Our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is returning to the big screen on July 31st, 2026. The events that unfolded in Spider-Man: No Way Home wiped away the memories of Peter Parker from the world, so it’s important that we don’t forget the iconic characters as well.
Though the characters throughout the MCU Spider-Man films have never explicitly expressed their musical tastes, what better way to learn and remember the main characters appearing in Spider-Man: Brand New Day than to listen to playlists inspired by their personalities!
So sit back, grab your headphones, and enjoy the unique playlists I created for each character!
Peter Parker
Peter Parker (Tom Holland) made his first on-screen appearance as Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War.
He is optimistic and goes out of his way to be a morally good person. Peter is an intelligent nerd and an awkward teenager in school. Still, he takes on a whole different persona when he puts on the mask.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day will show a vastly different version of Peter. After the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home left Peter Parker wiped from the world’s minds, he now has no friends and family to rely on.
Peter Parker would listen to indie/alternative rock or throwback songs. He does not strike me as the type of person who follows all of the latest music trends.
Peter’s music would reflect how his life is unraveling around him after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. His music would slowly devolve into more depressing songs as he is left alone.
So, let’s break down Peter’s playlist!
Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen
This is such an upbeat and energetic song. Peter needs songs like this in his playlist while he is swinging on webs across New York.
“Don’t Stop Me Now” would be playing while he is in the midst of an intense fight with a criminal. The energetic song would motivate Peter to continue fighting even if he does not feel confident about beating the enemy.
I’m Still Standing – Elton John
Spider-Man cannot win every fight, no matter how hard he tries. Peter is seen throughout the films going to great lengths to help in any way he can, even when he is up against a threat that is too difficult for him to take on alone.
“I’m Still Standing” would help him stay motivated after a difficult encounter with a villain. It could remind him that no matter how horrible a plan goes, he’s still fighting for what he believes in.
Should I Stay or Should I Go – The Clash
Peter has difficulties throughout all of the movies balancing his life as Spider-Man and his life as a teenager. He would really relate to this song, especially the lyrics: “If I go, there will be trouble. And if I stay, it will be double.”
During Spider-Man: Homecoming, Peter is trying to take his crush, Liz Allen (Laura Harrier), to the homecoming dance. Unfortunately, his duties as a superhero are calling him away. He ends up leaving Liz alone at the dance to take down The Vulture (Michael Keaton), who coincidentally ends up being Liz’s father.
Under Pressure – Queen, David Bowie
Peter is the type of superhero who puts the whole weight of the world on his shoulders. He constantly is trying to impress Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and prove that he is capable of helping and making a difference.
Peter would really relate to this song and just find relief in the song. The constant pressure of living two lives and never feeling present in either of them.
She’s Not Gone Yet But She’s Leaving – The Fratellis
During the trip abroad in Spider-Man: Far From Home, Peter is trying to find the right time to confess his feelings to MJ. At the same time, Peter has to deal with competition from one of his fellow classmates, Brad Davis (Remy Hii).
“She’s Not Gone Yet But She’s Leaving” would be playing in his head as he watches Brad flirt with MJ throughout their trip.
Spiderhead – Cage The Elephant
This song is full of energy and rage. Peter would listen to this after Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) betrays him in Spider-Man: Far From Home. Peter trusted Mysterio and looked up to him as a role model.
Some of the lyrics that really stand out are: “I am the one you left for dead,” and “You are the bullet in my head.” Considering Mysterio tried to trick Peter and nearly shot him in the head, it would be relatable for him.
Everybody Talks – Neon Trees
At the end of Spider-Man: Far From Home, Peter’s secret identity as Spider-Man is revealed by the villain, Mysterio. The reveal was dramatic and gruesome, painting Spider-Man as the villain who killed the “hero” Mysterio.
Peter quickly becomes a public enemy in New York. People are harassing him and his friends and family, so “Everyone Talks” would be relatable in his eyes.
My Way – Frank Sinatra
This song would be playing in Peter’s mind as he is watching Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) cast the spell that makes everyone forget who he is at the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home.
One of the many burdens of being a hero is making sacrifices. “My Way” does a great job of capturing that selfless emotion that is going through Peter’s mind.
Somebody Told Me – The Killers
In the trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day, MJ has a potential new love interest. Peter is absolutely crushed by the realization that he may have lost MJ forever.
“Somebody Told Me” would be playing the exact moment that he realizes MJ not only has no memory of him, but also that she is clearly happy with someone other than Peter.
Creep – Radiohead
As Peter accepts that his friends and family have no memories of him, he feels a heavy loneliness. In the trailer, Peter attempts to insert himself back into their lives even though they have no memory of him.
Peter already knows everything about MJ and Ned, while they have zero recollection of who he is, so he would most likely relate to this song and feel like a “creep.”
MJ
Michelle Jones-Watson (Zendaya) is reserved. She prefers to sit back and observe the world around her, silently judging and taking it all in.
When MJ was first introduced in Spider-Man: Homecoming, she held a firm barrier between herself and anyone else.
While she is still an independent person, she does grow comfortable and becomes a reliable person in Peter’s life. MJ’s true personality begins to shine through and the audience sees that she is creative and artistic.
Just when Peter and MJ are at their happiest, the world seems to fall apart around them as Peter’s identity is revealed to the world. MJ sticks close to Peter’s side through all of the intense public hate against Spider-Man.
MJ seems like the type of person to listen to old school artists, but she would also like moody melodies, rich with instrumental tunes and soft spoken verses.
Even though MJ has no recollection of Peter in her life, she would still feel hollow. Something is missing, but she cannot quite figure out what.
Enjoy MJ’s soothing playlist!
You Don’t Own Me – Lesley Gore
MJ is a closed-off and independent person, so she would really resonate with this song.
The soft lyrics and harmonic melody would initially attract her to this song, and she would appreciate the lyrics and relate to them because she enjoys her space and likes being independent.
Come As You Are – Nirvana
MJ would really relate to this song. It is plainly stating to just be yourself and never be apologetic for it.
MJ is a bit odd, and she has never seemed to care what others think of her. She has no problem sitting alone at school or awkwardly inserting herself in Peter and Ned’s conversation, so she would enjoy this song.
Killing Me Softly With His Song – Fugees, Ms. Lauryn Hill
MJ would listen to this song as she is voluntarily sitting in detention with Peter and Ned in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
MJ chose to sit in detention so she could observe people and sketch them because she admits she has no friends and had nothing better to do. “Killing Me Softly With His Song” is rhythmic and moody, so it would help her concentrate while she is sketching.
I Know – Fiona Apple
MJ is a very intelligent and observant person, and she does eventually piece together that Peter is Spider-Man. “I Know” would play through her head as she is slowly connecting all of the dots.
She knows Peter has some kind of secret, and she is slowly unraveling all of the events that have led up to her revealing the truth to him. MJ is respectful of Peter’s secret, and does not wish to expose him.
Dreams – The Cranberries
This song is whimsical and brings out such a free-spirited energy that MJ would love. MJ would listen to “Dreams” as Peter is swinging around New York on his webs while carrying her.
She would really relate to some of the lyrics, such as: “And now I tell you openly you have my heart, so don’t hurt me.” MJ is a closed-off person who seems to distance herself from a lot of people, but she has really opened up and trusted Peter.
Skyfall – Adele
“Skyfall” has played multiple times in MJ’s mind as she watches Peter throw himself into danger time and time again.
Specifically, this song would be playing through her mind as Peter is nearly killed by Mysterio, a “hero” that Peter truly trusted. Then, when Peter’s secret identity is revealed, it puts her and her closest friends in danger.
The World We Knew – Frank Sinatra
“The World We Knew” would play in MJ’s mind as she is falling from the building in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Her life flashed before her eyes as she plummeted to the ground, right before another dimension Spider-Man saved her. This song has a bittersweet reminder that life is short, and basking in the small moments is what matters most.
Old Money – Lana Del Rey
“Old Money” would be one of those subtle shifts that occur in MJ’s playlist after the sudden loss of Peter in her life. Though MJ has zero recollection of Peter, she would feel as though something is missing in her life.
This song really captures a distant and old memory that is too far out of reach, and MJ would really relate to it, even if she does not quite understand why.
You Are My Destiny – Paul Anka
At the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home, when Peter attempts to talk to MJ and reveal who he is after her memory has been erased of him, this song would subconsciously play in MJ’s head.
She has no idea who this random guy is, but the scene was filled with tension, and even though she has no memories of him, she can sense that he feels something deeper for her.
Wake Up Alone – Amy Winehouse
“Wake Up Alone” would resonate with MJ a lot after Peter is completely wiped from her mind. The sudden change of having someone so close to you, then suddenly they disappear without a trace, has to leave an impression.
Even though MJ has no memories of Peter, she would feel a change in her life. Waking up alone and feeling like something is missing.
Ned Leeds
Ned Leeds (Jacob Batalon) is Peter’s best friend in the Spider-Man films. Originally, in the comic books, Ned was Peter’s coworker at the Daily Bugle, and he was brainwashed into becoming the villain Hobgoblin.
Spider-Man: Homecoming made a drastic change to Ned’s character and instead made him the nerdy comedic relief best friend.
Ned and Peter have a close friendship. Even when Ned discovers Peter’s secret identity, he is eager to help his friend in any way that he can.
While Peter is very knowledgeable in science, Ned is tech-savvy and great with the computer, which is perfect for hacking systems and guiding Peter while he is taking down bad guys.
Ned has a very positive and upbeat personality, and his music taste would mirror that. He can be a bit of a nerd. In turn, he would also be a huge fan of pop culture songs that make an appearance in video games or are trending from a movie.
Similar to MJ, Ned would immediately notice a sudden loss in his life. So, I do think over time his music taste would become slightly less enthusiastic.
Let’s jump right into Ned’s playlist!
Gods – NewJeans
It is obvious that Ned and Peter are a bit dorky in the MCU films. They both enjoy LEGO Star Wars, and Ned is very knowledgeable with computers, so he most likely enjoys playing video games. This song was written for the video game League of Legends.
With “Gods” being used in a popular video game, Ned would enjoy this song and eventually play this song in the background while he is also helping Peter on the computer.
Call Me – Blondie
Ned is known as the “chair guy” for Spider-Man. He stays behind the scenes and assists his friend on missions. “Call Me” would be in his mind as he is sneaking through their high school and trying to get into the computer lab.
This song would play while Ned is in the school’s computer lab in Spider-Man: Homecoming, and suddenly, a teacher walks into the room and demands to know what he is doing. Ned’s panicked response is a memorable moment in the film.
I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor
Ned would constantly have music playing in the background as he is fulfilling his role of being the “guy in the chair.”
“I Will Survive” is very upbeat and in a very tense mission this would help Ned calm down as he is stuck watching his friend put himself in danger.
I Was Made For Lovin’ You – KISS
In Spider-Man: Far From Home, Ned briefly has a romantic relationship with one of his classmates, Betty Brant (Angourie Rice). The two characters got together at the beginning of the film, but by the end, they split off and decided to stay friends.
“I Was Made For Lovin’ You” would play in Ned’s mind when their relationship first sparked because it was something so new and exciting.
Centuries – Fall Out Boy
This song would remind Ned of Peter because he watches his best friend risk his life every day to help others.
Ned has always supported Peter as a friend, and when he discovered his secret identity, he was more than willing to help his friend. “Centuries” would play in Ned’s mind because he looks up to Peter and is also in awe that his best friend is a superhero.
Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees
There are multiple instances where Ned is in danger throughout the MCU films. “Stayin’ Alive” is an upbeat song that would be screaming in his mind as he is trying to stay out of trouble.
From the collapsed elevator that Ned is stuck in during Spider-Man: Homecoming, to his dangerous encounters with Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe) in Spider-Man: No Way Home, this song would be his go-to stress relief song.
Holding Out For A Hero – Bonnie Tyler
During Spider-Man: No Way Home, when Ned opens up a portal to another dimension and two Spider-Men (Andrew Garfield and Toby Maguire) steps through, this song would play in his mind.
Ned and MJ are desperate to find Peter and help him. In that moment, he discovers that there are other Spider-Men that can help his friend. He would be relieved and awe struck.
The Final Countdown – Europe
Spider-Man: No Way Home is filled with tense action scenes as heroes and villains flood through portals from other dimensions. “The Final Countdown” would play in Ned’s mind as all the chaos unraveled.
Ned would watch as his best friend, Peter Parker, is swinging on webs with other Spider-Men from other dimensions. This song would sum up the intense action as the Spider-Men team up to stop the multi-dimensional villains.
The Winner Takes It All – ABBA
During Spider-Man: No Way Home, “The Winner Takes It All” would be playing in Ned’s mind as Peter says goodbye to Ned and MJ and explains that they will not remember him.
Ned knows that Peter is making a selfless sacrifice, and he has to stand by and watch as his best friend destroys his life to ensure everyone else is safe.
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go – Wham!
This song would be in Ned’s head after the memory of Peter is wiped from the world. Ned would not understand why this song is in his head. Still, he would immediately notice that something is missing from his life.
Some of the lyrics that really stand out are, “But something’s buggin’ me, something ain’t right,” and “Wake me up before you go go.”
Don’t Miss Out On The Action!
I hope you enjoyed these unique playlists! Which character’s music taste did you relate to the most?
Do you prefer the soothing and quiet melodies like MJ, or do you prefer to jam out to upbeat tunes like Ned?
Don’t miss out on Spider-Man: Brand New Day, set to hit theatres on July 31, 2026.
