Howard Shore's musical score for "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy has once again been recognized as the favorite film music in the United Kingdom, marking the third consecutive year of this prestigious accolade. The Classic FM Movie Music Hall of Fame 2025 poll, which surveyed over 10,000 listeners, underscores the enduring appeal of Shore's compositions.
Shore expressed his gratitude for the continued appreciation, stating that his music continues to connect with audiences. Classic FM presenter Jonathan Ross commented on the legendary status of "The Lord of the Rings," highlighting the integral role Shore's score played in defining the cinematic experience. Ross noted, "The score sweeps you away to another world, and I'm not surprised that our listeners have crowned it number one again."
In the 2025 rankings, John Williams' scores for "Schindler's List" and "Star Wars" secured the second and third positions, respectively. Other notable composers like Hans Zimmer were also featured in the top ten with his scores for "Gladiator" and "Interstellar." The rankings also acknowledged the works of John Barry and Ennio Morricone, while John Williams' score for "Jaws" saw a significant rise in popularity, coinciding with the film's 50th anniversary.
To further celebrate Shore's achievements, a limited edition six-LP box set of "The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy Soundtrack" has been released. Additionally, live concert performances of "The Two Towers" and "The Return of the King" are scheduled for September 2025 in Quebec City and Antwerp, respectively, demonstrating the lasting impact of this epic musical work.