Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was one of the most defining moments in entertainment in recent years. The comic-book-style animated movie follows the newest portrayal of a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man in the young Miles Morales. This 2018 film broke the possibilities of the Multiverse wide open and created a brand-new band of superheroes led by a wholly relatable and lovable character in Miles. However, the story of this movie is not the only thing to rave about. Indeed, one of the biggest stand-outs of this film is the music.
Into the Spider-Verse’s beautiful portrayal of Miles Morales, a young Black man in a coming-of-age environment as well as showing incredible family dynamics, made this movie stand out. Not to mention including more representation in the superhero genre of film. With all this in mind, the movie’s outstanding soundtrack contributed greatly to its success. By incorporating hip hop, trap, and pop styles of music, the soundtrack not only complements the overall vibe of the film, but completely enhances the emotional weight of each and every moment. With so many great tracks to work with, we have ranked the best songs in the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse soundtrack.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
13 “Invincible” (Aminé)
Sony Pictures Animation
No song on this soundtrack is bad. In fact, the entire thing, front to back, is a euphoric experience all in itself. “Invincible” by Aminé plays in this movie near the beginning while Miles is on his way to school. His father is taking him to a new school, and they have a very child-to-parent conversation in the car, with some intimidating encouragement from Miles’ father and a brave facade from Miles. Although the song is pretty brief in this scene, the lyrics themselves fit Miles’ situation (and many young adults undergoing change) to a tee.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
12 “Memories” (Thutmose)
Sony Pictures Entertainment
Back to back with our last entry, the song “Memories” by Thutmose plays when Miles gets out of his dad’s car and is walking up the steps of his new school, followed by an embarrassing moment where his dad makes him say “I love you” to him before he drives away. This moment, accompanied by a song that has both a catchy beat and a solemn feel to it, makes it a perfect fit for this point in the movie.
11 “Save The Day” (Ski Mask the Slump God and Jacquees featuring Coi Leray and LouGotCash)
IDRATHERGOBOWLING/Sony Pictures Animation
With the “other universe” Peter Parker ready to go get himself back home, Miles is nothing but persistent in offering his help. This exchange in particular shows Miles becoming a hero with his new powers, trying to grow into himself with the eagerness and blind excitement that only a child could have. The song “Save The Day” reflects Miles’ separation to prove himself. “I know where I’m headed, yeah I’m goin’ far, yeah I’m goin’ hard, and they ain’t gon’ stop me.”
10 “Familia” (Nicki Minaj and Anuel AA featuring Bantu)
“Familia,” by Nicki Minaj and Anuel AA featuring Bantu, plays as Miles is greeting and saying goodbye to some of his now-former schoolmates and neighbors. Apart from being just a great song, “Familia” is a great representation of Miles’ upbringing and how his community is part of what he considers his family. That sense of belonging in itself is a characteristic that feeds perfectly into the identity of a friendly, neighborhood Spider-Man.
9 “Way Up” (Jaden Smith)
Jaden Smith’s “Way Up” is a song that plays during the credits of the film. However, it is incredibly fitting to the themes of the film and Miles’ transformation, from its tone to the lyrics. Right off the bat, the song describes “I went from boy to a man, wow,” which is a very fitting line for Miles’ coming of age story.
8 “Home” (Vince Staples and Richie Kohan)
“Home” by Vince Staples and Richi Kohan is the last track on the soundtrack and, lyrically, is such a Spider-Man song. Spider-Man has always been the kind of hero that makes as many mistakes as he does triumphs, and the vulnerability from being a kid calls for the search for inner strength to protect yourself and your peace while ensuring the safety of others, especially the people you love.
7 “Hide” (Juice WRLD featuring Seezyn)
When Miles meets up with the other “Spider-Heroes,” he gets really bold and insinuates that he is ready to fight alongside the seasoned veterans. However, when confronted by the rest of the team, he is overwhelmed and completely shuts down. “Hide” by the late Juice WRLD and featuring Seezyn is the perfect backdrop to Miles’s defeat and his desire to run away from his problems.
6 “Let Go” (Beau Young Prince)
Into the Spider-Verse knows exactly how to balance deeply emotional moments with upbeat action sequences. The song “Let Go” plays before the climax of the movie, when Miles loses his uncle after learning his identity as the Prowler. Here, Miles is learning how to process loss and that even in the midst of emotional hardship, it is essential that you hold on despite wanting to “Let Go.”
5 “Start A Riot” (Duckwrth and Shaboozey)
Although “Start A Riot” by Duckwrth and Shaboozey made a very brief appearance in the very comedic sequence of the Spider-Heroes hiding from Miles’ roommate, it becomes one of the most popular songs on the soundtrack. When Miles’ roommate sees the entire group propped up on the roof, his headphones pop off and the song is blasting in the quiet space.
4 “Elevate” (DJ Khalil featuring Denzel Curry, Cordae, SwaVay and Trevor Rich)
A soundtrack is supposed to enhance a good movie experience. In recent years, the credits after the movie have become a part of the movie itself. “Elevate” plays at the beginning of the movie’s credits. Many movie-watchers remember how a movie makes them feel. Walking out of the theater or just sitting watching the credits, this song acts as the cherry on top and leaves audiences feeling completely hyped up.
3 “Scared of the Dark” (Lil Wayne and Ty Dolla $ign featuring XXXTENTACION)
When the Spider-Man from Miles’ universe dies, the entire city is in mourning. Miles, having finally put together the pieces of what his powers are, has lost both a mentor and a hero. “Scared of the Dark” is a song that reflects Miles and his desire and his need to live up to the Spider-Man legacy. The song lyrics themselves act as the voice in Miles’ head that is saying “No, I’m not afraid of the fall. I’m not scared, not at all. Why would a star, a star ever be afraid of the dark?”
2 “What’s Up Danger” (Blackway and Black Caviar)
“What’s Up Danger” is a song that is injected directly into your veins right alongside a rush of adrenaline. Throughout the entire movie, we have seen Miles at his best, his most hopeful, scared, and at a complete loss. However, he is able to pick himself up and takes his leap of faith. The incredible comic book-style visual sequence of Miles obtaining his own suit to swinging, though sloppily, through the streets of New York with this badass song playing in the background has us all trying not to jump out of our seats and cheer for him.
1 “Sunflower” (Post Malone and Swae Lee)
This song, much like Miles throughout this whole movie, grows with him. “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee is the song that’s playing when we are first introduced to Miles Morales as he’s getting ready for school. Talk about setting the tone for the entire movie! Throughout Into the Spider-Vese, Miles goes back to this song as a sort of comfort to help him when he’s afraid or out of control. Not to mention the success of this song outside the film speaks volumes about the way it resonates with the audience and how it is just a great song at its core.
