Is James Horner A-List?
No — James Horner is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 1995
*Braveheart* Success
Lost A-list status in 2015
Dropped to B tier — Death in Plane Crash
Ranking Timeline
*Wrath of Khan* Score
Horner gains recognition for his score on *Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan*, marking a breakthrough in his career.
*Aliens* Acclaim
His score for *Aliens* further establishes him as a leading composer in Hollywood.
*Braveheart* Success
Horner's score for *Braveheart* earns critical acclaim and solidifies his reputation for epic film scores.
*Titanic* Oscar Wins
Horner wins two Academy Awards for his score and song on *Titanic*, achieving widespread recognition.
*Avatar* Blockbuster
He composes the score for *Avatar*, one of the highest-grossing films of all time, further enhancing his legacy.
Death in Plane Crash
Horner dies in a plane crash, cutting short a prolific career in film music.
Enduring Film Music Legacy
Horner's scores continue to be celebrated, maintaining his status as a prominent film composer.
Last updated: February 23, 2026