Revised: Spider-Man 2 is now available on consoles, and in light of this, we have compiled a ranking of all 10 Spider-Man movies. "We are defined by our choices, so choose wisely."
In the realm of modern cinema, few characters have been as recurrent as Spider-Man. Ever since Tobey Maguire graced the silver screen as the web-slinging hero in 2002, Spider-Man has consistently reigned supreme in the world of superheroes.
With great power comes great responsibility, and taking on the role of Spider-Man is no exception. Over the years, actors Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland have all had their turn portraying the iconic character, while Shameik Moore lent his voice to the animated version, Miles Morales. Each actor has left their own unique mark on the beloved comic book hero, but not all the movies have been equally well-received by the fandom.
Spider-Man: No Way Home has been hailed as unrivaled by some fans, especially considering its immense success at the box office, but the upcoming Spider-Verse sequel might just surpass it. As gamers around the world swing, dive, and soar through the streets of New York in Spider-Man 2, now is the perfect time to rank all of the beloved hero's movies definitively.
Spider-Man movies ranked from worst to best
Below, you’ll find our ranking of every Spider-Man movie ranked from worst to best. You can also find out how to watch the movies in order here.
10. Spider-Man 3
Sony Pictures
Content fragment result: Spider-Man 3 is forever remembered as a complete cinematic mayhem, full of bewilderment and letdown, reminiscent of the emo version of Tobey Maguire and finger guns from Saturday Night Fever. Despite the previous successes of Spider-Man and Spider-Man 2, the high hopes for Sam Raimi's third installment were met with disappointment as he strayed from his proven formula in 2007, succumbing to the demands of expanding the franchise and compromising its quality.
In his own movie, the softly-spoken Spider-Man of the neighborhood was overshadowed when a symbiote from space descended and possessed him, transforming him into Venom.
In addition to this clash between the heroic Peter and the malevolent Venom-Peter, Thomas Haden Church was introduced as Sandman, another villain who unfortunately lacked the depth and impact of his predecessors.
While it might be the worst Spider-Man movie, it definitely takes the title for the most meme-able.
Where to stream: Netflix and Disney+
9. The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Sony Pictures
The pressure to establish Sony's Spider-Man cinematic universe caused The Amazing Spider-Man 2 to falter. The 2014 sequel, starring Andrew Garfield, quickly introduced three well-known villains: Electro (Jamie Foxx), Green Goblin (Dane DeHaan), and a brief appearance by Rhino (Paul Giamatti), in an attempt to pave the way for a Sinister Six spin-off.
The movie suffers from an excessive number of characters and underdeveloped storylines, taking away from the emotional core of Peter's journey. Garfield's undeniable chemistry with Emma Stone as Gwen is perhaps the standout aspect of these films. Their relationship leads to one of the most emotionally devastating moments in the entire Spider-Man franchise: Gwen's heartbreaking demise, which is thoughtfully revisited and given more room for contemplation in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Where to stream: Netflix and Disney+
8. The Amazing Spider-Man
Sony Pictures
The release of The Amazing Spider-Man, merely five years after Maguire's trilogy concluded, set the stage for potential failure. Rebooting a franchise in such a short time frame, particularly in 2023, invited unavoidable comparisons.
Marc Webb aimed to offer a fresh perspective on the widely-known origin story while maintaining key elements that had made Raimi's trilogy successful among fans. However, this resulted in The Amazing Spider-Man struggling to establish itself as a valuable contribution to the franchise.
Despite receiving mixed reviews, Garfield delivered a powerful performance, portraying the eccentric and fashionable hero who is dealing with the loss of his father, a scientist. He brought a sense of levity to Peter through his clever humor, agile movements, and vibrant energy, characteristics that were notably absent in Maguire's interpretation.
Where to stream: Netflix and Disney+
7. Spider-Man: Far from Home
Sony Pictures
In 2019, Spider-Man: Far From Home had to continue Peter’s story and address the repercussions of the catastrophic events in Avengers: Endgame.
Tom Holland's Peter has suffered the loss of his mentor Tony Stark. To make matters worse, Stark's former employees have taken his technology and turned it into a threat that could bring about the end of the world. Now, the young Avenger must face this danger alone, while also navigating the challenges of being a teenager in love with his friend MJ.
Being the first film released after the events of Endgame, Holland's second solo adventure as Spider-Man is a solid addition to the franchise. It brings some much-needed levity that only Spider-Man can deliver and also provides answers to lingering questions about the wider Marvel Cinematic Universe and the blip.
Jon Watts' films offer the advantage of belonging to a larger universe, providing ample material to present a fresh viewpoint on how a young individual from Queens, clad in spandex, navigates the world alongside deities and billionaires.
In the meantime, Mysterio, portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal, garnered mixed reactions from fans. The decision of Peter Parker to entrust Tony Stark's legacy to a recently acquainted individual didn't sit well with some, especially considering the evident deceit hidden beneath Mysterio's heroic facade.
Where to stream: On-demand
6. Spider-Man
Sony Pictures was responsible for the release of the first Spider-Man in 2002, coinciding with the emergence of an impressive origin story within the superhero genre. While Marvel had previously unveiled X-Men, the overall selection of contemporary superheroes was limited and in dire need of a fresh update.
Peter's journey into adulthood in the Spider-Man movies has set a standard for successful superhero films. With his relatable struggles of self-doubt and the challenges of growing up, Peter became a refreshing and relatable version of the superhero.
This film also broke away from the typical superhero genre and became a blockbuster that could compete with any action movie. Spider-Man's success was further enhanced by its exceptional cast, including Willem Dafoe's chilling and memorable portrayal of the Green Goblin.
Where to stream: Netflix and Disney+
5. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Spider-Man: Homecoming, released in 2017 by Sony Pictures, is considered one of the finest standalone films starring Tom Holland. One of the reasons for its success is Holland's ability to depict Peter Parker accurately as a young, intelligent, and somewhat awkward teenager.
Content must not be rewritten.
Where to stream: Disney+
4. Spider-Man 2
Sony Pictures
In 2004, Maguire's second outing as Spider-Man in the red and blue suit was once again directed by Raimi. The sequel surpassed the expectations set by the first film under the same director.
Peter carries the weight of adult obligations while navigating a secret existence. Rather than a flawless superhero, he grapples with pursuing his full potential and reconciling the disappointment of unmet expectations. Peter is disconnected from Mary Jane, isolated from Harry, and weighed down by the loss of his father and his guilt over Ben's death. This raw depiction of Peter's humanity potentially enhances his relatability, as it allows us to more readily empathize with his real-life challenges.
Spider-Man 2 introduced Alfred Molina as the vulnerable Dr. Otto Octavius, who becomes corrupted by his own artificial intelligence that controls the mechanical arms he is fused with.
Streaming platforms: Netflix and Disney+.
3. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Sony Pictures
In 2018, Spider-Man flew to greater heights with its first-ever appearance as an animated feature on the big screen. Following three remarkable live-action portrayals and eight previous Spider-Man movies, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse stands out as a true masterpiece.
By incorporating dynamic comic book visuals, an unmatched color scheme, and innovative new versions of Spider-Man, Into the Spider-Verse successfully captures the true essence of the comics while offering a modern and refreshing twist.
Spider-People unite and join forces from different parallel universes in a powerful display of diversity. Marvel breaks free from traditional canon and live-action constraints in the exhilarating film, Into the Spider-Verse. As Spider-Gwen, Spider-Ham, and young Miles Morales embody the iconic Spider-Man, this dynamic adventure celebrates the vastness of Marvel's archive. With its thrilling action sequences and a captivating narrative of hope, redemption, and self-discovery, the film ensures a promising future for the franchise.
Where to stream: On-demand
2. Spider-Man: No Way Home
Sony Pictures presents…
When it comes to the final chapter of a trilogy, especially within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, audience expectations are heightened. A threequel must effectively conclude the character's journey, pave the way for a new phase, and address any ongoing storylines within the expansive universe. In this regard, Spider-Man: No Way Home surpasses all expectations with its compelling narrative.
The movie surpassed the already high expectations of fans and resolved unresolved plot points from both the Garfield and Maguire versions of Spider-Man. For example, Garfield's Peter was able to save Holland's MJ, a situation in which he couldn't save his own love interest.
It is a heartfelt homage to Spider-Man fans that revisits the best elements of all eight previous live-action movies. Witnessing all three Spider-Men join forces and swing together around the Statue of Liberty brings about a sense of pure joy that is hard to rival. Amidst the grand spectacle, the film also delves into Holland's Peter's profound grief and guilt over past mistakes, which resonates with the audience thanks to the return of beloved villains and an exceptional ensemble cast.
Spider-Man: No Way Home will go down in history as a pivotal moment for the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Spider-Man franchise. It aims to pay tribute to all the previous and current iterations of this beloved comic book character, acknowledging their contributions to the role and the adoration of fans.
Stream it on: Netflix (UK) and on-demand platforms.
1. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Sony Pictures
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is an exceptional animated film that surpasses the already sensational first installment in the Spider-Verse series.
The sequel, which has garnered critical praise, follows Miles as he navigates the challenges of adolescence while living a secret superhero life. He is joined by different versions of Spider-Man, each with their own opportunities to showcase their unique abilities. The film reinforces the powerful message that anyone has the potential to become a hero, as it is our individuality that distinguishes us and gives us strength.
Where to watch: Available for on-demand streaming
Spider-Man 2 is now accessible on PlayStation 5. Additionally, all Spider-Man movies are available for purchase or rental through Amazon Prime. Sign up for Amazon Prime to access these movies. Details about Beyond the Spider-Verse can be found here, and feel free to explore our coverage on Spider-Man 2 below.
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: Complete suit collection for Peter Parker and Miles Morales
- Spider-Man 2's Photo Mode: Capture stunning shots
- Main Story missions in Spider-Man 2: A comprehensive list
- Playing as Venom in Spider-Man 2: Is it possible?
- Unlocking Webbed Suits in Spider-Man 2: Step-by-step guide
- Reliving Marko's Memories in Spider-Man 2: Discover all
- Editions available for Marvel's Spider-Man 2: Choose your version
- Trophies and achievements in Spider-Man 2: Aiming for success
- Accessibility settings in Marvel's Spider-Man 2: Customization options
- Enhancing health and damage in Spider-Man 2: Maximize your abilities
- Photo Ops locations in Spider-Man 2: Explore the city
- Marvel's Spider-Man 2 map: Navigating the open world.