I was walking my son through some of the greatest movie themes I could think of today...we play a memory game using bits like that. A few of my favorites...
Lawrence of Arabia: a great movie with a central theme that is a haunting, lyrical representation of the dessert. It was playing in my mind the first time I walked along the edge of the Sahara toward evening. Brilliant.
Gone With the Wind: like every great movie theme on this list it matches its subject. In this case it's sentimental, sweeping, and a little overblown.
Jaws: rarely have so few notes evoked so much response.
Star Wars: more than a couple of tremendous themes, but the primary remains an all time classic.
Raiders of the Lost Arc: probably my favorite theme by Williams, removing it from the film would be like taking Indy's hat.
Chariots of Fire: while the instrumentation is dated, the theme is pure magic.
ET: a one way ticket to childhood. As with Raiders, it captures its subject completely.
James Bond: nothing understated here, but guaranteed to leave you stirred, if not shaken.
The Godfather: subtle, haunting, beautiful.
LOTR: the principle theme is a sinewy, dark thread of a thing fitted into a crown of supporting themes and movements like a gem.
Additionally:
The Untouchables
Meet Joe Black
Aliens
Rocky
The Pink Panter
Batman (Elfman)
The Natural