There are very few characters that can continuously be adapted into four distinct film franchises in the span of just 20 years. Spider-Man is one of those characters. For many years prior to the 2000s, one of Marvel’s most popular characters was merely the star of several animated TV series and made-for-TV movies. Until, Tobey McGuire starred in the highly successful “Spider-Man”. This film and the subsequent sequels would launch the character into the stratosphere.
All these years later, we have seen four completely different iterations of the character on the big screen both live-action and animated. We’ve even seen many Spider-Mans come together in multiple films, smashing box office records at every chance. To celebrate arguably Stan Lee’s greatest creation, Frozen Mouse Fever is ranking every Spider-Man feature film released over the last 20 years, from Peter Parker to Miles Morales, based on my own personal opinion.
So, let’s strap on our web-shooters and countdown the worst and best of Spider-Man!
10. Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Sam Raimi’s trilogy of Spider-Man films ended on a bit of a sour note due in large part to convoluted story arcs and a runtime that is way longer than necessary. Instead of sticking to the successful one big bad arc that the first two films followed, “Spider-Man 3” combined too much into one film having Peter fight Sandman, Venom and The New Goblin. For the most part, there is too much happening, but at the same there isn’t anything of note happening to keep the audience fully engaged. It’s a film that gets in its own way, and also gets docked thousands of points for that super cringe dance number.
9. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
Despite being released seven years later, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” made a lot of the same mistakes as “Spider-Man 3”. The film pivoted from the darker tone it set in the first movie and instead tried to replicate the MCU formula with quippy jokes. It worked in some aspects, but failed in a lot of other ways. This film also tried to include multiple villains’, and their retelling of the Green Goblin storyline pales in comparison to Rami’s version. However, Jamie Foxx’s Electro was really fun and the emotional ending to Peter and Gwen’s story packs an emotional punch that made us all want more, even with the film’s few hiccups.
8. Spider-Man (2002)
While movies like “Blade” and “X-Men” set the template, it was “Spider-Man” that launched the now uber-popular superhero franchise we know today. It set the bar for what a superhero movie should be and so many scenes have become iconic moments in cinematic history – that upside down kiss will always be historic! Of course, given the film was released in the early 2000s, there are a handful of corny moments (that Macho Man wrestling moment), but there is also a lot of fun mixed with some darkness (Uncle Ben’s death is always devastating). It’s a dated, but simultaneously timeless classic.
7. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
This one is controversial as I know “Spider-Man 2” is beloved by a lot of diehard Spidey fans, but Tobey Maguire has never been my favourite Spider-Man. Yet, I can’t deny the greatness of this film and how it captures the heartache and torment Peter is going through as he tries and fails to balance his two lives. Also, Otto Octavius aka Doc Oc, is arguably the best Spider-Man villain brought to life on-screen, and Harry’s personal conflict and sudden memory loss is also a really compelling story. The Mary Jane stuff is rather bland and weak, and holds the movie back from being excellent.
6. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Andrew Garfield is such an underrated Spider-Man and deserves way more credit for bringing an artsy and unique edge to a character that had gotten a little stale after the original three films. I’ll be the first to admit that the Lizard is a weak villain, but that’s the only negative element about the film. “The Amazing Spider-Man” has really awesome action sequences and the dark underbelly of Queens makes the death of Uncle Ben that much more impactful. Also, the chemistry between Peter and Gwen (Emma Stone) is insane. The romance is so powerful and enticing, leaving you all-in on this couple.
5. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Tom Holland is the best Spider-Man. He represents everything Stan Lee created in the original comic books, and has given new life to a character many had grown tired of. Homecoming smartly moves away from the origin story and instead follows Peter after he was recruited by Tony Stark in Civil War. Although the film skips the whole spider bite part of Peter’s story, it still manages to tell the tale of a kid who is coming into his own and trying to balance the life of a teen and his dreams of being a superhero like the rest of the Avengers. It was the perfect start to one of the MCU’s best franchises.
4. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
Somehow Jon Watts always manages to outdo himself with each Spider-Man film. After being snapped out of existence by Thanos, and then losing his beloved mentor, Peter is hoping to live a normal teenage life again. The journey that Peter takes us on as he struggles to shed his Spider-Man skin and try to date the girl he likes is equal parts cute and captivating. The adorable romance between Peter and MJ makes you believe in young love while the betrayal of Jake Gyllenhaal’s Mysterio leaves you heartbroken for the ever too trusting Peter. The entire cast has undeniable chemistry and ensures that you’re in for a rich experience.
3. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Unlike every other Spidey film, Into the Spider-Verse isn’t focused on the life of Peter Parker, but instead, Miles Morales. In a world where Spider-Man has been the hero of New York for a while, Miles receives the same Spider powers and must help save the world with iterations of the Spider hero from across the multi-verse. The film does a phenomenal job of poking fun at Spider-Man’s place in pop culture, while still telling a distinct and diverse story about why Spidey is important to so many people and that it isn’t just people who look like Peter Parker who can be Spider-Man, anyone can!
2. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
No Way Home is a cinematic marvel in nearly every way. Not only is it a film full of surprises that pays homage to the Spider-Man films that came before it, but it also has stellar performances from the films’ leads. It’s clear that Tom Holland poured his heart and soul into No Way Home, delivering a fun, but also gut-wrenching performance. Zendaya also gets more time to shine as more than just a romantic lead. With a vast collection of villains to fight, the creation of new possibilities for the MCU, and multiple action sequences that are so epic, it’s nearly impossible to find something to complain about in this work of art.
1. Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse (2023)
It would be understandable if Across the Spider-Verse couldn’t live up to its predecessor. Somehow, despite so many opportunities to drop the ball, Mile Morales continues to deliver the goods in every way. Every detail matters, from the introduction to Spot, a new major villain, the development of the Spider Society and the important relationships in Miles’ life, there is so much to love about this film’s plot. In addition to an incredible story, the animation is next-level, blending so many styles but still making it feel so seamless. There are also many Easter eggs and nods to other Spider-Man films, TV shows and comic iterations that will leave you smiling. After an epic adventure, Across the Spider-Verse ends on a cliff-hanger that leaves you begging for more!
What’s your favourite Spider-Man film? Let us know in the comments below or on one of our social media channels. And make sure to follow Frozen Mouse Fever for all your Disney needs.
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