If there's one thing I love, it's mythology. And in my opinion there's no greater mythology than the modern icons of today's superheroes. From Superman to Ironman and Spider-man, the technology of today has allowed us to join them on journeys via the big and small screen. The lights, costumes, story and visuals all come together to put these adventures into motion. One of the things that best helps pull an audience into the world they are watching is a good soundtrack. Tonight, we're going to look at the theme music of the Caped Crusader and I'm going to share my opinion of the Top 5 Definitive Batman Themes.
NUMBER 5: Batman Forever
While I wasn't particularly a fan of this movie (and certainly not the abomination that followed), I must admit that the theme was really good. It's exciting and very atmospheric in the way you would want and expect it to be. And if you absolutely have to include Robin in the mix, then this music does feel epic in a dynamic duo sort of way.
If you close your eyes while listening, you can see Batman and Robin preparing for a battle. Just don't open them or else you might see Jim Carrey prancing around in green spandex.
NUMBER 4: 60's Batman Theme
The 60s Batman theme is arguably, and rightfully so, the most famous song on this list. This show catapulted Batman into the mainstream world and defined the caped crusader for decades. This theme is unique in the sense that everyone has hummed it aloud at some point. It's a campy song perfectly suited for an over the top sitcom, and looking back it's a glimpse into an era where comics were more lighthearted and simplistic. But be careful when listening to this theme, once it gets stuck in your head it will never leave.
NA-NA-NA-NA-NA BATMAN!
NUMBER 3: Han's Zimmer's Dark Knight Theme
After Shumacher's theatrical Bat-Lobotomy, Christopher Nolan brought the Batman franchise back to life. With the idea of making his Batman “grounded in reality”, Nolan delved deep into the Batman mythos, expanding on an already intricate origin story and made it all seem believable. The Nolan Trilogy was connected by the musical workings of Hans Zimmer. What we got was a masterpiece that gets your blood pumping and lets you know that you are viewing something special.
NUMBER 2: Batman 1989: Danny Elfman
This is the theme that changed everything. When Tim Burton ditched the camp and color, he brought Batman back to his dark roots and showed a more serious/less kid-friendly tone than the General Audience was used to seeing. Charged with composing the Dark Knight's theme, Danny Elfman struck gold. The pace, the timing, the jumps and rhythm all work together to make sure every note is felt. This song was so good it was even used again for Batman: The Animated Series. I would almost argue though, that this theme is as much the Batmobile's as it is Batman's.
And the most definitive Batman theme ever composed.
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NUMBER 1: Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
If any of these songs completely capture and engulf you into the life of the Dark Knight, it's the theme from Mask of the Phantasm by Shirley Walker. From it's slow lead in to it's epic finish, this music captures not only the heroic side of the Batman mythos, but also the tragedy and pain of a boy still haunted by the death of his parents. From A Death in the Family, to Knight Fall, this theme fits perfectly with any memorable Batman story arc from start to finish. There can only be one “Most Definitive Batman Theme” and this is the song that goes above greatness. It allows you to live through Batman and connect with him in a way that no other theme does.
So do you agree or disagree? How would you rank them? Sound off below!
COMING SOON....