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Our 10 Best Pop Songs in DC Movies list looks at the best rock songs in DC movies. If you read our 10 Best Pop Songs In Marvel Movies list, then you know what we’re discussing for this list. This time around we will talk about the music in DC movies. DC Movies aren’t just about the characters and the battle scenes. It’s about the music too. Music ties everything together. Climatic moments wouldn’t have the same impact without the right music to go along with them. Movies usually have soundtracks that come out with them.
The songs on the soundtracks can have just as big an impact on the audience as the films themselves. The music helps get the audience pumped for the films. The soundtracks feature classic hits as well as original songs. They may not all be written for the movies they appear in, but the songs help move the plots along in the movies. Music in movies can enhance a scene as well as show emotion of the characters. The music ties everything together in the films.
# 10 – You Don’t Own Me – Suicide Squad
The first song on our list of the 10 Best Pop Songs In DC Movies is “You Don’t Own Me” for the Suicide Squad Soundtrack. Leslie Gore’s classic jam was used in the movie to represent Harley Quinn’s (Margot Robbie) character. The song has a feminist vibe that works with her character in Suicide Squad. The song is about feminism and not letting someone treat you like you’re a possession. The song appears in the trailer for her character as well as in the movie. People think the song is a contradiction because Harley Quinn is viewed as a sex object.
Her boyfriend (Joker played by Jared Leto), the prison guards, and Amanda (Viola Davis) treat her like they own her. Harley Quinn owns herself. She was supposed to viewed as eye candy for men, but she proved she wasn’t like that so the song is appropriate for the movie. She is shown in a prison cell when the song starts playing. She breaks free and she proves she’s not a victim. Leslie Gore’s version of the song is featured in the movie, but Grace ft. Eazy’s version appears on the soundtrack. You couldn’t go wrong listening to either version of the track.
# 9 – I Hate Myself For Loving You – Birds of Prey
The next song on our list of the 10 Best Rock Songs In DC Movies is “I Hate Myself For Loving You” for the Birds of Prey Soundtrack. Joan Jett and the Blackhearts recorded the track. The song is played while Harley’s (Margot Robbie) thinking about breaking up with the Joker. She had a toxic relationship with him and that works for the song. The movie opens up with this rock jam to express how Harley Quinn feels about her relationship with the Joker ending. She hated how she couldn’t get over the Joker so the song expresses those feelings beautifully.
The hard rock beat sets the tone for the rest of the movie. The movie has a feminist tone so the soundtrack needed to accommodate the theme. The classic rock jam was a perfect fit for the song. Any fans of classic hard rock will instantly recognize this song as soon as the guitar riffs begin. The song has a hard rock beat and will have you amped for the rest of the movie. The song peaked at number eight on the Hot 100 charts. The classic song was given a new lease when it appeared in the movie.
# 8 – Everything I Need – Aquaman
Skyler Grey recorded the song “Everything I Need.” The song was written for the movie. The track was written for the movie. The love song appears throughout the movie. You can hear snippets of the song during the movie. This song did for Aquaman what “My Heart Will Go On” did for the movie Titanic. “Everything I Need” establishes Arthur (Jason Mamoa) and Mera’s (Amber Heard) relationship in the movie. The stirring music is perfect to hear throughout the movie. You get different opportunities to hear this song. Most movie couples have a theme song so this so is appropriate for Arthur and Mera. The beautiful lyrics will touch your soul. The lyrics tell a romantic story so it fits in with the movie. The song doesn’t disappoint because it helps establish the love story the same way the script does.
# 7 – To Be Human – Wonder Woman
Sia and Labrinth recorded “To Be Human” from the Wonder Woman Soundtrack. Sia has something in common with the characters in comic book movies. She is a woman of mystery because she keeps her identity a secret from the fans the same way the characters wear masks to hide identities from everyone in the movies. Sia is no stranger to appearing on movie soundtracks. She had songs on different movie soundtracks. With that said, “To Be Human” works with Wonder Woman because the synthy ballad tells a story about love and confidence.
The song fits with the movie because it could help tell the story between Dianna Prince (Gail Gadot) and Steve Trevor (Chris Pine). The characters have a budding romance throughout the film so this could be a love theme for the characters. The lyrics will resonate with you even if you don’t watch the movie. The song is also inspirational. Dianna Prince realizes at a point in the film that she can handle anything. “To Be Human” is one of the only songs on the soundtrack that features lyrics.
# 6 – Everybody Knows – Justice League
Sigrid recorded the song for the Justice League Soundtrack. The ballad is a cover of Leonard Cohen’s song. Sigrid was a newcomer to music when she recorded this track. The director wanted a positive song for the soundtrack. The song is about knowing the truth, but allowing people to think what they want to think so you can feel better. This is the track that opens the movie to get the audience ready for the film. The song is a montage exploring what happened when one of the main characters in Batman v Superman dies. Joss Whedon wanted this song for the movie. The song talks about the heroes and leaders that we have lost. It works when you see what happens to one of the characters in the movie. The song makes the characters question whether they would step up and help the living if their heroes died.
# 5 – Heathens – Suicide Squad
The next song on our list of 10 Best Rock Songs In DC Movies is “Heathens” from the Suicide Squad Soundtrack. Twenty One Pilots recorded the song for the soundtrack. The song was written specifically for the movie. The song has a mix of grunge, rock and r&b mixed together to create the unique sound. The song is played at the end of the movie. The duo was asked by the director of Suicide Squad to write a song for the soundtrack. The director wanted a song that would fit in an action movie.
The meaning behind the song fits with the movie. The track is about outsiders who form a group. They don’t want to be judged by people. They don’t want anyone making assumptions about them. The characters in the Suicide Squad are unique with issues so the song fits in with the movie. The duo wasn’t sure the song would work, but the director wanted the track for the movie anyway. It was the right assumption because the song became a hit for the soundtrack. “Heathens” peaked at number one on the rock and alternative charts and number two on the Hot 100 charts. The track sold over 10 million copies.
# 4 – She’s a Mystery to Me – Aquaman
We have another song on our list from the movie Aquaman. “She’s a Mystery to Me” appears on the Aquaman Soundtrack. Roy Orbison recorded this rock jam. The song wasn’t originally for the movie. James Wan wanted the song for the movie. He felt like the rock song was perfect for the movie. The song is featured when Arthur (Jason Mamoa) and Mera (Amber Heard) made an interesting discovery. They solved the mystery of Deserter tribe. The track plays in the background when they realize how perfect the surface world is. Arthur notices Mera and develops feelings for her. The classic jam describes their relationship perfectly because he considers her a mystery. Bono from the legendary rock group U2 wrote this track for Roy Orbison. The song cracked the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
# 3 – That’s Life – The Joker
Frank Sinatra has a lot of hit songs throughout his catalog. His songs are classics and have appeared in other movies. “That’s Life” appears in the movie The Joker. The song wasn’t recorded for the soundtrack, but it belongs in the movie. The track works for the movie because of the theme behind it. The song talks about getting off on hurting other people. They enjoy stepping on your dreams and not allowing you to have faith in yourself.
This track fits for Arthur (Joaquin Phoenix) because he gets picked on throughout the movie. Arthur wanted to do standup comedy, but he was treated badly for it. Murray (Robert De Niro) embarrasses him on television. Arthur realizes that he has him on the show because he wants to make fun of him. The lyrics for “That’s Life” express how he feels when he’s ready to stop taking abuse from his tormentors. He deals with everything that Frank Sinatra croons about in the song.
# 2 – Batdance – Batman
Prince had excellent luck when he wrote and produced the Purple Rain Soundtrack. It’s one of the most successful movie soundtracks ever. He tried his hand at producing another soundtrack. He recorded for the Batman soundtrack. He recorded “Batdance” for the movie. The track can be heard throughout the movie. At one point, the Joker (Jack Nicholson) destroys paintings before he meets up with Vicky Vale (Kim Bassinger).
The scene in the movie was taken from the TV show. The song works for the movie because the song is eccentric and attention grabbing just like the movie. “Batdance” was used for the Joker in the movie. The song fit with his personality. Prince wasn’t told anything about the movie, but he was able to capture the essence of the Joker in the song. “Batdance” was number one on the Hot 100 charts and sold over one million copies.
# 1 – Kiss From a Rose – Batman Forever
The number one song on our list of 10 Best Rock Songs In DC Movies is “Kiss From a Rose” from the Batman Forever Soundtrack. Seal recorded the song. It appears on his eponymous album as well as the soundtrack. The song was given new life when it was included on Batman Forever Soundtrack. The song appears during the end credits of the movie. The song had an impact for the film.
Director Joel Schumacher initially wanted the song to be played for a love scene between Bruce Wayne (Val Kimer) and Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman). He changed his mind about using the song for the couple. He didn’t think it went with the love scene anymore. He loved the song so much that he wanted to keep it for the movie. He decided to place the track during the credit scenes. The song’s initial run was a moderate success. “Kiss From a Rose” became a bigger hit once it was used for the movie. In fact, this song is one of Seal’s most iconic songs. The song went on to peak at number one on the Hot 100 charts.
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
