One could argue, as important as a solid director, script and cast are to a superhero movie, equally important is a great score. Yes, one could argue, so I will. After all, the right piece of music can add definition to a character and enrich the film. For example, as great a film as "Iron Man" was, the soundtrack felt uninspired.
Some films, thankfully, don't suffer this problem. Below, you'll find ten of my favorite themes and individual tracks. In an attempt to keep it balanced, I limited it to one entry per soundtrack. Otherwise, it would've been dominated by two or three albums. So, again, these are ten of my favorite, not all time favorite.
That said, coming in at...
10. (MAGNETO) X-Men: First Class OST – Composed by Henry Jackman
My favorite X-Movie of the bunch, followed closely by X2. One reason is Fassbender’s Magneto and his quest for vengeance. This theme fits his character so well. It’s relentless. Imposing. You get the sense of a hunt, and he’s closing in on his target.
Jackman uses a slower version in the film – when Erik tracks down the former German soldiers. That piece felt more methodical. If the fast version is the hunt, the slower is the kill. I let the bluray menu play sometimes just so I can get this track with pictures. Hopefully, Singer utilizes it in “Days of Future Past”.
9. (CAPTAIN AMERICA MARCH) Captain America: The First Avenger OST – Composed by Alan Silvestri
Up until this film, Marvel Studios hadn’t really given their characters identifiable themes. You know, something you leave the theater humming to yourself. Iron Man? No. Hulk? Uh-uh. Thor? Nope. Then “First Avenger” came out. “Finally”, I thought.
“March” conjures an image of Captain America with the the American Flag in one hand and a bald eagle on his forearm. With the Armed Forces behind him. And maybe some fireworks. And red, white and blue confetti. With jets flying overhead...okay, this has gone on too long.
I was disappointed it wasn’t featured in “Winter Soldier”. Henry Jackman hinted at it in the beginning of the film but I don’t recall hearing it again after that. It’s really a great theme for the character. Keeping my fingers crossed it returns in Cap 3.
8. (MOLOSSUS) Batman Begins OST – Composed by Hans Zimmer and James Netwon Howard
Daaaahhhnnn, DAAAAAHHHHHNNNNN. That was me doing the…nevermind. When Christopher Nolan was tasked with resurrecting Warner Bros.’ Batman franchise, he turned to composers Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard to score it. Yes, “Batman Begins” (and “The Dark Knight”) had TWO composers. People tend to forget about Howard’s involvement.
Nolan’s take on the character gave Warner a billion dollar franchise and the Dark Knight new life. He even had a new theme to go with it. The Dynamic Duo of Howard and Zimmer created a soundtrack that painted a picture of a more visceral Batman inhabiting a gritty Gotham.
Just try listening to “Molossus” and NOT thinking about the Tumbler trashing cars while racing from the GCPD. Who knows what the new Batman franchise will produce. Will he even have a theme in "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice"? We’ll see in 2016.
7. (LOGAN THROUGH TIME) X-Men Origins: Wolverine OST – Composed by Harry Gregson-Williams
Did you know Wolverine even had a theme? He does. And it’s pretty darn good. The film had its problems and left a putrid taste in audiences’ mouths but Gregson-Williams’ score was not to blame. In fact, it was arguably the only bright spot in the entire film.
“Time” plays over the opening credits and it goes well with the images of Logan and Victor fighting through wars. The piece is primal, like Logan, and haunting at times. You get the sense this man has seen and experienced some dark moments. This is another theme I wanted to make a return in the film’s follow up. Alas, it was nowhere to be found in “The Wolverine”. It’s a shame, too. I probably wouldn’t mind the X-Franchises focusing on him so much if they featured this theme in each film…Probably.
6. (FINALE AND END CREDITS) X-Men: The Last Stand OST – Composed by John Powell
So, here’s another one – Underwhelming movie. Great theme. There are actually three separate motifs in this one and I love all three. You get to go soaring with Angel. There’s even that emotional punch like in the scene where Xavier gets…actually, I don’t know what the blazes Jean did to him.
I wish Powell was around for X1 because, if you think about that film while listening to this piece, you can see how well they’d work together. I’d even go so far as to say the same for X2. Sure Bryan Singer’s first two X-Movies have a theme but they pale in comparison to what Powell did on X3.
5. (WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT SAVING THE WORLD) Man of Steel OST – Composed by Hans Zimmer
Not to be confused with “An Ideal of Hope”, which is the shorter version featured in the 3rd trailer…and spawned a number of fan made trailers for the 1978 film. With Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy having brought in boat loads of cash, Warner Bros. decided it was time to give Superman another shot. They turned to Nolan and David Goyer, then added Zack Snyder.
You can say what you will about 2013's controversial “Man of Steel” but Zimmer managed to create a rousing theme that fit the tone of the film. It fits Clark’s adventures and the world he lives in. Hey, does anyone else listen to “Saving the World” and stop to play those quick drum spots? No? Just me?
Zimmer had to go in knowing whatever he created was going to be compared to John Williams. Top marks for coming up with something fans could leave the theater humming on their way home.
4. (SAVING METROVILLE) The Incredibles OST – Composed by Michael Giacchino
I’m quickly becoming a huge fan of Michael Giacchino. I love what he did with J.J. Abrams “Star Trek” and here with “The Incredibles”. The franchise doesn’t have your typical superhero theme. It mixes superhero flair with Bond-superspy jazz. Seriously, hire this man for a Bond film. Or a period set "Jonny Quest" movie. Can you imagine a…okay, back on topic.
I’m sure the Pixar film's 60s setting had a lot to do with the style. And that sets it apart from anything else out there. In “Saving Metroville” you hear the main theme at the start, (a softer, intimate version), then things pick up. With the announcement of “The Incredibles 2” coming…
(Leaves keyboard to do a happy jig)
…the smart money would be on bringing Giacchino back to build on his amazing score. If he isn’t available, blackmail him until he is.
3. (THE AVENGERS) Marvel’s The Avengers OST – Composed by Alan Silvestri
So, continuing from my earlier point about Marvel’s characters’ themes, (or lack thereof), when “The Avengers” opened, Captain America was the only one with a recognizable theme. It even made it into the film. Scoring a solo character is one thing - but six? Four of whom had their own solo films. Is it even possible? Oh, the hell, yeah!
In fact, Silvestri created a piece too massive for one hero alone. Hearing this piece while the camera circled the team assembling for the first time during the NY invasion gave me goosebumps. We hadn’t seen all six of them together until that moment and the theme made it more special. It’s powerful. Grand. It should come with a warning label – “Not to be listened to while driving. Known to cause excessive speeding”. I can’t wait to hear it in the theater again during “Age of Ultron”.
2. (THE BATMAN THEME) Batman OST – Composed by Danny Elfman
My favorite work of Danny Elfman. In 1989 the last memory of a live action Batman was Adam West. Tim Burton changed that with the help of Elfman. The pair brought the Caped Crusader back into the shadows, where he belonged. There’s a darkness to this theme. In the opening moments, it actually feels like it’s emerging from the dark. It possesses a brutality, especially in closing. Warner Bros. even kept it for their animated series.
Twenty-five years later, this theme still kicks all shapes of ass. In an alternate universe, Warner Bros., DC Studios is mulling over their new Batman franchise. They’re considering what direction to take. One executive suggests “Somewhere in between Burton and Nolan”. Then the discussion turns to the score. The director says, “That’s easy. Bring back Elfman’s”.
1. (PRELUDE AND MAIN TITLE MARCH) Superman: The Movie OST – Composed by John Williams
“Look! Up in the sky!...”
You know the rest. If you don’t, for Rao's sake, learn it. John Williams may not have known way back in 1977, (or whenever he wrote this), he was helping define the legacy of the greatest superhero of them all. Just as 007’s music IS James Bond, Williams’ score IS Superman.
Audiences identify the John Barry/Monty Norman theme with James Bond. Craig, Moore, Connery – it doesn’t matter. It’s the same with this masterpiece. It’s identifiable with the character, not just “Richard Donner’s Superman”.
It’s inspiring and uplifting, just like the man himself. It conveys peril, romance and adventure. Williams and the London Symphony Orchestra gave us the embodiment of Superman - everything he is and what he stands for. And it also drove kids (and kids at heart) to tie a towel around their necks and fly around the house.
Superman’s 1978 movie may be dated but his theme is timeless.
Well, that's my list. If you haven't put one of these together yourself, I recommend it. If anything, it's an excuse to listen to your favorite soundtracks. Thanks for reading...and listening!