10 Marvel movies with the best rock soundtracks

Rock music has always been closely related to Marvel films. In the MCU, some of these songs have become more than just background tunes. These MCU rock songs have defined characters, established the mood, and immortalized scenes in pop cultural history. The spirit of the Marvel heroes is evident in the songs, from AC/DC's revolutionary guitar riffs to Led Zeppelin's powerful melodies.

The Marvel movies were memorable for their passionate and hilarious soundtracks. This list features eleven Marvel movies that use rock music in unexpected ways, combining sound and plot to create scenarios that only fans can picture.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.

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Here is the list of the 10 Marvel movies with the best rock soundtracks

10. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, The Chain by Fleetwood Mac plays at two crucial moments. The song is first introduced when the team separates. Star-Lord, Gamora, and Drax take a trip to see Ego's world, leaving Rocket, Nebula, and Baby Groot behind. This moment in this Marvel movie marks a break in their unusual family. The music heightens the emotional impact by showing their broken bond.

The song reappears again later during the fight between Peter and Ego, as Peter discovers his newfound power. Here, the music highlights that the bond uniting the Guardians is genuine. James Gunn states that this bond is essential to the story and fits well with the theme of breaking apart and coming back together.

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9. Iron Man 2 (2010)

AC/DC's Shoot to Thrill was played in the opening scene of Iron Man 2. The movie begins with Tony Stark flying in the sky over a crowd of cheering people as he lands on the platform during the Stark Expo. The song featured in this film boosts the energy and coolness that match Tony's adventurous personality. Director Jon Favreau recalls that he saw an AC/DC concert where Tony made a similar entrance.

This hard-rock track appears in the film's soundtrack, illustrating that Iron Man's rebellious style is linked to classic rock. The song has become so closely associated with Tony that viewers quickly recognize him whenever it plays in the MCU.

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8. Captain Marvel (2019)

The song Just a Girl by No Doubt is played right after Carol Danvers successfully escapes the Supreme Intelligence's influence in Captain Marvel. The song is in effect as she is beginning to accept her power. The lyrics reflect her feelings of being misunderstood merely because she is a girl.

One fan on Reddit said the song perfectly matches Carol and adds depth to the scene. Overall, this Marvel movie celebrates women's strength and self-discovery. The song also fits the 1990s vibe, matching the film's setting and tone.

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7. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Spider-Man fans have noticed that Spider-Man: Homecoming features a humorous montage set to the Ramones' song Blitzkrieg Bop. This punk vigor reflects the teenager's experience and impression at Peter Parker's school in Queens.

Peter experiences a kind of defiance and exuberance that comes over him with the song, portraying the feeling of balancing his life as a hero and as a high school student. The track & other classic songs were featured in the official soundtrack by Michael Giacchino and mixed with the original rock score. These musical choices contribute to the film's vibrancy and youthful exhilaration.

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6. Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

In Thor: Love and Thunder, the song November Rain by Guns N’ Roses was played during an important battle scene. Thor inspires the children of Asgard, and Jane Foster returns with Mjolnir. The rising guitar solo adds emotional weight to the moment.

The crescendo of this rock song matches the action, making the scene feel grand and powerful. Director Taika Waititi drew on his love for Guns N’ Roses to bring that 1980s rock vibe to the film. He explained that the song was appropriate for the occasion and provided fans with a spectacular rock highlight during their Marvel voyage.

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5. Avengers: Endgame (2019)

In Avengers: Endgame, the song Dear Mr. Fantasy by Traffic plays right after the Marvel Studios logo. This famous rock song quickly adopts a heavy and emotional tone. It’s striking, especially after the shocking start, and sets the stage for the heroes' suffering and hope. The fans can interpret lines in various ways. For instance, the line "take us out of this gloom" could reference Tony Stark trying to lift the team from their grief.

The song shifts smoothly between sadness and purpose, hinting at the great struggle to come. It serves as a quiet musical tribute to Tony's journey and the role the Avengers will assume next. This smaller element adds depth to the movies' storyline.

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4. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

In Guardians of the Galaxy, the song Come and Get Your Love by Redbone was heard at the very start of the movie. We find Peter Quill dancing on a lonely planet with his Walkman. The music is uplifting, rendering the scene comedic and vibrant. It depicts Star-Lord's free-spirited existence and enjoyment of having fun, even while he is in danger.

The song became popular again due to the film. It reached the top of charts and fans' playlists. It defined what makes these Marvel movies unique by blending humor, music, and emotion. The intro scene became iconic. It demonstrated how music can shape a movie's identity and make a character unforgettable.

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3. Black Widow (2021)

In Black Widow, a haunting cover of Smells Like Teen Spirit by Malia J plays during the opening credits. This version is slow and eerie, matching a montage of Natasha’s childhood in the Red Room. We see her training and losing her childhood as the song plays like a sad memory.

The original Nirvana song evokes teenage angst, but the female vocal here adds depth. The music featured in this Marvel film reminds us that Natasha was denied a normal youth and forced to choose a terrible path. The cover symbolizes that loss, making the film's opening emotionally striking in this Marvel story.

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2. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Thor: Ragnarok uses the Led Zeppelin song Immigrant Song in the opening and during the climactic fight. The lyrics talk about war, hammers, and Valhalla. This makes it a perfect fit for a Marvel film about a Norse god. Director Taika Waititi included the song in his first pitch to Marvel to show the energy behind the story.

The song returns when Thor fights to save his people. It was tough to get the rights because Led Zeppelin rarely agrees to such requests. After waiting, the band finally gave in, and Marvel paid for the rights. The result is epic and fresh. Fans enjoy hearing the music in the movie, not just over it. It helps give Thor's story a sense of power and modernity while remaining true to his mythological roots.

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1. Iron Man (2008)

In Iron Man, the AC/DC song Back in Black plays when Tony Stark is in Afghanistan riding in a military convoy. The scene is dramatic and entertaining, thanks to the hard rock song. The narrative promptly illustrates Tony's bold and self-assured disposition as he embodies not only the characteristics of a hero but also those of a rock star. It is noteworthy that the music plays a significant role in the storyline, as Tony personally selects the song.

The song helps establish Tony's character in other Marvel films. Although he eventually matures into a serious hero, fans remember his rock-and-roll spirit. At that stage, with "Back in Black," the energy of the entire MCU began to take shape, giving Tony a unique musical identity.

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These ten MCU movies show how a great rock song can turn a good scene into an iconic one. The choice of music was not random. We matched perfectly with the characters, important moments in the story, and the emotions they felt. Whether Thor is leading a battle or Peter Quill is dancing on the ruins of an alien planet, the soundtrack enhances the story.

These songs have stayed with fans over the years, often overshadowing the visuals. They demonstrate how music and film can come together to create a lasting impact. Rock music makes these scenes stand out as some of the most memorable and impactful in MCU history.