Whether you are a movie buff or not, people often associate certain songs with the movies in which they are used. These songs are included in comic book movie scenes to add more meaning. Whenever I listen to these songs, they instantly unlock a memory related to the movie.
Music is a vital part of any movie, as it brings out the emotion of a specific scene. Whether they’re used in a training montage, a superhero’s very first transformation, or a backdrop to an epic fight sequence, comic book movie songs are memorable! Below is a list of the Top 10 iconic singles in comic book movie history.
10. “The Times They Are A-Changin’” – Bob Dylan (Watchmen)
As a DC fan, Watchmen has always been an underrated movie to me. The song choice for the intro of the movie is perfection. The entire sequence has amazing cinematography, and it perfectly encapsulates The Comedian’s quote in the movie, “what happened to the American dream? It came true, you’re looking at it.” This quote can be understood as The Comedian being the physical embodiment of the American dream. He came from nothing, and fought his way through all the struggles in the country to become a hero.
Bob Dylan’s timeless classic will forever be cherished by legions of fans.
9. “Partyman” – Prince (Batman)
“Gentlemen! Let’s broaden our minds.” That line is so iconic. If anybody has re-watched Batman (1989) as much as I have, then you automatically know what follows. Anytime I hear this single, my mind immediately visualizes the museum scene in the movie. Jack Nicholson is brilliant as he dances along while defacing the museum. Prince produced and recorded all the songs on the soundtrack. An absolute legend. May he Rest In Peace.
If you’re looking to relive the moment, check out the video below, or better yet, give the movie a re-watch!
8. “Hero” – Chad Kroeger feat. Joey Scott (Spider-Man)
No matter the feelings people have towards Nickelback, nobody can argue the emotion felt throughout this track. The song was specifically written for the movie, and the lyrics perfectly describe Peter Parker becoming Spider-Man for the first time. An all-time classic, no matter what anybody says.
(Yes, I’m talking to you, Nickelback haters)
7. “Kiss From A Rose” – Seal (Batman Forever)
As forgetful as Batman Forever is, the soundtrack is still pretty good-with the likes of U2 and The Offspring. However, the track that stuck with most people was “Kiss From A Rose.” An amazing melody and great lyrics will always place this one in any comic book movie music list.
It’s also an automatic reminder that Nicole Kidman appeared in the movie. Dr. Chase Meridian, you will not be forgotten.
6. “Immortals” – Fall Out Boy (Big Hero 6)
Big Hero 6 is, in my opinion, one of the best animated movies of all time. Fall Out Boy happens to be my favorite band of all time, so I think the song delivers on all fronts. The electro-pop track is the overlay for Hiro Hamada and his friends to upgrade themselves with armor and tech to avenge the death of Hiro’s brother, Tadashi. It’s an epic scene in the movie, and the music is perfect!
If you haven’t watched Big Hero 6 yet, what are you waiting for?
5. “Heathens” – Twenty One Pilots (Suicide Squad)
Does anybody else listen to this song and automatically get transported to Belle Reve? It’s incredibly difficult to separate this track with Suicide Squad. For all the shortfalls that this movie had, the soundtrack was awesome.
Don’t forget that when you next visit Belle Reve, ask Harley Quinn to make you a cappuccino. I heard she has a new coffee machine.
4. “Pray For Me” – The Weeknd (Black Panther)
It was extremely difficult to narrow down a song from the soundtrack of Black Panther. The Original Soundtrack, produced by Kendrick Lamar, was so good that it earned an Academy Award nomination! “Pray For Me” sends me to the scene that takes place in the casino in Korea, with the needle drop as soon as the doors open. T’Challa, Nakia, and Okoye are looking amazing. Everett Ross is trying to gather intel, and the legendary Stan Lee is gambling.
What’s not to like, right?
3. “Hooked On A Feeling” – Blue Swede (Guardians of the Galaxy)
I’m sure we can all agree that Awesome Mix Vol. 1 was pretty…awesome. This song has been a classic long before the Marvel movie released, but James Gunn succeeded in bringing it back and making it commercial. Since the first trailer of Guardians of the Galaxy dropped, this track was perfect for this band of misfits. Peter and the group getting booked in prison to the sound of this song is brilliant!
An all-time favorite, and the first time we see Peter Quill get angry over his Walkman!
2. “Bring Me To Life” – Evanescence (Daredevil)
Surely nobody can forget this incredible track from Daredevil. The movie is pretty forgettable, but that didn’t stop Evanescence from putting out some gems. Who can forget Jennifer Garner’s Elektra training to kill Daredevil, with Amy Lee and her amazing voice being the overlay?
The movie isn’t great, but the song will last a lifetime!
1. “Sunflower” – Post Malone x Swae Lee (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse)
Coming in at number 1 with our list of comic book movie songs is Sunflower. The soundtrack to this movie is so dope! From the moment we meet Miles Morales, we instantly fall in love with the character. Miles singing along to “Sunflower” without knowing the words is not only funny, but incredibly relatable. I remember a friend of mine watching the movie and his first response was, “He’s just like us!” That example is one of the many ways that people can relate to Miles. The movie contains many life lessons while managing to maintain its fun vibe.
I think it’s time for a re-watch, don’t you?
If you don’t see your favorite song in the list above, then that’s okay. Everyone is different, with their own unique taste in music. There is such a large variety of music genres and each one will have their own place in media. Did your favorite comic book movie song make the cut? If not, let us know on our socials!
