‘Tron: Ares’ Improves Upon Its Predecessors in One Major Way

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It feels like ages since *Tron: Legacy* hit theaters, and while the fanbase has stayed dedicated, it’s tough when you don’t get any new content. That’s where *Tron: Ares* comes in – it’s been in development for years! It’s not exactly a sequel to *Legacy*, but it’s definitely not a full-on reboot either. Joachim Rønning’s take on *Ares* is finally here, and honestly, the early reviews are pretty mixed. As a fan, I’m cautiously optimistic, but also a little worried about where this new installment is headed.

The new movie *Tron: Ares* hasn’t been a hit with critics or at the box office, and it risks being forgotten. However, one thing stands out: the incredible score created by Nine Inch Nails (NIN). Music has always been a key part of the *Tron* films, and *Ares* is no exception. Many believe NIN’s contribution is the best music the series has ever had, making the film worth seeing in theaters for the complete visual and auditory experience.

‘Tron’s Legacy Has Always Been Closely Associated With Its Musical Identity


Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The announcement that Nine Inch Nails (NIN) would create the score for *Tron: Ares* at D23 wasn’t a shock, as the band’s involvement was highly anticipated. What really generated excitement wasn’t just that Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross – known for their film work – were involved, but that the project would be a full NIN effort. Fans were eager to see the band’s unique style and collective talent create a truly artistic soundtrack for the film.

It makes perfect sense to bring such talented musicians to the new *Tron* score, considering the original film’s musical history. Wendy Carlos’s work on the 1982 *Tron* was a standout album, especially given her previous collaborations with Stanley Kubrick on films like *The Shining* and *A Clockwork Orange*. Her innovative synth-electronic style deeply impacted the *Tron* franchise for decades to come. Plus, the two songs created by Journey for the original film established a tradition of featuring popular artists, which continued in later installments.

It’s impossible to talk about film scores without mentioning Daft Punk’s work on the 2010 movie *Tron: Legacy*. While the popularity of electronic music in the 2010s certainly boosted the score’s success, Daft Punk’s incredible skill is what’s kept it sounding great even today. The score was nominated for a Grammy and is still considered one of the best ever – and many fans see it as a fantastic Daft Punk album in its own right. This set a very high bar for Nine Inch Nails when composing the music for *Tron: Ares*.

The Music of ‘Tron: Ares’ Should be Experienced in Theaters


© Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection

Nine Inch Nails’ album for *Ares* is a resounding success—an immersive, industrial soundscape that stands on its own as a strong addition to the band’s work. While Daft Punk’s *Tron: Legacy* soundtrack blended electronic and orchestral elements, Trent Reznor opted for a completely electronic approach with *Tron: Ares*, using no traditional instruments at all. Reznor encourages listeners to enjoy the album even without seeing the film, though he notes the experience is enhanced by the film’s surround sound mix.

The visuals in *Tron: Ares* are striking, and Nine Inch Nails’ powerful score truly enhances the movie. From the very beginning, with the opening credits set to the song “Init,” the film relies heavily on the music to drive both the story and the visuals. The combination creates a fantastic sensory experience, saving what could have been a confusing film. While *Tron: Ares* isn’t necessarily overlooked or unappreciated (it just came out!), the music is unusually prominent and deserves to be a primary reason to see it – it’s more than just background music.

The album features four songs with vocals by Trent Reznor, and though they aren’t played in full, fragments of these tracks are cleverly woven into the themes of *Tron: Ares*. A standout moment occurs during Ares (Jared Leto) and Eva’s escape from the Grid, where “I Know You Can Feel It” builds with the action and vibrant visuals, creating a powerful and immersive scene. Similarly, pieces of the poignant track “Who Wants to Live Forever?” accompany Ares’s transition to the real world, adding depth and emotion that enhance the impact of the film.

Nine Inch Nails’ ‘Tron: Ares’ Album Is the Best of the Franchise


Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

While *Tron: Ares* itself may not be a long-term cultural phenomenon, the music created for it by Nine Inch Nails is likely to endure. Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and their team crafted a powerful and stunning score that functions as a standalone artistic work. The track titles and compositions connect to the film’s themes, but are compelling enough to be enjoyed on their own. At the same time, the score significantly elevates the moviegoing experience in a way few recent film soundtracks have.

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are known for their successful work beyond Nine Inch Nails, so it’s unusual to see them combine those worlds in one project. This marks Nine Inch Nails’ first album in five years and the first soundtrack for a *Tron* film in fifteen years. Similar to the way the *Ares* program exists separately from the film it inspired, the new Nine Inch Nails album stands on its own as a compelling, raw, and impactful musical experience, ultimately making the challenging production of *Tron: Ares* worthwhile.

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2025-10-19 20:10