The Most Memorable Super Hero Theme

(Todd Rosenberg Photography / Handout, Baltimore Sun)

A few episodes ago, we reviewed Superman 3 and while it has its moments of being good, it’s mostly a forgettable adventure compared to the first two films. However, there is one thing that is consistent to all the Christopher Reeve lead films, beyond his amazing performance, and that is the music. Specifically, the Superman Theme composed by John Williams. I’ve been watching these films since I was a child, and while that may factor into my reasoning for considering it to be one of the best super hero themes of all time, I’m not alone in this.

There are a lot of amazing superhero themes. The Avengers theme by Alan Silverstri is the most recent iconic theme. You also have Batman’s theme, both versions by Danny Elfman and Hans Zimmer. There is also Wonder Woman’s theme by Hans Zimmer and Junkie XL. And honestly, probably not as iconic, but still loved, is Danny Elfman’s Spider-Man theme. All of these themes bring nostalgia for their respective super heroes, and by a large group of people are pretty recognizable. However if I was to ask my mom, for example, which song this is and I play Wonder Woman or Spider-Man, knowing he’s my favorite hero, she will have no idea. Even Avengers. And yes, she has watched these movies multiple times as I’ve seen them a lot as well as her grandchildren watching them. If I play Superman though, she knows exactly what it is. She has played it in the car herself on many occasions. It’s part of a orchestra compilation but it counts. I can say with confidence, if you ask random people on the street to name where the song is from they would get it correct the majority of the time. 

Currently listening to the song while writing, I’m asking myself, what makes this theme so memorable and wonderful? Well firstly, it just puts a smile on my face because instantly it reminds me of the films and just how much fun they are. Then you get the slow build up and I start getting a tingling sensation, and finally a rush of excitement and then just hope as the music literally screams “Superman” at you through the notes. It’s just so energetic all the way through. Now, I know nothing when it comes to music in terms of instruments or what notes are being played, our blink-182 episode will show you that, however when music is supposed to invoke feeling I don’t think you need to know that information. For me music has always been an escape just like video games. When I close my eyes and hear this song, I feel like I’m flying. I feel like I can see above the clouds and go through so many more emotions. For others this song may remind them of the people who were the Superman in their lives. It’s not only a reminder for the comic book character, but it’s a reminder for those who had loved ones that loved the character. Music is subjective and can mean one thing to you and a million other things to another person. I said earlier I felt hope as well, and it’s true, I feel as if things will be okay when I hear this song. 

Hope is something that everyone needs. Especially during the times we are in. Now I’m not saying playing this song is necessary to save us from the situation, or that we need a Superman to help out, although that would make things easier. But maybe hearing it will let you know that things will be better in time. I know whenever I’ve listened to it, I feel a lot better afterwards. It makes me feel strong, brave, confident, it makes me feel like I am a Superman. I would put it up there with Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Indianna Jones, and yes I know these are all John Willams, he’s just an amazing composer. He’s a composer that makes you feel, and think about adventure, and grabbing you for the ride, and that’s exactly why the Superman March has lasted all these years. This amazing composed piece of art is one of the greatest super hero themes of all time, and maybe even one of the greatest movie themes of all time.