Been a Nine Inch Nails fan for nearly 30 years–seen them in concert over a dozen times–and I own all 15 (as of this writing) of the duo's commercially available scores for films and TV shows including the about to be released TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES animated film. I even have most of Ross' stand alone scores (THE BOOK OF ELI is quite stirring and really nothing like his work with Reznor; worth giving a listen). All of which is to say I feel more qualified than most to offer a semi-definitive (harumph) take on this very niche topic.

Not necessarily a reflection of the quality of the films/series themselves or even necessarily how well the scores support them but how memorable or distinct the pieces are, particularly when considered as standalone works (although the list does tend to favor scores that are especially intrinsic to the show/movie). I try and take into account how much the scores stretch the musicians' talents while still retaining their instantly recognizable sonic thumbprint vs. merely reappropriating chunks of the Ghosts albums and/or just phoning in a Thomas Newman soundalike.

Ordinarily would limit something like this just to films but my (I assume controversial but, not really, because IYKYK) choice for #1 all but demanded I make an exception. I did exclude shorts as well as TR's work as a soundtrack producer (so no LOST HIGHWAY or NATURAL BORN KILLERS).