It's true what they say: music is half of the movie. Imagine Star Wars without the now-iconic score of John Williams to back it up; Star Wars would not nearly be as effective. The same can be said for many comic book movies: without a memorable score, some scenes do not have the right impact.
For decades, DC has been providing many pieces of music through their movies and TV shows. Some are merely serviceable and others are downright forgettable. However, every now and then, DC will unveil music that not only enhances the films entirely but could easily be found on someone's playlist.
Main Titles - Batman Forever (1995)
Still to this day, Batman Forever gets a lot of criticism both fair and unfair. One aspect that does not get nearly enough credit is the soundtrack. On its own, the score by Elliot Goldenthal remains one of the composer's best. His theme is less ominous than Danny Elfman's but still keeps that dark edge that fits Batman.
It builds and builds, becoming more epic with each swell to sound more and more superhero-like. It's a solid theme that plays throughout Batman Forever. It hits that right tone to fit action sequences or dramatic moments, letting the viewer know that Batman has arrived.
Arthur - Aquaman (2018)
Rupert Gregson-Williams was given the task of making Aquaman's music memorable and he did just that. He mixes orchestral themes, guitar riffs, and synth music to create an out-of-this-world piece of music. In a way, that perfectly fits the fantastical adventures of Arthur Curry AKA Aquaman.
One second, the guitar and synth sounds fit the rebellious yet heroic nature of Arthur. Then at the perfect moment, the orchestra takes over for an epic and bombastic overture fit for a king of the seas.
The Batman Theme - Batman (1989)
When the idea of a Batman theme song pops up, there are a couple that instantly comes to viewers' minds. The first is the iconic Danny Elfman theme from Tim Burton's Batman. For years, if something Batman-related came out, this theme or a derivative of it would go with it.
There's a reason for that: Elfman's theme hit the audience immediately when the movie premiered in 1989. It begins slow, giving a creepy and almost horror-like vibe as it slowly builds up to a powerful explosion. Then it becomes more heroic and gets the viewer pumped to see what Batman has in store.
Main Title - Superman: The Animated Series (1996)
Superman: The Animated Series had a lot to live up to. Not only did it have to create a theme that had the same level of quality as Batman: The Animated Series but be unique from the John Williams theme. Much to the surprise of every Superman fan, Shirley Walker did just that.
Sure, it keeps that same uplifting and majestic sound that screams Superman but never feels like a rehash of the movie theme. While Batman's theme is dark and broody, Superman: The Animated Series gives a theme that provides a warm smile with some hope, fitting for the character.
What Are You Going To Do When You're Not Saving The World? - Man Of Steel (2013)
Speaking of hope, Hans Zimmer's theme for Henry Cavill's Superman is jaw-droppingly perfect in Man Of Steel. The soft piano opening which transitions into the epic and powerful orchestral score is enough to get anyone's heart pumping.
This is thanks to Zimmer's heavy focus on drums and other percussion instruments to give Superman an almost primal theme. When Superman first flies or battles General Zod, this theme always backs him up and it elevates the scenes to near perfection.
Main Title - Batman: The Animated Series (1992)
This is the other Batman theme that most people think of when it comes to Batman. With the combined efforts of Shirley Walker and Danny Elfman, Batman: The Animated Series theme is just perfect. It takes the darker elements of Batman while still giving him a larger-than-life presence.
It matches the DC Animated Universe Batman perfectly. Especially when he drops down to fight the criminals on the rooftop. Now everybody hums this theme whenever they see Batman posing on a rooftop with lightning behind him.
Opening Theme - Justice League (2003)
This theme can best be described as legendary. This theme was to the Justice League as Alan Silvestri's theme was for The Avengers. Whenever anyone sat down to watch the Justice League animated series, this theme would let them know that things about to be great.
This time, Shirley Walker was replaced with Christopher Carter; Carter's theme would fit right into a giant battle in Middle-Earth, it perfectly fits a team of heroes like the Justice League. Combined with the introductory animations of each hero, this was easily the DCAU's best music.
Call Me Joker - Joker (2019)
The soundtrack earned Hildur Guðnadóttir an Oscar for best original score. 2019's Joker has a haunting score in the best way possible. It's sad, it's dark, it's creepy, and it fits the deteriorating mind of Arthur Fleck as he slowly transforms into the Clown Prince Of Crime.
The theme best comes into play when Arthur's transformation completes. He dances on top of a car with his followers surrounding him before he creates the iconic red smile using his own blood. It's a strange yet powerful score that goes from depressing to almost uplifting when he becomes the Joker. Hildur Guðnadóttir more than deserved her Oscar.
Is She With You? - Wonder Woman (DCEU)
It shows how effective this one is considering it is so recent. With the combined efforts of Hans Zimmer and Tom Holkenborg, Wonder Woman's entrance was made even better. When she saves Batman, Wonder Woman is introduced with an explosive main theme.
Tina Guo performs an electric cello that made fans roar with joy in Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice. This theme would be so beloved that Rupert Gregson-Williams would use it right within his score for Wonder Woman. Then Tom Holkenborg would remix it in Zack Snyder's Justice League, thus making it the definitive Wonder Woman theme song.
Main Titles - Superman The Movie (1978)
For some songs, all one needs a couple of notes and it is instantly recognized. That's what John Williams' Superman theme is. Still to this day, Superman's original theme is in many ways the perfect superhero theme song. It's impossible to not want to pose like Christopher Reeve's Superman while hearing it.
It's majestic and adventurous while keeping a childlike sense of wonder and hope that should go with Superman. Much like Danny Elfman's Batman theme, the John Williams Superman theme is still played for the character, that's how iconic it is. It was even the main theme of the 75th anniversary short film for Superman back in 2013.