John Williams

Sound

John Williams

Born

1932-02-08 (94)

Place of birth

Queens, New York City, New York, USA

Known for

Sound

Credits

73 titles

John Towner Williams (born February 8, 1932) is an American composer and conductor. In a career that has spanned seven decades, he has composed some of the most popular, recognizable, and critically acclaimed film scoresin cinema history. He has a distinct sound that mixes romanticism, impressionism and atonal music with complex orchestration. He is best known for his collaborations with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas and has received numerous accolades including 26 Grammy Awards, five Academy Awards, seven BAFTA Awards, three Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards. With 54 Academy Award nominations, he is the second-most nominated person, after Walt Disney, and is the oldest Oscar nomi…

Known for

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert poster
6.1

Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology, and more. Featuring bandleader Jon Batiste with his band Stay Human, the Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

2015

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno poster
5.3

Jay Leno hosts some of the biggest celebrities in the world.

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

1992

60 Minutes poster
6.5

America's popular television News magazine in which an ever changing team of CBS News correspondents contribute segments ranging from hard news coverage to politics to lifestyle and pop culture.

60 Minutes

1968

The South Bank Show poster
5.6

The South Bank Show is a television arts magazine show produced by ITV between 1978 and 2010. A new series began on Sky Arts from 27 May 2012. Presented by Melvyn Bragg, the show aims to bring both high art and popular culture to a mass audience.

The South Bank Show

1978

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker poster
6.2

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 generations behind them, the final battle begins.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

2019

The Oscars poster
7.1

An annual American awards ceremony honoring cinematic achievements in the film industry. The various category winners are awarded a copy of a statuette, officially the Academy Award of Merit, that is better known by its nickname Oscar.

The Oscars

1953

Film credits

2020s · 15 titles

Music by John Williams poster
8.0

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 John Williams' own story, with insights from filmmakers, musicians, and others he has inspired, complete with rare behind-the-scenes looks at the making of movie history.

Music by John Williams

2024

Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story poster
7.5

The authorized documentary celebrating the film that redefined Hollywood, 50 years after its premiere. Featuring rare archival footage and interviews with acclaimed Hollywood directors alongside Steven Spielberg, top shark scientists, and conservationists, the film uncovers the behind-the-scenes chaos and how the film launched the summer blockbuster, inspired a new wave of filmmakers, and paved the way for shark conservation that continues today.

Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story

2025

Ennio poster
8.3

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-time Oscar winner and the author of over five hundred unforgettable scores.

Ennio

2022

Timeless Heroes: Indiana Jones and Harrison Ford poster
7.7

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 another cinematic benchmark featuring never-before-seen footage and interviews with Spielberg, Lucas, Harrison Ford, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, James Mangold, and many others as well.

Timeless Heroes: Indiana Jones and Harrison Ford

2023

The Skywalker Legacy poster
7.9

The story lives forever in this feature-length documentary that charts the making of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

The Skywalker Legacy

2020

If These Walls Could Sing poster
6.5

The untold story of the Abbey Road studio, all-star interviews and intimate access to the premises.

If These Walls Could Sing

2022

John Williams in Tokyo poster
8.4

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 Orchestra in renditions of his beloved film scores and reuniting with his longtime friend, world-renowned conductor Seiji Ozawa (1935-2024). Captured live on record at Suntory Hall last year, John Williams In Tokyo is now being be released by Deutsche Grammophon and follows his acclaimed concert albums, The Berlin Concert and John Williams in Vienna, which topped charts around the globe.

John Williams in Tokyo

2024

Fiddler's Journey to the Big Screen poster
6.0

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 ever made." Narrated by Jeff Goldblum, FIDDLER'S JOURNEY TO THE BIG SCREEN captures the humor and drama of director Norman Jewison's quest to recreate the lost world of Jewish life in Tsarist Russia and re-envision the beloved stage hit as a wide-screen epic. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Daniel Raim puts us in the director's chair and in Jewison's heart and mind, drawing on behind-the-scenes footage and never-before-seen stills as well as original interviews with Jewison, Topol (Tevye), composer John Williams, production designer Robert F. Boyle, film critic Kenneth Turan, lyricist Sheldon Harnick, and actresses Rosalind Harris, Michele Marsh, and Neva Small (Tevye’s daughters). The film explores how the experience of making Fiddler deepened Jewison as an artist and revived his soul.

Fiddler's Journey to the Big Screen

2022

The Fabelmans: A Family in Film poster
7.1

A fascinating behind-the-scenes special about Steven Spielberg's "The Fabelmans."

The Fabelmans: A Family in Film

2023

The Stories of West Side Story poster
7.3

Rejoice in the astonishing all-new footage of Spielberg at work in documentary filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau’s revealing The Stories of West Side Story. Composed of Opening, Prologue, Sharks & Jets, Dance at the Gym, The Romance, America, Gee, Officer Krupke, Cool, From Quintet to the Rumble, I Feel Pretty, Somewhere, Finale, and Tribute.

The Stories of West Side Story

2022

The Making of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny poster
6.6

Join the adventure with the cast and crew, showcasing new characters, stunts, music, locations, production design, and visual effects in five chapters that chart the making of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.

The Making of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

2023

Henry Mancini: 100 at the Hollywood Bowl poster
NR

The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra raises the curtain on the Bowl's 2024 season with a 100th birthday celebration for the iconic composer, Henry Mancini. Hosted by Jeff Goldblum, the starry concert features performances by stage and "Wicked" film star Cynthia Erivo, Grammy Award winner Michael Bublé and Grammy nominees Dave Koz and Monica Mancini, Henry Mancini's daughter. The program also goes behind the scenes of the recording of the 100th anniversary album featuring John Williams, Arturo Sandoval, Herbie Hancock, Gustavo Dudamel, the LA Phil, Stevie Wonder, Lizzo, James Galway and the last televised appearance of the late Quincy Jones.

Henry Mancini: 100 at the Hollywood Bowl

2024

Anne-Sophie Mutter - Vivace poster
NR

The child prodigy turns 60! At the tender age of 13, Anne-Sophie Mutter was discovered by star conductor Herbert von Karajan. An unprecedented world career followed. She once said of herself: "If you want to get to know me, you have to experience me on stage". She does not appreciate questions about her private life. So how do you portray such an exceptional artist?

Anne-Sophie Mutter - Vivace

2023

John Williams: The Berlin Concert poster
7.2

John Williams has made cinematic history with his film scores and transported entire generations into his musical worlds. He has composed the soundtracks for cinema blockbusters such as Star Wars, Jurassic Park, E.T. and Harry Potter. In this concert, he conducts some of his most famous film classics. At the same time, this is his debut on the podium of the Berliner Philharmoniker. May the Force be with him ...

John Williams: The Berlin Concert

2021

John Williams: Live in Vienna poster
9.1

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 honors of my life," he received a standing ovation before a single note was played. Sharing the stage with the famous orchestra and violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, he performs iconic themes from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park and other cinematic landmarks that have earned countless awards: 5 Oscars, 5 Emmys, 25 Grammys & more.

John Williams: Live in Vienna

2020

2010s · 13 titles

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker poster
6.2

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 generations behind them, the final battle begins.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

2019

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound poster
6.9

The history of cinematic sound, told by legendary sound designers and visionary filmmakers.

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound

2019

Spielberg poster
7.5

A documentary on the life and career of one of the most influential film directors of all time, Steven Spielberg.

Spielberg

2017

Score: A Film Music Documentary poster
7.2

Music is an integral part of most films, adding emotion and nuance while often remaining invisible to audiences. Matt Schrader shines a spotlight on the overlooked craft of film composing, gathering many of the art form’s most influential practitioners, from Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman to Quincy Jones and Randy Newman, to uncover their creative process. Tracing key developments in the evolution of music in film, and exploring some of cinema’s most iconic soundtracks, 'Score' is an aural valentine for film lovers.

Score: A Film Music Documentary

2017

Return to Jurassic Park poster
6.6

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 hurricane during the shooting of the first film, and how advances in CGI for Jurassic Park helped change the world of special effects forever. All interviews for these retrospective documentaries come with comments from Spielberg, Johnston, Neill, Dern, Goldblum, the effects crews, the child actors, and Peter Stormare. This documentary is broken into six parts: Dawn of a New Era (25 min), Making Prehistory (20 min), The Next Step in Evolution (15 min), Finding the Lost World (28 min), Something Survived (16 min), and The Third Adventure (25 min).

Return to Jurassic Park

2011

The E.T. Journals poster
10.0

The following documentary is composed exclusively of original behind-the-scenes footage shot during the production of "E.T." in 1981. It follows the order of the scenes as they appear in the film.

The E.T. Journals

2012

Jaws: The Inside Story poster
7.3

Steven Spielberg takes us behind the cameras for the making of a classic movie.

Jaws: The Inside Story

2010

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Adventure Awaits poster
6.1

An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the new lands at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in Southern California.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Adventure Awaits

2019

Music poster
NR

The story of music and the music industry told through interviews with musicians, composers and producers across genres.

Music

2010

Lincoln: An American Journey poster
5.5

Documentary on the making of Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" (2012).

Lincoln: An American Journey

2013

A John Williams Celebration poster
7.2

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 friend of the LA Phil. Gustavo Dudamel, an awestruck fan of the musical icon, led the orchestra in a crosssection of Maestro Williams' matchless canon. Featuring Itzhak Perlman with a very special musical performance of pieces from Schindler's List as well as the Cadenza and variations from Fiddler on the Roof. Jazz elements will fill the air during Escapades from Catch Me if You Can, and may the force be with you during the iconic tunes from Star Wars.

A John Williams Celebration

2015

Deconstructing Dad: The Music, Machines and Mystery of Raymond Scott poster
5.8

His filmmaker son probes the professional and private lives of his remote but fascinating father: bandleader, composer, inventor, and electronic music pioneer Raymond Scott.

Deconstructing Dad: The Music, Machines and Mystery of Raymond Scott

2010

Leonard Bernstein Centennial Celebration at Tanglewood poster
10.0

In honor of Leonard Bernstein’s 100th birthday, Tanglewood—the famed summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra—dedicated its entire 2018 season to the iconic composer, conductor, performer, educator and humanitarian. The festivities culminated on Bernstein’s centennial birthday on August 25, 2018, in a special celebrity-studded gala concert. Directed for the stage by James Darrah, The Bernstein Centennial Celebration at Tanglewood illuminates the breadth of Bernstein’s incredible life and career, which inspired generations of music lovers around the globe – from his talent as a composer to his generosity in mentoring other composers and musicians, his inimitable role as a driving musical force at Tanglewood for over 50 years and more.

Leonard Bernstein Centennial Celebration at Tanglewood

2018

2000s · 18 titles

Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy poster
7.6

From the earliest versions of the script to the blockbuster debuts, explore the creation of the Star Wars Trilogy.

Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy

2004

The Beginning: The Making of Star Wars Episode I poster
7.3

The entire process of making Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) is shown here in this documentary. From pre-production through post-production, we get to see visual effects meetings, John Williams' music sessions, and even the storm that wiped out the pod-racers & props.

The Beginning: The Making of Star Wars Episode I

2001

The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story poster
7.4

The troubled fraternal relationship between songwriters Robert B. Sherman and Richard M. Sherman, the Oscar and Grammy-winning Sherman Brothers, famous for the iconic hits they wrote for Disney.

The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story

2009

Within a Minute: The Making of Star Wars Episode III poster
7.2

This documentary offers a glimpse into all the people, departments, and work that went into creating the film, specifically, the fight between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Featured on the 2-Disc DVD for Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.

Within a Minute: The Making of Star Wars Episode III

2005

Catch Me If You Can: Behind the Camera poster
7.9

A behind-the-scenes look at the making of Stephen Spielberg's "Catch Me If You Can."

Catch Me If You Can: Behind the Camera

2003

When Star Wars Ruled the World poster
8.8

A VH1 television special wherein the cast discuss the making of the films and what made the franchise a phenomenon.

When Star Wars Ruled the World

2004

The Shark Is Still Working poster
7.3

After three decades, Jaws continues to intrigue, thrill and frighten viewers. This documentary focuses on the many ways in which Jaws has helped to shape popular culture.

The Shark Is Still Working

2009

No Subtitles Necessary: Laszlo & Vilmos poster
5.6

The artistry, triumph and lifelong friendship of the great cinematographers Laszlo Kovacs and Vilmos Zsigmond. With film school equipment, they shoot the Soviet crackdown of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. As refugees they struggle in Hollywood, finally breaking into the mainstream with their pivotal contribution to the "American New Wave."

No Subtitles Necessary: Laszlo & Vilmos

2009

Johnny Mercer: The Dream's on Me poster
7.2

Commemorating the centennial of Mercer's birth, this documentary is part biography, part archive, and part recontextualization, taking Mercer's tunes and putting them in the hands of modern singers like Jamie Cullum and Dr. John to show they are still relevant today. Host Clint Eastwood also interviews artists who collaborated with Mercer or performed his songs, including composer John Williams, Blake Edwards, Andre Previn, Tony Bennett, and Julie Andrews.

Johnny Mercer: The Dream's on Me

2009

You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman poster
6.0

A 5-part documentary of the history of Superman in the movies. • Origin - Superman in the media and the challenges the Salkinds faced • Vision - Creating the right script, Choosing the right director and casting the right actors • Ascent - The production and launch of a new kind of fantasy film • Crisis - Complications and conflicts between the creative forces behind Superman II • Redemption - Criticisms and burnout of Superman III and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace

You Will Believe: The Cinematic Saga of Superman

2006

Making 'Superman': Filming the Legend poster
7.2

Documentary on the making of the 1978 film 'Superman.'

Making 'Superman': Filming the Legend

2001

Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball? poster
4.8

The Secret Policeman benefit shows for Amnesty International brought together comedy grand masters - from Python and Beyond the Fringe - and performers then relatively unknown, like Rowan Atkinson. Narrated by Dawn French, the programme includes interviews with many of the comedians and musicians who took part: John Cleese, Stephen Fry, Michael Palin, Sting, Lenny Henry and many more. The shows and their stars had a huge effect on modern British comedy. There are few comics today whose careers have not been heavily influenced by the anarchic and surreal humour of these events.

Remember the Secret Policeman's Ball?

2004

Taking Flight: The Development of 'Superman' poster
7.6

Marc McClure presents a documentary on the making of 'Superman' (1978).

Taking Flight: The Development of 'Superman'

2001

The Making of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' poster
7.1

A documentary film on the making of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'

The Making of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'

2001

The Music of 'Indiana Jones' poster
6.2

In this 2003 featurette, John Williams recalls composing the music for the first three Indiana Jones pictures and alludes to the possibility of scoring a fourth.

The Music of 'Indiana Jones'

2003

Star Wars: A Musical Journey poster
7.1

Star Wars: In Concert, originally called Star Wars: A Musical Journey, was a worldwide series of concerts featuring specially edited footage from all six of the Star Wars films (on the world's largest LED screen) set to live performances of John Williams' Star Wars score. The first performance took place in the O2 Arena in London, England. It was attended by 20,000 fans. The North American concerts started in Anaheim, California on October 1, 2009. The concerts were narrated by Anthony Daniels and conducted by Dirk Brosse. The concert took the audience through the Star Wars story line starting with Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace and ending with Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi. The concert toured throughout the world extensively in 2009 and 2010, with an announced two-date engagement (June 3 and 4, 2011) at the Hollywood Bowl in 2011.

Star Wars: A Musical Journey

2005

The Revamping of Dracula poster
6.0

A behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Dracula" (1979).

The Revamping of Dracula

2004

Plotting 'Family Plot' poster
6.9

Documentary about the making of Alfred Hitchcock's "Family Plot".

Plotting 'Family Plot'

2001

1990s · 7 titles

1980s · 4 titles

Series credits

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert poster
6.1

Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology, and more. Featuring bandleader Jon Batiste with his band Stay Human, the Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

2015

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno poster
5.3

Jay Leno hosts some of the biggest celebrities in the world.

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

1992

60 Minutes poster
6.5

America's popular television News magazine in which an ever changing team of CBS News correspondents contribute segments ranging from hard news coverage to politics to lifestyle and pop culture.

60 Minutes

1968

The South Bank Show poster
5.6

The South Bank Show is a television arts magazine show produced by ITV between 1978 and 2010. A new series began on Sky Arts from 27 May 2012. Presented by Melvyn Bragg, the show aims to bring both high art and popular culture to a mass audience.

The South Bank Show

1978

The Oscars poster
7.1

An annual American awards ceremony honoring cinematic achievements in the film industry. The various category winners are awarded a copy of a statuette, officially the Academy Award of Merit, that is better known by its nickname Oscar.

The Oscars

1953

The Kennedy Center Honors poster
7.4

The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture.

The Kennedy Center Honors

1978

Playhouse 90 poster
7.5

Playhouse 90 is an American television anthology series that was telecast on CBS from 1956 to 1960 for a total of 133 episodes. It originated from CBS Television City in Los Angeles, California. Since live anthology drama series of the mid-1950s were usually hour-long shows, the title highlighted the network's intention to present something unusual, a weekly series of hour-and-a-half dramas rather than 60-minute plays. Playhouse 90 began as a pitch by Frank Stanton—the formidable, forward-thinking right-hand man to CBS chairman William S. Paley—during a brainstorming session for program ideas. The project was ultimately developed by Hubbell Robinson, a CBS vice president who received no screen credit on Playhouse 90 but is often described as its creator.

Playhouse 90

1956

Parkinson poster
7.0

The final incarnation of Michael Parkinson's iconic talk show featuring an array of celebrities from every sphere.

Parkinson

2004

Disney Gallery / Star Wars: The Mandalorian poster
7.4

Executive producer Jon Favreau invites the cast and crew of The Mandalorian to share an unprecedented look at the making of the series. Each chapter explores a different facet of the first live-action Star Wars television show through interviews, never-before-seen footage, and roundtable conversations hosted by Favreau himself.

Disney Gallery / Star Wars: The Mandalorian

2020

The American Film Institute Salute to ... poster
6.3

In 1973 the American Film Institute initiated its Life Achievement Award, to be presented to a yearly recipient whose talent has fundamentally advanced the film art; whose accomplishments have been acknowledged by scholars, critics, professional peers and the general public; and whose work has stood the test of time.

The American Film Institute Salute to ...

1973

Previn and the Pittsburgh poster
8.0

Renowned composer, conductor, and pianist Andre Previn welcomes one or more musical guests for conversation and performance, either accompanied by Mr. Previn on piano or in concert with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Produced by WQED and syndicated nationally on PBS, the series was notable among musical performance programs for its deft camera work and editing. The episode The Music That Made the Movies was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Music Direction.

Previn and the Pittsburgh

1977

E! True Hollywood Story poster
8.1

E! True Hollywood Story is an American documentary series on E! that deals with famous Hollywood celebrities, movies, TV shows and also well-known public figures. Among the topics covered on the program include salacious re-tellings of Hollywood secrets, show-biz scandals, celebrity murders and mysteries, porn-star biographies, and "where-are-they-now?" investigations of former child stars. It frequently features in-depth interviews, actual courtroom footage, and dramatic reenactments. When aired on the E! network, episodes will be updated to reflect the current life or status of the subject.

E! True Hollywood Story

1996

Disney Legends Award Ceremony poster
1.0

Disney Legends Awards has honored gifted animators, Imagineers, songwriters, actors, business leaders, and more for the significant impact they’ve had on the Disney legacy. This bi-aunnal event celebrates a new class and look back at their many contributions to Disney magic.

Disney Legends Award Ceremony

2024