2018 Blockbuster Movie Music

As a musician, it is near impossible to enjoy a movie without critiquing the film score or soundtrack. And while 2017 was a notable year of movie music with the likes of Coco, The Shape of Water, Beauty and the Beast, Darkest Hour, and, of course, The Greatest Showman, this year isn't going to go by without some blockbusters of its own.

Here's a round-up of some of our favorites from 2018 so far, and the music you need to know about. Let us know what some of your favorite movie music is over on Facebook and Twitter.

The recent sequel to the 2008 original film, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again has proven to be a box-office smash, which is maybe no great surprise given the popularity of ABBA's music and an all-star cast. The interesting thing from a music standpoint is the resulting popularity of two of ABBA's lesser-known songs: "My Love, My Life" (which was never released as a single when it was recorded back in 1976) and "Andante, Andante," from the album Super Trouper. No less than 18 of ABBA's songs are featured in the film, so you certainly won't be disappointed if you're a fan of the Swedish super-group.

Download Mamma Mia! sheet music
More sheet music from ABBA

Any Star Wars soundtrack is worth paying attention to, courtesy of the involvement of the legendary John Williams who currently holds the record as the living person with the most Oscar nominations to his name (51, in case you're wondering, second only to the late Walt Disney himself who amassed 59 before his passing). While John Williams only worked directly on the Han Solo theme, "The Adventures of Han," his existing themes are certainly prevalent throughout. The rest of the soundtrack was put in the very capable hands of John Powell, known for his work on the How to Train Your Dragon series, among other film soundtracks.

Download Star Wars sheet music
More sheet music from John Williams
More sheet music from John Powell

Released back in June as the sequel to the 2004 original, The Incredibles, this animated film has just become Disney Pixar's highest grossing film to-date, which speaks volumes about its popularity. The score, composed by Michael Giacchino (who also worked on the score to the aforementioned Coco) is a triumph. The 1960s big band spy thematic is an absolute delight, with "Incredits 2" being our pick of the bunch.

Download The Incredibles sheet music
More sheet music from Michael Giacchino

Speaking of Michael Giacchino...it's been a busy year for the 50-year-old composer as he also provided the score to the latest Jurassic Park installment with Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Giacchino did a commendable job of incorporating John Williams' original themes from the 1993 original film, while still retaining his own identity. The end result is, as Giacchino puts it: "darker and more tense," suitably demonstrated by the dramatic "Thus Begins The Indo-Rapture."

Download Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom sheet music
More sheet music from Michael Giacchino

Disney's latest film to hit the big screen was released just last month, and has been well-received critically. The score, written by Geoff Zanelli and Jon Brion has a sad tale behind it; Jóhann Jóhannsson was originally commissioned for the project, before his untimely death in February. Christopher Robin also includes three new songs by musical film royalty Richard M. Sherman. Our favorite is the cheery and impossibly cute "Goodbye, Farewell," which we hear at the beginning of the film at Christopher's going away party.

Download Christopher Robin sheet music
More sheet music from Geoff Zanelli & Jon Brion

This superhero sequel was one of the big box office smashes of the summer, featuring an excellent original score from Tyler Bates. The soundtrack features some all-time classics such as Cher's "If I Could Turn Back Time," and Dolly Parton's "9 to 5," but Celine Dion's "Ashes" which was recorded especially for the film, is the song you need to know about. Check out the brilliant music video for yourself if you don't believe us.

Download "Ashes" (from Deadpool 2) sheet music
More sheet music from Celine Dion

While we're on the topic of superhero films, we can't exactly fail to mention the highest-grossing film of 2018 so far. Having composed the score for 2012's The Avengers, Alan Silvestri was commissioned to provide the music to Avengers: Infinity War and its sequel which is due for release next year. Suffice to say, "The Avengers Theme" is one of most iconic film themes of this decade.

Download The Avengers: Infinity War sheet music
More sheet music from Alan Silvestri

Preceding Avengers: Infinity War in the Marvel Cinematic Universe was another box-office hit in the shape of Black Panther. Swedish film composer Ludwig Göransson certainly did his research, traveling to Africa where he spent several weeks working with local musicians to form the base of the score. Aside from Göransson's work, rap superstar Kendrick Lamar wrote several new songs for the film, including "All The Stars" featuring SZA and "Pray For Me" featuring The Weeknd.

Download Black Panther sheet music
More sheet music from Ludwig Göransson

Talking of iconic film themes, Lalo Schifrin's Mission: Impossible theme was originally released in 1967 and has certainly stood the test of time. The sixth installment in the series, Mission: Impossible Fallout was undoubtedly one of the biggest releases of 2018, and its action-packed musical score was the work of Scottish composer, Lorne Balfe.

Download Mission Impossible sheet music
More sheet music from Lalo Schifrin

This selection might seem a little off-piste as a digital documentary rather than a stone-cold blockbuster, but off the back of such a remarkable 2017 for Ed Sheeran, who wouldn't want a little insight into his life of touring, producing and most of all, songwriting. Of course, the 27-year-old's songwriting prowess goes much further than his own records. Check out the best songs you didn't know were written by Sheeran.

Download Ed Sheeran sheet music

More Movie Sheet Music Ahead

Another huge 70s-formed band is set to follow in ABBA's footsteps with the release of Bohemian Rhapsody in November. It's a biographical film about the British rock band Queen and life of front-man Freddie Mercury.

And we are equally excited about Mary Poppins Returns, due for release this Christmas. Following up the iconic soundtrack to the 1964 classic is no mean feat, but Disney has lined up the formidable partnership of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman to attempt just that. Not to mention the all-star cast that includes the likes of Lin-Manuel Miranda and Emily Blunt.

From the newest releases to award-winning bestsellers and everything in between, Sheet Music Direct provides accurate, affordable arrangements for all your favorite songs available to download and play instantly. Powered by Hal Leonard, the world's largest sheet music publisher.