Justice League

Certainly not Danny Elfman's first encounter with DC Comics superheroes, but representing his first contribution to the DC Extended Universe, 2017's Justice League brought together Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg to battle the threat of Steppenwolf. The film's score is an animated, bombastic symphonic work with pulsing low-end, prominent horns and choir, and few breaks from urgency. Longtime fans may be delighted to hear that it incorporates Elfman's Batman theme from the 1989 Tim Burton film, as well as John Williams' 1978 Superman theme, at least in select moments. Hans Zimmer and Junkie XL's Wonder Woman theme also made its way into the arrangements. (Elfman replaced Junkie XL on the project after a last-minute switch in directors.) With close to 90 minutes of original score material, the soundtrack release also includes songs featured in the film: Sigrid's cover of Leonard Cohen's "Everybody Knows," Gary Clark, Jr. and Junkie XL's version of "Come Together," and the White Stripes' "Icky Thump." ~ Marcy Donelson