Music15 songs that pumped on the soundtracks of James Gunn movies

Music15 songs that pumped on the soundtracks of James Gunn movies

Director of the New Superman and the Guardian Trilogy of the Galaxy is famous for panning forgotten songs and transforming them into hymns for new generations

If there is one thing that James Gunn He knows how to do as well as driving superhero movies and stylized action scenes, is to choose music for the soundtracks of his movies. But not any song: the filmmaker has scent for forgotten bands, d -sided sides, and dated hits that, when they come into play, make a new life and explode in streaming services.

Of Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) to the new SupermanYour movies have always promised and have delivered one thing: at least one song will become gum in your mind. Next, we remember 15 songs that Gunn It helped put back on the audience radar or that they just got even better after going through their movies:

1. “Come and get your love” – Redbone (Guardians of the Galaxy2014)

That was the song that presented the style James Gunn to use soundtracks in the cinema with personality and irreverence. At the beginning of Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), we see Peter Quill (Chris Pratt, JURASSIC WORLD) Adult walking through a desert planet to the sound of “Come and Get Your Love”, phone in the ears, dancing and kicking small aliens as if it were the most normal thing in the world. The scene is pure 70s vibe and transforms a moment that could be dark into something light, fun and unforgettable. Redbone’s track exploded on the platforms after the movie and became practically the Star-Lord theme song.

2. “Hooked on a feeling” – Blue Swede (Guardians of the Galaxy2014)

“Hooked on a feeling” is almost synonymous with Guardians of the Galaxyeven without touching a great action scene. The song appears in the first trailer of the film in 2014, and has already set the tone of what would come: irreverence, nostalgia and a trail full of personality. In the feature, she plays when Peter Quill is captured by the ravagers, and later during the group formation, helping to create that retro-cool climate that became a trademark of the franchise. The hypnotic “ooga-chaka” became chewing gum and helped redefine superhero movies marketing: now, trail was also a character.

3. “Escape (The Piña Colado Song)” – Rupert Holmes (Guardians of the Galaxy2014)

“Escape (The Piña Colado Song) plays in one of the lightest and most comic moments of Guardians of the Galaxywhen Peter Quill tries to seduce Gamora (Zoë Saldaña, Emilia Pérez) In the ship, to the sound of the romantic classic full of irony and beach climate. The song creates a fun contrast between the slic tacky flirt and the cold (and armed) resistance of Gamora, which ends the mood with a knife in the neck. Gunn Uses the track as part of Peter’s personality: a guy stuck in the 70s/80 and the affective memories of childhood. Result? The music, which was already kitschhe became cult and returned to the public radar with everything.

4. “Ooh Child” – Five Stairsteps (Guardians of the Galaxy2014)

“Ooh Child” packs one of the most unlikely scenes of Guardians of the Galaxy: The moment when Peter Quill distracts Ronan, the villain, with … a little dance. Instead of an epic confrontation full of punches and explosions, Gunn Opts for an absurd gesture, packed by this classic 70’s soul. The song, with its optimistic message (“Things Are Gonna Get Easier”, things will get easierin free translation), subvert the cliché of the tense climax and also reinforces the essence of the film: a group of misfits that saves the galaxy with humor, affection and good music. After that, “Ooh Child” was never just a background song. It became emotional punchline.

5. “Ain’t no Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (Guardians of the Galaxy2014)

“Ain’t no Mountain High Enough” closes Guardians of the Galaxy with the heart. After saving the universe and finally opening the gift left by her mother, Peter Quill puts this classic track to play while the guardians depart on their next adventure. Music, full of love and promises of protection, creates a counterpoint with the melancholy beginning of the film and celebrates the newly formed bond between the characters. Gunn It uses it as an emotional seal, showing that, however galactic the scenario, what moves everything is still affection. Result: A song that was already beautiful returned to playlists as a hymn of cosmic friendship among the characters.

6. “I Want You Back” – The Jackson 5 (Guardians of the Galaxy2014)

“I Want You Back” is one of the cutest moments of Guardians of the Galaxy: Baby groot dancing hidden while Drax (Dave Bautista, Knock on the door) Cleans your knife, completely oblivious to the little show. It’s the last moment of the movie, and James Gunn Closes the story with lightness, cuteness and pure charisma. The choice of the song is right – lively, nostalgic, with contagious energy – and marked the debut of Baby Groot as an instant pop icon. The scene went viral, turned gif, became a T -shirt, and put the Jackson 5 At the top of the playlists, making a whole generation rediscover this classic with another smile on your face.

7. “Mr. Blue Sky” – Electric Light Orchestra (Guardians of the galaxy vol. 22017)

“Mr. Blue Sky” opens Guardians of the galaxy vol. 2 With one of MCU’s most fun sequences: an epic battle against an interdimensional monster happens in the background while Baby Groot happily dances in the foreground, totally oblivious to chaos. The music, vibrant and sunny, dictates the tone of the movie from the first minute: light, colorful, exaggerated and with plenty of personality. James Gunn It transforms what could be just another action scene into a delusional music video that reaffirms the trail as a central part of the narrative. Result: Elo has gained a new breath on the charts and Groot became a darling for good.

8. “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” – Looking Glass (Guardians of the galaxy vol. 22017)

“Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” not only appears on the trail of Guardians of the galaxy vol. 2 – She is an essential part of the script. Ego (Kurt Russell, New York Escape), Peter Quill’s father uses music as a metaphor to justify his choices and cosmic loneliness, saying that she summarizes her relationship with Quill’s mother. It is a brilliant turn of James Gunn: He takes a half forgotten hit of the 70s, with a bar song, and turns into a symbol of emotional manipulation and family tragedy. Music gains new weight and becomes unforgettable in the context of the film, mixing romanticism, guilt and devastating revelations.

9. “The Chain” – Fleetwood Mac (Guardians of the galaxy vol. 22017)

“The Chain”, from Fleetwood Macpacks two crucial moments of Guardians of the galaxy vol. 2but it even shines at the climax: when Peter Quill finally faces Ego, his heavenly and manipulative father. The track enters with its iconic low line just as Quill activates its powers and assumes its identity with full force. The choice of music, which talks about not breaking bonds, works as a metaphor for the ties between the guardians, now more family than ever. Gunn It transforms this track melodic rock anthem into a cathartic confrontation, and the song has played again and be shared as if it were launch.

10. “Father and Son” – Cat Stevens (Guardians of the galaxy vol. 22017)

“Father and Son” from Cat Stevenspack one of the most exciting moments of Guardians of the galaxy vol. 2: Yondu’s farewell (MICHAEL ROOKER, Creeping beings). The song plays during the funeral scene in space, when friends gather to honor Peter Quill’s foster father, while colored fires illuminate the starry sky. The lyrics, full of dialogue between generations and acceptance, marries perfectly with the mix of sadness and redemption of the scene. James Gunn It transforms this classic folk into a trail of mourning and tribute, giving a deep weight to a character who became a father to many, and leading the audience to feel all the emotional burden of this cosmic goodbye.

11. “People Who Died” – The Jim Carroll Band (The Suicide Squad2021)

“People Who Died”, from The Jim Carroll Bandmarks one of the most explosive and chaotic scenes of The Suicide Squad (2021). The punk track, full of raw energy and ironic lyrics about death and disaster, accompanies the frantic entrance of the squad in action on the mission in a maltese cut. James Gunn Uses music to give rhythm and personality to the unbridled carnage, underlining the black humor and stylized style of the movie. This choice brings a perfect contrast between graphic violence and the rapid beat, making the scene even more memorable and intense.

12. “Creep” (acoustic version) – Radiohead (Guardians of the galaxy vol. 32023)

Guardians of the galaxy vol. 3 It is, above all, the story of Rocket, and James Gunn It prepares the terrain for this emotional journey since the opening scene. The acoustic version of “Creep”, from Radioheadcaptures perfectly the anguish, loneliness and feeling of being an outsider that defines the character. The choice of this more contained version brings extra melancholy, giving voice to the inner wounds of raccoon which, despite the explosive and sarcastic personality, carries a painful past. Not only does this song humanize Rocket, but also gives the movie emotional depth at its beginning.

13. “Dog Days Are Over” – Florence + The Machine (Guardians of the galaxy vol. 3, 2023)

“Dog Days Are Over” from Florence + The Machineserves as the perfect soundtrack for the final catharsis of Guardians of the galaxy vol. 3. After one of the most difficult adventures, the team gathers in Luganenhum to celebrate life with a lively dance party, where even Durão Drax (Dave Bautista) Deliver to the vibrant rhythm of the song. The powerful track, with its contagious beat and intense voice, marks overcoming the dark times and closing cycles, leaving the audience with a sense of relief and renewed energy.

Extras:

14. “5 Years Time” – Noah and the Whale (Superman2025)

“5 Years Time”, from Noah and the Whalepacks an action sequence in Superman (2025) that is all about the unique style of James Gunn. While the camera spins frantically, Mr. Amazing (Edi Gathegi, Revenge & Punishment) Distributes pound in the background, the action not for a second. In the foreground, Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan, Wonderful Mrs. Morel) Follow everything with that look of who knows that he is witnessing something extraordinary. Light and contagious music creates a fun contrast to the violence on the screen, showing that Gunn It knows how to balance adrenaline and charm in each scene.

15. “Punkroocker” – Teddybears Feat. Iggy Pop (Superman2025)

“Punkroocker”, from Teddybears with the participation of Iggy Popcloses Superman (2025) with a scene full of heart and affection. The music that packs the closure reveals that, behind the hero, the Superman It’s punk too! The scene also features an important emotional turn with their parents of creation, being an ending that leaves the audience in the right vibe, with music, emotion and that dose of irreverence that Gunn know how to deliver.

Also read:Superman: See the full soundtrack of the movie with all the songs

What was the best movie of 2025 so far? Vote for your favorite!

  • Anora
  • Conclave
  • Perfect escort
  • Flower
  • The brutalist
  • Mickey 17
  • Victory
  • Sinners
  • Thunderbolts*
  • Man with h
  • Karate Kid: Legends
  • Premonition 6: Blood Ties
  • Lilo & Stitch
  • Mission: Impossible – The Final Set
  • How to train your dragon
  • Extermination: Evolution
  • Elio
  • F1: The Movie
  • JURASSIC WORLD: restart
  • Superman

Source: Rollingstone

You may also like