The Best Film Scores of the 2020s (So Far) (with Piecing It Together)

It's a bit worrying to realize that we're now over halfway through the 2020s - where has the time gone? Well, I suppose we all know one collective reason why it feels like a blur... But rather than lament the passage of time, I've decided to celebrate what's been released during the last five years; specifically, celebrating the "best" film scores of the decade, so far.

Joining me in this endeavor is David Rosen, a fellow podcast host and film composer. Dave and I have "known" each other virtually for a few years now and this gave us a good reason to hop on video for a little while. I'll also give a shout out to Dave's primary podcast, Piecing It Together, where he and various guest hosts look at what past films (the puzzle pieces) have inspired the films of today (the puzzle). It's a pretty cool show, even if I've always been too hesitant to hop on and join for an episode.

If you don't want to listen, you can see each of our lists below (though you'll miss out on the why of the choices, which is most of the fun). My list isn't presented in any particular order while Dave's is presented in descending order, saving the best for last. Don't be shy, feel free to chime in (whether commenting on this episode, dm, or calling me out publicly) with some of your favorite scores of the decade too.

Nick's List:

• Blonde – Nick Cave and Warren Ellis
• Drive My Car – Eiko Ishibashi
• Oppenheimer – Ludwig Göransson
• The Batman – Michael Giacchino
• Dune (Parts 1 and 2) – Hans Zimmer
• The Brutalist – Daniel Blumberg
• The Green Knight – Daniel Hart
• The Personal History of David Copperfield – Christopher Willis
• Cryptozoo – John Carroll Kirby
• Smile 2 – Cristobal Tapia de Veer

Dave’s List:

10. Challengers – Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross

9. Gretel and Hansel – Rob

8. The Last Duel – Harry Gregson-Williams

7. Minari – Emile Mosseri

6. The Brutalist – Daniel Blumberg

5. Smile 2 – Cristobal Tapia de Veer

4. Conclave – Volker Bertelmann

3. A Different Man – Umberto Smerilli

2. Windfall – Danny Bensi & Saunder Jurriaans

1. Oppenheimer – Ludwig Göransson