TheGuardians of the Galaxyfranchise is without question one of the best additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and for multiple reasons. As well as including jaw-dropping cinematography and set pieces, the cast and characters have shot to the top of the fan-favorite list, thanks to both the incredible performances from the star-studded cast, and the masterful writing and directing of James Gunn.
However, one element that made the films so special was the soundtracks, featuring so many iconic songs that complete each scene. With Peter Quill aka the Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) being taken from Earth by the Ravagers, all the music that he listens to comes mainly from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, through the tapes he kept from his childhood. Quill’s Walkman becomes an iconic prop of the series, taking over the scene every time he clicks the play button. With each film containing so many examples, here are the 10 best needle drops throughout theGuardians of the Galaxyfranchise.
10George Harrison - “My Sweet Lord”
Compared to George Harrison’s massive music catalog, very few songs are as peaceful as"My Sweet Lord". Used inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, the song plays through Peter’s Walkman as the crew first arrive on Ego’s planet, which is easily one of the most beautiful, luscious settings in the entire MCU. The softness of the song perfectly pairs with the vibrant colors, making Peter’s choice to play the song so fitting.
Another aspect that makes this song such a great choice is how the lyrics relate to the character of Ego. The songhas a religious meaning, with Harrison writing “My Sweet Lord” praising the Hindu god Krishna. Ego is somewhat of a god himself, being a Celestial, and his planet was created by him after he learned how to manipulate matter and energy.
9Heart - “Crazy On You”
Being one of the defining rock bands of the 1970s, it was only right to include a Heart song in one of the films.“Crazy On You"was used in the final installment of the trilogy,Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, to introduce a character who’s sure to stick around for some time in the MCU: Adam Warlock (Will Poulter). Warlock was teased in the post-credit scene of the second film, created by the Sovereign with the clear intent of hunting down the Guardians.
In the first scene after introducing the audience to the Guardians' current location, the film cuts to a gold beam of energy flying towards Knowhere. The dramatic, distinct ’70s sound of the opening electric guitar riff fits perfectly with theGuardians of the Galaxytone while beingthe perfect way to set up Warlock’s explosive role in the film. Switching to Rocket Racoon (Bradley Cooper) in his room listening to the song himself also shows the influence Peter has had on the rest of the Guardians.
8Runaways - “Cherry Bomb”
The song that set up the final act of the firstGuardians of the Galaxywas Runaway’s"Cherry Bomb.“Exuding everything great about the punk rock genre, this song was undeniably the best song to build the hype for the epic final battle that would follow. Yet intro that begins with Peter listening to it through his Walkman — his music taste was destined to be the best in the MCU.
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This moment was also the first time in which we saw the Guardians united together in their iconic outfits, solidifying themselves as a genuine team, ready to defend the galaxy. Throughout the film, the characters go through quite a few trials and tribulations with each other, making the moment they all come together one of the most feel-good moments throughout the entire franchise. “Cherry Bomb,” paired with the slo-mo shot of the Guardians walking through the ship, will always be thought ofwhen mentioning the best shots in the MCU.
7Blue Swede - “Hooked On A Feeling”
Perhaps one of the most popular songs to be featured in theGuardians of the Galaxysoundtrack,“Hooked On A Feeling"follows a super common trend throughout the music choices in the franchise, with the tone of the song contrasting what’s actually happening in the scene. It’s easily one of the most joyous songs to feature in the film, but the sequence where the Guardians are processed into the maximum-security prison ‘The Kyln’, is quite literally the opposite of joyous.
As well as the visual contrast, the 1973 song also relates to a deeper meaning that’s present in the scene. This scene is the first real moment that the crew gets to know each other, especially Peter and Gamora (Zoe Saldaña). At the beginning of their love story, the lyrics “I’m high on believin' that you’re in love with me” hint towards the emotional connection that Peter had with Gamora as soon as he met her.
6Spacehog - “In The Meantime”
Despite many of the songs used in theGuardiansfilms having deeper meanings, some of them simply completethe stunning visuals of a sequence.“In The Meantime"is perhaps the best example of this inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, playing over the infiltration scene into the High Evolutionary’s base.
The main way that this song differs from the majority of other choices is that it was released in the ’90s after Peter left Earth. Despite this, however, the synth/rock, psychedelic vibe the song has pairs perfectly with the crew’s brightly colored spacesuits in front of a galaxy of stars. This scene reinforced theGuardians of the Galaxyfranchise as a leader in the comic book cinematography category.
5Electric Light Orchestra - “Mr. Blue Sky”
When thinking of opening sequences for Marvel movies, very few are as memorable asGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’sopening. Kicking off with the Guardians in full swing as the best team in the galaxy, the film opens with them trying to defeat a huge beast, as Baby Groot (Vin Diesel) plugs in the speakers.
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Electric Light Orchestra’s"Mr. Blue Sky"is the ideal song to set the tone for the rest of the film, being one of the most upbeat, fun songs used in the entire franchise. Baby Groot dancing through the battle is also a highly iconic moment, with his adorable nature adding so much lighthearted joy to a film that takes some pretty dark turns.
4Florence and the Machine - “Dog Days Are Over”
Another song that wasn’t released outside the class ’70s and ’80s period is"Dog Days Are Over"by Florence and the Machine. Easily the most bittersweet moment throughout the franchise, the song was used for the ending of the third film. On one hand, the characters haven’t had as much joy as they have this point, but it’s most likelythe last time that we’ll ever see the original team together.
After finally defeating the High Evolutionary, the Guardians decide that it’s time to explore some of their own personal goals. Especially with Gamora joining the Ravagers after the current-timeline Gamora died inAvengers: Infinity War, the team would never be the same again. Peter goes back to Earth to see his Grandfather, and Mantis (Pom Klementieff) leaves with her new giant monster pets. The team disbands, signifying that the dog days are well and truly over.
3The Five Stairsteps - “O-o-h Child”
By the end of the first film, theGuardians of the Galaxyfranchise was solidified as one of the funniest and unique comic book movies of all time. After the huge final battle in the skies of Xandar, Ronin’s (Lee Pace) ship comes crashing to the ground. Seeing no other option, Ronin is about to plunge his infinity stone into the ground, but is stopped in his tracks by no other than the song"O-o-h Child.”
Star-Lord challenges Ronin to a dance-off to the song, to buy extra time for Rocket and Drax (Dave Bautista) to charge up a gun, which decimates Ronin’s staff. Using the dance-off tactic is the last thing that you’d expect to happen at the climax of the third act of a film, but it gave the first installment so much more character and authenticity,standing out among every other comic book filmat the time.
2Beastie Boys - “No Sleep ‘Till Brooklyn”
Without a doubt, the most badass scene fromGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3came in the third act of the film, the elevator scene. A one-shot sequence that is pretty common in today’s superhero genre,the amount of organized chaos that was able to fit into one small hallwaymade for one of the best sequences in Phase 5 of the MCU.
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Each character gets their moment of glory in this hallway fight, with the Guardians all working together seamlessly to take down the High Evolutionary’s soldiers. Among all the chaos,“No Sleep ‘Till Brooklyn"is the perfect song to match the high-octane action, adding so much fuel to the scene, which ultimately makes it so memorable.
1Redbone - “Come And Get Your Love”
The song that kickstarted theGuardians of the Galaxyfranchise into the pop culture-honoring icon that is it today was"Come And Get Your Love"by Redbone. Moving away from the heartbreaking scene of Peter losing his mother, the film moves into the present with an adult Peter entering an abandoned temple/cave, looking for an orb.
Clicking play on his Walkman for the first time, this song perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the movie and the franchise, which is one full of feel-good fun and excitement. It also instantly lets us know that Peter is still a kid deep down, making him easy to root for moving forward. Compared to every other song across the franchise’s soundtracks, none are as synonymous with theGuardians of the Galaxyas this Redbone hit.
