- Movies
Ranked: All 10 Spider-Man Movies
- Posted: June 28, 2023
- Updated: June 28, 2023
- Marvel, Ranked, Spider-Man, Superhero
Spoiler Warning!
Thwip, thwip! Welcome to the ultimate web-slinging dive into the world of everyone’s favourite friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man! Read on below to discover our rankings
Now, let’s get real for a second. Spider-Man is not just a superhero; he’s a phenomenon, an icon, and for many of us, a childhood hero. From comic books to the big screen, Spidey has been capturing hearts and kicking bad-guy butts for decades.
But wait, there’s more! Spider-Man has spun a web so big that it’s given us a treasure trove of movies. Some made us laugh, some made us cry, and some had us on the edge of our seats as we watched Spidey swing through New York City, fighting villains and juggling teenage drama.
So, what are we doing here today? Hold on to your web shooters because we’re about to embark on the ultimate Spider-Man cinematic journey. We’re ranking all the Spider-Man movies, from the ones that didn’t quite stick the landing to the ones that soared above the skyscrapers!
But before we swing into action, let’s set the stage. Spider-Man has been portrayed in live-action by a trio of excellent actors over the years, and each brought something unique to the role. From Tobey Maguire’s earnest charm to Andrew Garfield’s edgy charisma and Tom Holland’s youthful exuberance, Spider-Man has evolved – even more recently in Shameik Moores’ Mile Morales.
The Web of Spider-Man Movies
Alright, web-heads, before we dive into the rankings, let’s take a quick swing through the history of Spider-Man movies.
The Early Days: A Spider Learns to Crawl
Our journey begins in the early 2000s. Picture this: baggy jeans, flip phones, and the sweet sound of dial-up internet. During this glorious time, director Sam Raimi gave us our first taste of Spider-Man on the big screen. Tobey Maguire donned the iconic suit, and with great power (and a significant budget) came great responsibility. The trilogy kicked off in 2002 with “Spider-Man”, followed by “Spider-Man 2” in 2004, and “Spider-Man 3” in 2007. These movies were a big deal, folks! They set the stage for superhero movies and showed us that a man could fly… I mean, swing!
The Amazing Era: Spidey Gets a Reboot
Fast forward to 2012, and we’re introduced to a new face behind the mask – Andrew Garfield. Garfield’s Spider-Man was edgier and modern, with a hipster vibe and skateboard. “The Amazing Spider-Man” (2012) and its sequel “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” (2014) gave us a fresh take on the character, with a focus on Peter Parker’s backstory and some intense romantic drama.
The MCU Era: Spider-Man Joins the Avengers!
Enter Tom Holland, the latest and current web-slinger. With a youthful charm and the agility of an actual spider, Holland swung into our hearts in “Captain America: Civil War” (2016). This marked Spidey’s entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU); boy, did he make an entrance! Holland went on to star in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017), “Spider-Man: Far From Home” (2019), and more. He’s part of the Avengers now, so he’s superhero royalty.
Into the Spider-Verse: Animation Takes the Spotlight
Hold up; we can’t forget “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018)! This animated masterpiece introduced us to Miles Morales and a multiverse of Spider-People. With stunning visuals and a killer soundtrack, this movie showed us that anyone can wear a mask.
Criteria for Ranking
Before diving into the rankings, let’s discuss how we will rank these web-tastic movies. We must do more than throw them into the web and see which sticks best. So, here are the criteria we’ll be using to rank each Spider-Man movie:
Story and Plot
We’re looking for a story that keeps us hooked! Does the movie have a well-structured plot? Are there twists and turns that keep us on the edge of our seats? Does it stay true to the essence of Spider-Man?
Characters and Performances
A great Spider-Man movie needs a great Spider-Man, but it also needs memorable villains and supporting characters. How well are the characters developed? And let’s remember the performances. Did the actors bring their A-game?
Action and Special Effects
We want to see Spidey swing through the city and take down villains with style! How incredible are the action scenes? Are the special effects mind-blowing, or do they look like a school project?
Emotional Impact
Did the movie tug at our heartstrings? Were there moments that made us laugh, cry, or cheer? A great Spider-Man movie should be an emotional roller coaster!
Audience Reception and Legacy
How did the fans and critics receive the movie? Did it leave a lasting impact on pop culture? Is it quoted, memes, and cherished by the fans?
The Spidey Factor
This one’s a bit subjective, but it’s all about something special that makes a Spider-Man movie feel like a Spider-Man movie. The quips, the swinging, the classic Spidey dilemmas – it’s got to have the Spidey magic!
Alright, web-heads, now that we’ve got our trusty criteria, it’s time to dive into the rankings. Get ready as we swing from the bottom of the web to the top!
#10: The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
- Brief Plot Summary: Peter Parker faces new threats like Electro and the Green Goblin while uncovering secrets about his past and dealing with his relationship with Gwen Stacy.
- What Worked: The chemistry between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone was electric, and the visual effects, especially Electro’s powers, were stunning.
- What Didn’t: The movie needed more subplots and an overstuffed roster of villains.
- Memorable Moment: Gwen Stacy’s tragic fall and Peter’s emotional reaction.
- Ranking Justification: Despite solid performances and visuals, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” was bogged down by an unfocused plot.
- Trivia: The clock tower scene has a hidden Easter egg: the clock is set at 1:21, referencing the comic issue where Gwen Stacy dies.
#9: Spider-Man 3 (2007)
- Brief Plot Summary: Peter Parker’s life gets complicated when he faces new villains like Sandman and Venom, and a mysterious black suit amplifies his powers and dark side.
- What Worked: The special effects, particularly Sandman’s transformation, were impressive. The movie also tries to delve into Peter’s internal conflicts.
- What Didn’t: Too many villains and plotlines, and the infamous emo Peter Parker dance scene.
- Memorable Moment: That dance scene. If you know, you know.
- Ranking Justification: While ambitious, “Spider-Man 3” bit off more than it could chew, leading to a cluttered and sometimes tonally inconsistent film.
- Trivia: Topher Grace, who played Venom, was considered for the role of Peter Parker in the first Spider-Man movie.
#8: The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
- Brief Plot Summary: In this reboot, we meet a new Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) who’s trying to unravel the mystery of his parent’s disappearance while juggling high school, a budding romance with Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone), and a transformation that gives him superpowers.
- What Worked: Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone’s on-screen chemistry was palpable, and the movie did a great job exploring Peter’s backstory. The Lizard, played by Rhys Ifans, was a formidable adversary, and the action sequences were thrilling.
- What Didn’t: While the movie was a fresh take on Spider-Man, it felt a bit too soon for a reboot. Some fans missed the original trilogy’s charm, and the darker tone was a departure from the more light-hearted Spider-Man we were used to.
- Memorable Moment: The crane scene where New Yorkers help Spider-Man reach Oscorp Tower.
- Ranking Justification: While it was a solid movie with great performances, it didn’t quite reach the heights of some other Spider-Man films.
- Trivia: The skateboarding skills Peter Parker displays in the movie? Those are all Andrew Garfield. He’s been skateboarding since he was a kid!
#7: Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
- Brief Plot Summary: Peter Parker goes on a European school trip, hoping for a break from superhero duties. But Nick Fury has other plans, and Peter must face new threats in the form of the Elementals and Mysterio.
- What Worked: Tom Holland continues to shine as Spider-Man, and Jake Gyllenhaal’s Mysterio is a fantastic addition. The visual effects, especially during the illusion scenes, are mind-bending.
- What Didn’t: Some fans felt that the movie didn’t have the same emotional weight as other entries in the MCU, especially following “Avengers: Endgame”.
- Memorable Moment: The illusion sequence where Mysterio torments Spider-Man with mind-bending visuals.
- Ranking Justification: A fun, globe-trotting adventure with stunning visuals and a great villain, “Spider-Man: Far From Home” is a worthy entry in the Spider-Man saga.
- Trivia: The scene where Mysterio tricks Spider-Man into seeing Nick Fury, only for it to be another illusion, is a nod to Mysterio’s first appearance in “The Amazing Spider-Man” #13 in 1964.
#6: Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
- Brief Plot Summary: This movie introduces us to Tom Holland’s Spider-Man in his first solo outing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fresh off his adventure with the Avengers, Peter Parker balances high school life with his desire to prove himself as a superhero. His mettle is tested when he faces off against the Vulture (Michael Keaton).
- What Worked: Tom Holland’s portrayal of a young, eager, and sometimes awkward Spider-Man was spot-on. The movie perfectly captured the spirit of the comic books, with plenty of humour, heart, and high-stakes action. Michael Keaton’s Vulture was a compelling villain with relatable motivations.
- What Didn’t: While the movie was a hit, some fans missed the presence of traditional Spider-Man characters like Mary Jane Watson and Harry Osborn.
- Memorable Moment: The rubble scene where Spider-Man musters his strength to lift the debris off him, a nod to a famous scene from the comic books.
- Ranking Justification: With its perfect blend of humour, heart, and action, “Spider-Man: Homecoming” captures the essence of Spider-Man and sets a new standard for the franchise.
- Trivia: The voice of Peter’s suit, Karen, is provided by Jennifer Connelly, whose husband, Paul Bettany, voiced J.A.R.V.I.S. in the Iron Man movies and played Vision in the MCU.
#5: Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
- Brief Plot Summary: After his secret identity is revealed to the world, Peter Parker seeks the help of Doctor Strange to erase everyone’s memory of him being Spider-Man, but things go awry, and villains from other universes emerge.
- What Worked: The multiverse concept, the return of villains and Spider-Men from previous movies, and the emotional depth. The action is top-notch, and the movie is a love letter to Spider-Man fans.
- What Didn’t: Some might find the movie overstuffed with characters and plotlines.
- Memorable Moment: The emotional climax and the reunion of the three Spider-Men.
- Ranking Justification: With its multiverse concept, action, and emotional depth, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” is a monumental entry in the Spider-Man saga.
- Trivia: This is the first live-action Spider-Man film to feature the multiverse concept, previously introduced in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”.
#4: Spider-Man (2002)
- Brief Plot Summary: The one that started it all! Peter Parker, a high school nerd, gets bitten by a genetically modified spider and gains superpowers. As he learns to use his powers, he must face the Green Goblin and deal with a personal loss.
- What Worked: Tobey Maguire’s earnest portrayal of Peter Parker, Willem Dafoe’s menacing Green Goblin, and the iconic upside-down kiss. The movie captured the spirit of Spider-Man and was groundbreaking for its time.
- What Didn’t: Some CGI has yet to age well, and the Green Goblin’s costume was criticized for looking too much like a Power Ranger.
- Memorable Moment: The upside-down kiss between Spider-Man and Mary Jane in the rain.
- Ranking Justification: As the film that launched the Spider-Man movie franchise, it holds a special place in fans’ hearts and sets the standard for superhero movies.
- Trivia: Hugh Jackman revealed that he was supposed to make a cameo as Wolverine in this movie, but it fell through because the X-Men costume couldn’t be obtained in time.
#3: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
- Brief Plot Summary: In this animated masterpiece, teenager Miles Morales becomes Spider-Man and meets other Spider-People from different dimensions, including Peter B. Parker, Spider-Gwen, Spider-Man Noir, Peni Parker, and Spider-Ham.
- What Worked: The animation is groundbreaking, the story is heartfelt and inspiring, and the characters are wonderfully developed. The soundtrack is also phenomenal.
- What Didn’t: Honestly, this movie is near perfection. Some might find the animation style takes a bit of getting used to.
- Memorable Moment: Miles Morales’ leap of faith and the moment he truly becomes Spider-Man.
- Ranking Justification: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is a game-changer in animation and storytelling, and it captures the heart and soul of what it means to be Spider-Man.
- Trivia: The animation team used various animation techniques to achieve the comic book look. Miles is animated at a lower frame rate at the movie’s beginning to show his inexperience.
#2: Spider-Man 2 (2004)
- Brief Plot Summary: Peter Parker struggles with the personal costs of being Spider-Man in this sequel. His life gets even more complicated when Dr Otto Octavius becomes the menacing Doctor Octopus after a failed experiment.
- What Worked: Tobey Maguire delivers a heartfelt performance, and Alfred Molina’s Doctor Octopus is one of the best villains in superhero cinema. The train fight scene is legendary, and the movie beautifully explores the theme of sacrifice.
- What Didn’t: There is little to complain about here, but some might find the pacing a bit slow compared to modern superhero movies.
- Memorable Moment: The train fight scene and the subsequent moment where the passengers carry an unmasked Spider-Man.
- Ranking Justification: With its emotional depth, incredible action, and fantastic villain, “Spider-Man 2” is often regarded as one of the best superhero movies ever.
- Trivia: In the scene where Peter catches Mary Jane, and her food tray, Tobey Maguire performed that stunt without CGI – it took 156 takes!
#1: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
- Brief Plot Summary: Miles Morales returns for an epic adventure that transports him across the Multiverse. He joins forces with Gwen Stacy and a new team of Spider-People to face off against a villain more powerful than anything they have ever encountered.
- What Worked: “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” is a visually spectacular film with masterfully crafted animation and gorgeous cinematography. The movie is a chaotically charming conglomeration of Spider-People, representing all different walks of life. Gwen Stacy’s character development is a highlight, and the double-twist ending leaves audiences on the edge of their seats.
- What Didn’t: The Spider-Sense, one of Spider-Man’s iconic powers, needs to be more consistently portrayed in the movie. It doesn’t work for every punch, kick, or threat, and the Spider-People don’t have an alert to their Spider-Sense as often as expected.
- Memorable Moments: Gwen Stacy comes into her own and confronts her father, leading to her becoming the leader of her band of Spider-People. The double twist ends when Miles realises he’s in the wrong universe and comes face-to-face with a variant of his late Uncle Aaron, leading to the shocking revelation that, in this reality, Miles Morales is the Prowler.
- Ranking Justification: “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” is a thrilling and visually stunning addition to the Spider-Verse series. Its diverse cast of characters and unexpected plot twists make it a must-watch for Spider-Man fans.
- Trivia: The movie features a cliffhanger ending and is part one of a two-part story, with “Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse” set to release in March 2024.
