History AwesomeMusic / HansZimmer

* The score of ''WesternAnimation/KungFuPanda'' deserves a mention for its awesome combination of Western and Chinese motifs.

* ''AwesomeMusic/{{Dune|2021}}''

* ''AwesomeMusic/Pirates of the Caribbean''

* ''Pirates of the Caribbean'' (2 & 3) - Absolutely fantastic. It's epic beyond epic. And hey, Klaus Badelt, who wrote the first POTC score, was Zimmer's protege.
* ''Franchise/PiratesOfTheCaribbean'': "[[https://youtu.be/s17XDrKuqc4 He's a Pirate]]".
** The [[https://youtu.be/JHHcRetNLFc Mario Paint version]] is pretty cool.
** What could be better than "He's a Pirate" on its own? [[https://youtu.be/dnbve26vsYI He's a Pirate plus epic guitar]].
** There is also a really good [[https://youtu.be/Wm22Yi942cc techno remix]] of it by DJ Tiesto.
** [[https://youtu.be/UawzJOtfuPI BobGmbHs impossible remix of the song]] goes from a simple piano cover to a batshit insane remix to an epic orchestral cover.
** [[https://youtu.be/8TTUBMTInVE Jack Sparrow's Intro Theme, "The Medallion Calls"]], first scored by Klaus Badelt. That one theme, with the [[IncomingHam character intro]] and TheReveal, made the ''[[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome whole movie]]'' for the first-time viewer. It's also the bridge melody in "He's a Pirate."
** [[https://youtu.be/Fur86y7dQJ4 Davy Jones' Theme]], which he [[https://youtu.be/L0JbaZtoKAs plays himself]] [[OminousPipeOrgan on the organ]].
** Other notable tracks include the Bach-esque "[[https://youtu.be/eN5ExwsXUiQ The Kraken]]", particularly the moment where the leviathan smashes the ''Edinburgh Trader'' clean in two; and the love/adventure theme from ''At World's End'', presented up-tempo in "[[https://youtu.be/7pmXLjtSEHQ Up Is Down]], and more sedately in "[[https://youtu.be/vKiXAdwJLpk One Day]]."
** [[https://youtu.be/IRSd8faHNhE (Captain!) Jack Sparrow]] has an especially fitting theme in part 2: alternatively tense and sedate, somewhat ambiguous, and slightly drunk.
** [[https://youtu.be/unwK1X_TGsc Two Hornpipes (Tortuga)]] is a bouncy, catchy number that's perfect for a brawl in Tortuga.
** [[https://youtu.be/JAxQ6n9dgUE At Wit's End,]] an epic song when the crew of the Black Pearl undertake the journey to save Jack Sparrow. There is also a heartbreaking and dramatic rendition for Davy Jones theme as he is forced to destroy other pirate vessels under command of Lord Beckett.
** [[https://youtu.be/F5J9ATDOqJM "Hoist the Colors."]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3Gd6yMZMDA What shall we die for]] takes "Hoist the Colors" and catapults it into [[OminousLatinChanting Ominous English Chanting]] levels of awesome.
** Finally, a small but beautiful motif from the "parasail" scene in ''At World's End'': [[https://youtu.be/xKx611dyQHk#t=2m37s Here at 2:37]] from the "Marry Me" suite which sadly hasn't seen nearly enough of the light of day. It was a crime to leave it off the soundtrack...
*** [[TearJerker "Part of the Ship...]] [[http://youtu.be/qDJl-GohC74?t=3m10s Part of the Crew..."]]
*** Will and Elizabeth's theme. Just... God ''damn'', Will and Elizabeth's theme is just heart-swelling. Anakin and Padmé have got nothing on these two. That theme alone could play on loop for several hours and the soundtrack would still be awesome.
*** Also in the grand finale of [[https://youtu.be/cScVoZWVDLQ#t=1m30s "One Day"]]. First heard on the voyage to World's End, and then completed with TheBigDamnKiss, it's basically the unifying song of the third movie.
*** Sadly, the [[https://youtu.be/xKx611dyQHk#t=0m50s music from the climactic scene]] ("Part of the Ship"/"Hold On") is only used once in ''World's End'', and not in any other track. Zimmer said he had come up with a musical cue so good, he kicked himself for using it in an existing work.
** The wonderful Morricone homage "Parley" from the ''[[Film/PiratesOfTheCaribbeanAtWorldsEnd At World's End]]'' Soundtrack.
** And the background score for the Battle of the Maelstrom (track listing; 'I Don't Think Now Is the Best Time') is a SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome all by itself. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has a darker, alternative tribute version on their ''Best of Hans Zimmer'' album.
%%** [[https://youtu.be/9SIx1s750Ak Blackbeard's]] theme from ''On Stranger Tides''.
%%** The haunting and unsettling [[https://youtu.be/yCyj0Or4Fw4 Mermaid's]] theme.
%%** [[https://youtu.be/PXEhL3mZkrY The Spanish Theme.]]
%%** [[https://youtu.be/fi6tvcDInVY Barbossa is Hungry]].

* ''Film/TopGunMaverick'', the [[SequelGap long-awaited]] sequel to ''Film/TopGun'', not only has Harold Faltermeyer returning to do the score, but it also ups the ante by having him do a collaboration with the one and only Hans Zimmer. The best examples include [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztWuAKte8nk "Canyon Dogfight"]], which plays in the epic FinalBattle against [[spoiler:[[TheDreaded the 5th generation fighter]]]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiXjziluIx8 "The Man, The Legend"]], a perfect and heartwarming theme for when [[spoiler:Maverick and Rooster return to the aircraft carrier as heroes, their mission accomplished]], and finally, the TriumphantReprise of the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zq7ujKwuRY "Top Gun Anthem"]], which will most likely be leaving you with a big smile on your face as the credits roll.

** [[https://youtu.be/9SIx1s750Ak Blackbeard's]] theme from ''On Stranger Tides''.
** The haunting and unsettling [[https://youtu.be/yCyj0Or4Fw4 Mermaid's]] theme.
** [[https://youtu.be/PXEhL3mZkrY The Spanish Theme.]]
** [[https://youtu.be/fi6tvcDInVY Barbossa is Hungry]].

%%** [[https://youtu.be/9SIx1s750Ak Blackbeard's]] theme from ''On Stranger Tides''.
%%** The haunting and unsettling [[https://youtu.be/yCyj0Or4Fw4 Mermaid's]] theme.
%%** [[https://youtu.be/PXEhL3mZkrY The Spanish Theme.]]
%%** [[https://youtu.be/fi6tvcDInVY Barbossa is Hungry]].

** [[https://youtu.be/F5J9ATDOqJM "Hoist the Colors."]] [[https://youtu.be/w2nMwMOUIos What shall we die for]] takes "Hoist the Colors" and catapults it into [[OminousLatinChanting Ominous English Chanting]] levels of awesome.

* The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZIVphczMbY Finale]] of ''Film/TheLoneRanger'': a beefed-up version of the William Tell Overture mixed in with variations and Zimmer's original compositions. One of the few saving graces of the film.

** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG9-j3eevL4 Journey to the Line]]" starts as a weird repetitive pinging sound in the background; builds to a heart-rending climax.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdvA0jgjwA0 "Coral Atoll"]] when Witt is AWOL in the [[{{Arcadia}} Melanesian village]] and reflecting on [[{{Foreshadowing}} his mother's death]]; [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG3kJuvmqw0 "Light"]] is probably the most contemplative piece about the aftermath of a battle; [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wj_enTaVk0Y "Stone in my Heart"]] when Witt floats the wounded soldier downriver; And then the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a2jugsYQXM Melanesian]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA1naOcQo7s singing]] [[TearJerker/{{Film}} kicks in]] at the [[BookEnds beginning and end]]...
* ''Film/BlackHawkDown'' has a great score from start to finish, but the climax is with the last two pieces. The first is a beautiful song, "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDdPGfvsfyI Gortoz a ran (I Await)]]," sung in Breton, and you can ''tell'' that it's a song of grief and loss even without understanding the lyrics (and they play it as they show the flag-draped coffins of the dead soldiers, the epilogue appears on screen, and an unknown soldier tells his wife to "be strong, tuck the girls in bed, and give them a kiss from daddy"). The second is "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJi0H7D17IM The Minstrel Boy]]", which runs as the credits begin. It has to be heard to be appreciated. Another music piece that stands out is "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u3Ux6ky57Y Tribal War]]", which is a more action-oriented piece. However, it subverts the typical "awesome" battle music by becoming immensely menacing in tone. It sounds less like an epic battle is happening and more like a monster is on the loose.
* ''{{Film/Gladiator}}''[='=]s musical finale is also extremely touching, climaxing with the track [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHAvjaHtlMA Now We Are Free]], which is sung in a language that no one can understand but conveys the ''exact'' message as the title. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAOTSO9ioZk The Battle]] is ten minutes of pure AWESOME.
* ''Film/KingArthur2004'' [[WhatCouldHaveBeen sadly didn't quite come off]] because of [[SoOkayItsAverage the script]]... but Zimmer's score and Clive Owen makes you feel it at the end: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tloVx_b-YIs "All Of Them" (Marriage of Arthur and Guinevere).]] And as for [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsRgOS1K--c "Budget Meeting"]], face it - that sheerly epic instrumentation is the sole reason (aside from scrumptious donuts) that people would even bother to ''attend'' budget meetings in real life.
* For a film that is ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin, ''Film/MuppetTreasureIsland''[='s=] "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RisL9l8HzmM Shiver My Timbers]]" and "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jZCAAzgSV4 Professional Pirate]]" are some great pirate songs. Then again, music composed by Hans Zimmer and sung by Tim Curry is automatically bound for awesome.

** The incomparable, [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments gut-busting]], and [[BigLippedAlligatorMoment completely random]] "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-bbbQDjkTY Cabin Fever]]".

* ''Franchise/PiratesOfTheCaribbean'': "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s17XDrKuqc4 He's a Pirate]]".
** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHHcRetNLFc Mario Paint version]] is pretty cool.
** What could be better than "He's a Pirate" on its own? [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnbve26vsYI He's a Pirate plus epic guitar]].
** There is also a really good [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm22Yi942cc techno remix]] of it by DJ Tiesto.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UawzJOtfuPI BobGmbHs impossible remix of the song]] goes from a simple piano cover to a batshit insane remix to an epic orchestral cover.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TTUBMTInVE Jack Sparrow's Intro Theme, "The Medallion Calls"]], first scored by Klaus Badelt. That one theme, with the [[IncomingHam character intro]] and TheReveal, made the ''[[SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome whole movie]]'' for the first-time viewer. It's also the bridge melody in "He's a Pirate."
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fur86y7dQJ4 Davy Jones' Theme]], which he [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0JbaZtoKAs plays himself]] [[OminousPipeOrgan on the organ]].
** Other notable tracks include the Bach-esque "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN5ExwsXUiQ The Kraken]]", particularly the moment where the leviathan smashes the ''Edinburgh Trader'' clean in two; and the love/adventure theme from ''At World's End'', presented up-tempo in "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pmXLjtSEHQ Up Is Down]], and more sedately in "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKiXAdwJLpk One Day]]."
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRSd8faHNhE (Captain!) Jack Sparrow]] has an especially fitting theme in part 2: alternatively tense and sedate, somewhat ambiguous, and slightly drunk.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unwK1X_TGsc Two Hornpipes (Tortuga)]] is a bouncy, catchy number that's perfect for a brawl in Tortuga.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAxQ6n9dgUE At Wit's End,]] an epic song when the crew of the Black Pearl undertake the journey to save Jack Sparrow. There is also a heartbreaking and dramatic rendition for Davy Jones theme as he is forced to destroy other pirate vessels under command of Lord Beckett.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5J9ATDOqJM "Hoist the Colors."]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2nMwMOUIos What shall we die for]] takes "Hoist the Colors" and catapults it into [[OminousLatinChanting Ominous English Chanting]] levels of awesome.
** Finally, a small but beautiful motif from the "parasail" scene in ''At World's End'': [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKx611dyQHk#t=2m37s Here at 2:37]] from the "Marry Me" suite which sadly hasn't seen nearly enough of the light of day. It was a crime to leave it off the soundtrack...

*** Also in the grand finale of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cScVoZWVDLQ#t=1m30s "One Day"]]. First heard on the voyage to World's End, and then completed with TheBigDamnKiss, it's basically the unifying song of the third movie.
*** Sadly, the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKx611dyQHk#t=0m50s music from the climactic scene]] ("Part of the Ship"/"Hold On") is only used once in ''World's End'', and not in any other track. Zimmer said he had come up with a musical cue so good, he kicked himself for using it in an existing work.

%%** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SIx1s750Ak Blackbeard's]] theme from ''On Stranger Tides''.
%%** The haunting and unsettling [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCyj0Or4Fw4 Mermaid's]] theme.
%%** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXEhL3mZkrY The Spanish Theme.]]
%%** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi6tvcDInVY Barbossa is Hungry]].
* From ''Film/TheDaVinciCode'': "Chevalier du Sangreal." Also a TearJerker. Say what you will about the rest of the movie; the last scene [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcfNpfaGejA WINS.]] It's so good that it's become Robert Langdon's theme, appearing prominently in the subsequent two films, usually to close out the movie as well.

* ''Film/{{Backdraft}}'' definitely deserves to be on here, if only for the song [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg1IjbIBXZQ "Show me your firetruck"]], which, Creator/FoodNetwork watchers [[Series/IronChef might recognize...]] (Sadly, the rights expired for the use of Zimmer's score, and the old episodes of ''Iron Chef'' shown in reruns now use different music.)

** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIt0WCWcZWQ Homeland]]" is equally graceful and majestic, especially with the big musical swell at the 2:46 mark. It helps that this track is basically an instrumental version of the film's [[ThemeSong thematic anthem]], "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crYGDqtTtho I Will Always Return]]."
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlfCzxSTAKU Reunion]]" -- it perfectly expresses Spirit's unbridled (pun intended) joy at seeing that Rain is OK, and finally being able to go home (though there ''is'' a brief moment where he shares a tear-jerking goodbye with Little Creek).
*** For that matter, there's "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RW2bP8V4J0 Swimming]]," a sweet piece that plays over the scene where Spirit and Rain begin bonding. Both tracks are instrumentals of the song "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPVOKCnMcOg Nothing I've Ever Known]]," which narrates Spirit's conflicting feelings over his deepening love for Rain and his desire to return to his homeland.
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6HphiEUx1I Canyon Chase]]" must be, by far, Zimmer's greatest chase cue to date, after "[[WesternAnimation/TheLionKing1994 Stampede]]." It never fails to get your adrenaline pumping.
*** Almost immediately thereafter, we have "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgDzqM-JliY Leap of Faith]]" -- the icing on the cake.
* While he is known largely for his movie soundtracks, he also composed the soundtracks for {{Creator/HBO}} shows''Series/BandOfBrothers'' and ''Series/ThePacific''. The latter's opening theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0P47yvI7SWM Honor,]] is particularly breathtaking.
* For an action movie example, ''Film/TheRock''. The first half of [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXmu-aLu3Mw "Hummell Gets The Rockets"]] (from the opening scene) is an emotionally powerful piece.
%%* ''Film/TearsOfTheSun'', particularly [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3thngs2mbw "Cameroon Border Post"]].

** The first track, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuzdgFCSE1c 160 BPM,]] also known as the Illuminati theme, is something diabolically epic and yet again entirely different from Zimmer.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cf3Rv9x5WX4 "Election by Adoration",]] carried by violin virtuoso Joshua Bell's solo, and an awesome backing on the organ.
%%** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNM3mFRsdcw The God Particle]], especially at the beginning.

** [[http://www.wat.tv/video/kung-fu-1yd7m_1xtbh_.html "Sacred Pool Of Tears"]] (stops at 2:55) is incredibly moving at the beginning, then made of awesomeness. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdjnonJdxtM "Oogway Ascends"]] is a tear jerker.
** Tai Lung's Theme, which appears at various points throughout [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKbGrvxZSjY "Tai Lung Escapes"]], "The Bridge", and "Shifu vs. Tai Lung" (Not to mention all the cool kung fu fighting music!).
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuC9qt_3jts "Panda Po"]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft5OyaX_c0g "Hero"]] are also [[ShapedLikeItself legendarily]] [[{{Buffyspeak}} legendary]] pieces.
** From ''WesternAnimation/KungFuPanda2'', the track [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rq3EKVxYtpk "Po Finds the Truth"]] where he finally learns how he became an orphan and [[TookALevelInBadass takes a level in badass]]. Epic, heartwarming, and tear-jerking all in one.
%%** Also from the sequel, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHNCURegik8 "The Invasion Begins"]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS3vRuZBlLA "Zen Ball Master"]] (which is a remix of "Hero").

%%* His work on the soundtrack for ''Film/ThePacific'', particularly the opening theme, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpdffyOFJso "Honor"]].

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0kGAz6HYM8 "Time"]]. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqRZ2_w56U0 This ten-hour loop]] has over ''five million'' views. That's more than a quarter of the views on the official video.

** The most epic of all: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqoGc-4Uxbg THE LIVE]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIY8sZs1i4s CONCERT.]]
%%** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OReELb8wtsE "Dream is Collapsing"]].
%%** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbwNnJ7UMek "528491"]].
%%** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj-f8h3e-8o "Mombasa"]].

* ''Film/CrimsonTide'': [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAeyBi-vgMs "Roll Tide"]]. And an even more EpicRocking version by Music/{{Nightwish|Band}}: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKmb4-iesh8 "Roll Tide"]].
* The ''Film/SherlockHolmes2009'' soundtrack, especially "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1WKLy84amg Psychological Recovery...6 Months]]", which gets bonus points for being more than [[EpicRocking eighteen minutes long]]. If you haven't got that kind of time, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJwLGXfajuc Discombobulate]] manages to encapsulate pretty much everything you need to know about the Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Holmes, the setting, and the music for the rest of the film in one quirkily awesome two and a half minute package. And while it's more sedate at the beginning, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgzRXTZ36lg#t=192s the last three minutes of "Catatonic"]] build up to an absolutely furiously paced climax that must have set a more than a couple violins on fire.

** The opening track, "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFp_puk7cRs The Rainmaker]]" is absolutely EPIC. If ever there was a piece of music that could be described as the spiritual predecessor to "Circle of Life," this would be the one.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvC1LxBF2OQ Both]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZNp6AFBKdg versions]] of "Mother Africa." Pure musical ''gold''.
** There's also the gentle, somber "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tr7t04QBwA Of Death and Dying]]."
** Three words: "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65fXqyhO5fQ Penny Whistle Song]]." Playful, jaunty, and utterly hummable.
* From ''WesternAnimation/{{Rango}}'', "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIGzvc5eiRY Bats]]." Pretty interesting use of public domain music.

** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiXyKU70iuc Walk Don't Rango]] will make you want to rango all day long.
%%* His incredible theme for ''Film/{{Broken Arrow|1996}},'' which Marco Beltrami would later (controversially?) [[RecycledSoundtrack recycle]] for ''Film/{{Scream 2}}.'' [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0X8oKr6Hso Give it a listen.]]
* His work on ''Film/TwelveYearsASlave'' brought many into tears, particularly with the track, "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfQUmHwkg5c Nothing to Forgive]]".
* ''Drop Zone'' has [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e_a-bS7ugA Too Many Notes, Not Enough Rests]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpq-JQNt9tc After the Dub]], both of which would later become RecycledTrailerMusic. The former also [[SuspiciouslySimilarSong sounds similar to]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s17XDrKuqc4 He's a Pirate]] from ''Franchise/PiratesOfTheCaribbean''.
%%* Hans Zimmer's score to ''Film/BlackRain''. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur4kYdHHm-s An example]].
* The beauty of his contibution for ''Series/PlanetEarth II'' will give you chills. [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8aFcHFu8QM Just watch the trailer and cry]].
* ''Film/{{Dunkirk}}'': [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1VJ39nVIBk "Supermarine"]] is appropriately tense in regards to both the intensity of the dogfights over the English Channel and the race against the clock the gigantic evacuation is.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEAiRutzej4 "Skipping Stones"]] is a collaboration with Dan Reynolds of Music/ImagineDragons fame. If that doesn't convince you it's awesome, the rich violins and Dan's crooning voice will. It's probably the most heartwarming Hans Zimmer song this side of "Aurora".
* One of Zimmer's earliest TV scores is that for ''[[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtbPqxr-6l36G--GhjutrvorE5RHU6MEe Millennium: Tribal Wisdom and the Modern World]]'', in 1992. The score to this series boasts such musical gems as "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0zhb5ovmhA Stories for a Thousand Years]]" and "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipHNARK169s The Journey Begins]]" (the latter of which was later used as the [[RecycledTrailerMusic trailer music]] for ''Film/FlyAwayHome'').

* ''Film/CrimsonTide'': [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAeyBi-vgMs "Roll Tide"]]. And an even more EpicRocking version by Music/{{Nightwish}}: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKmb4-iesh8 "Roll Tide"]].

* ''Film/KingArthur'' (2004) [[WhatCouldHaveBeen sadly didn't quite come off]] because of [[SoOkayItsAverage the script]]... but Zimmer's score and Clive Owen makes you feel it at the end: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tloVx_b-YIs "All Of Them" (Marriage of Arthur and Guinevere).]] And as for [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsRgOS1K--c "Budget Meeting"]], face it - that sheerly epic instrumentation is the sole reason (aside from scrumptious donuts) that people would even bother to ''attend'' budget meetings in real life.

* ''AwesomeMusic/{{The Lion King|1994}}''

* While perhaps not as inspired as the original, Zimmer's score for the ''Lion King'' [[WesternAnimation/TheLionKing2019 remake]] does have a few bright spots.
** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmkSRC-i3AU stampede music]] is even more adrenaline-charged this time around.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZB2KmOAK_E0 "Rafiki's Fireflies"]] adds an extra touch of beauty and mysticism to the scene where the old shaman paints Simba's portrait.
** The underscore for Nala's escape scene is suitably suspenseful, leaving you on the edge of your seat.

* His collaboration on ''WesternAnimation/TheRoadToElDorado'' with John Powell produced a few musical gems. For example:
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2xtuxt_ULE Entering the City]]" gives just the right atmosphere for the scene where Tulio, Miguel and Altivo reach their destination: Soft and mysterious at first, culminating in a glorious crescendo.
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2gvL6UPBHQ Bull Chase]]" -- a suitable track to accompany a [[ExitPursuedByABear Exit, Pursued by a]] [[BrutishBulls Bull]] scene.

* Zimmer wrote the score to ''WesternAnimation/ThePrinceOfEgypt'', as well as orchestrating Stephen Schwartz's songs. Both sides of the soundtrack have many awesome moments.
** On the instrumental side, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_E_pMCX5M4 Red Sea's]] masterful use of tempo and instrumentation make the listener feel every emotion present in the film, and while "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3rOPDSasxI Cry]]" isn't particularly famous, Zimmer's use of motif and vocals accentuates the pain felt by the slaves.
** Among vocal tracks, there is the powerful opening piece, "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GbI2Tlt55w Deliver Us]]," featuring Creator/OfraHaza.
** Try listening to "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gur8ccqrQ9c When You Believe]]" (including the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfL6TxY2aMo multi-lingual version]]) and not tear up.
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMBMxKHuBzE The Burning Bush]]." Just... wow. Moses talking to God, and the music SHOWS it.
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whDr4MJbIhs Through Heaven's Eyes]]" is just full of this really great, fun energy!
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oX-Kcx2BAc The Plagues]]," incredibly powerful and dynamic.
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ja6aRI9qng Death of the Firstborn]]" is a gorgeous minute of string-based pain, possibly his most perfect example of PlayingTheHeartStrings.
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0v0_mc44Gk Goodbye, Brother]]." From the opening, where you can practically feel Moses' mounting rage at the injustices he witnesses, to the end, most especially the final chord before he runs away from Egypt forever, as Ramses calls out for him to stop.
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuxZRf-OB7k Chariot Race]]": Intense, exciting, and playful all at once.
** On the softer end of the spectrum, there's the haunting, ethereal, and appropriately Mideastern-flavored "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3xnbxmb9Pg Following Tzipporah]]."

* No discussion of Zimmer's work would be complete without mentioning ''WesternAnimation/TheLionKing1994'' -- quite possibly the SugarWiki/CrowningMomentOfAwesome of his whole career.
** For one thing, it's one of the few scores to use heroic marches and victorious music performed primarily by traditional African choirs. One particularly notable example is "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iUsGMfjP1s Busa]]," which crops up throughout the score -- Simba's decision to return home after talking to Mufasa's ghost, the shot of him running through the desert, and, of course, his AwesomeMomentOfCrowning.
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrYTfeZY4Os "Remember]]," the cue that plays when Mufasa apparates from the clouds, is a stunning accompaniment to Simba seeing his father for the first time since his death.
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PO5Bx0-vSs Stampede]]" is one of the greatest pieces of chase music ever written, supported tremendously by the choral work, and the evocative percussion.
%%*** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASB7Zhmlhj0 Broadway remix]] takes this UpToEleven.
%%*** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmkSRC-i3AU 2019 arrangement]] is nothing to sneeze at, either.

* Mention should also be made of Hans Zimmer's first collaboration with Lebo M., ''Literature/ThePowerOfOne'' (1992):

** On the calmer end of the spectrum, there's the haunting, ethereal, and appropriately Mideastern-flavored "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3xnbxmb9Pg Following Tzipporah]]."

** "Rafiki's Fireflies" adds an extra touch of beauty and mysticism to the scene where the old shaman paints Simba's portrait.

* ''Film/CrimsonTide'': [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAeyBi-vgMs "Roll Tide"]]. And an even more EpicRock version by Music/{{Nightwish}}: [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKmb4-iesh8 "Roll Tide"]].

Awesome moments from Zimmer's scores for ''Film/TheDarkKnightTrilogy'', ''VideoGame/ModernWarfare 2'', the ''Franchise/DCExtendedUniverse'', ''Film/TheAmazingSpiderMan2'', ''Film/{{Interstellar}}'' and ''Film/DarkPhoenix'' can be found [[AwesomeMusic/TheDarkKnightTrilogy here]], [[AwesomeMusic/CallOfDuty here]], [[AwesomeMusic/DCExtendedUniverse here]], [[AwesomeMusic/SpiderMan here]], [[AwesomeMusic/{{Interstellar}} here]], and [[AwesomeMusic/XMenFilmSeries here]].

** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmkSRC-i3AU stampede music]] is arguably even more adrenaline-charged this time around.
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rafiki%27s+fireflies Rafiki's Fireflies]]" adds an extra touch of beauty and mysticism to the scene where the old shaman paints Simba's portrait.

** Three words: "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65fXqyhO5fQ Penny Whistle Song]]." Playful, jaunty, and utterly [[EarWorm hummable]].

** And then there's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5J9ATDOqJM "Hoist the Colors."]] [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2nMwMOUIos What shall we die for]] takes "Hoist the Colors" and catapults it into [[OminousLatinChanting Ominous English Chanting]] levels of awesome.

*** Also heard in the above track (and elsewhere in the soundtrack; it essentially makes up the backbone of the score) is Will and Elizabeth's theme. Just... God ''damn'', Will and Elizabeth's theme is just heart-swelling. Anakin and Padmé have got nothing on these two. That theme alone could play on loop for several hours and the soundtrack would still be awesome.

*** Sadly, the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKx611dyQHk#t=0m50s music from the climactic scene]] mentioned above ("Part of the Ship"/"Hold On") is only used once in ''World's End'', and not in any other track. Zimmer said he had come up with a musical cue so good, he kicked himself for using it in an existing work.

** As mentioned above, "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PO5Bx0-vSs Stampede]]" is one of the greatest pieces of chase music ever written, supported tremendously by the choral work, and the evocative percussion.
*** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASB7Zhmlhj0 Broadway remix]] takes this UpToEleven.
*** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmkSRC-i3AU 2019 arrangement]] is nothing to sneeze at, either.

** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2gvL6UPBHQ&list=PL_hCriEzAh0qhlOOJO_qwqDcP-YyvXxv3&index=3 Bull Chase]]" -- a suitable track to accompany a [[ExitPursuedByABear Exit, Pursued by a]] [[BrutishBulls Bull]] scene.

* The ''Film/SherlockHolmes2009'' soundtrack, especially "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1WKLy84amg Psychological Recovery...6 Months]]", which gets bonus points for being more than [[EpicRocking eighteen minutes long]]. If you haven't got that kind of time, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJwLGXfajuc Discombobulate]] manages to encapsulate pretty much everything you need to know about the Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Holmes, the setting, and the music for the rest of the film in one quirkily awesome two and a half minute package. And while it's more sedate at the beginning, [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=NgzRXTZ36lg#t=192s the last three minutes of "Catatonic"]] build up to an absolutely furiously paced climax that must have set a more than a couple violins on fire.

* His collaboration on ''WesternAnimation/TheRoadToElDorado'' with John Powell produced quite a few musical gems.
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2xtuxt_ULE Entering the City]]" gives just the right atmosphere for the scene where Tulio, Miguel and Altivo reach their destination: Low-key and mysterious at first, culminating in a glorious crescendo.
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2gvL6UPBHQ&list=PL_hCriEzAh0qhlOOJO_qwqDcP-YyvXxv3&index=3 Bull Chase]]" -- a suitable track to accompany a [[ExitPursuedByABear Exit, Pursued by a]] [[BrutishBull Bull]] scene.