The movies and streaming series of the Marvel Cinematic Universe tend to utilize traditional orchestral scores. But the filmmakers have also enjoyed the freedom to drop the needle on classics from their record collection. Jon Favreau opened the original Iron Man movie – the very first entry in the MCU – with an AC/DC classic.
In the years since, Marvel’s soundtracks have been filled with licensed hits peppered in between the original compositions. Thor: Ragnarok borrowed Led Zeppelin’s Norse mythology-themed gem “Immigrant Song,” while the Guardians of the Galaxy movies have an on-screen playlist called “Awesome Mix.”
“Mr. Blue Sky” By Electric Light Orchestra (Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2)
The first major needle-drop in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is also the most memorable. The soundtrack first kicks off with Looking Glass’ “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” in the flashback to Ego’s courtship of Peter Quill’s mother. But the first literal needle-drop happens when the Guardians are reintroduced in 2014.
Baby Groot plays Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky” on the team’s speaker system and dances around the battlefield while the other Guardians fend off an attack by a near-indestructible interdimensional beast.
“Left Hand Free” By Alt-J (Captain America: Civil War)
Spider-Man is first introduced to the MCU when he swings into the airport battle and steals Captain America’s shield. But Peter Parker is introduced long before that, when Tony Stark arrives at Aunt May’s apartment in Queens.
Peter strolls up to the apartment with a couple of computer parts he salvaged from a dumpster, set to the indie rock sounds of alt-J’s “Left Hand Free.”
“Come As You Are” By Nirvana (Captain Marvel)
There are a ton of ‘90s-era needle-drops to evoke the historical setting of Captain Marvel: “Man on the Moon” by R.E.M., “Only Happy When It Rains” by Garbage, “Whatta Man” by Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue – the list goes on.
But, unsurprisingly, the most memorable ‘90s needle-drop is a Nirvana track. “Come As You Are” plays over Carol Danvers’ climactic confrontation with the Supreme Intelligence, her A.I. overlord.
“Come And Get Your Love” By Redbone (Guardians Of The Galaxy)
James Gunn first introduces Peter Quill’s “Awesome Mix” tape – and the whole tone of Guardians of the Galaxy – in the opening scene of Star-Lord breaking into an ancient temple on an alien planet to steal a valuable artifact.
Like Indiana Jones, Star-Lord maintains ice-cool composure on his way to collect the artifact. Unlike Indy, he puts on his headphones and dances around to Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love.”
“Father Christmas” By The Kinks (Hawkeye)
Being set around Christmastime, Hawkeye naturally featured a ton of holiday-themed classics on its soundtrack: “A Marshmallow World” by Brenda Lee, “Winter Wonderland” by Matt Dusk, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” by Andy Williams, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” from How the Grinch Stole Christmas – the list goes on.
Arguably the greatest yuletide hit utilized on the Hawkeye soundtrack – and certainly the catchiest – is the Kinks’ fast-moving, head-banging “Father Christmas.”
“Blitzkrieg Bop” By The Ramones (Spider-Man: Homecoming)
Jon Watts’ Spider-Man: Homecoming mercifully skipped past Spidey’s familiar origin story and picked up where Captain America: Civil War left off, with the webslinger waiting to be called up for his next Avengers mission. In the meantime, he tackles petty New York crooks as a classic friendly neighborhood Spider-Man.
The Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop” plays over a hilarious montage of the ups and downs of Spidey’s street-level crimefighting. The punk rock hit was so perfect for the tone of the movie that it returned in the end credits.
“Every Grain Of Sand” By Bob Dylan (Moon Knight)
Marvel’s latest streaming series, Moon Knight, recently wrapped up its six-episode run. From the psychological thrills to the unexpected twists to Oscar Isaac’s impeccable dual performance, there was a lot to love in this show.
It also had a great soundtrack. Bob Dylan’s “Every Grain of Sand” could first be heard in the premiere episode and later reappeared in the second episode.
“Father And Son” By Cat Stevens (Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2)
“Mr. Blue Sky” is the first needle-drop that gets fans swept up in the music in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, but Baby Groot’s dance doesn’t necessarily engage the audience on an emotional level.
The sequel really tugs on the heartstrings in its final scene, as the Guardians attend Yondu’s funeral and Quill listens to Cat Stevens’ poignant paternal hit “Father and Son” to bring the themes of the movie full circle.
“Immigrant Song” By Led Zeppelin (Thor: Ragnarok)
Taika Waititi found the perfect musical accompaniment for Thor: Ragnarok’s biggest, boldest action beats in the Norse mythology-themed Led Zeppelin classic “Immigrant Song.”
The director used the song twice to bookend the movie. It can first be heard in the battle with Surtur’s demonic goons in the opening scene and it can later be heard again in the battle with Hela’s undead goons in the final showdown.
“Back In Black” By AC/DC (Iron Man)
The first needle-drop in the MCU is still one of the greatest. AC/DC’s heavy metal hit “Back in Black” kicks off the in-media-res opening scene of Iron Man. As Tony Stark rides through Afghanistan with a military convoy and takes a selfie with a soldier, the convoy is suddenly hit by a terrorist cell using Stark Industries weapons.
The sounds of AC/DC paired so well with Robert Downey, Jr.’s performance as Tony in this scene that the majority of Iron Man 2’s soundtrack was made up of AC/DC songs.