10 of The Best Recent Comic Book Movie Themes
The best superhero theme is Danny Elfman's Batman theme.
But that doesn't mean it's the only good one Danny's done or anyone else for that matter. This list is going to assume everyone loves John Williams' iconic Superman theme and skip to 2000 and beyond to see where we can find some other great work in terms of themes for comic book movies!
Song/Rank:
#10- "The Justice League Theme" by Danny Elfman [The Justice League 2017]
Whose Theme:
The Justice League
Why Though:
It's no secret that I didn't like this movie but one thing it had going for it was that my favourite Comic Book Movie composer Danny Elfman was coming through to do the score. Right from the jump the logos had a crazy piece of music over it that made me think the movie might actually be good. There is an ominous tone that gives way to triumphant strings, drums, and horns that really felt great for kicking off the movie!
Song/Rank:
#9- "My Enemy" by Hans Zimmer & The Magnificent Six [The Amazing Spider-Man 2 2014]
Whose Theme:
Max Dillon/Electro
Why Though:
Yeah I know this movie is over stuffed and not great. But one element I genuinely enjoyed was the set up for Electro. I appreciated the idea that someone who felt overlooked and underappreciated would go a bit mad once they got some power. I especially liked that his undoing was signalled by his theme (which could be argued is just as chaotic as the movie) which features an inner dialogue going on in Electro's head with heavy hits that connote his powers being used. It's actually a cool use of score and visuals in the context of the film.
Song/Rank:
#8- "Is She With You?" by Hans Zimmer & Junkie XL [Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice 2016]
Whose Theme:
Diana/Wonder Woman
Why Though:
Don't worry, we'll get to movies I actually iked on the list. But don't you think it's cool that, even in a movie that I struggled with like BvS, I can find great elements? All scenes with Diana out spying Bruce were great and when she finally showed up as Wonder Woman to help out her entrance music was DOPE! I know everyone thinks of the screeching guitars but there are some guttural drums and strings doing the heavy lifting once the wow factor of the guitars wear off. Thank goodness she got a great movie to star in later.
Song/Rank:
#7- "Killmonger" by Ludwig Goransson [Black Panther 2018]
Whose Theme:
N'Jadaka/Erik "Killmonger" Stevens
Why Though:
Killmonger isn't just a great villain who confused some people in terms of what his true intentions were, but he's got a banging theme. Yes it's the only piece of music on this list that employs the trap sound that's pretty popular today in Hip Hop but it is also thematically, musically speaking, linked to his nemesis, Black Panther's, theme. LEVELS! Even if you don't want to link this theme to other characters, it's a perfect fit for Killmonger who has roots in Wakanda, hence the intro, but was raised in the states. Enter the trap sounds.
Song/Rank:
#6- "The Avengers" by Alan Silvestri [The Avengers 2012]
Whose Theme:
The Avengers
Why Though:
The intro is what gets me about this theme. It gets me inexplicably hyped! Remember when they used it as Cap's entrance music in Infinity War? I wish this was just Cap's theme. Also, why do none of the Avengers have individual themes that go as hard as this theme does? Unless we can all agree that Immigrant Song is the official Thor theme. Anyway, I'll defend Avengers the movie till I die and I'll come for anyone who doesn't like this theme.
Song/Rank:
#5- "Spider-Man: Homecoming Suite" by Michael Giacchino & Marshall Bowen III [Spider-Man: Homecoming 2017]
Whose Theme:
Peter Parker/Spider-Man
Why Though:
I hesitated at first, but Tom Holland is definitely the best Peter Parker/Spider-Man. I'm not going to hear otherwise. And what no one is talking about is he's got a great score overall but a great theme too. It sounds childish. It sounds like it wants to prove itself. It fits perfectly with this version of Spider-Man.
Song/Rank:
#4- "Wakanda" by Ludwig Goransson [Black Panther 2018]
Whose Theme:
T'Challa/Black Panther
Why Though:
You wanna know how I know this theme is the real deal? When I saw Infinity War, each of the three times I watched the movie the audience audibly got hyped as soon as they heard the drums from this theme, and the Black Panther movie in general, kick in. I'm not going to lie, I don't much care for the opening minute or so of this track, but once we get into those heroic horns sounding off and the drums really get to do their thing, this is a winner.
Song/Rank:
#3- "Heroes" by Danny Elfman [Avengers: Age of Ultron 2015]
Whose Theme:
The Avengers
Why Though:
You know I'm a sucker for a good remix, and I'm definitely down to hear Danny Elfman get down on a comic book movie score so here we have Danny Elfman's flourishes/remix on Alan Silvestri's OG Avengers theme. And yeah... I LIKE IT A LOT!
Song/Rank:
#2- "Main Title" by Danny Elfman [Spider-Man 2002]
Whose Theme:
Peter Parker/Spider-Man
Why Though:
Much like Homecoming's theme fit its Spider-Man so too does Sam Raimi's Spider-Man theme. Danny is obviously involved and we get a much darker almost harrowing sound. And while these movies did have elements of fun they were a little more emotionally taxing. The emphasis wasn't on the young quippy Spider-Man and this theme definitely gets that across.
Song/Rank:
#1- "Molossus" by Hans Zimmer & James Newton Howard [Batman Begins 2005]
Whose Theme:
Bruce Wayne/Batman
Why Though:
I bet you thought you weren't going to see the 2nd best Batman get any love on this list. I can't help but dig what Hans and James did with this theme. You know exactly what's up when you hear this and, If I'm keeping it 100, I'd love to have this music play right before I walk into any room. Instant confidence boost.
-YG