John Williams
John Towner Williams (born February 8, 1932) is an American composer, conductor, and pianist. Widely regarded as one of the greatest American composers of all time, he has composed some of the most popular, recognizable, and critically acclaimed film scores in cinematic history in a career spanning over six decades. Williams has won 24 Grammy Awards, seven British Academy Film Awards, five Academy Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards. With 51 Academy Award nominations, he is the second most-nominated individual, after Walt Disney. In 2005, the American Film Institute selected Williams's score to 1977's Star Wars as the greatest American film score of all time. The soundtrack to Star Wars was additionally preserved by the Library of Congress into the National Recording Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".
Williams has composed for many critically acclaimed and popular movies, including the Star Wars series, Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Superman, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, the Indiana Jones series, the first two Home Alone films, Hook, the first two Jurassic Park films, Schindler's List, and the first three Harry Potter films. He has been associated with director Steven Spielberg since 1974, composing music for all but four of his feature films––Duel, The Color Purple, Bridge of Spies and Ready Player One. Other works by Williams include theme music for the 1984 Summer Olympic Games, NBC Sunday Night Football, "The Mission" theme used by NBC News and Seven News in Australia, the television series Lost in Space and Land of the Giants, and the incidental music for the first season of Gilligan's Island.
Williams has also composed numerous classical concertos and other works for orchestral ensembles and solo instruments. He served as the Boston Pops's principal conductor from 1980 to 1993, and is its laureate conductor. He was inducted into the Hollywood Bowl's Hall of Fame in 2000, and was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors in 2004 and the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2016. Williams composed the score for eight of the top 20 highest-grossing films at the U.S. box office (adjusted for inflation).
| Known For | Sound |
|---|---|
| Most Rating | 11.687 |
| Birthday | 1932-02-08 |
| Place of Birth | Queens, New York City, New York, USA |
| Also Known As | John Towner Williams, Johnny Williams, |
2024
Music by John Williams
8.5/26
His unforgettable scores are an essential part of some of the most beloved movies of our time, over a career that spans decades. See and hear maestro...
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Music by John Williams
1996
The Making of 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial'
7.4/14
A behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of Steven Spielberg's 1982 film "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial."
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The Making of 'E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial'
2021
John Williams Live - Music from the Movies
0/0
The finest film themes and scores from the Berliner Philharmonie. Expect Jaws, Superman and Star Wars.
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John Williams Live - Music from the Movies
1995
The Making of 'Jaws'
6.7/28
A documentary on the making of one of the greatest films ever made, filled with trivia, interviews from cast and crew and never-before-seen footage.
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The Making of 'Jaws'
1997
Star Wars: The Magic & the Mystery
0/0
Host Howie Long takes viewers on a tour of the "Star Wars" universe, as Fox TV celebrates the re-release of the original three legendary films in this...
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Star Wars: The Magic & the Mystery
1983
From Star Wars to Jedi: The Making of a Saga
7.1/18
From Star Wars to Jedi: The Making of a Saga is a 1983 television documentary special that originally aired on PBS. It is a behind-the-scenes look at...
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From Star Wars to Jedi: The Making of a Saga
2023
Anne-Sophie Mutter - Vivace
0/0
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Anne-Sophie Mutter - Vivace
2004
Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball?
4.8/3
The Secret Policeman benefit shows for Amnesty International brought together comedy grand masters - from Python and Beyond the Fringe - and performer...
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Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball?
2022
Ennio
8.347/310
A portrait of Ennio Morricone, the most popular and prolific film composer of the 20th century, the one most loved by the international public, a two-...
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Ennio
2022
John Williams & Berliner Philharmonic - The Berlin Concert
7.1/9
John Williams has made cinematic history with his film scores and transported entire generations into his musical worlds. He has composed the soundtra...
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John Williams & Berliner Philharmonic - The Berlin Concert
2022
Fiddler's Journey to the Big Screen
6/2
The fall of 2021 marked the 50th anniversary of Fiddler on the Roof, the film Pauline Kael (The New Yorker) called "the most powerful movie musical ev...
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Fiddler's Journey to the Big Screen
1989
The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball
7.5/2
After the criticisms of the 1987 show’s disproportionate focus on music - and the financial disaster of its music-only Festival Of Youth weekend conce...
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The Secret Policeman’s Biggest Ball
2022
Williams: Violin Concerto No. 2 & Selected Film Themes
0/0
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Williams: Violin Concerto No. 2 & Selected Film Themes
2022
The Stories of West Side Story
7.8/9
Rejoice in the astonishing all-new footage of Spielberg at work in documentary filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau’s revealing The Stories of West Side Story....
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The Stories of West Side Story
2009
The Shark Is Still Working: The Impact & Legacy of "Jaws"
7.1/22
After three decades, Jaws continues to intrigue, thrill and frighten viewers. This documentary focuses on the many ways in which Jaws has helped to sh...
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The Shark Is Still Working: The Impact & Legacy of "Jaws"
2021
John Williams dirigiert John Williams mit den Berliner Philharmonikern
6/1
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John Williams dirigiert John Williams mit den Berliner Philharmonikern
2009
No Subtitles Necessary: Laszlo & Vilmos
6.3/10
The artistry, triumph and lifelong friendship of the great cinematographers Laszlo Kovacs and Vilmos Zsigmond. With film school equipment, they shoot...
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No Subtitles Necessary: Laszlo & Vilmos
2007
Love Will Tear Us Apart
0/0
John Williams talks about Adapting the Score of Fiddler on the roof to the Big Screen.
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Love Will Tear Us Apart
2023
The Making of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
6.4/12
Join the adventure with the cast and crew, showcasing new characters, stunts, music, locations, production design, and visual effects in five chapters...
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The Making of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
1997
In the Teeth of Jaws
8/2
BBC documentary about the making of Steven Spielberg's Jaws.
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In the Teeth of Jaws
2016
John Williams at the BBC
5/2
Fifty years of performances from guitarist John Williams that takes in classical masterworks, the prog rock of Sky and comedy with Eric Sykes, as well...
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John Williams at the BBC
2011
A Conversation with the Masters: The Empire Strikes Back 30 Years Later
0/0
George Lucas, Irvin Kershner, Lawrence Kasdan and John Williams look back at The Empire Strikes Back 30 years later.
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A Conversation with the Masters: The Empire Strikes Back 30 Years Later
2023
The Fabelmans: A Family in Film
7.2/8
A fascinating behind-the-scenes special about Steven Spielberg's "The Fabelmans."
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The Fabelmans: A Family in Film
2010
Deconstructing Dad: The Music, Machines and Mystery of Raymond Scott
5.8/3
His filmmaker son probes the professional and private lives of his remote but fascinating father: bandleader, composer, inventor, and electronic music...
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Deconstructing Dad: The Music, Machines and Mystery of Raymond Scott
2010
Jaws: The Inside Story
7.3/10
Steven Spielberg takes us behind the cameras for the making of a classic movie.
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Jaws: The Inside Story
2019
Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound
6.8/69
The history of cinematic sound, told by legendary sound designers and visionary filmmakers.
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Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound
2022
Galakonzert mit Anne-Sophie Mutter, John Williams und Beethoven aus Pittsburgh
0/0
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Galakonzert mit Anne-Sophie Mutter, John Williams und Beethoven aus Pittsburgh
2022
If These Walls Could Sing
6.6/18
The untold story of the Abbey Road studio, all-star interviews and intimate access to the premises.
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If These Walls Could Sing
2023
Timeless Heroes: Indiana Jones & Harrison Ford
7.8/21
An in-depth look at an incredible moment in film history when Steven Spielberg and George Lucas assembled an amazing creative team to collaborate on a...
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Timeless Heroes: Indiana Jones & Harrison Ford
2003
Catch Me If You Can: Behind the Camera
8.4/29
A behind-the-scenes look at the making of Stephen Spielberg's "Catch Me If You Can."
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Catch Me If You Can: Behind the Camera
2015
A John Williams Celebration
6.7/3
For the 2014/15 Opening Night Concert and Gala, the Los Angeles Philharmonic paid loving tribute to composer John Williams, long a champion and close...
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A John Williams Celebration
2004
When Star Wars Ruled the World
8.7/9
A VH1 television special wherein the cast discuss the making of the films and what made the franchise a phenomenon.
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When Star Wars Ruled the World
2004
Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy
7.7/184
From the earliest versions of the script to the blockbuster debuts, explore the creation of the Star Wars Trilogy.
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Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy
2024
John Williams in Tokyo
0/0
30 years after his last visit to Japan, John Williams has returned for a special concert – making his debut with the world-famous Saito Kinen Orchestr...
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John Williams in Tokyo
2006
Frankie Laine: An American Dreamer
0/0
"Frankie Laine: An American Dreamer" is a feature-length documentary. In this entertaining look at the legendary singer's life, hosted by two-time Gra...
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Frankie Laine: An American Dreamer
2001
The Beginning: Making Episode I
7.3/25
The entire process of making Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) is shown here in this documentary. From pre-production through post-prod...
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The Beginning: Making Episode I
2001
Plotting 'Family Plot'
6.2/2
Documentary about the making of Alfred Hitchcock's "Family Plot".
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Plotting 'Family Plot'
2024
Disney Legends Awards Ceremony
0/0
Since 1987, the Disney Legends Awards program has honored individuals for the significant impact they've had on the Disney legacy. See the 2024 honore...
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Disney Legends Awards Ceremony
2001
Taking Flight: The Development of 'Superman'
7.8/4
Marc McClure presents a documentary on the making of 'Superman' (1978).
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Taking Flight: The Development of 'Superman'
2001
Making 'Superman': Filming the Legend
6.8/4
Documentary on the making of the 1978 film 'Superman.'
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Making 'Superman': Filming the Legend
2001
The Making of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'
6.7/7
A documentary film on the making of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'
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The Making of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'
1996
The Making of '1941'
6.2/4
A non-narrated documentary, told mainly in interviews with the filmmakers, on the making of the cult comedy classic, featuring outtakes, rare behind-t...
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The Making of '1941'
2017
Score: A Film Music Documentary
7.096/109
Music is an integral part of most films, adding emotion and nuance while often remaining invisible to audiences. Matt Schrader shines a spotlight on t...
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Score: A Film Music Documentary
2017
Spielberg
7.6/277
A documentary on the life and career of one of the most influential film directors of all time, Steven Spielberg.
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Spielberg
2009
The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story
7.3/36
The troubled fraternal relationship between songwriters Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman, the Oscar and Grammy-winning Sherman Brothers, famou...
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The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story
2018
Leonard Bernstein Centennial Celebration at Tanglewood
10/1
In honor of Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday, Tanglewood—the famed summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra—dedicated its entire 2018 season to...
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Leonard Bernstein Centennial Celebration at Tanglewood
2003
The Music of 'Indiana Jones'
6/4
In this 2003 featurette, John Williams recalls composing the music for the first three Indiana Jones pictures and alludes to the possibility of scorin...
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The Music of 'Indiana Jones'
2010
Music
0/0
The story of music and the music industry told through interviews with musicians, composers and producers across genres.
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Music
1980
Star Wars: Music by John Williams
7.3/6
BBC documentary. Witness John Williams composing the legendary score for The Empire Strikes Back and conducting the London Symphony Orchestra.
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Star Wars: Music by John Williams
2012
The 'E.T.' Journals
10/1
The following documentary is composed exclusively of original behind-the-scenes footage shot during the production of "E.T." in 1981. It follows the o...
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The 'E.T.' Journals
2011
Return to Jurassic Park
6.6/835
A multi-part documentary about the making of the Jurassic Park trilogy. Each part walks through the making of part of one of the films, including the...
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Return to Jurassic Park
2005
Star Wars: Within a Minute - The Making of Episode III
6.941/17
This documentary offers a glimpse into all the people, departments, and work that went into creating the film, specifically, the fight between Anakin...
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Star Wars: Within a Minute - The Making of Episode III
2019
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
6.3/9866
The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once again as the journey of Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron continues. With the power and knowledge of gener...
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Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
2016
John Williams: The Seventh Symphony
6/1
A discussion of Williams' iconic work and new material for The Force Awakens.
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John Williams: The Seventh Symphony
2019
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Adventure Awaits
6.1/7
An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the new lands at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in Southern California.
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Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Adventure Awaits
1997
The Making of 'The Lost World'
6.8/6
Behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of director Steven Spielberg's 1997 film "The Lost World."
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The Making of 'The Lost World'
2020
The Skywalker Legacy
7.7/43
The story lives forever in this feature-length documentary that charts the making of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
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The Skywalker Legacy
2002
The Music of E.T.: A Discussion with John Williams
5/1
John Williams discusses the music of "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial."
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The Music of E.T.: A Discussion with John Williams
2013
Lincoln: An American Journey
5.5/4
Documentary on the making of Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" (2012).
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Lincoln: An American Journey
2020
John Williams: Live in Vienna
9.2/10
DG presents John Williams in Vienna, the live recordings of the Hollywood legend's Vienna Philharmonic 2020 debut. Saying it's "one of the greatest ho...
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John Williams: Live in Vienna
2011
AFI's Master Class - The Art of Collaboration: Steven Spielberg and John Williams
6/1
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg and composer John Williams sit down to discuss their four-decade friendship and working relationship in front of a class at...
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AFI's Master Class - The Art of Collaboration: Steven Spielberg and John Williams
2004
The Revamping of Dracula
5/1
A behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Dracula" (1979).
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The Revamping of Dracula
1980
The Making of The Empire Strikes Back
8/3
Even the most devout Star Wars fan might not know that filmmaker and journalist Michel Parbot was once given unprecedented access to the set, stars, a...
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The Making of The Empire Strikes Back
2020
A World Without Beethoven?
7.7/3
"What would the world be like without Beethoven?" That’s the provocative question posed by this music documentary from Deutsche Welle. To answer it, t...
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A World Without Beethoven?
2009
Johnny Mercer: The Dream's on Me
7.2/4
Commemorating the centennial of Mercer's birth, this documentary is part biography, part archive, and part recontextualization, taking Mercer's tunes...
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Johnny Mercer: The Dream's on Me
2006
You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman
5.8/4
A 5-part documentary of the history of Superman in the movies. • Origin - Superman in the media and the challenges the Salkinds faced • Vision - Cre...
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You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman
2005
Star Wars: A Musical Journey
7/18
Star Wars: In Concert, originally called Star Wars: A Musical Journey, was a worldwide series of concerts featuring specially edited footage from all...
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