There are almost countless things that have made the MCU such a success since its inception way back in 2008. From charismatic actors to colorful characters to one mind at the top overseeing everything to massive set pieces, there's a reason this franchise is the highest-grossing in film history.
One aspect of the MCU that has mostly been consistently great yet gets overlooked too often is the music. Obviously, there are iconic songs used in the movies and shows like Guardians of the Galaxy but beneath every key scene is usually a great piece of a musical score made by a fantastic composer.
Iron Man 3 (2013) - Brian Tyler
There was a lot to live up to with Iron Man 3 as it had to satisfyingly close out the first trilogy for the MCU's biggest star. While some had mixed feelings on the film itself, the score by Brian Tyler is easily among the best the franchise has ever seen put together.
"Iron Man 3" is actually the first song on the album and it gives the hero a fitting theme that feels as epic as he deserves. "War Machine" is an underrated track, while "The Mandarin" brings all the menacing energy needed for the character before the big twist reveal of who he truly is.
Ant-Man & The Wasp (2018) - Christophe Beck
While there doesn't seem to be anyone who would consider Ant-Man and the Wasp as the best MCU film, there's no denying that it's a ton of fun. That's actually why Christophe Beck's work on the score is so great. He's able to make sure that every track is as playful as it needs to be.
A great example comes in "World's Greatest Grandma," which has the undertones you'd expect from a heist scene but has just the right amount of fun thrown in to fit the film's vibe. The standout is certainly "It Ain't Over Till The Wasp Lady Stings," which played over the film's closing credits.
Captain Marvel (2019) - Pinar Toprak
Sometimes, it's actually kind of difficult to remember or pinpoint a film's score. It just becomes part of the movie so seamlessly that you might not even realize it. This can also happen when the soundtrack itself features more memorable songs, which is the case with Captain Marvel.
Everyone remembers the '90s soundtrack with songs like "Just a Girl" and "Come As You Are." However, beneath that is a fantastic score composed by Pinar Toprak. There are some cool incorporations of synth beats and other things that give it that '90s vibe. Plus, "Captain Marvel" is one of the best hero themes in the entire MCU.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) - Michael Giacchino
One of the most prolific composers in all of Hollywood is Michael Giacchino and he turned out to be a spirited choice to score the Spider-Man trilogy. Spider-Man: No Way Home features a score that is incredibly fitting as it takes what worked in previous entries and adds to it.
The Spider-Man theme Giachinno created is alive and well but there are some interesting twists put on it. Whether it's in "Damage Control," "A Doom With a View" or the epic "Arachnoverture," this is a perfect embodiment of Peter Parker's adventures in this film. While it's not on the official score, the film also includes a welcome callback to Danny Elfman's music from decades prior.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) - Henry Jackman
After Alan Silvestri handled the score for the first Captain America movie, Henry Jackman was brought in for the next two. That proved to be a great move and that's not a knock on Silvestri. Jackman just nailed the new vibe of the more intense follow-ups, including the political thriller that is The Winter Soldier.
Right off the bat, you get something special as "Lumerian Star" is a pulse-pounding track that goes just right with the scene infiltrating the ship. "Captain America" is not the upbeat heroic track you'd expect but one that feels fitting for someone unsure of his place, while "The Winter Soldier" might be the best villain theme in the MCU.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017) - Mark Mothersbaugh
Along the same lines as Captain Marvel, there's a good chance that some might overlook the score of Thor: Ragnarok because it features such a legendary moment when "Immigrant Song" kicks in. However, those who do will miss out on something truly special.
Former Devo member Mark Mothersbaugh brings a unique feel to a movie that is filled with energy, so it's perfect. Everything has the right amount of funk, from Thor's theme to songs made for the most heroic of scenes. There's even "Grandmaster Jam Session," which is literally just meant to be Jeff Goldblum's eccentric character cutting loose.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) - Michael Giacchino
As noted, Michael Giacchino has done masterful work with the Spider-Man films and it all began with Spider-Man: Homecoming. With this take on the character being more lighthearted, Giacchino made sure his score reflected that and it makes the whole thing a joy to listen to.
There are moments of dread, specifically when a song involves a Vulture scene, but it's mostly a chill atmosphere. The best part is that this was where the theme for this Spider-Man debuted and it's arguably the best ever. It's hard not to love "Spider-Man: Homecoming Suite" because it's basically perfect. The score even throws in a nod to the old Spider-Man TV series.
Black Panther (2018) - Ludwig Göransson
Ludwig Görasson is someone who is making waves with almost everything he does. That includes winning a Grammy for producing music for Childish Gambino, an Emmy for composing The Mandalorian, and an Academy Award for his work on Black Panther.
It remains the only MCU film to win an Oscar and Göransson was one of the reasons why. He managed to pay respect to African culture, keep an upbeat superhero vibe in there, and showcase his roots in pop music in a way that shouldn't work on paper but does perfectly because of how talented he is. Everything from "Wakanda" to "Killmonger" to "Jabari Tribe" is incredible.
Loki (2021) - Natalie Gold
The only Disney+ MCU TV show to be among the best, Loki has an incredible score. The thing is, it also might be the weirdest score in the franchise, which is perfect given the vibe of the show. According to Variety, composer Natalie Gold got creative to pull off this score.
Gold used everything from a theremin to Scandinavian folk instruments to create a sound that had never been heard in the MCU before. "Loki Green Theme" is possibly her best work, though the trippy tune "TVA" gives it a run for its money. "He Who Remains" is also great, giving a one-episode character a menacing theme.
Avengers: Endgame (2019) - Alan Silvestri
Since Avengers: Endgame had the absurdly large task of wrapping up over 20 movies' worth of storytelling, everything about it had to be epic. That included the score and Alan Silvestri made sure to deliver. His work on Avengers: Infinity War was spectacular but he took it up a notch here.
Silvestri gets to play with so many homages to the history of the MCU and there are plenty of musical cues for them. There are hype moments like the build-up in "One Shot" and emotional tracks like "Main on End," which played over the final credits. Of course, the high point is "Portals," which is everything you could want from the pivotal "Avengers Assemble" scene.