One of the leading English composers of his time, and also a violinist, Arne wrote a great deal of theatre music, attempting to establish English opera, as well as composing instrumental and vocal music.

Above all Arne is remembered popularly for his patriotic composition Rule, Britannia, written for the dramatic work "Alfred" of 1740 and for his settings of Shakespearean songs, including "Where the bee sucks" from "The Tempest", "When daisies pied" from "Love's Labour's Lost" and "Blow, blow, thou winter wind" from "As You Like It".

The comic opera "Thomas and Sally" or "The Sailor's Return" followed a 1760 revival by Arne of Gay's enduringly popular "The Beggar's Opera".