If you are anything like me, you know that concentration and music do not always go hand in hand. Catchy lyrics are my Achilles’ heel when trying to study. As an avid music fan, I simply cannot successfully complete an assignment if I try to listen to normal lyrical music. Movie scores, however, are my perfect match. They may lack words, but the astonishing scores bring just as much energy and excitement without all the distraction. My go-to study music is still familiar, just in musicality rather than lyrics. Compiled below are my favorite movie scores to listen to while studying. Hopefully, they help retain your focus while also feeding your desire to listen to a familiar, entertaining beat.
“The Holiday” by Hans Zimmer
This classic Christmas movie is full of amazing instrumentals that boost my focus. “Dream Kitchen” is upbeat and bouncy, bringing a lighter mood to studying. While “Anything Can Happen” is slightly slower, it is good for assignments that require undivided attention. My favorite song, “Maestro,” starts slow but builds with a rapid piano melody. This portion of the song always gives me a surge of adrenaline, much needed when working on a long assignment. Overall, the “The Holiday” movie score, primarily composed by Hans Zimmer, is an ideal choice for a variety of study sessions.
“Interstellar” by Hans Zimmer
Continuing with music by the iconic Hans Zimmer, the movie score created for “Interstellar” is out of this world. “Day One” has beautiful melodies that bring about a melancholy tone. Once again, this slower style is perfect for more serious study moments. The most recognizable song from the movie, “Cornfield Chase,” conveys all the emotions of this breathtaking film. “Interstellar” is a great choice for more studious, focused listeners.
“La La Land” by Justin Hurwitz
On the topic of great films, the score for “La La Land” by Justin Hurwitz not only embodies the complex emotions of the movie but is also an excellent study choice. “Herman’s Habit” is jazzy with a fun trumpet and saxophone solo, piano melody and catchy drum beat. “City of Stars” is unique in that the main melody is hummed with instruments as the background. The most iconic “La La Land” song, “Mia & Sebastian’s Theme,” captures the emotional relationship of the movie perfectly with amazing piano runs. Overall, this movie score has emotional complexity, exciting solos, jazzy pops and unique musical elements that make it perfect for more relaxed schoolwork.
“How to Train Your Dragon” by John Powell
For a trip down memory lane, the movie score of “How to Train Your Dragon” will fill you with nostalgia. “This is Berk” starts slow but builds into an exciting piece that features fast, rhythmic musical lines played by multiple instruments. The movie’s opening theme displays the true spirit of this childhood film. “Romantic Flight” is less fast-paced but just as grandiose. The variety of music in this nostalgic movie is perfect for childhood HTTYD lovers and new listeners alike who need multiple music styles while studying.
“Harry Potter” by Various Artists
Continuing with childhood classics, the theme of “Harry Potter” comes to mind without much thought. The beginning films showcase songs such as “Harry’s Wondrous World,” “Christmas at Hogwarts” and “Hedwig’s Theme” by John Williams. These are more lighthearted, upbeat study vibes. Later in the series, the tone turns darker and more mysterious and the music follows suit with Nicholas Hooper’s “Dumbledore’s Farewell” and “Obliviate.” This wide range gives plenty of options depending on your study mood.
“Pirates of the Caribbean” by Hans Zimmer
If you could not already tell, Hans Zimmer is a favorite of mine, and so is the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise. The swashbuckling pirates are portrayed through the eerie sounds in this movie score. “Wheel of Fortune,” “The Black Pearl,” “Two Hornpipes” and “The Medallion Calls” are a few to note. The way this score brings you along the pirate journey feels akin to the hours spent in Central or Stevenson Library.
“Peter Pan” by James Newton Howard
Last but certainly not least, a family favorite: James Newton Howard’s score for the 2003 version of “Peter Pan.” “Main Title” and “Learning to Fly” include chimes to characterize the magical fairies, punchy brass lines to follow the exciting pirates and woodwinds to add dimension. If you only choose one “Peter Pan” song to listen to, let it be “I Do Believe in Fairies,” which captures the joy in this magical realm, bringing a much-needed mood boost to your studying.
Honorable mentions:
While I wish I had all the time in the world to mention even more iconic movie scores, this list is already quite long. I leave you with a list of individual songs from a few movies that I deem essential for a complete movie score study playlist. Whether nostalgic or beautifully written, these songs are most definitely worth a listen if you wish to choose only one song per movie score.
“Kingdom Dance” from “Tangled”
“Marianelli: Dawn” from “Pride and Prejudice”
“The Stag” from “Cinderella” (2015)
“Star Wars (Main Theme)” from “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”
“Welcome to Jurassic World” from “Jurassic World”
“Superman 2025 Theme (EPIC VERSION)” from “Superman” (2025)
“Grand Waltz” from “The Sound of Music”
