The Ultimate Must-Hear Marvel Cinematic Universe Playlist

It has been 14 long years since the Marvel Cinematic Universe [MCU] journey commenced with the Robert Downey Jr starrer Iron Man. This was not just the start of something heroically iconic, but also the beginning of a musical adventure like no other.  

From iconic dance numbers, synth-pop anthems to heartbreaking symphonies, there’s arguably a Marvel Musical Universe constructed parallel to the MCU and its coterie of heroes, villains and everyone in between.  

With the release of Marvel’s next – Thor: Love and Thunder, directed by Taika Waititi and hitting theaters on July 7th – there’s likely to be another musical extravaganza unleashed. After all, Waititi’s Thor: Ragnarok (2017) was home to a reimagined medley of some of the best songs in the MCU.  

“Dear Mr. Fantasy” by Traffic (from Avengers: Endgame)

If there’s anyone who knows how to pull on our heart strings, it’s the Russo brothers. “Dear Mr. Fantasy” played during the introduction sequence of Avengers: Endgame and did little to help calm our anxious nerves, especially after the heartbreak we suffered at the hands of Avengers: Infinity War. For lovers of slow, sad melodies, this song is a great addition to your playlist. 

“The Rubberband Man” by The Spinners (from Avengers: Infinity War)

Storylines intersect with ease on Avengers: Infinity War, not taking away from any of the themes surrounding the superheroes. One such fantastic introduction is when the scene pans over introduce the Guardians’ appearance. Sitting in their spaceship, they’re seen jamming to this incredible song without any knowledge of what’s to come.  

“Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin (from Thor: Ragnarok)

Led Zeppelin’s raucous song is forever tied back to the colorful, electric vibe of Thor: Ragnarok. When you hear “Immigrant Song,” you visualize Thor with a hammer striking down from a colorful sky. 

“Supersonic Rocket Ship” by The Kinks (from Avengers: Endgame)

While the start of Avengers: Endgame is heartbreaking to say the least, this song plays at the beginning, when half the world doesn’t exist and the remaining Avengers are banding together to figure out a way to bring everyone back. For the intimate little setup that it is at the Avengers compound, it’s the perfect song to pick up the momentum ever so slightly. 

“Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses (from Thor: Love and Thunder)

Taika Waititi’s vision for popular, well-known songs is a mastery in itself. Anyone who’s everyone has heard this song knows it’s a classic. But seeing it play against the backdrop of Thor and his gang in the trailer for Thor: Love and Thunder – that’s an element you can’t unsee! And he slow version of the tune in the trailer’s backdrop is one you can’t unhear.  

Avengers: Endgame OST by Alan Silvestri

Heard throughout all the Avengers movies, this has come to be known as the theme of the movies itself. Every iconic scene of the Avengers has this track in the background and it’s guaranteed goosebumps for Marvel fans. 

“Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone (from Guardians of the Galaxy)

This song is the one that Guardians of the Galaxy became forever associated with. An upbeat tune that marks the cosmic superhero Star Lord’s entry into the MCU, the song is a must-hearfor a Marvel fan but more so for anyone who enjoys groovy numbers. After all, Star Lord himself is a fan of Footloose and loves dancing. 

“Trouble Man” by Marvin Gaye (from Captain America: The Winter Soldier)

At the end of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, when a broken and bruised Captain America is lying on a hospital bed, his pal Sam Rogers plays this song for him to demonstrate the web he’s caught up in. “Trouble Man” is no doubt a classic that belongs to the era of pop and since the first Avenger tells Sam that he’s missed out on everything pop culture before he was revived from the ice, this song is his introduction to that world, courtesy of Sam.  

“Father and Son” by Cat Stevens (from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2)

Marvel brings its A-game when it comes to choosing soundtracks for all MCU moments. The death of Star Lord’s adoptive father, Yondu is depicted like a celebration of his life with a subtle blend of sadness that he leaves behind in the superhero’s life, not just because of the visuals but the music as well. 

“Into Eternity” by Brian Tyler (from Thor: The Dark World)

If you’re a fan of glorious instrumental music, this one is a must-add to your playlist. “Into Eternity” does justice to the royal, divine and cosmic universe in which Thor: The Dark World is set. It’s a majestic testament to Thor’s home world Asgard as well as a fitting tune to honor Thor’s mother, Frigga’s sacrifice and her send off. The song inspires tremendous emotions.  

“Come On Get Happy” by David Cassidy (from Ant-Man and the Wasp)

It’s hard to forget Paul Rudd breaking into a karaoke during the scene when this song is played. It provides the perfect, fun balance to Ant-Man being stuck at home and that scene going from supposedly boring to full-blown fun.  

“It’s Been a Long, Long Time” by Harry James & His Orchestra with Kitty Kallen (from Avengers: Endgame)

This beautiful melody is for the ages. Iron Man may be the face of the MCU but Captain America certainly the heart of the Marvel universe. He said he can fight ‘all day’ and he definitely did. He got that moment at last, the one where he could dance with the love of his life, Peggy Carter and this song perfectly portrays the satisfaction of that lifetime-long yearning. It was a great way to conclude Cap-Am’s story arc. 

“Back In Black” by AC/DC (from Iron Man & Spider-Man: Far from Home)

We first saw this song introduce Iron Man to the world and we saw it later end the Infinity Saga in all its glory in Spider-Man: Far from Home. This song is not just reflective of a kickass superhero coming into existence but also a thrilling way to finally bid goodbye to the icon he was. Iron Man was a turning point for superhero enthusiasts and using the theme in Spider-Man: Far from Home was symbolic of that iron journey. 

“Left Hand Free” by Alt-J (from Captain America: Civil War)

This is more than being that cool song during the end credits of Captain America: Civil War that most fans remember. It actually marks Spider-Man’s entry into the MCU in the same movie.  

“Escape” by Roy Ayers (from Ant-Man, Ant-Man and the Wasp)

The song is quintessential to the Ant-Man franchise. It goes perfectly well with Luis’ many narratives during the course of the movie and if you hear a drum roll kick off when Luis starts talking, you know you’re in for a long, funny yet fast-paced story which has become the highlight of the very franchise. Why should you have it in your playlist? It’s a buoyant, lively song that’ll keep you captivated through and through, much like Luis’ capers.