5 Epic Moments in Into the Spider-Verse

As one of the most highly-anticipated films of the year, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is set to hit theaters soon, making it the perfect time to reflect on its predecessor: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Released in 2018, this animated feature film was the first of its kind in the Spider-Man franchise and has since been widely recognized as a modern masterpiece. Praised by critics and fans alike, it is considered not just one of the greatest superhero movies, but also one of the greatest animated films. With such a beloved movie, it's difficult to choose just a few standout moments, but these five sequences perfectly capture what makes Into the Spider-Verse so spectacular.

Miles Meets Peter

Miles Morales, still struggling to come to terms with his newfound abilities, returns to the site of the spider bite that changed his life forever. In the midst of chaos, he finds himself caught in the middle of a fierce battle between Spider-Man and the Green Goblin. However, amidst the chaos, a heartwarming moment occurs when Peter Parker's Spider-Sense resonates with Miles' own. Peter realizes that Miles shares his powers, and offers to help him learn how to use them. For Miles, who has felt lost and overwhelmed by the pressures of his new life, this moment of connection and compassion is a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, this brief moment of happiness is short-lived, as Peter is tragically killed by Kingpin, leaving Miles devastated and alone.

The Alchemax Escape

Into the Spider-Verse boasts several captivating and stylish action scenes, but the chase through the Alchemax facility stands out as one of the finest. As they make a desperate attempt to protect a stolen computer from Doctor Octopus, Miles and Peter B. Parker engage in a thrilling pursuit. The scene is both amusing and exhilarating, as evidenced by Peter's comical bagel theft. Additionally, the chase strengthens the bond between mentor and student by advancing their character development. The highlight, however, is the entrance of Spider-Gwen, who swoops in to save the day and defeat Doc Ock, creating a dramatic finale to the sequence.

Uncle Aaron’s Death

The movie isn't all laughs and giggles. The most heart-wrenching scene in the film is undeniably the tragic demise of Miles' Uncle Aaron Davis. Aaron, who is unmasked as the malicious Prowler, nearly kills Miles but shows mercy when his nephew removes his mask. This act of kindness, however, leads Kingpin to shoot him for his disobedience, resulting in his death.

As Miles comforts Aaron in his final moments, Aaron tearfully expresses his regret for not being a better role model. "You're destined for greatness, Miles," Aaron tells him. "Don't let my mistakes hold you back. Keep pushing forward." With those words, Aaron passes away next to Miles, leaving a heart-wrenching scene that showcases Aaron's vulnerability and love for his nephew. The emotional impact of this moment resonates with the audience, making it one of the most memorable scenes in any Spider-Man movie.

Miles’ Leap of Faith

The "Leap of Faith" scene is a must-see moment in the film. It marks the pinnacle of Miles' character development and has become an iconic moment in the movie. Following a heart-to-heart conversation with his father after the death of Aaron, Miles finally accepts his responsibility as Spider-Man. Driven by his sense of duty, he joins forces with the other Spider-heroes to take down Kingpin and prevent Peter from sacrificing himself.

Miles' character development is crucial to the success of the sequence, but what truly sets it apart is the unforgettable presentation. The background music, "What's Up Danger" by Blackway and Black Caviar, perfectly reflects Miles' newfound determination. The stunning visuals of the film reach their pinnacle as Miles takes his "leap of faith" off a skyscraper, with the screen inverting to make it appear as though he's rising instead of falling. This shot became instantly iconic for good reason.

As Miles swings through the New York skyline with ease, it's clear that he has conquered all his doubts and fears, paralleling his earlier failures at web-slinging. After enduring so much struggle and heartbreak, this joyous and triumphant moment is capped off by Miles finally receiving his own comic cover as a true Spider-Man. There's little left to be said about this scene that hasn't already been said - it's a masterful display of filmmaking and a moving culmination of Miles' character arc. For those wondering why Into the Spider-Verse is such an amazing movie, this scene says it all.

Showdown at the Collider

The film's grand finale sees Miles and his fellow Spiders face off against Kingpin and his henchmen in a visually stunning battleground. As Kingpin's collider breaks down the walls between universes, debris from other worlds provides the backdrop for the final showdown. The fights range from comedic to intense, making for an exciting watch. After bidding his comrades farewell, Miles engages in a gripping one-on-one clash with Kingpin. Though physically outmatched, Miles draws strength from Uncle Aaron's memory and ultimately defeats Kingpin with an electric-powered "shoulder touch," saving the multiverse. Overall, the thrilling final battle serves as a fitting conclusion to the story of Into the Spider-Verse, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating what's to come in Across the Spider-Verse.