As far as video game music, it doesn’t take much convincing to conclude thatThe Legend of Zeldacan easily be heralded as showcasing some of the best video game music of all time. Up there withFinal Fantasy,Mario, andSonic,The Legend of Zeldaseries is brought musically to gamers by composer Koji Kondo and has not failed to satisfy gamers since its first inception in 1986.
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Somemusic themes from theLegend of Zeldaseries are more memorable than others, but one constant that’s certain is that the musical quality accurately represents the popularity and personality of theZeldagaming franchise: at times quirky, other times engulfed with emotion, and yet, rudimentary arcade music quintessentially. WhetherOcarina of Time,Majora’s Mask, orTwilight Princess, these are some of thetopLegend of Zeldamusic themes.
7Faron Woods (The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword)
First on this list and last in rank, the “Faron Woods” theme is, in short, a remarkable example of video game music. Released for the Nintendo Wii,The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Swordis a high-definitionZeldagame that was introduced for the Wii and Nintendo Switch. With a unique and quirky sound, this particular musical theme creates a sense of taking something apart and putting it back together again.
This musical theme is not kidding around, despite its whimsical qualities. Even including the faint sound of a triangle, simple chords lower in pitch are accompanied by a multi-layered melody with horns and flutes in the higher register. To top it off, a syncopated rhythm to boot means that the “Faron Woods” music theme made it on this list as one of the best.
6Lost Woods (The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time)
Not surprisingly,Ocarina of Timemade it on this list more than once. This specific highly recognizable melody, “Lost Woods,” has been catching the hearts of gamers ever sinceOcarina of Timehit the video game scene. With playful tones reminiscent of a mischievous circus, and simple but effective harmonies, it should go without saying that this theme is one of thebest that theLegend of Zeldahas to offer.
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This cute and infectiousvideo game melody keeps gamers hookedfor longer than many would be likely to admit. While manyLegend of Zeldathemes showcase rising tension and prominent horn sounds, this theme doesn’t boast with pretense. Rather, “Lost Woods” remains a classicLegend of Zeldastaple in its own right, a song in which the melody scurries along as the player follows with eager delight.
5Clock Town – First Day (The Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask)
Surprising, funky percussion enters this song less than half a minute in, and then a fun-loving melody throughout. The best word to describe this theme is “fun.” In many ways, this song is reminiscent ofAnimal Crossing. It would not be an exaggeration to say that, when it comes to this particular musical theme, if going for a walk could be represented by music, this would be it.
The words joy, lighthearted, and playful all come to mind while listening to this piece, and with good reason. Yes, it’s repetitive, but many good video game songs are. This one, “Clock Town - First Day” fromMajora’s Mask, is worth paying attention to during gameplay.Some of the best video game musicis easy to remember and evokes an adventurous spirit, and this theme certainly does that.
4Woodlands (The Legend Of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes)
The quality of this particular musical theme is quite high, asThe Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroesdoes not disappoint when it comes tomusical soundtrack and musical themes. This particular theme consists of unique percussion, and strings, then wood flute, sounding like a legitimate classical ensemble, with a superb shift toward the end with male vocalists.
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Sounding like a fusion of video game music and a modern classical concert, “Woodlands” is a top pick that made it on this list. The tension is enjoyable, especially toward the end with the violin and female vocalist sounds.Tri Force Heroesis an impressive game that’s worthwhile engaging with, and so is its musical score.
3Hyrule at Peace (The Legend Of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds)
This melody includes variations that are pleasant, warm, and delight musical and nonmusical gamers alike. The percussion has a Spanish quality to its rhythm, and the string sounds are strong and deliberate. “Hyrule at Peace” arrives as a respite from the rest, and gamers welcome this.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worldswas released for the Nintendo DS in 2013, a game which tasks gamers to play once again as Link as he saves Hyrule and maintains peace. There are many songs in theLegend of Zeldafranchise that are memorable, and this is surely one. The quality ofZeldamusic indeed only improved over time.
2Midna’s Lament (The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess)
“Midna’s Lament,” fromThe Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, is a brilliant piano rendition and so it’s not a surprise for one moment that it made it on this list. Second from the top, this song includes memorable string sounds. While the sounds are synthetic, the facsimile is much closer than most of the otherZeldagames, makingTwilight Princesstruly exceptional.
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The arpeggiated chords and sweet melody on the surface is relaxing and calming, as if the music is meant to mimic the rhythm of waves of water. There is some variation but for the most part, the music repeats itself several times. This is not a bad thing, as repetitive andmemorable music can create certain ambient effects for gamers.
1Windmill Hut (The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time)
Last in order and first on this list is “Windmill Hut” fromThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. This whimsical and farcical melody is reminiscent of fairground and carnival sounds, a polka that is both memorable and entertaining. What’s more is that this is one of the songs Link plays on the ocarina, so gamers tend to remember this theme longer and aren’t afraid to whistle or vocalize long after the credits.
Players control Link as he jumps around the windmill as the music plays. This song demonstrates that theLegend of Zeldamusic composer Koji Kondo is talented, respectable, and a worthwhile music maker. AnyZeldagame truly does not disappoint in the area of musical quality.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomreleases on June 26, 2025, on the Switch.
