James Gunn’s 7 Best Superhero Movie Needle Drops

by

Attending a James Gunn movie typically means you’re in for some fast-paced action, a mix of witty humor and sincere emotion, and undeniably, an exceptional, carefully selected soundtrack. Gunn’s song choices, often referred to as needle drops, are almost synonymous with his films, earning him the reputation of reviving classic songs, such as the Teddybears and Iggy Pop’s “Punkrocker”, which he recently brought back into the limelight.

Because no one can quite match Gunn’s skill at a dramatic film score drop, here are the top 7 instances where he truly shined in cinema:

Given that only Gunn can execute a cinematic score drop as impressively as anyone else, let me share with you the seven times he did it exceptionally well on the big screen:

In both cases, I’ve aimed for a natural and easy-to-read paraphrase while retaining the original meaning.

1) “Come and Get Your Love” – Guardians of the Galaxy

Playing Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love” by Peter Quill at the start of Guardians of the Galaxy was a charming surprise for Marvel film viewers and an ingenious way to subvert expectations on several fronts. Not only did this music choice suggest that Peter Quill/Star-Lord would not be your typical hero, but James Gunn skillfully used this song to hint to audiences that this wouldn’t be the somber, serious superhero film they were accustomed to when Guardians was first released in 2014. Additionally, the tune sets a humorous and energetic tone for the movie right from the start.

2) “Punkrocker” – Superman

In Gunn’s superhero films, Superman stands out as the one with the highest score. Ending the movie with “Punkrocker” was a brilliant move. It cleverly connects to an earlier scene between Superman and Lois in the film, where Superman says that trust and appreciating others’ beauty is the true spirit of punk rock.

The song “Punkrocker” at the end of Superman in Gunn’s films ties back to a scene where Superman talks about trust and beauty with Lois. This connects to the idea that punk rock is all about trusting and appreciating others, which Superman represents.

In the movie, not only did the concept gain widespread popularity online and the song soar high on streaming charts (making “Punkrocker” a hit), but its play in the Fortress of Solitude suggests that Superman had concluded his emotional transformation. Instead of choosing to listen to Jor-El and Lara’s message, he opted for viewing old home videos with his adoptive parents, indicating his reevaluation of destiny and purpose. Moreover, by clinging onto hope and humanity, he refused to abandon these core values.

3) “Mr. Blue Sky” – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

In contrast to the initial Guardians trilogy installment, the second volume, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, didn’t catch audiences off-guard with an exciting retro soundtrack; instead, it was anticipated. However, David Gunn still managed to impress by incorporating Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky” into the film, skillfully blending familiar elements (such as a high-energy fight scene accompanied by a cheerful tune) while introducing Baby Groot as the main character in the sequel’s opening battle.

In this scene, Gunn skillfully employs music as a means of creating a contrasting mood, and at the same time, we get a glimpse of the Guardians’ strengthened family bond in a way that is consistently engaging.

4) “Hey” – The Suicide Squad

In the film The Suicide Squad, Gunn’s preference for incorporating music into fight scenes is evident, yet his choice to include “Hey” by The Pixies demonstrates that he isn’t confined by this preference.

The tune dramatically enhances the Squad’s stroll through the rain by making it over a hundred times more appealing. Moreover, Gunn strategically employs “Hey” as a moment of respite instead of amplifying energy in a high-action sequence. This brief pause allows both the characters and viewers to regroup, preparing for the impending violent confrontation that ensues.

5) “The Chain” – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

In Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Fleetwood Mac’s famous song “The Chain” is played not just once, but twice. The first time is when Peter Quill (Star-Lord), Gamora, and Drax accompany Ego and Mantis to Ego’s home planet. The second time it plays is during the movie’s thrilling climax, as Peter defies his father’s mind control and engages in a fierce battle.

The use of the song significantly enhances the seriousness of every scene. Remarkably, Gunn skillfully aligns the song’s lyrics with the plot twice. In the first instance, when Peter decides to separate from the Guardians – Rocket, Groot, and Nebula are left behind as he joins Ego, choosing to explore his fatherly connection over their camaraderie. The second time, by rejecting Ego’s destructive plan in favor of his adoptive family, Peter once more “breaks the chain,” emphasizing his personal growth throughout the movie and amplifying the song’s emotional resonance.

6) “Creep” – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Gunn masterfully shifted the tone and main storyline of “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” by playing Radiohead’s “Creep” at the start of the movie. The melancholic tune beautifully enhances the emotional flashback of Rocket’s past that unfolds in the opening scenes, and it acts as a transition into the present, revealing a matured Rocket singing to the song.

In a melodic manner, “Creep” offers an insight into the character’s mental state, portraying him as someone who, due to his past, feels like an outsider or an odd one out. This song effectively and emotionally prepares us for the journey in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 by establishing its narrative with remarkable efficiency.

7) “O-o-h Child” – Guardians of the Galaxy

Typically, the climax of a Marvel superhero movie is an intense, suspenseful event. However, director Gunn managed to inject humor into the Guardians’ confrontation with Ronan the Accuser by incorporating the Five Stairsteps’ soul song in a surprising and comedic way. Quill’s dance-off challenge against the imposing Ronan was not only funny but also one of the film’s memorable moments. This scene not only provided laughter, but it also gave Peter an opportunity to distract his enemy, allowing Drax and Rocket enough time to aim their fire at Ronan.

The song ‘O-o-h Child’ is one of Gunn’s carefully selected tunes for the film, appearing not just as popular favorites or catchy numbers but also as elements that resonate with the plot or characters.

What’s your favorite needle drop in a James Gunn film? Tell us below in the comments!

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/superman-2025-movie-characters-james-gunn-playlist-spotify/embed/#

Read More

2025-08-11 23:18