5 Greatest Scores From Fantastic Four: First Steps Composer Michael Giacchino

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In “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” composer Michael Giacchino solidifies his reputation as the most productive musician within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having worked on three Spider-Man films, a Doctor Strange and Thor movie, and even creating the current logo theme music for the company. Additionally, he directed and composed the Werewolf by Night TV special. With such an extensive presence across various Marvel productions, Giacchino’s name is synonymous with these comic book adaptations for many younger cinema enthusiasts.

As a movie enthusiast, I must clarify: Michael Giacchino is no novice in the world of media composing, boasting a rich career spanning theme parks, television series, video games, and of course, films. His versatility knows no bounds, as he consistently pushes the envelope with his extraordinary creativity, particularly in the unique instruments he employs. To celebrate his latest work on “First Steps,” I’d like to highlight five exceptional film scores by Giacchino that have cemented their place among all-time classics due to their remarkable artistic merits.

As a movie buff, it’s essential to correct a misconception: Michael Giacchino is no rookie when it comes to composing for various media – from theme parks and TV shows to video games and films. With a career spanning decades, he’s proven his adaptability across every genre, often showcasing extraordinary imagination, especially in the way he uses instruments. To celebrate his latest work on “First Steps,” I’d like to share five of Giacchino’s best film scores that have become timeless classics due to their incredible artistic qualities.

1) Spider-Man: No Way Home

No Way Home references and uses themes from previous Spider-Man movies and Giacchino’s Doctor Strange score.

As a die-hard Marvel Cinematic Universe fan, it’s absolutely thrilling for me to witness how the MCU score masterfully blends various musical influences that not only make listening enjoyable but also powerfully portray a young Peter Parker feeling overshadowed by his larger-than-life surroundings. The work of composer Michael Giacchino in this instance is remarkable because it seamlessly integrates the past with something fresh and terrific, resulting in an extraordinary soundtrack that truly encapsulates my love for the Marvel universe.

2) Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol

In the world of Ethan Hunt, composer Michael Giacchino teamed up with director Brad Bird for the first time in “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol”. Despite this being Giacchino’s second venture in the Mission: Impossible franchise (following 2006’s “Mission: Impossible III”), their collaboration never fails to create cinematic enchantment. And true to form, Giacchino delivered energetic and lively scores for “Ghost Protocol” that didn’t disappoint.

Strikingly, one of this composer’s remarkable achievements in Ghost Protocol lay in his knack for restraint. For instance, “Love the Glove” particularly showcased this, as it accompanied Hunt’s climb up the Burj Khalifa using more subtle tones, such as a lively flute. In doing so, the score broke stereotypes about what an action movie soundtrack should be and allowed the powerful visuals to speak for themselves.

3) The Batman

Many of Giacchino’s most notable works are from lighter, more playful films such as The Incredibles, Star Trek, and Super 8. One might initially think he wouldn’t be the best fit for a grittier, mystery-based movie like The Batman.

In practice, Giacchino’s “Batman” score proved to be a truly magnificent masterpiece. Tracks such as “Highway to the Anger Zone” resonated with authentic intensity and raw emotion, while other compositions effectively amplified the ominous atmosphere of Batman’s most suspenseful, foreboding scenes. Despite Elfman and Hans Zimmer having already established a high standard for Batman movie scores, Giacchino’s work on “The Batman” was exceptionally noteworthy.

4) Speed Racer

The classic film, “Speed Racer,” unapologetically showcases its thrilling and direct intentions. The score by Michael Giacchino enthusiastically supports these aspirations, offering an enjoyable assortment of music brimming with strong, grandiose orchestral tones.

The extended piece “Grand Ol’ Prix” in the third act showcases a mix of various musical styles, such as suspenseful espionage themes and grandiose reflections of emotional turmoil, within approximately six minutes. Even the introductory track, “I Am Speed,” features a diverse combination of lighthearted sounds that swiftly transition into triumphant horns. This dynamic and unforgettable score is exactly what a film like Speed Racer required, exuding ambition, fun, and memorability.

5) Up

The entire list might simply consist of Giacchino’s scores from Pixar films, given that he made a significant breakthrough as a film composer with “The Incredibles” and has consistently delivered outstanding music for Pixar in movies such as “Ratatouille,” “Inside Out,” “Coco,” among others. However, it is worth noting that “Up” stands out as Giacchino’s masterpiece, whether considering his Pixar work or his body of work as a whole. The emotionally charged, dialogue-free prologue in “Up” has become iconic and derives much of its impact from Giacchino’s beautiful composition known as “Married Life.

In many crucial scenes from the movie “Up”, Director Pete Docter minimizes dialogue, giving animator and Michael Giacchino’s animation an opportunity to shine brilliantly. This strategic move contributes significantly to some of the film’s most impactful tear-jerking moments. Moreover, when it comes to evoking emotions, particularly pathos, Giacchino’s music for “Up” truly finds its expression at its best.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in theaters now.

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2025-08-14 02:18