7 richest composers in the world in 2025 – net worths, ranked: from Disney go-to Alan Menken and Interstellar star Hans Zimmer, to Bollywood’s A.R. Rahman and Steven Spielberg’s friend, John Williams

Feb 13 , 2025

Danny Elfman (left), Andrew Lloyd Webber and Hans Zimmer: three of the world’s wealthiest composers. Photos: SCMP Archives, Getty Images, @hanszimmerlive/Instagram

These maestros have written some of the most famous soundtracks ever heard – Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean, Aladdin, The Simpsons, Slumdog Millionaire, Phantom of the Opera …

When it comes to showbiz, much credit goes to the stars on stage or in front of the camera. But a lot happens behind the scenes and acclaim must also go to many others, including the creators of some of the entertainment industry’s most memorable film scores.

Responsible for some of the best-known music from film, television and stage, these composers have earned fortunes during their illustrious careers. With the Academy Awards just around the corner, here are the seven richest composers in the world today, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

7. Michael Giacchino, 57

Estimated net worth: US$25 million

Composer Michael Giacchino has written for television, film and video games. Photo: @m_giacchino/Instagram

Known in film, television and video-game circles, composer Michael Giacchino has a close working relationship with director J.J. Abrams that has led to scores for TV shows Alias and Lost, plus films such as Mission: Impossible III and the Star Trek reboots, according to his website. His score for Pixar’s 2009 box office hit Up earned him an Oscar, Golden Globe, Bafta and two Grammys.

6. Danny Elfman, 71

Estimated net worth: US$50 million

Danny Elfman has worked extensively with Tim Burton on films including Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – hence the suit. Photo: @dannyelfman/Instagram

Quadruple Oscar nominee Danny Elfman is one of Hollywood’s most versatile film composers, working with the likes of heavyweight directors Tim Burton, Peter Jackson, Ang Lee and Guillermo del Toro. He’s also responsible for some of TV’s most recognisable theme tunes, including those of Desperate Housewives and The Simpsons.

In the latter, it is his voice that intones “The Simpsonnnnss” over three notes, a snippet that has continued to earn him performance royalties since the show began in 1989, per Celebrity Net Worth. “I didn’t expect anybody to see The Simpsons,” he told Vulture. “I didn’t know that I would actually be hitting a jackpot.”