If you can’t recall all of the orchestral theme songs from most Marvel movies, I’m certain that you have the “Awesome Mix Vol. 1” soundtrack from Guardians of the Galaxy etched into your memory. You know each song by heart and could easily rattle off every track title if asked!’

The films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) are as well known for their resounding and powerful soundtrack, such as Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy-winning Black Panther: The Album, as they are renowned for their iconic and epic superheroes. This music has become an essential part of the experience that so many fans have come to love about these movies.

The amazing aspect of the tunes that Marvel chooses for their movies is how they perfectly fit in to the narrative in an unexpected way. It’s truly remarkable how these songs are able to so accurately capture the emotion and tone of the story, making them an ideal accompaniment for each scene.

You would never anticipate that a song as one-of-a-kind and whimsical as The Kinks’ “Supersonic Rocket Ship” would be featured in a superhero movie, yet it proved to be the perfect score for Bruce Banner and Rocket Raccoon’s interplanetary voyage to New Asgard in Avengers: Endgame. Hearing this upbeat melody while they soared through space was truly an unforgettable moment – it just could not have been more ideal.

The musical hits featured in the Marvel Cinematic Universe have a special place in fans’ hearts, as they are able to transport them back to key moments from the movies. These iconic songs help to firmly establish and re-establish characters and scenes within the MCU, providing an emotional connection that can thrill viewers, make them laugh or even bring tears of joy when they hear it on the radio. It is this elevation of these key moments that has allowed their iconography to be redefined and remain forever etched into our memories.

It is virtually impossible to reduce the most iconic musical moments in Marvel movies to a mere 6, but I will bravely attempt this herculean task by arranging them in an ascending order. Despite the difficulty of selecting only 6 from such an extensive catalogue of unforgettable music, I am determined to make my judgement and provide a definitive ranking.

6. Traffic’s “Dear Mr. Fantasy” (Avengers: Endgame)

I am not certain how many individuals who are in Marvel’s intended audience knew of this 1967 folk rock anthem when it featured at the beginning of Avengers: Endgame, however it caused a rush of reminiscence and delight for me during my first watch. It was one of numerous moments that left me feeling a sense of blissful nostalgia.

The iconic song from the British trio Traffic, helmed by Steve Winwood, plays in the background as Tony Stark and Nebula engage in a game of finger football aboard the Milano while it meanders through the unknown depths of space. This lighthearted moment serves as a stark contrast to their present situation; two unlikely passengers struggling to find hope after Thanos’ devastating victory has left everyone despondent.

Typically, when an important Iron Man moment occurs, one would anticipate hearing something of a more hard-hitting, intense metal genre to provide the backdrop for that scene. This expectation is based off of the idea that metal music typically conveys power and strength which are both characteristics associated with Iron Man.

Despite the upbeat melody, but the somber and melancholic lyrics of “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” written by Traffic drummer Jim Capaldi as a narrative about someone sacrificing their own desires for others, perfectly reflect Tony Stark’s inner emotions in that moment. The song speaks to his internal struggle between wanting to fulfill his own ambitions while also trying to put other people first – a conflict which he is all too familiar with.

At the end of Infinity War, his worst nightmare had been realized; he was unable to prevent the world and his beloved comrades from succumbing to disaster. Now, in the start of this epic saga’s second part, a playground game is an effective distraction for him as he battles with his own despondency while gradually becoming weaker and closer still to what appears to be his inevitable end.

5. Leigh Harline and Ned Washington’s contribution, “I’ve Got No Strings” (Avengers: Age of Ultron)

Remember when movie trailers frequently featured renditions of well-known songs slowed down for frightening effects? Using a darker version of “I’ve Got No Strings,” which was expertly used in the movie when performed by the titular protagonist, Disney managed to brilliantly sell Joss Whedon’s 2015 follow-up to The Avengers.

The character Ulton, voiced by the talented James Spader, utilizes the key lines from Leigh Harline and Ned Washington’s song – initially written for Disney’s beloved classic Pinocchio – to draw a comparison between himself and the well-known wooden marionette. By singing these words of lyrical verse, he is able to effectively illustrate his own situation and predicament in an apt analogy that resonates with audiences everywhere.

His sentience persuades him that he is a “genuine lad,” not just a machine, and that he is consequently superior to the Avengers. Ultron’s anthem of liberation, “I’ve Got No Strings,” which is as equally famous for Avengers: Age of Ultron as it is for the 1940 cartoon classic it was adapted from, declares his freedom from the “chains” that keep him beneath the authority of mankind.

4. Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” (Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2)

It is an open fact that director James Gunn, the creative force behind Guardians of the Galaxy, has a deep-seated fondness for classic pop songs from the 1970s and 1980s. However, despite their undeniable appeal and recognizability, he takes great care to never include them in his Marvel movies due to their potential for distraction and interruption.

Every song included in Peter Quill’s cherished “Awesome Mix”, both volumes of it, and the newly acquired Zune that Kraglin gives him to replace his destroyed Walkman; all these tunes serve to reinforce an important theme within the narrative. Each selection is carefully chosen to represent a different period or moment in time that plays an integral part in the overarching story.

Of all the songs included in the 2017 sequel movie, none of them is more powerfully emotive and conveys its message more poignantly than Fleetwood Mac’s renowned classic track. Without doubt, it has been a timeless anthem since its release many decades ago and continues to be one of the most popular pieces of music ever created.

The iconic song, “The Chain”, from the Fleetwood Mac’s critically acclaimed 1977 album Rumours is featured in the movie Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 at a crucial point when our protagonists must choose to go their separate ways. This melody is played again during an intense battle scene when Star-Lord has to confront his living planet father in order to safeguard both his real family and the entire galaxy.

Family is a huge focus in both of the Guardians movies; the first film being about forming a family and Vol. 2 examining the difficulties of sustaining it. Fortunately, our heroes have their own unique way of staying bonded together, much like the metaphorical “chain” referenced in Fleetwood Mac’s iconic classic song.

3. It’s been a very long time, indeed. With Kitty Kallen and Harry James and His Orchestra (Avengers: Endgame)

Rarely discussed, but it is true that Captain America, like many of the Avengers if one takes the time to ponder deeply upon it, is a character of tragic heroism. He has been forced into a strange era and unfamiliar environment with only one mission: to safeguard the lives of others without ever getting an opportunity to place his own interests first.

With a daring plan and the incredible power of time travel, Steve Rogers manages to change his destiny in Avengers: Endgame. This creative solution culminates in an unforgettable musical moment that is one of the most powerful scenes in the entire film. By taking control of his fate, Steve’s courageous action leads to a stunningly beautiful score that resonates with viewers long after they leave the theater.

After Cap’s time-traveling mission to restore the Infinity Stones to their rightful place in history had been completed, he reemerged aged roughly 80 years old. He then proceeded to pass his iconic shield on to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), signifying a symbolic end of an era and the start of a new one.

As the strains of “It’s Been A Long, Long Time” fill the air, we are transported to a 1940s-era suburban home. Young Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and his beloved Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) are embracing each other in an intimate dance, clearly relishing this long-anticipated moment together. The couple moves gracefully around the room as they share their precious time and enjoy this romantic moment in their lives.

The post-World War II era provides an ideal backdrop to retire the Avengers’ beloved Golden Boy from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, perfectly emphasizing the gratifying feeling of seeing Captain America finally gain the life and happiness he has always deserved. Not only does it allow for a fitting conclusion to his character arc, but it also gives him that long-awaited dance with Peggy Carter – something we can all take pleasure in as fans.

2. Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” (Thor: Ragnarok)

Thor has a musical moment that is more metal than even Iron Man. The epic hit from Led Zeppelin’s third self-titled album was an ideal choice for the film’s theme music. It was the third solo movie starring Chris Hemsworth as the divine Avenger, and it was directed by Oscar-winning Taika Waititi.

The iconic Led Zeppelin song, “Immigrant Song”, is featured at the start of Thor: Ragnarok as Thor (Chris Hemsworth) faces off against Surtur’s demonic legion with his hammer. Later in the movie, it plays again when the God of Thunder makes use of his own thunderous power to vanquish Hela’s forces without relying on Mjölnir. This highly memorable musical accompaniment helps to emphasize Thor’s courage and strength throughout this thrilling epic adventure.

Listening to Robert Plant’s iconic and timeless viking cry within the trailer was an absolute delight, however, for it to be featured in two of the most stunningly magnificent fight scenes of the movie was a dream come true.

1. Redbone’s “Come And Grab Your Love” (Guardians Of The Galaxy)

When it comes to iconic musical moments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there is no denying that the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise takes center stage. After all, it was their first installment which introduced us to a classic Redbone hit for its opening scene: “Come and Get Your Love”. This song is undoubtedly deserving of the honorific title as it set up Star-Lord’s debut and has since become an iconic anthem for fans everywhere.

In an incredibly suspenseful scene that eerily resembles the opening sequence of Raiders of the Lost Ark, Peter Quill apprehensively enters a mysterious cave, unaware of what he will soon discover there. As he delves deeper into its depths, his curiosity is rewarded when he stumbles upon the coveted Power Stone, an object of immense power and influence.

Before heading out, he dons his headphones, turns on the Walkmen and embarks upon a joyous, impulsive jaunt across unfamiliar terrain to Redbone’s 1973 funk tune. Along the way, he even uses a reptilian entity as an impromptu microphone at one point in his whimsical routine.

The moment was hilarious and full of joy, providing us with the assurance we sought that Guardians of the Galaxy would be a refreshing change from the norm. We were delighted to see how successful it had become, giving us a much-needed break from our daily lives.

Do you agree with this ranking of the greatest Marvel movie soundtrack songs? If not, make sure to let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow CinemaBlend for more updates on the music and movies of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We’ll keep you up-to-date on all things MCU related, including any changes or additions to this list of amazing movie soundtracks!