What Is an Ostinato? And Why It Works So Well in Film Scores

One of the most powerful tools in film scoring is also one of the simplest: the ostinato. If you’ve ever felt your pulse quicken during a suspenseful chase or an emotional montage, chances are an ostinato was working behind the scenes to make it happen.

In music, an ostinato is a short, repeated musical phrase—either rhythmic, melodic, or both—that creates drive, momentum, and cohesion. In film music, string ostinatos are especially popular for building tension, energy, or emotional intensity without overwhelming the scene.

What Does an Ostinato Look Like?

Before we dive into audio examples, let’s look at what an ostinato looks like on the page. Below are two short excerpts of sheet music showing classic ostinato patterns.

Example of a string ostinato, available in Strike Strings.

Notice how a small musical idea — a few notes or a rhythm — is repeated consistently, usually in the strings. This repetition creates energy, tension, and a sense of forward motion that works beautifully in film music.

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Why String Ostinatos Are So Popular in Film Music

Strings are incredibly versatile. They can be lush and emotional or aggressive and percussive. When used in an ostinato, they can:

• Build tension gradually

• Add rhythmic motion without using drums

• Support harmonic structure while leaving room for melodies

• Keep the music evolving with subtle variations in orchestration

These qualities make string ostinatos ideal for action, suspense, drama, and even fantasy scores.

🎬 3 Iconic Examples of String Ostinatos in Film Scores

1. The Dark Knight (2008) – Hans Zimmer & James Newton Howard

Suspense and Psychological Tension. Zimmer’s use of string ostinatos in The Dark Knight is legendary. In the track “Why So Serious?”, a relentless string rhythm helps create a sense of danger and unease—perfect for the Joker’s unpredictable character.

2. Inception (2010) – Hans Zimmer

Rhythmic Complexity and Time Pressure. The cue “Mombasa” features a frantic, repeating string pattern that pushes the scene forward like a ticking time bomb. The ostinato blends perfectly with percussion and synths, showcasing how repetition can drive intensity without being monotonous.

3. Avengers: Infinity War (2018) – Alan Silvestri

Heroic Momentum. In tracks like “Forge” or “Charge!”, Silvestri uses rhythmic string patterns to give weight to the action and emotional stakes. The ostinatos are not just background—they’re part of what makes the scenes feel epic and urgent.

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Bring Cinematic Momentum to Your Music with Strike Strings

If you’re a composer or producer looking to create that same kind of cinematic tension and movement, Strike Strings was built for exactly that.

With pre-recorded and playable string phrases, Strike Strings makes it easy to create compelling ostinatos—whether you want a steady pulse for suspense, a rhythmic texture for action, or harmonic motion for emotional depth.

Try it now and add instant cinematic power to your music: Get Strike Strings