It would be difficult to delve into something more subjective than this. And to be clear, the songs themselves won’t be judged. With lengthy soundtracks at hand in just two MCU films alone, there are far too many classic hits to ignore. So, instead, the songs will be ranked by how memorable the corresponding scenes are. Which is subjective yet again, to be sure, but some moments in this mammoth saga are undeniably enduring.
Film scores are essentially the most popular classical music being composed today, and they contribute plenty. But they’re also tailor-made for a movie. A great soundtrack choice can make or break crucial scenes, and reach beyond pop culture for everyone to enjoy.
Doctor Strange - Single Ladies
Doctor Strange may be very intelligent, but he's still a flawed character, full of arrogance. So, it only made sense that he would behave the same way, even as a student in an exotic home. Overconfident that he deserves to learn more than Wong will allow, Doctor Strange decides to steal some important books. He does so by making a series of tiny portals to reach through, an almost cartoonish method, while Wong listens to “Single Ladies.” It’s a hilarious visual in a movie full of unexpected poignancy. It also delivers on the joke just moments prior, when Strange quips about Wong having a singular name, similar to Beyoncé.
Thor - I Can Help
It would be very easy to select every Stan Lee cameo accompanied by a song. But in this particular case, the scene is a real standout. The fish-out-of-water tale was an amusing origin for Thor, and the lore was interesting enough. Ultimately, the story felt a little formulaic and somewhat forgettable. Since then, the character has proven his capacity for range and terrific comedy. However, back in this first film, the cookout at Mjölnir provided the best laughs by the sheer context and the legendary Stan Lee. The scene is Arthurian in nature, as a series of men prove unworthy to lift Thor’s hammer.
Spider-Man: Homecoming - Blitzkrieg Bop
This classic Ramones hit feels a little out of place for a Spider-Man who thinks Empire Strikes Back is ancient. Still, this song has great movement, which definitely fits the attitude and playfulness of the MCU interpretation of Spider-Man. This selection plays over a fun, exhilarating montage of Spider-Man suiting up and protecting the neighborhood.
However, his antics don’t quite work out, as he mistakes someone for a car thief. The neighbors, including Stan the Man himself, peer out of windows to chastise Spider-Man. But he does give directions and the like. It’s a creative, heartwarming scene that understands Spider-Man to the core.
Captain Marvel - Just A Girl
This movie wasn’t entirely sure if it wanted to completely lean into 90’s nostalgia, but there’s still plenty there. This was a historic movie in the MCU, finally focusing entirely on a female superhero protagonist. It’s a travesty that they waited for Black Widow to die before giving that mysterious standalone film to the fans, too. Anyhow, there couldn’t be a song more appropriate than this. A 90’s Gwen Stefani belts out lyrics that fit the movie’s attitude perfectly. True, it comes out of nowhere during the climactic fight sequence, but it’s still most welcome. The rebelliousness, sarcasm, joy, and energy fuel a tremendous action scene.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier - Trouble Man
Surprisingly, Steve Rogers ultimately fit into modern stories even better than he did in his own time. It helps that the writers chose to drop him into a political spy-thriller, with serious ethical and personal confrontations. But it wields massive, yet grounded action sequences as much as character-driven heart and humor. As Rogers slowly adapts to modern times, it’s revealed he has a list of pop culture to catch up on. His newfound friend, Sam Wilson, suggests that he listen to this Marvin Gaye classic to define “everything he missed.” Fittingly, it’s also from a movie whose protagonist takes justice into his own hands. The song plays over Winter Soldier’s concluding montage, as a meaningful promise.
Thor: Ragnarok - Immigrant Song
Taika Waititi’s natural, inventive wit marked a huge turnaround for Thor’s character. The tone ranges from outright slapstick to clever banter, and the pacing never lets up. So, this ferocious song is a terrific choice for the film in that regard. But the lyrics even refer to Norse mythology, which is an obvious fit.
Led Zeppelin’s classic hit is iconic in its own right, but now yet another generation will remember it forever. It plays at both the beginning and end of Waititi’s film, a hilarious adventure that also features genuinely hard-hitting action sequences. The excitement is truly just as sincere as the laughs, even if the film is remembered best for the latter.
Guardians Of The Galaxy - I Want You Back
So, it should be nigh impossible to select just one song over another throughout the Guardians of the Galaxy films. They’re filled to the brim with a staggeringly good taste in music, which drives the protagonist. Peter Quill’s - ahem, Star Lord’s mixtape is the only connection he has to Earth and his family. Consequently, his stories are booming concerts from beginning to end. And yet, the standout character is still arguably Groot. The film managed to offer up a distinct personality for the lovable, hilarious tree even without the help of dialogue. Losing Groot was probably devastating for everyone, so there couldn’t be anything more cathartic than this selection. Baby Groot dancing to the lyrics on everyone’s mind is too cute for words. And there’s terrific humor as Groot pauses every time Drax suspiciously turns around.
Guardians Of The Galaxy - Come And Get Your Love
Again, it will be tough to omit the sequel, but there’s no denying the significance of this one. Star Lord’s original film starts off like many Disney films - bluntly killing off a parent. It’s an emotionally heart-wrenching moment that has consistently fueled the pathos of the character ever since.
So, this classic Redbone song was a particularly abrupt turnaround of fun karaoke madness. The entire tone of the film spins on a dime to these catchy tunes, for one of the greatest opening scenes in the MCU. Hilarious, whimsical, and free-spirited, this scene utterly encompasses the Guardians themselves. It even shows up again in a crucial Avengers: Endgame scene.
Avengers: Endgame - It's Been A Long, Long Time
This is the song that tidily closed the book on the Infinity Saga. Regardless of Spider-Man’s subsequent outing, which felt more like a transitional epilogue. This momentous film was the true culmination of the MCU’s mighty cinematic experiment and pop culture behemoth. However, most importantly, it’s the resolution that every Captain America fan needed. Steve and Peggy are a great couple, whose relationship was sacrificed to save others. The catharsis of their lost dance is touching, romantic, and satisfying. At first, the slow, old song might have seemed oddly unsettling. But as the camera reveals Steve, content with Peggy at last, it transforms into one of the most moving sequences in the MCU.
Iron Man - Back In Black
This is the song, and the scene, that kicked off the entire MCU. It would be difficult to argue against anything more iconic than this. It plays throughout Tony Stark’s witty banter with soldiers in Afghanistan. This catchy, classic rock has the defining attitude of Iron Man himself, and the band has become synonymous with him. Some might argue for Stark’s big entrance in The Avengers, when he attacks Loki. But this particular selection returns for Spider-Man himself, as he builds a custom suit in Far From Home. It literally represents Tony Stark, who is arguably the heart of the MCU.