Some of the best music moments in the MCU have been featured in Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. Since 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy, James Gunn’s MCU franchise has used curated soundtracks to enhance the cosmic adventures of the titular team. These soundtracks comprise mostly nostalgic music from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, though have taken modern and experimental turns in the franchise’s more recent projects. Director James Gunn used music throughout the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise to underline key moments of emotion, provide insight into the deeper personalities of the titular team’s members, and simply to highlight the enjoyment and cosmic spectacle of the film series.

While most of the MCU’s installments feature songs used as part of the overall soundtrack, Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy projects have music playing in the actual scenes, which is known as diegetic sound. This stems from Peter Quill, who, as a child, was abducted from Earth by Yondu and the Ravagers with only his cassette player in his possession. Songs on Star-Lord’s “Awesome Mixes” include the likes of Blue Swede’s “Hooked on a Feeling,” Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home to Me,” and Rainbow’s “Since You Been Gone,” and these, as well as other iconic tunes, have provided the MCU with some of its most memorable music moments.

The MCU’s 10 Best Guardians Of The Galaxy Scenes, Ranked

There were a lot of laughs and amazing moments when the Guardians of the Galaxy appeared in the MCU. Here are 10 of their best scenes.

12 “The Rubberband Man” by The Spinners

The Spinners Bring The Guardians Of The Galaxy Into Avengers: Infinity War

Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy franchise has mostly been standalone in the MCU, inhabiting its own corner of the MCU’s cosmos, and rarely crossing over with other projects. However, 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War introduced the Guardians of the Galaxy to Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, and their appearance in the Russo brothers’ epic had them jamming to the Spinners’ “The Rubberband Man” aboard the Benatar. “The Rubberband Man” released in 1976, but saw a huge surge in popularity after its inclusion in Infinity War. This was a great song to introduce the Guardians of the Galaxy to the wider MCU, though only Peter Quill and Gamora seemed to enjoy singing along.

11 “Fooled Around And Fell In Love” by Elvin Bishop

Peter Quill & Gamora’s Romance Was Teased In Guardians Of The Galaxy

First released in 1976, Elvin Bishop’s “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” provided the perfect romantic moment for Peter Quill and Gamora in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy. While their romance was only teased in the original film, and would blossom in subsequent installments, the scene in which the pair dance to Bishop while waiting for the Collector in Knowhere began to hint at a much deeper connection between them. This was also a beautiful moment of quiet in an otherwise action-packed storyline, and led to a running narrative throughout the entire Guardians of the Galaxy franchise questioning which heroes were dancers and which were not.

10 “O-O-H Child” by Five Stairsteps

Peter Quill’s Dance-Off Saved The Universe In Guardians Of The Galaxy

The final moments of 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy saw Ronan the Accuser almost complete his mission to destroy Xandar using the Power Stone, despite the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Nova Corps’ attempts to stop him. Although all hope seemed lost, Peter Quill proposed a dance-off with the Kree villain, distracting him with his moves to Five Stairsteps’ 1970 single “O-o-h Child” while Rocket crafted a weapon capable of destroying Ronan’s Cosmi-Rod and freeing the Infinity Stone. While hilarious, this scene proved Quill’s quick-thinking, and stressed the new Guardians of the Galaxy’s teamwork, which was reinforced moments later when they collectively used the Power Stone to eliminate Ronan.

9 “Come A Little Bit Closer” by Jay & The Americans

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 Featured Yondu & Rocket’s Team-Up

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 saw Yondu step into a more heroic role after being ousted by his Ravager crew. The 2017 film saw Yondu form a close bond with Rocket, and the pair strengthened these ties by taking out Yondu’s former friends in an exhilarating moment to the tune of Jay and the Americans’ “Come a Little Bit Closer.” Released in 1964, “Come a Little Bit Closer” is one of the older songs in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, but is used to enhance Yondu’s show of strength aboard the Ravager ship, and proved just how close Yondu and Rocket had become during their time in captivity.

8 “Crazy On You” by Heart

Will Poulter’s Debut As Adam Warlock In Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 Had A Great Soundtrack

The Guardians of the Galaxy’s most recent adventure in 2023’s Vol. 3 also marked the introduction of the highly-anticipated Adam Warlock, portrayed by Will Poulter. Warlock went from adversary to ally during Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but his initial power, drama and style was reflected brilliantly with Heart’s 1976 rock epic “Crazy on You.” The song’s heavy beat and impressive vocals gave substance to Adam Warlock’s first burst into the streets of Knowhere, and his intense attack on the Guardians of the Galaxy, and also provided some subversion when Poulter’s Adam Warlock actually proved himself to be quite child-like and human, opposite to what the song’s power suggests.

7 “I Don’t Know What Christmas Is (But Christmastime Is Here)” by The Old 97’s

The Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special Celebrated Christmas In 2022

2022’s The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special was the first of the titular team’s stories to feature original songs written by James Gunn and performed by the band The Old 97’s, who portrayed an alien band residing in Knowhere. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’s opening song, “I Don’t Know What Christmas Is (But Christmastime Is Here),” was written by Gunn and composed by Rhett Miller, The Old 97’s’ lead singer who also plays Bzermikitokolok. This song included hilarious lyrics regarding humanity’s Holiday celebrations, and provided one of the most joyous and catchy moments in the history of the MCU, though Peter Quill wasn’t massively impressed.

6 “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra

Baby Groot Dances To ELO In Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2

Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky” opened 2017’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in explosive fashion, as the Guardians of the Galaxy fought to protect the Sovereign’s anulax batteries from an Abilisk while Baby Groot danced to his heart’s content. This iconic song was released in 1978, and had the function of showing the influence Peter Quill’s love of music had on the other members of the Guardians of the Galaxy in Vol. 2, as setting up a speaker to play the tune was a top priority for Rocket and Groot. Focusing on the adorable Baby Groot’s dancing while the Guardians fought in the background was an inspired choice.

5 “Creep (Acoustic)” by Radiohead

Radiohead Set The Tone For The Whole Of Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3

Released in 1992, Radiohead’s “Creep” is one of the more modern songs featured in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, and perfectly mirrors how Rocket views himself. The acoustic version of the song plays while Rocket wanders the streets of Knowhere, the Guardians of the Galaxy’s new base of operations, setting the tone for the team’s 2023 adventure as Bradley Cooper’s genetically-engineered raccoon would go on a journey of self-exploration. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 focused intensely on Rocket’s backstory with the High Evolutionary, and “Creep” provided a beautiful and emotional outlet for Rocket’s inner thoughts, though he soon realized that he, in fact, isn’t a creep at all.

4 “Father And Son” by Cat Stevens

Yondu’s Funeral Was Emotional In Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 may have seen Yondu become an official Guardian, but the film also saw him sacrifice his life to save Peter Quill. Shortly afterwards, the Guardians lay Yondu to rest, the Ravagers paid their respects with their firework tradition, and Kraglin gifted Peter Quill a Zune – an upgrade on his Walkman. Remembering Yondu’s impact on his life as a father figure, Quill listened to Cat Stevens’ heartbreaking 1970 song “Father and Son” while cradling Baby Groot in his hand. While Yondu was Quill’s role-model, Quill himself had become this for members of his own team, and this was displayed perfectly through Stevens’ song.

3 “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” by Beastie Boys

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3’s Hallway Battle Was Powerful

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 marked the final adventure for the original Guardians line-up, but the team couldn’t leave the MCU without putting up a brilliant fight against the sinister High Evolutionary. Infiltrating his laboratory, the Guardians of the Galaxy embarked on a dramatic hallway battle, filmed in one take, to the upbeat tune of the Beastie Boys’ 1987 hip-hop song “No Sleep Till Brooklyn.” Not only did this song stress the fact that the Guardians of the Galaxy wouldn’t give up until the job was done, but its strong beat demonstrated the sheer power of the scene, and highlighted every moment of connection between the now-synergized team.

2 “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence + The Machine

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 Has An Upbeat Ending Song

After battling the High Evolutionary and disbanding the original team, the Guardians of the Galaxy began to head their separate ways. However, a few members of the team stayed behind to take part in one of the most electrifying and satisfying moments in the MCU’s history. To Florence + the Machine’s “Dog Days Are Over,” released in 2008, Nebula, Rocket, Groot and even Drax dance together in a moment of huge elation, while the song’s quieter moments provide the opportunity to see Mantis’ departure and Peter Quill’s return to Earth. This emotional moment signifies the end of the team’s journey, but stresses the fact that it’s certainly a happy ending.

1 “Come And Get Your Love” by Redbone

Star-Lord’s Iconic Entrance In Guardians Of The Galaxy Was Revisited In Avengers: Endgame

By far the most impactful song used in the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise is Redbone’s “Come and Get Your Love.” This tune is the first that audiences see the adult Peter Quill dance to while stealing the Power Stone in 2014’s Guardians of the Galaxy, introducing him with fun, charisma and a wonderful love of music. This scene was hilariously revisited from a different perspective with Rhodey and Nebula’s Time Heist in Avengers: Endgame. Already having provided some entertaining moments, “Come and Get Your Love” plays over the credits of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, creating a fantastic full-circle moment for the MCU’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise.