[1] The film's score received positive critical reception, with praise directed on Howard's composition.

[2][3] The film marked Howard's third collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios; he previously scored for Dinosaur (2000) and Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001).

[6] Writing for BBC, Jack Smith stated "James Newton Howard's score is firmly in the old-fashioned escapade mould, more swash and buckle than Space Odyssey.

"[7] Jason Ankeny of Allmusic wrote "Treasure Planet is pure Disney formula, balancing rousing action, cornball comedy, and bittersweet romance in bold, broad strokes.

What sets it apart from its predecessor is the presence of Gaelic whistles and fiddles, as well as a fiery electric guitar that adds a dash of rock & roll to Howard's otherwise conventional symphonic sensibilities.