'', Elfman opted to bring back his ''Film/{{Batman}}'' theme.

* Ghostface even has his own theme in the ''Franchise/{{Scream}}'' films, which is usually four whole note chords after he kills. [[https://youtu.be/fnTckzsYgg0 Skip to 1:31 for the theme.]]

** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRZAk2rfESU famous title theme]] from the 1989 ''Film/{{Batman}}'' movie [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ge5HZuKd9Bc became]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02ryWaqCQlU the initial leitmotif]] for ''WesternAnimation/BatmanTheAnimatedSeries'', but was phased out as the show came into its own and replaced with the animated Batman's true leitmotif for every show in the rest of Franchise/TheDCAU. This was [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOPWTjPa--0 Shirley Walker's Batman theme]], which eventually got its own cinematic treatment as [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-m0ehT3_mo a gigantic orchestra/choir version]] in the opening credits of the animated movie ''Film/BatmanMaskOfThePhantasm''. Several characters in the animated series have their own leitmotifs. Even Batman's childhood idol, the in-universe fictional character Gray Ghost (based on Radio/TheShadow), gets [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr-8PNLsXHI his own cool leitmotif]].

** TheIncredibleHulk does something similar as "The Lonely Man" theme from the 70s TV show plays as Bruce makes his way back to America.

** Superman's theme in ''Film/ManOfSteel'' is "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFr3ih6Xu_8 What Are You Going To Do When You're Not Saving The World]].", a simple piano medley that crescendos into a full orchestra with marching drums in the background, symbolizing his purity, power, and patriotism. It gets a DarkReprise in ''Film/BatmanVSupermanDawnOfJustice'' as [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2O3Q98uUjlE "Day of the Dead"]] as this Superman is still struggling with his place in the world as his actions are called into question.

** ''Batman V Superman'' gives Batman two. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QLj5bC93OY "Their War Here"]], which serves as a antithetical mirror to Superman's more hopeful theme. The second is [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9BL59uiAz8 "Beautiful Lie"]], which played during the flashback to the murder of his parents.
** Wonder Woman in ''[=BvS=]'' has [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCHGhNteXmU "Is She With You"]], which is meant to be elegant and regal, yet also powerful in fight. There's also a lighter version that's never been officially released.

* If one were to listen to the soundtrack of ''Disney/TreasurePlanet'', there are several distinct leitmotifs throughout; there's a soft and tender melody for some of the more heartwarming scenes between [[IntergenerationalFriendship Jim and Silver]], an energizing and exciting one for Jim's [[SkySurfing solar surfing]], and a triumphant one for the [[CrowningMomentOfAwesome moments you want to cheer.]] All of which can be heard in the order mentioned [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uhwotthHLU here.]]

* ''WesternAnimation/HowToTrainYourDragon'' takes an interesting approach, using at least three recognizable "melody" leitmotifs as well as assigning particular instruments to particular characters. The Vikings are represented by thundering warpipes, the dragons by noisy brass instruments, a violin comes into play when Astrid is on the scene, and our stalwart hero, Hiccup, is represented by...[[CrowningMomentOfFunny a piping tinwhistle and/or flute]]. These instruments weave in and out of major themes such as:

* ''Film/{{Gladiator}}'' has a choir crescendo every time Maximus does [[CrowningMomentOfAwesome something... well.... awesome.]]

* ''Film/{{Snatch}}'' uses Leitmoffs occasionally by sampling bits of songs from its soundtrack when it shifts focus to another group of characters. Perhaps most noticeable is the use of "Dreadlock Holiday" several times when focus switches to the pawn shop gang. Just as conspicuous is the Russian folk tune "Korobushka", which tends to follow Boris wherever he goes. [[MickeyMousing As in, he walks into a room, the song plays, he walks out, it stops, he walks back in,]] [[FunnyMoments it continues.]]

** When the film franchise was [[ContinuityReboot rebooted]] for ''Film/BatmanBegins'', so was Batman's leitmotif. It features a sort of dark plucking of strings accompanied by strong percussion, reminescent of the 1989 Batman theme, but not identical to it. Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard deliberately left the theme incomplete until [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdcnC-pv3CI the very last scene]] of the film and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYHigifFEfk the credits medley]] afterward (much like James Bond in ''Casino Royale'', mentioned above).

* The first three ''Franchise/{{Bionicle}}'' movies had recurring themes for several characters or objects. Often their tones and their instruments would shift to suit the mood of the scene, and at times multiple shorter versions of these motifs would play in succession, one leading into the other. Some of the more memorable ones are: Makuta's theme which ranges from dark and ominous to booming and overwhelming, the Matoran people's theme which ranges from triumphant to heartwarming, Lhikan's theme that goes from fast and action-packed to majestic and noble, then tragic, Vakama's theme which covers his unsure beginnings, self-doubt, the discovery of his power, then his literal downfall in the 3rd movie, the Toa Metru's motif, Keetongu's motif, the Dark Hunters' motif, the theme of the Mask of Time, and of course multiple overarching ''Bionicle'' tunes used in all three. Roodaka's own track went unused in her film, though its main cue shows up in some scenes and a variation of it can be heard on the DVD menus.

* Film/DCExtendedUniverse: