The 5 Best Music Moments in Avengers: Endgame

These songs helped make Endgame the top foreign film in South Korean history and around the world 

Music has always been a powerful force in shaping the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The perfect track can heighten emotional moments, supercharge action sequences and add depth to a character's essence. Avengers: Endgame music scenes exemplify this artistry, helping weave together more than a decade of epic storytelling. From soaring orchestral scores to nostalgic needle drops, the music amplifies the triumphs and tragedies of the Avengers' journey, making powerful scenes even more impactful. There are several top music moments in Avengers: Endgame, including songs by the Rolling Stones and Redbone, but these five music moments rise above the rest as examples of skilled sonic conducting.

Marvel movies often open with high-energy music, typically kicking in right after the Marvel Studios logo, setting the tone for an action-packed adventure. Avengers: Endgame takes a bold departure from this formula, as it should, given the dire circumstances of a post-Blip universe. As Tony Stark and Nebula pass the time aboard the Benatar with little hope of rescue, the music takes a somber tone with the 1967 classic "Dear Mr. Fantasy" by Traffic. The song lyrics perfectly echo the grim mood, but they also show how Sonic Conductor music analysis can be a tool for character exploration. Consider the lines, "You are the one who can make us all laugh / But doing that you break out in tears." No Marvel character embodies sarcastic wit and quips more than Stark, yet at this moment, the song suggests that his humor is a mask that hides immense grief. The music certainly sets an emotional tone, but it also enriches Stark's character and demonstrates how the right song can add layers to a character's persona.

By the time Hulk and Rocket Raccoon arrive in New Asgard, the Avengers' mission has new hope that they can reverse the devastation that Thanos caused at the end of Infinity War. The music underscores this optimism with a brilliant choice: The Kinks' "Supersonic Rocket Ship." This scene, with Hulk and Rocket apparently hitchhiking and riding in the back of a pickup truck, pairs seamlessly with the calypso rhythms and escapist vibe of the 1972 British hit. The song's enduring appeal lies in its optimistic vision for the future, which served as a clear contrast to the political and social unrest of the early 1970s. In terms of sonic storytelling, "Supersonic Rocket Ship" sets the tone for the transition and paints an image of a better future, reinforcing themes of resilience and determination in times of despair.

The most heart-pounding moment in Endgame comes during the climactic battle as blipped heroes return through Doctor Strange's portals to join in the fight against Thanos. What hit song provides the soundtrack to this iconic scene? Actually, none. This make-or-break battle called for a triumphant orchestral score, and composer Alan Silvestri rose to the occasion with "Portals." The sweeping composition captures the emotional gravity of the moment and signals a dramatic shift in a fight that had seemed unwinnable. "Portals" earns its place in the Top 5 as a reminder that a Sonic Conductor must consider every musical tool available. Sometimes, the most powerful choice isn't a beloved hit from the pop culture canon but a bespoke piece of music made specifically for the scene itself. Fans embraced the song's impact, and Marvel Studios later released a music video for "Portals" that celebrates its legacy as one of the MCU's most memorable musical moments.

The final scene of Avengers: Endgame is an inevitable inclusion on any list of iconic Marvel moments, and for good reason. It represents the culmination of more than a decade of storytelling and character development across multiple films. Dating back to the original Captain America, Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter shared a dream – to dance together – as a metaphor for the love they never had the chance to realize. That dream finally becomes reality when Rogers travels back in time to live out the life they always wanted. Rogers and Carter dance and kiss to "It's Been a Long, Long Time" by Harry James and His Orchestra. The song, which Rogers apparently had in his vinyl collection, delivers spot-on lyrics for a scene that concludes a major Marvel storyline. As an example of how sonic storytelling can add layers, the 1945 hit expresses a wife's joy as her husband returns at the end of World War II, the same conflict that led Rogers to become Captain America – and delay this dance – in the first place.

Marvel legend Stan Lee graced every movie with a memorable cameo, but he saved his best for last. Set in 1970 New Jersey, Lee appears as a fast-driving hippie who pulls up outside Camp Lehigh Army Base to shout "Make love, not war!" before speeding off in his classic Oldsmobile muscle car. The car's details include a "420" license plate, a psychedelic shroom sticker and Steppenwolf's 1970 hit "Hey Lawdy Mama" blasting on the stereo. The scene is a playful nod to Lee's rebellious spirit and a poignant full-circle moment. Camp Lehigh is where Steve Rogers first became Captain America, the first comic that Lee worked on as an aspiring writer. Adding yet another layer to the story, Lee himself served during World War II in the U.S. Army's Signal Corps Training Film Division, where he collaborated with other creative legends like Charles Addams, Frank Capra, William Saroyan and Theodore “Dr. Seuss” Geisel. Lee passed away at 95 before Endgame premiered, but his final cameo feels like a celebration of his larger-than-life legacy. As the man who helped build the Marvel universe, it's only fitting that Lee's last cameo is filled with energy, humor and rock 'n' roll attitude: a legend, going out like the legend he was.

Learn Music Storytelling with Sonic Conductor Classes

Ready to uncover the secrets of sonic storytelling? Learn directly from the Sonic Conductor behind the music of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and beyond! Join our risk-free introductory course and take your first step toward becoming a certified Sonic Conductor. Don't miss your chance – enroll today!