10 Best Umbrella Academy Songs Ranked

The Netflix series, “The Umbrella Academy,” is inspired by the graphic novels of the same name written by Gabriel Ba and Gerard Way (the lead singer of My Chemical Romance). It revolves around a troubled group of superheroes who have grown apart over time but are forced to reunite following their adoptive father’s demise. This event sets off a series of disastrous events that the team must work together to prevent. True to its co-creator’s musical background, “The Umbrella Academy” incorporates an impressive soundtrack featuring tunes from various decades and genres throughout its four seasons.

From numerous instances where memorable music tracks appeared, choosing the top tunes was challenging. However, here are the Top 10 outstanding songs featured on Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy.

I aimed to maintain the original meaning while making it more natural and easy-to-read for a broader audience.

10) “I Was Made For Loving You” by KISS

In Season 2, Episode 5 of “The Umbrella Academy,” a confrontation unfolds between Number Five and Diego against their latest foes, The Swedes. During this intense battle, Lila, who has the ability to mimic other heroes and is developing feelings for Diego, makes an appearance. Caught between supporting Diego or her intended target, Number Five, she decides to aid Number Five. By duplicating Diego’s martial arts skills and trajectory control, she successfully takes out several Swedes. The song selection adds an amusing twist to the violent scene, while also symbolizing Lila’s unexpected act of betrayal towards Diego. This decision to help Number Five could potentially hint at future plot developments in the series.

9) “Powered Up” by Cobra Man

Towards the finale of Season 3, the Hargreeves successfully prevent another catastrophic event, however, it comes at the price of their superpowers. In the premiere of Season 4, they grapple with ordinary existence, but in Episode 2, their abilities mysteriously reappear in amusing and exhilarating fashion. This lively tune mirrors their happiness and exhilaration as they regain their powers. Luther, transformed into an exotic dancer, suddenly breaks out into a dance during his act, leaving spectators with little doubt about what’s going on. Number Five, who works in an office, spontaneously jumps between different time periods and dimensions. Meanwhile, Diego, now a mailman, effortlessly tosses letters into mailboxes from a moving vehicle. The tune reaches its climax as the characters express their delight. Who doesn’t enjoy a power-up montage?

8) “Dancing With Myself” by Billy Idol, Generation X

In Season 2 of The Umbrella Academy, the witty humor persists, offering a dose of laughter amidst a bleak universe, much like Episode 9 illustrates. Luther and another version of Number Five encounter each other, but due to a condition called “paradox psychosis,” they become increasingly aggressive towards one another. Instead of engaging, Luther prevents the younger Number Five from attacking. However, he receives a powerful kick to the groin instead, causing him to wince in pain. Meanwhile, both Number Fives brutally fight each other, shifting between time periods as this fitting song plays, exchanging blows and punches.

7) “Right Back Where We Started” by Maxine Nightingale

In Season 2, the Hargreeves are dispersed through time while a lively tune plays in the background. Each member lands in Dallas, Texas during different years: Klaus and Ben in 1960, Allison in 1961, Luther in 1963, Viktor a few months later also in 1963, and Diego in October of 1963. As they navigate their new eras, Klaus and Ben get lost, Allison encounters trouble when she attempts to enter a segregated restaurant, Luther shouts out dramatically amidst the rain, Viktor gets hit by a car and loses his memory, and Diego prevents a purse snatching before finding himself in another apocalypse that occurs just three weeks later. As the cheerful song abruptly ends, replaced by gunfire, it becomes clear that this season will deal with a catastrophic event and whether or not the Hargreeves can reunite after being scattered across time.

6) “Never Tear Us Apart” by Paloma Faith

In the first episode of Season 1, I instantly fell for every character, but Episode 2 delivers a heart-wrenching moment through this poignant tune. Unfortunately, after leaping ahead unintentionally, Number Five can no longer transport back home due to his mishap. He endures decades in the post-apocalyptic world, constantly evading the determined assassins pursuing him. Finally locating a means of return, he endeavors to persuade his family about the impending apocalypse they must halt. He recounts the gruesome sight of their deceased bodies amidst the debris that once was their home to them. This scene portrays Number Five’s deep sorrow as he moves slowly through the wreckage, swearing to find a method to return and prevent their tragic end. This scene underscores the significance of this family to Number Five, even with his strained bond with his adoptive father, further highlighting Number Five as one of the most emotionally charged characters in the series.

5) “Saturday Night” by Bay City Rollers

As an ardent fan, I’d put it this way: There’s no setting quite like a bowling alley for a family reunion gone awry! In episode 10 of season 1, the Hargreeves clan, far from your typical family, spent some unconventional quality time. They were at each other’s throats, shouting, having emotional meltdowns, and even squabbling with the kids in the adjacent lane. Yet, amidst the chaos, they found themselves facing an elite squad of soldiers sent to eliminate them. This was one of the rare instances where we saw them band together since their reunion.

Their teamwork was far from seamless, as they grappled with the intricacies of working together again. Yet, each member managed to dispatch some soldiers in a style reminiscent of The Umbrella Academy‘s signature fight sequences – rhythmic, poppy, and full of flair. They deftly outmaneuvered their adversaries by darting across the lanes and dodging through the pins, with Klaus delivering a near-perfect strike. As they narrowly escaped, it dawned on them just how crucial each member was to the other’s survival, even amidst their differences.

4) “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins

A fight accompanied by good music is great, but a dance battle with good music takes it up a notch. The Umbrella Academy and Sparrow Academy engage in such a dreamlike dance-off at the beginning of Season 3. Upon returning home after saving the world once more, they discover they’ve landed in an alternate universe where they weren’t adopted, leading to growing tension between the two groups. One character from the Sparrow Academy, Jayme Hargreeves (played by Cazzie David), has hallucinogenic abilities that cause Diego to imagine a massive house party soundtracked by Kenny Loggins’ famous tune. This light-hearted sequence provides a contrast to the show’s serious tone and gives a glimpse of a world where they’re all content. However, it turns out that this joyful scene is just a hallucination as Diego returns to his senses, finding himself back in the confrontational setting between the two Academies.

3) “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen

In an iconic fight sequence from the initial season, the skirmish between characters Number Five, played by Cameron Britton as Hazel, and Cha-Cha (Mary J. Blige) sets a high standard for the series’ combat scenes. These two masked assassins, sent back in time to capture Number Five, track him down at a department store where they begin shooting. This is our first glimpse of Number Five employing his powers in battle, and Queen’s energetic anthem provides the ideal soundtrack, highlighting his agility as he teleports, sets traps, and leads them astray. It becomes clear that Number Five is not only proficient with his powers but also clever, managing to eventually escape their grasp using his intellect when his powers malfunction once more. This fight scene demonstrates the show’s playful take on battles, utilizing lively and thrilling music to intensify the action rather than relying on intense musical scores.

2) “I Think We’re Alone Now” by Tiffany

In the initial episode, the Hargreeves gather once more, a reuniting that sadly stems from their father, Reginald Hargreeves (Colm Feore), passing away. The reunion begins with a sense of tension, as feelings run deep, but it’s the playing of Tiffany’s popular tune by Luther that breaks the ice and fills the house with its melody. This moment showcases the Hargreeves in their youthful state once more. Luther and Allison dance freely within their rooms, Viktor dances across the entrance hall, Klaus dances alongside his father’s ashes in a brief effort to connect, and Diego displays his dancing skills by closing himself off in the sitting room. This is the first and only instance where we witness the Hargreeves simply enjoying a tranquil and joyous moment together. It’s a scene that leaves an impact, reminding us of the times they cherished each other’s company, danced freely, and lived without any worries watching over them.

1) “Major Tom (Coming Home)” by Peter Schilling

Remarkably, the most poignant and captivating tune in The Umbrella Academy isn’t centered around the Hargreeves family, but rather Pogo (Adam Godley), their intelligent chimpanzee assistant. Although he met a tragic end in Season 1, the backstory of Pogo is unveiled in Episode 5 of Season 2. Pogo was a chimpanzee that Reginald Hargreeves and Grace (Jordan Claire Robbins), who later became the Hargreeves’ mother, raised together. The song swells as we witness him growing, being nurtured by Grace, learning swiftly, and embarking on a space mission. As Peter Schilling’s song reaches its climax, a space accident critically injures Pogo, leading Reginald to believe all hope is lost. In a rare display of emotion, he administers a serum to Pogo that saves his life and grants him human intelligence. This tender moment showcases a softer side of Reginald, causing Grace to develop feelings for him. This pivotal scene sets it apart from the rest of the series, making it more impactful and memorable.

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2025-07-05 00:41