The films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have produced some epic soundtracks, both with their original scores and compilations. In fact, the franchise’s first and only Oscar to date was awarded to Black Panther’s original score. An opening song is especially important in the soundtrack of any movie.
If the element is overlooked by fans, it is only because it blended so perfectly with the rest of the film that it eased into the plot seamlessly, that the story was allowed to take center stage. Boasting some of the most successful films in cinematic history, the quality of MCU films is undeniable, and their soundtracks make an invaluable contribution to that. Here are some of the best songs to open for an MCU film.
I Will Always Love You, Whitney Houston (Spider-Man: Far From Home)
While not exactly in line with the old-school rock tracks that frequent the MCU’s soundtrack, the dramatic, melodious vocals of this Whitney Houston classic play over the high school’s tribute to the fallen Avengers of the battle against Thanos that revived all those who had been lost to the Snap.
The song, like the video, starts off the film making light of a situation that had previously been interpreted exclusively in a dark and dismal way. This theme of recovery is present throughout Far From Home as Peter fights his way through a new world in the shadow of Tony Stark.
Shining Star, Earth, Wind & Fire (Doctor Strange)
This Earth, Wind & Fire hit lives up to the hype, opening for a film with a title character who boasts his knowledge of music by its title, artist, album, and year. The band is considered one of the most innovative R&B groups in the country and one of the most widely recognized bands in the world. Shining Star won them their first of 7 Grammy awards.
The song’s lyrics, while not highlighted in Doctor Strange, offer a bit of foreshadowing of the plot to the music’s fans. They tell the story of a man finding himself and reaching his full potential.
Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl), Looking Glass (Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2)
Fans don’t need to reach far to understand the parallels between the characters on screen and those created in the lyrics of the song. Ego lays it out for Peter, explaining that godly beings such as the two of them can’t waste their gifts tied down by romance but instead must chase the “sea” before them.
He may have been a crazed Celestial with too much power and nothing but universal domination on his mind, but we can’t argue with him when he calls Brandy “one of Earth’s greatest musical compositions.”
Mr. Blue Sky, Electric Light Orchestra (Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2)
Considering the franchise’s “Awesome Mix” is a big part of the movies, it’s not surprising that the next entry on this list is also a Vol. 2 pull. Easily one of ELO’s most successful pieces, Mr. Blue Sky has a happy, optimistic feel that shares a tone with the movie.
The song plays during the opening credits over the Guardians’ battle against the Abilisk. After an argument about Rocket’s decision to bring a music player on a mission, the team engages in the fight, leaving the baby Groot to plug in the player and set the backdrop, dancing it out… until, of course, the stereo is crushed in the team’s struggle.
Back in Black, AC/DC (Iron Man)
Of all the great classics of rock, Back in Black is, perhaps, the greatest and classic-est. What song could be more iconic than one that can be undeniably recognized by the strike of the first chord? The hard-rocking track garners familiarity far and wide, even from even non-rock fans.
Playing at the beginning of Iron Man, the song opens not only the film but the entire MCU franchise. Back in Black is one of the many metal songs associated with Tony Stark’s movies, contributing to the hard rock feel to the character. It makes another appearance, paying tribute to Stark’s memory, in Far From Home.
Dear Mr. Fantasy, Traffic (Avengers: Endgame)
Dear Mr. Fantasy’s release on the first of Traffic’s albums in 1967 makes the song the oldest and most time-tested on this list; spanning almost 6 minutes in length, its full version is also the longest.
A song that opened for the most heavily anticipated movie of the entire franchise, even playing in the stead of Marvel’s traditional opening theme song, had to have been chosen carefully. The lesser-known track avoids detracting attention and hype from the story, but its slow, almost sad tune blankets over the somber tone of the MCU at the time of the film.
Come and Get Your Love, Redbone (Guardians of the Galaxy)
This track finds its home on another one of the Guardians of the Galaxy films, playing on Peter’s Walkman through the first movie’s opening credits while he is searching the planet Morag for the Orb. He dances along to the song, singing along with the lyrics into a lizard he uses as a makeshift microphone.
Come and Get Your Love is Redbone’s most successful song. As the premiere song of the Guardians franchise, it sets the standard for the films’ mixtape of a soundtrack, establishing the not-too-serious tone of the films. Its use in Guardians even warrants a reprise of the song down the line in Endgame.
Shoot to Thrill, AC/DC (Iron Man 2)
While it may not be quite as widely recognized as Back in Black, Shoot to Thrill has definitely earned its stripes as a fan favorite, and its inclusion in Iron Man 2 introduces the classic AC/DC hit to a whole new fanbase.
It plays as Iron Man flies into the Stark Expo, showing off his suit to an arena full of screaming fans. This song also gets a reprise in the character’s next film, The Avengers, playing as Tony appears onsite in Captain America’s battle against Loki in Germany.
Immigrant Song, Led Zeppelin (Thor: Ragnarok)
If there were ever a perfect song to get pumped up to, Immigrant Song would be the song. It starts out with a lot of power and remains exciting the whole way through, characteristic of many of Zep’s most popular songs.
The track is undoubtedly a good representation of Thor: Ragnarok, which explores so many avenues in its title character’s story, from the planet Sakaar to the Valkyrie to the goddess of death. It doesn’t hurt that the song’s lyrics are studded with references to Norse mythology, where the legends of the likes of Thor and Loki originate.
The Avengers, Alan Silvestri (Avengers: Infinity War)
If Immigrant Song is the song you want to hear when you’re beginning a workout, then The Avengers theme is the one you want when you’re finishing the last set or when you’re about to reach the top of the mountain. Or when you’re taking a breather while lying face down on your yoga mat. Really, it makes any moment epic.
The song sets the backdrop for so many iconic MCU moments, one of which is the opening title to Infinity War, which sees the Avengers reunite in their efforts to stop Thanos. There are no arguments about the invaluable work Alan Silvestri contributed to the MCU, but this theme song is indisputable proof.
