The results of Classic FM listeners’ favourite film score have been revealed in a new poll.
Jonathan Ross, presenter of Global’s twice-weekly film-music programme Classic FM at the Movies, revealed the number one on air after an exciting countdown of the nation’s all-time favourites.
And it was Howard Shore’s iconic The Lord of the Rings trilogy score which topped the poll for the fourth year running.
It’s a fitting celebration, given its been 25 years since the first film’s release.
‘I’m very honoured to learn that The Lord of the Rings score has been voted favourite by the Classic FM Movie Music Hall of Fame audience for a fourth year,’ the Canadian composer, conductor, and orchestrator said after the announcement.
‘I’m grateful to the many musicians, soloists, and singers who performed this music, which has continued to resonate with listeners for all of this time. I remain very proud of the work and its success, and I’m so happy I was given the opportunity to express J.R.R. Tolkien’s world through music.’
Shore’s music for the film trilogy, which includes The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, was the big winner, which counted down listeners’ 100 favourite film scores.
The Classic FM Movie Music Hall of Fame 2026 – top 20
- The Lord of the Rings – Howard Shore
- Schindler’s List – John Williams
- Out of Africa – John Barry
- Gladiator – Hans Zimmer
- Jurassic Park – John Williams
- Star Wars – John Williams
- Wilde – Debbie Wiseman
- Dances with Wolves – John Barry
- The Mission – Ennio Morricone
- How to Train Your Dragon – John Powell
- Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl – Klaus Badelt
- Apollo 13 – James Horner
- Ladies in Lavender – Nigel Hess
- Interstellar – Hans Zimmer
- Harry Potter (Philosopher’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban) – John Williams
- The Magnificent Seven – Elmer Bernstein
- Doctor Zhivago – Maurice Jarre
- Saving Private Ryan – John Williams
- Dangerous Moonlight – Richard Addinsell
- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – Ennio Morricone
The Lord Of The Rings placed ahead of John Williams’ theme to Schindler’s List music in second, John Barry’s Out Of Africa score in third, Hans Zimmer’s Gladiator soundtrack in fourth, and Williams’ Jurassic Park music in fifth.
Jonathan Ross, who revealed the number one on air, said: ‘Howard Shore’s music for The Lord of the Rings has become the gold standard for film scores – its epic, emotional, and instantly transporting, placing you right inside the story of Middle Earth.
‘It captures the scale, drama and heart of Tolkien’s world so completely that it’s no wonder Classic FM listeners have once again voted it their number one movie score of all time.
‘Fittingly, 25 years after the first film’s release, Howard Shore’s work still sounds as fresh and as captivating as ever as he approaches his 80th birthday.’
Completing the top 10 of the poll was Williams’ Star Wars soundtrack, Debbie Wiseman’s Wilde score, Barry’s music for Dances With Wolves, Ennio Morricone’s score for The Mission, and the How To Train Your Dragon music by John Powell.
Metro has partnered with Classic FM on the Movie Music Hall Of Fame.