History Main / LoveTheme

This music can take on several forms, depending on the characters involved, the setting, and the story moment when it is played. It may play over a deeply romantic scene like TheBigDamnKiss or a GrandRomanticGesture. However, it may also be played over a breakup, a LastKiss, or when one lover [[DiedInYourArmsTonight dies in the other's arms]]. Many themes end up as both a SugarWiki/CrowningMomentOfHeartwarming and a SugarWiki/TearJerker at some point. In musical theater, such a theme is likely to show up as DuetBonding and then repeat instrumentally.

This music can take on several forms, depending on the characters involved, the setting, and the story moment when it is played. It may play over a deeply romantic scene like TheBigDamnKiss or a GrandRomanticGesture. However, it may also be played over a breakup, a LastKiss, or when one lover [[DiedInYourArmsTonight dies in the other's arms]]. Many themes end up as both a [=CMoH=] and a tear jerker at some point. In musical theater, such a theme is likely to show up as DuetBonding and then repeat instrumentally.

** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oERP_ZSqSQ In Throes of Increasing Wonder]]" (a [[https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8g49av?playlist=x7nyow shortened version]] plays over the end credits [[Recap/InterviewWithTheVampire2022S1E1InThroesOfIncreasingWonder of the]] [[Recap/InterviewWithTheVampire2022S1E2AfterThePhantomsOfYourFormerSelf first]] [[Recap/InterviewWithTheVampire2022S1E3IsMyVeryNatureThatOfADevil four]] [[Recap/InterviewWithTheVampire2022S1E4TheRuthlessPursuitOfBloodWithAllA episodes]] [[note]]and the televised broadcast of [[Recap/InterviewWithTheVampire2022S1E7TheThingLayStill the Season 1 finale]], which used this piece instead of Music/LudwigVanBeethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" like in the AMC+ streaming edition[[/note]]) is the main love theme of Louis de Pointe du Lac and Lestat de Lioncourt, and variations of it are heard in the [[https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8g2w5z?playlist=x7nyow couple's]] [[https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8kznlt?playlist=x7nyow romantic]] [[https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8g3igw?playlist=x7nyow scenes,]] such as their first sexual encounter and when Lestat makes a LoveConfession to Louis. The track "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfG5ebF0Iao The Sun Gives Life to Everything But Us]]" is a playful, piano-only rendition of this theme, where Lestat brings Louis to the upper floor of his townhouse in a BridalCarry and leads his beloved to their "marital bed" (well, coffin), with Lestat being very keen to consummate their MetaphoricalMarriage.
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9RXgANv6og The World Is a Savage Garden]]" is Louis and Lestat's dating theme. It's the BackgroundMusic when they go on a moonlit walk just before Lestat's seduction of Louis, and an [[https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8g24ny?playlist=x7nyow extended version]] is used for their date at the ''Don Pasquale'' opera.

** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oERP_ZSqSQ In Throes of Increasing Wonder]]" (a [[https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8g49av shortened version]] plays over the end credits [[Recap/InterviewWithTheVampire2022S1E1InThroesOfIncreasingWonder of the]] [[Recap/InterviewWithTheVampire2022S1E2AfterThePhantomsOfYourFormerSelf first]] [[Recap/InterviewWithTheVampire2022S1E3IsMyVeryNatureThatOfADevil four]] [[Recap/InterviewWithTheVampire2022S1E4TheRuthlessPursuitOfBloodWithAllA episodes]] [[note]]and the televised broadcast of [[Recap/InterviewWithTheVampire2022S1E7TheThingLayStill the Season 1 finale]], which used this piece instead of Music/LudwigVanBeethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" like in the AMC+ streaming edition[[/note]]) is the main love theme of Louis de Pointe du Lac and Lestat de Lioncourt, and variations of it are heard in the [[https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8g2w5z couple's]] [[https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8kznlt romantic]] [[https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8g3igw scenes,]] such as their first sexual encounter and when Lestat makes a LoveConfession to Louis. The track "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfG5ebF0Iao The Sun Gives Life to Everything But Us]]" is a playful, piano-only rendition of this theme, where Lestat brings Louis to the upper floor of his townhouse in a BridalCarry and leads his beloved to their "marital bed" (well, coffin), with Lestat being very keen to consummate their MetaphoricalMarriage.
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9RXgANv6og The World Is a Savage Garden]]" is Louis and Lestat's dating theme. It's the BackgroundMusic when they go on a moonlit walk just before Lestat's seduction of Louis, and an [[https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8g24ny extended version]] is used for their date at the ''Don Pasquale'' opera.
** "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PuWm9t5WY8 Come to Me]]", which features Creator/SamReid on vocals, is yet another love theme for Louis and Lestat; InUniverse, Lestat wrote it as a [[GiftOfSong Valentine's Day gift]] for Louis. It plays when they [[SlapSlapKiss passionately]] ([[InterplayOfSexAndViolence and violently]]) reunite after being separated for six years in "[[Recap/InterviewWithTheVampire2022S1E6LikeAngelsPutInHellByGod Like Angels Put in Hell by God]]" (plus it's the EndingTheme for that episode), and an [[https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8g1z41 instrumental brass version]] is heard during their dance at the Mardi Gras ball where [[HeldGaze they're both lost in each other's eyes]] and share a BigDamnKiss in "[[Recap/InterviewWithTheVampire2022S1E7TheThingLayStill The Thing Lay Still]]".

* Played with in ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid4'', which has a RecurringRiff called "Love Theme", but it is used to represent scenes of Snake's suffering.

** ''WesternAnimation/TheLionKing2SimbasPride'' had “[[https://youtu.be/IcB0KNcsGy8 Love Will Find A Way]]”

* ''[[WesternAnimation/{{Madagascar}} Madagascar: Europe's Most Wanted]]'' has "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm6pYJLXAEA Love Always Comes As A Surprise]] for Alex and Gia.
* ''WesternAnimation/TheSwanPrincess'' has "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otn4orGeH_c Far Longer Than Forever]]" in which Odette and Derek declare their determination to find their way to each other. An instrumental version is used later as Derek dances with her, [[spoiler: actually a fake Odette]]. They also have another love theme played only over the credits, called "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPLfOhQwMqc Eternity]]"
* ''WesternAnimation/BatmanMaskOfThePhantasm'': [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW1MiByRr9c&index=7&list=PL5D3839EE13F3367A First Love]] reflects Bruce's relationship with Andrea, and the happiness he finds in it, though inevitably he leaves it behind to become Batman.
* ''WesternAnimation/{{Shrek 2}}'': "[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ELdGlYrMpM Accidentally in love]]", for Shrek and Fiona during their honeymoon.

* ''Film/{{Titanic 1997}}'' has the famous [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiy9YB1coMw "My Heart Will Go On"]] love theme.

* The ''Franchise/{{James Bond}}'' film ''Film/OnHerMajestysSecretService'' has the song "We Have All The Time In The World" by Louis Armstrong.
* ''Film/TopGun'':
** ''Top Gun'' has Berlin's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjrN0TarajU "Take My Breath Away"]] for Maverick and Charlie.
** ''Film/TopGunMaverick'' has Music/LadyGaga's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2CIAKVTOrc "Hold My Hand"]] for Maverick and [[FirstGirlWins Penny]].

* ''Film/TheGodfather'' has "Speak Softly Love (Love Theme from ''The Godfather'')"
* The Music/BarbraStreisand remake of ''Film/{{A Star Is Born|1976}}'' had "Evergreen (Love Theme from ''A Star is Born'')", which also doubled as an AwardBaitSong (it won).
* ''Film/DoctorZhivago'' had the iconic "Somewhere My Love (Love Theme from ''Dr. Zhivago'')"
* Creator/AlfredHitchcock's ''{{Film/Vertigo}}'' has an iconic surging love theme as part of the orchestral score by Bernard Hermann.

* "The Prime Minister's Love Theme" from ''Film/LoveActually'', shows up in a lot of trailers.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YsMvzgeSuI "Come What May"]] from ''Film/MoulinRouge'' serves as the LoveTheme on ''three'' distinct levels: as the "secret song" for the lovers of the ShowWithinAShow, as the song's true plot purpose as a real "secret song" for the leads Christian and Satine, and as the movie's most famous and most romantic song.
* Whenever [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGRgKjxQCOM "There’s Too Much Love"]]starts playing in Film/TheWayHeLooks you know something adorable is about to happen between Leo and Gabriel.
* ''Film/TheFinestHours'': [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8CsYcaPyNE&list=PLn6s-0hpkbj-z4CeJoh9tEJn74037DfuY&index=2 Meeting Miriam]] for when Bernie meets the girl he eventually marries.
* ''Film/MissFisherAndTheCryptOfTears'': [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0ItQGygD74 Jack & Phryne Love Theme]] is a sweeping, poignant orchestral piece that perfectly captures Jack and Phryne's romance.
* ''Film/FireWithFire1986'' has [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Bvz6vEhLck I'm In It For Love]] by James House, an achingly romantic piece of AOR that was recorded only for the movie.

* "Some Enchanted Evening" from ''Theatre/SouthPacific''.
* ''Theatre/TheCatAndTheFiddle'' has two themes heard in all of Victor and Shirley's important romantic scenes: a cadential theme based on descending fourths and octaves, and the slowly ascending melody of the song "One Moment Alone," which undergoes several transformations.
* Motifs from "Falling Into You" and "One Second and a Million Miles" underscore Robert and Francesca's affair in ''Theatre/TheBridgesOfMadisonCounty''.

* ''Franchise/MassEffect'' has one for each game:
** The [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECcDavzJGzU Love Theme]] from ''VideoGame/MassEffect1''.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmd30F_rskE Reflections]] from ''VideoGame/MassEffect2''.
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQeFvUuPNHc I Was Lost Without You]] from ''VideoGame/MassEffect3''.
*** "The Citadel" DLC adds [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwivcDhUJcA Lost in You]].

* ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaSkywardSword'' has [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7egFhuObEo "Romance In The Air"]], when Link and Zelda first talk.

* Played with in ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid 4'', which has a RecurringRiff called "Love Theme", but it is used to represent scenes of Snake's suffering.

* As per {{Word Of God}} the music playing over the finale moments of ''WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra'' were specifically crafted to evoke this, in order to make the {{Relationship Upgrade}} between [[spoiler: [[HideYourLesbians Korra and Asami]]]] more obvious since they [[MoralGuardians couldn't show a kiss]].
* Variations on [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i-Yqsnhngo "Stronger Than You"]] tend to play in poignant moments between [[spoiler: Ruby and Sapphire]] in ''WesternAnimation/StevenUniverse''. There's also the ending credits, "Love Like You".
* In ''WesternAnimation/SheRaAndThePrincessesOfPower'', [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgI4XZ7l1R0 Promise]] represents [[spoiler: Adora and Catra's]] relationship. It plays a total of four times and always signifies important changes in the relationship between the two either [[spoiler: the breaking or reconciliation of their friendship and mostly poignantly in their confession and kiss.]]

* ''WesternAnimation/HaileysOnIt'': In the pilot episode, the song “Kiss Your Friend” plays as Hailey and her friend whom she has feelings for Scott ride the Tunnel of Love. The lyrics lay it on pretty thick, mainly since Hailey [[ItMakesSenseInContext has to achieve kissing him in order to help advance in a mission to save the world.]] The music for the song pops up in later episodes, usually in moments that ShipTease the two of them, such as when Hailey gains confidence after seeing an older couple that resembles her and Scott, and in a more sad sense, [[spoiler: when Scott’s girlfriend, Kristine breaks up with him.]]

** According to the ''Literature/GoodOmens'' novel's [[RunningGag Running Gag]], all music in Crowley's car turns into a ''Best of Queen'' album, so the show uses various Queen songs to highlight the love between [[AngelDevilShipping Crowley and Aziraphale]]: "You're My Best Friend" [[note]]which is actually a love song, plays when Crowley is driving to Aziraphale[[/note]], and ''Somebody to Love'' [[note]]when he thinks Aziraphale was killed[[/note]]. [[FandomNod The fandom especially appreciated]] the use of [[spoiler:"Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy"]] in the first episode of season 2. [[note]]Long before the TV series, fans decided that this song fits them perfectly. Look at the lyrics: "Dining at the Ritz we'll meet at nine precisely / I will pay the bill, you taste the wine / Driving back in style in my saloon will do quite nicely / Just take me back to yours that will be fine". Dining at the Ritz is their thing, and Crowley's Bentley is a saloon car.[[/note]]

** According to the ''Literature/GoodOmens'' book's [[RunningGag Running Gag]], all music in Crowley's car turns into a ''Best of Queen'' album. And so, the show uses various Queen songs to highlight the love between [[AngelDevilShipping Crowley and Aziraphale]]:''You're my best friend'' [[note]] which is actually a love song, plays when Crowley is driving to Aziraphale [[/note]], and ''Somebody to Love'' [[note]] when he thinks Aziraphale was killed [[/note]]. [[FandomNod The fandom especially appreciated]] the use of [[spoiler:''Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy'']] in the first episode of season 2 [[note]]Long before the TV series, fans decided that this song fits them perfectly. Look at the lyrics: "Dining at the Ritz we'll meet at nine precisely / I will pay the bill, you taste the wine / Driving back in style in my saloon will do quite nicely / Just take me back to yours that will be fine". Dining at the Ritz is their thing, and Crowley's Bentley is a saloon car. [[/note]].
** Buddy Holly's ''Everyday it's a-gettin' closer'' used to promote season 2 turned out to be [[CrackPairing a love theme for]] [[spoiler:archangel Gabriel and prince of Hell Beelzebub]].

** Both in the book and in the series ''A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Squar'' is used as the theme for [[OppositesAttract Crowley and Aziraphale]]'s love for each other [[note]] The song is about two people falling in love with lyrics like "There were angels dining at the Ritz", which is very fitting for our protagonists. [[/note]].
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxUlboN70GI&ab_channel=Do%C4%9FukanSan This rendition]] by Tori Amos appears at the [[HappyEnding end of season one]], when after [[spoiler:averting the Apocalypse]] and [[OneTrueLove choosing each other]] Crowley and Aziraphale [[RomanticCandlelitDinner are dining at the Ritz]].
** At the end of season 2, when after Crowley's [[spoiler:AnguishedDeclarationOfLove]] Aziraphale still decides to [[spoiler:go back to Heaven to fix it]], Crowley brings up this very song, confirming that [[HomoeroticSubtext they are both aware]] of its meaning for their love:
-->'''Crowley:''' Listen. Hear that?
-->'''Aziraphale:''' [[spoiler:I don't hear anything]].
-->'''Crowley:''' That's the point. [[spoiler:No nightingales]].
** Then, after [[spoiler:[[TheBigDamnKiss the kiss]]]] and after being [[spoiler:rejected by Aziraphale]] Crowley goes back to his car and listens to this very song, which implies that, even when it seems [[spoiler:there's no hope]], [[HopeSpringsEternal of course there are]] [[spoiler:nightingales]], and of course there's [[spoiler:love between them]].

** Both in the book and in the series,''A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Squar'' is used as the theme for [[OppositesAttract Crowley and Aziraphale]]'s love for each other. [[note]] The song is about two people falling in love with lyrics like "There were angels dining at the Ritz", which is very fitting for our protagonists. [[/note]]

** Both in the book and in the series, "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" is used as the theme for [[OppositesAttract Crowley and Aziraphale]]'s love for each other. [[note]] The song is about two people falling in love with lyrics like "There were angels dining at the Ritz", which is very fitting for our protagonists. [[/note]]

** Buddy Holly's "Everyday it's a-gettin' closer" used to promote season 2 turned out to be [[CrackPairing a love theme for]] [[spoiler:archangel Gabriel and prince of Hell Beelzebub]].

** Then, after [[spoiler:[[TheBigDamnKiss the kiss]]]] and after being [[spoiler:rejected by Aziraphale]] Crowley goes back to his car and listens to this very song, which implies that, even when it seems [[spoiler:there's no hope]], [[HopeSpringsEternal of course there are]] [[spoiler:nightingales]], and of course there's [[spoiler:still love between them]].
** According to the ''Literature/GoodOmens'' book's [[RunningGag Running Gag]], all music in Crowley's car turns into a ''Best of Queen'' album. And so, the show uses various Queen songs to highlight the love between [[AngelDevilShipping Crowley and Aziraphale]]: "You're my best friend", [[note]] which is actually a love song, plays when Crowley is driving to Aziraphale, [[/note]] "Somebody to Love". [[note]] when he thinks Aziraphale was killed [[/note]] [[FandomNod The fandom especially appreciated]] the use of [[spoiler:"Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy"]] in the first episode of season 2. [[note]]Long before the TV series, fans decided that this song fits them perfectly. Look at the lyrics: "Dining at the Ritz we'll meet at nine precisely / I will pay the bill, you taste the wine / Driving back in style in my saloon will do quite nicely / Just take me back to yours that will be fine". Dining at the Ritz is their thing, and Crowley's Bentley is a saloon car. [[/note]]

** According to the ''Literature/GoodOmens'' book's [[RunningGag]], all music in Crowley's car turns into a ''Best of Queen'' album. And so, the show uses various Queen songs to highlight the love between [[AngelDevilShipping Crowley and Aziraphale]]: "You're my best friend", [[note]] which is actually a love song, plays when Crowley is driving to Aziraphale, [[/note]] "Somebody to Love". [[note]] when he thinks Aziraphale was killed [[/note]] [[FandomNod The fandom especially appreciated]] the use of [[spoiler:"Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy"]] in the first episode of season 2. [[note]]Long before the TV series, fans decided that this song fits them perfectly. Look at the lyrics: "Dining at the Ritz we'll meet at nine precisely / I will pay the bill, you taste the wine / Driving back in style in my saloon will do quite nicely / Just take me back to yours that will be fine". Dining at the Ritz is their thing, and Crowley's Bentley is a saloon car. [[/note]]

** Both in the book and in the series, "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" is used as the theme for [[Angel/DevilShipping Crowley and Aziraphale]]'s love for each other. [[note]] The song is about two people falling in love with lyrics like "There were angels dining at the Ritz", which is very fitting for our protagonists. [[/note]]

** Then, after [[spoiler:[[TheBigDamnKiss the kiss]]]] and after being [[spoiler:rejected by Aziraphale]] Crowley goes back to his car and listens to this very song, which implies that, even when it seems [[spoiler:there's no hope]], [[HopeSpringsEternal of course there are [[spoiler:nightingales]], and of course there's [[spoiler:still love between them]]]].
** According to the Good omens book's running gag, all music in Crowley's car turns into a Best of Queen album. And so, the show uses various Queen songs to highlight the love between Crowley and Aziraphale: "You're my best friend", [[note]] which is actually a love song, plays when Crowley is driving to Aziraphale, [[/note]] "Somebody to Love". [[note]] when he thinks Aziraphale was killed [[/note]] The fandom especially appreciated the use of [[spoiler:"Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy"]] in the first episode of season 2. [[note]]Long before the TV series, fans decided that this song fits them perfectly. Look at the lyrics: "Dining at the Ritz we'll meet at nine precisely / I will pay the bill, you taste the wine / Driving back in style in my saloon will do quite nicely / Just take me back to yours that will be fine". Dining at the Ritz is their thing, and Crowley's Bentley is a saloon car. [[/note]]
** Buddy Holly's "Everyday it's a-gettin' closer" used to promote season 2 turned out to be a love theme for [[spoiler:archangel Gabriel and prince of Hell Beelzebub]].

** Both in the book and in the series, "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" is used as the theme for Crowley and Aziraphale's love for each other. [[note]] The song is about two people falling in love with lyrics like "There were angels dining at the Ritz", which is very fitting for our protagonists. [[/note]]
** [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxUlboN70GI&ab_channel=Do%C4%9FukanSan This rendition]] by Tori Amos appears at the end of season one, when after [[spoiler:averting the Apocalypse]] and choosing each other Crowley and Aziraphale are dining at the Ritz.
** At the end of season 2, when after Crowley's [[spoiler:anguished declaration of love]] Aziraphale still decides to [[spoiler:go back to Heaven to fix it]], Crowley brings up this very song, confirming that they are both aware of its meaning for their love:

** Then, after [[spoiler:the kiss]] and after being [[spoiler:rejected by Aziraphale]] Crowley goes back to his car and listens to this very song, which implies that, even when it seems [[spoiler:there's no hope]], of course there are [[spoiler:nightingales]], and of course there's [[spoiler:still love between them]].

** According to the Good omens book's running gag, all music in Crowley's car turns into a Best of Queen album. And so, in the show, various Queen songs were used to highlight the love between Crowley and Aziraphale: "You're my best friend" [[note]] which is actually a love song, plays when Crowley is driving to Aziraphale, [[/note]] "Somebody to Love" [[note]] when he thinks Aziraphale was killed. [[/note]] The fandom especially appreciated the use of [[spoiler:"Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy"]] in the first episode of season 2. [[note]]It's been decided for decades now by the fans of the book that this song fits them perfectly. Look at the lyrics: "Dining at the Ritz we'll meet at nine precisely / I will pay the bill, you taste the wine / Driving back in style in my saloon will do quite nicely /Just take me back to yours that will be fine". Dining at the Ritz is their thing, and Crowley's Bentley is a saloon car. [[/note]]

** According to the Good omens book's running gag, all music in Crowley's car turns into a Best of Queen album. And so, in the show, various Queen songs were used to highlight the love between Crowley and Aziraphale: "You're my best friend" [[note]] which is actually a love song, plays when Crowley is driving to Aziraphale, [[/note]] "Somebody to Love" [[note]] when he thinks Aziraphale was killed. [[/note]] The fandom especially appreciated the use of [[spoiler:"Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy"]] in the first episode of season 2. [[note]] It's been decided for decades now by the fans of the book that this song fits them perfectly. Look at the lyrics: "Dining at the Ritz we'll meet at nine precisely / I will pay the bill, you taste the wine / Driving back in style in my saloon will do quite nicely /
Just take me back to yours that will be fine". Dining at the Ritz is their thing, and Crowley's Bentley is a saloon car. [[/note]]