10 Best MCU Composers (& Their Best Pieces) Ranked

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is undoubtedly one of the most popular franchises in the world. Seeing everyone’s favorite superheroes come to life on the big screen, the MCU has garnered a lot of praise thanks to the cinematography, lore, and characters. But just like many films, tone and themes get amplified thanks to music with the MCU having no shortage of amazing composers. Without them, a lot of the scenes in the MCU wouldn’t have nearly as much impact nor be as memorable as fans like it to be.

As such, here are the ten best composers of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and their best tracks. Something difficult to do since the Marvel Cinematic Universe really has no bad composer.

10 Tyler Bates – Black Tears

Starting off the list is the composer for the Guardians Of The Galaxy films. Although the soundtrack of the film has a variety of pop-cultural music to fit the tone of the movie, the orchestral tracks by Tyler Bates help to push the mood and atmosphere in ways the pop culture music just couldn’t.

Take, for instance, the track ‘Black Tears’ which occurs when Peter Quill is grabbing the hand of his ‘mother’ as he is trying to resist the powers of the infinity stone with the rest of the Guardians. It is an incredibly tense and almost somber song that gets stronger and stronger as it continues playing. Being the scene that solidifies the characters as a team in their fight against Ronan.

9 Pinar Toprak – I’m All Fired Up

One of the newer composers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe lineup, Pinar Toprak is also the first female composer. This track is one of the most memorable parts within Captain Marvel thanks to the sense of resolve. With the slower beats slowly getting stronger and stronger, it becomes completely realized towards the middle of the track. Finally ending off with a climactic second half which screams of Captain Marvel’s resolve getting more and more powerful over time. Finally being who she really is.

8 Christophe Beck – Anthropodie

The absolutely powerful end theme from Ant-Man & The Wasp, this is a strong masterpiece from composer Christophe Beck. Adding little beats and notes in a more dramatic and somber tone helps make the original Ant-Man theme become one of a kind. As it symbolizes the character of Ant-Man and how he starts off small only to become something bigger. Especially since following the post-credit scene, is Ant-Man going into the Avengers Endgame. It’s honestly quite incredible.

7 Brian Tyler – Can You Dig It

One of the best tracks to come out of the Iron Man trilogy is the end credit theme of ‘Can You Dig It’. Composed by Brian Tyler, this is a song that mixes the heroism of Iron Man with the eccentricity of Tony Stark. Known for being quite groovy in the notes, it is the perfect character piece for someone like Iron Man. It also stands out for being very catchy while maintaining what makes the character so important to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

6 Mark Mothersbaugh – Thor Ragnarok Theme

Being one of the three composers for the Thor trilogy, Mark Mothersbaugh definitely takes the cake for having one of the boldest takes on the God Of Thunder to date. The choices made with the soundtrack not only fit the bold direction that Taika Waititi was taking the series, but also the next step in the development of Thor as a character. Take for example the main theme of Thor Ragnarok which meshes in electronica with the chords of something that fits the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Standing out as one of a kind.

5 Michael Giacchino – Spider-Man Theme

The Spider-Man theme is one of the most iconic songs in all of fiction. Originally appearing during the 1960s cartoons, many shows and films since then have either homaged it or have the same general theme idea for it. Being catchy and reminiscent of the Spider-Man character. That being said, the films have often had their own themes which is still fantastic in its own right. But by the MCU, Michael Giacchino’s take on the classic theme is one of not just nostalgia but a return to form for the character.

4 Henry Jackman – The Winter Soldier

When Henry Jackman first came on board for Captain America: The Winter Soldier, it was a stark contrast to what came before. When Alan Silvestri first produced Captain America: The First Avenger’s soundtrack, it was deep into optimism and patriotism. However, because Captain America was now brought into the modern-day, the soundtrack reflected that. Especially with the Winter Soldier track which is filled with mystery and utter terror. Perfectly setting the tone of the film.

3 Ludwig Göransson – Wakanda

Ludwig Goransson’s soundtrack is one of the most unique and compelling within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Many songs play within the themes of the story with a strong mixture of hip hop and African instruments. Creating this melodic tone that perfectly fits the film of Blank Panther. This is especially true with the Wakanda theme which beautifully mixes what was mentioned earlier into something that is completely memorable for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

2 Ramin Djawadi – Driving With The Top Down

When Iron Man first came out back in 2008, no one expected the movie to be as good as it is. Especially since it ended up created a vast universe full of colorful and memorable people. This hopeful and optimistic tone was perfectly encapsulated by the very first MCU composer Ramin Djawadi.

With the theme of Driving With The Top Down, viewers were able to see Iron Man in the beginning. When he first started working on his armor and slowly becoming more. The music adding into the playful and joyous phase of really saying “I am Iron Man”.

1 Alan Silvestri – Portals

Finally to cap off the entire list is the score by Alan Silvestri. Responsible for great soundtracks like Captain America: The First Avenger and the Avengers theme, they are plenty of things that make this composer something incredibly special.

So it is only fair that the best score would be right when everyone is revived after the snap. This moment was something that sent chills down every fan’s spine and remains the greatest moment in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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