LIFE Photo Collection
Beethoven and the Big Screen have a long and fruitful relationship. The explosive drama of his famous Symphonies has meant that he's the Hollywood darling of classical music. Scroll on to watch some of Ludwig's best silver screen highlights...
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Stanley Kubrick's iconic adaptation of Anthony Burgess' dark, satirical novel features a young 'droog' by the name of Alex who is obsessed with "Old Ludwig Van". He appears dressed as his hero (when not wearing his famous costume) and Beethoven's music plays throughout the film.
Tap to explore
2. Die Hard (1988)
Everyone's favorite Christmas-film/action adventure features Bruce Willis' gung-ho hero John McClane and a charming terrorist played by Alan Rickman. Beethoven's Ninth plays as Rickman's cronies break open a vault at Nakatomi Plaza (LA's Fox Plaza, here) to find their treasure.
Reeves, Keanu (1994)LIFE Photo Collection
3. Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)
Time-travelling high-schoolers Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter meet plenty of famous faces through the ages to complete their history class assignment. When they take Ludwig van Beethoven to a shopping mall music store, he shreds a medley of his hits on an electric synth. Excellent!
4. Beethoven (1992)
This lovable St Bernard sneaked into the Newton family's house and straight into everyone's hearts in the 1992, and has remained a favorite ever since. The family's unexpected pet has no name, until he starts barking along to a familiar tune...
LIFE Photo Collection
