Rotten Tomatoes
Cancel Movies Tv shows FanStore News Showtimes

Music by John Williams

Play trailer 2:24 Poster for Music by John Williams PG Released Nov 1, 2024 1h 45m Documentary Biography Music Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
100% Tomatometer 46 Reviews 97% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
From his early days as a jazz pianist to his 54 Oscar® nominations and five wins, the documentary takes an in-depth look at Williams' countless contributions to film, including many iconic franchises, as well as his music for the concert stage and his impact on popular culture. The film features interviews with artists and filmmakers whose lives have been touched by his timeless music.
Music by John Williams

What to Know

Critics Consensus

A warm retrospective on a modern master, this documentary is a symphonic treat for anyone who loves music in the movies -- or just plain great music.

Read Critics Reviews

Critics Reviews

View All (46) Critics Reviews
Keith Watson Daily Telegraph (UK) ... A feelgood study of a man remarkably spry at 92 and blessed with a cupboard refreshingly free of skeletons. Rated: 3/5 Nov 4, 2024 Full Review Nick Schager The Daily Beast There may be no cinematic artist more deserving of a lionizing documentary than Williams, and that’s precisely what he receives from "Music by John Williams." Nov 2, 2024 Full Review David Ehrlich indieWire “How does he do it?,” someone asks. “Music by John Williams” doesn’t have the slightest idea. This long and indulgent doc is content to let us bask in the mystery of it all. Rated: B- Nov 1, 2024 Full Review Rachel Wagner rachelsreviews.net This is definitely a must watch for any movie fan. Jan 5, 2025 Full Review Carla Hay Culture Mix The tribute documentary Music by John Williams gives an admirable career retrospective of the world's most famous movie composer. John Williams and his colleague friends provide most of the commentary in a formulaic but educational and delightful film. Dec 29, 2024 Full Review Ruth Maramis FlixChatter Film Blog A heartfelt and delightful tribute to the maestro who has composed the soundtrack of our lives. I love Williams’ music not just for its lovely melodies but for the emotions it stirs in me. Rated: 4/5 Dec 18, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (45) audience reviews
Will G A fantastic composer! He did great music for many George Lucas and Steven Spielberg movies. He also composed music for “Harry Potter” and “Home Alone”. He is also very talented on the piano. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/19/25 Full Review Kyle M A documentary worthy of its subject’s incredibly talented caliber integrity that expresses knowledgeable passion behind iconic scores – some pleasantly emphasized, utterly covered in respecting cherished expectations, whilst fulfilling in layering the story onto the household name. (A-) Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/05/25 Full Review Johann D. M This documentary takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through the life and career of John Williams, one of the most iconic composers in cinematic history. Spanning decades of unforgettable scores, it highlights his extraordinary contributions to films like Jaws, Schindler's List, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, E.T. the Extraterrestrial, Jurassic Park, and many others. A must-watch for film score aficionados, this heartfelt tribute showcases the genius behind melodies that have become cultural touchstones. The documentary beautifully captures Williams' creative process, his profound impact on the film industry, and the emotional power of his music. Winning 5 Academy Awards out of an astonishing 54 nominations is a testament to his unparalleled talent and enduring legacy. Truly, a once-in-a-lifetime maestro whose work continues to inspire audiences worldwide. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/28/24 Full Review Tyler P John Williams is obviously and without question one of the greatest film composers to ever live, and even that feels like an understatement. This somewhat basic documentary plays like a loving tribute to a living legend, and while it never dives into the deep nitty gritty, you can’t help but just sit back in awe as Williams, Spielberg, and others reflect on the creation and impact of his most memorable scores. It’s less of a documentary and more of a cinematic victory lap and celebration of Williams and his greatest musical works. Personally, my favourite aspects were seeing Steven Spielberg himself fanboying over John Williams; it is staggering on a cultural level to observe how much the two of them have impacted orchestral film scores and the film industry at large, but on a personal level its also incredibly endearing. No one has provided as much joy, excitement, and wonder to the world than this man. There will never be another John Williams — I’m so lucky I got to attend one of his Hollywood Bowl concerts a few years ago (the one featured in the doc)! The man is a living legend! My personal favourite John Williams score: ET (notably the last 15 minutes of the movie) Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/22/24 Full Review Joymahidul movie R Music by John Williams is a moving and thoroughly enjoyable tribute to the legendary composer who redefined cinematic music. The documentary masterfully weaves together interviews, iconic scores, and behind-the-scenes stories to explore Williams’ journey from a jazz pianist to the creator of some of Hollywood’s most memorable soundtracks. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas provide heartfelt anecdotes that highlight Williams’ genius and humility, while fellow composers like Alan Silvestri share how his work shaped the industry. The film’s exploration of themes like leitmotifs and emotional storytelling adds depth for both casual viewers and film score enthusiasts. Though it primarily focuses on Williams’ most famous works like Star Wars and Jaws, leaving less room for lesser-known gems, the film is a fitting homage to a career that has touched countless hearts. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves movies, music, or the magic they create together. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/10/24 Full Review Tom F It’s nice to work through the Wikipedia biography/hagiography but nothing particularly revealing or interesting. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 12/07/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Music by John Williams

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Cast & Crew

Movie Info

Synopsis From his early days as a jazz pianist to his 54 Oscar® nominations and five wins, the documentary takes an in-depth look at Williams' countless contributions to film, including many iconic franchises, as well as his music for the concert stage and his impact on popular culture. The film features interviews with artists and filmmakers whose lives have been touched by his timeless music.
Director
Laurent Bouzereau
Producer
Sara Bernstein, Laurent Bouzereau, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank, Steven Spielberg, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Justin Wilkes, Meredith Kaulfers, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall
Distributor
Disney+
Production Co
Lucasfilm, Amblin Documentaries, Imagine Documentaries
Rating
PG (Brief Language|Some Violence|Smoking)
Genre
Documentary, Biography, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 1, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Nov 1, 2024
Runtime
1h 45m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital