My top 10 favorite sci-fi/fantasy show theme songs of all time

4. The Expanse: “The Expanse” by Clinton Shorter

First, let me compose myself because there won’t be a season 7.

Ok, I’m fine.

The Expanse was an absolutely gorgeous show. I like to say that it’s the most Mass Effect show we’re ever going to get even if a Mass Effect show ever gets made. The characters: amazing. The story: phenomenal. The theme song: freaking epic.

Like Star Trek: Discovery, the opening credits of The Expanse are perfect. They squish 300 years of events into one tight sequence. The vocals are beautiful and haunting, much like the story itself.

3. Westworld: “Main Title Theme” by Ramin Djawadi

What do I like better than violins? Violins arranged by Ramin Djawadi.

Djawadi is an expert composer, and he knows how to make music that touches our soul and stays with us. And that’s exactly what he does with the opening theme to Westworld. Though the series itself kind of fell apart in the end, this song reminds us viewers of a simpler time. A time where only the first season existed and we’d hum along waiting for the episode to start. The combination of piano and violins is perfectly executed and quickly gets the song stuck in your head.

2. Game of Thrones/House of the Dragon: “Main Title” by Ramin Djawadi

Again… Ramin Djawadi and violins.

The Game of Thrones theme song is iconic. It’s one of the greatest theme songs of our time, and by far the most memorable and recognizable; even my 6-year-old twins know it and what show it’s from without ever watching a single episode. It literally demands respect as soon as it starts playing. It’s bigger than the show itself.

This song more than sets the tone for you; it makes you want to visit Westeros yourself. It was so successful that HBO reused it for the prequel show House of the Dragon.

For many, many years, the Game of Thrones theme song was my own personal favorite theme song. But that all changed on September 21st, 2022…

1. Star Wars: Andor: “Andor (Main Title Theme)” by Nicholas Briteli

This is the first time I have ever experienced a theme song like this: it’s NEVER the same song.

Let me take a step back. Andor’s theme song has a base of violins (of course), but it’s never the same rendition. The theme song changes in every single one of the 12 episodes based on what happens in the episode and the episode’s overall tone. It took me a good three episodes to realize that, and it was so much fun to tune in and pay attention to the episode-specific versions and try to guess if you’re going to cry or not what’s coming up. I truly hope this unique theme song style continues for season 2.

If you haven’t listened to the 12 theme songs yet, I highly suggest you do.

What are some of your favorite TV theme songs?

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