Music by John Williams

Movies are made better by their soundtracks. A good score not only enhances a good story but can become synonymous with the story itself. Think of Superman, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Schindler’s List, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, or Jaws. These iconic film scores were all composed by one man: John Williams. In addition, anyone who loves watching sports will also find themselves humming along to themes written by Williams—The Olympic Games Fanfare and the NBC Sunday Night Football theme song.

John Williams is an American composer and conductor with a career that has spanned seven decades. He has 54 Academy Award Nominations (second only to Walt Disney) and is the oldest nominee in any category at 91 years old. In addition to being nominated for 54 Academy Awards (winning five), he has won three Emmy Awards, four Golden Globes, 26 Grammys, and seven British Academy Film Awards.

Although his work is highly acclaimed and recognizable, his personal life has been largely in the background until now. A new documentary called Music by John Williams tells the story of his life. It also shows rare behind-the-scenes footage and gives insight into how he wrote some of his most famous and memorable themes and melodies.

The documentary also tells the story of how Williams began working with two longtime collaborators—Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. In 1975, Williams and Spielberg collaborated on their first box office smash: Jaws. It was Spielberg who then recommended Williams to George Lucas, who needed a composer for his 1977 space opera, Star Wars. The Star Wars theme has become one of the most widely recognizable themes in film history (winning Williams his second Academy Award for Best Original Score).

Anyone who loves music will love this documentary about the gifted composer John Williams—an American icon whose film scores are beloved by millions all around the world. (Rated PG, Disney+)