Critical Ranking of the 8 Theatrical Spider-Man Films

Since 2002, there have been 8 Spider-Man films and 4 different series. From Sam Raimi’s trilogy to Marc Webb’s Duology to Jon Watt’s duology, which will soon be a trilogy, and the animated Into the Spider Verse, Spider-Man has taken many different styles on the big screen, each with their own merits and flaws. With the lack of new movies in theaters, now seems like a great time to revisit all of them and decide how they stand among each other. So without any further introduction please enjoy, Spider-Man:

8. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is the second film in the Marc Webb duology and easily the worst of the 8 Spider-Man films. The film features the best live action suit, good performances from Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone & Sally Field and not much else. Filled with shallow references to Spider-Man lore, this film is an absolute mess. Checking the credits to see this film had 4 credited screenwriters makes a lot of sense, especially when 2 of those screenwriters are known for Michael Bay and J.J. Abrams movies. Between Jamie Foxx’s Electro, Dane DeHaan’s Green Goblin (if you want to call it that), Paul Giamatti’s Rhino, Hans Zimmer’s score, or Alex Kurtzman, Robert Orci, Jeff Pinker and James Vanderbilt’s script it’s hard to say what the worst aspect of this film is, so I’m going to go with all of it. The image of Paul Giamatti as a Russian mobster in an adidas tracksuit still haunts me to this day.

7. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Spider-Man: Far From Home is Marvel’s second swing at the Web-Head. It’s not a film that I would consider to be bad, none of the films from this point on are bad but this film is often too indistinguishable from an Iron Man movie, or an Avengers movie or any Marvel movie. Tom Holland commits fully, Zendaya gives a solid performance and Jake Gyllenhaal really brings it, but it’s not enough to save a script that’s too focused on making the next episode of the MCU and not an individual Spider-Man film. Drinking game; take a shot every time someone says “Tony” or “Iron Man” you won’t live to see the finale. The script plays it far too safely never letting anything feel consequential; Peter “blipped” and disappeared for 5 years, but it’s okay all his friends and family did too. Peter has to keep abandoning MJ to save the day, but it’s okay she’ll figure out he’s Spider-Man. It’s these easy fixes and MCU references that make it hard for me to really love this film and this character. From the effects to the humor to the constant references to Iron Man this film really fails to elevate itself among its MCU contemporaries. It’s a competently made film but one that lacks the true heart of the character of Spider-Man.

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Spider-Man: Homecoming is a better film, and a better Spider-Man film than its successor but not by much. With the fancy Iron Man suit, and Peter’s constant desire to impress Iron Man and join the Avengers this film too often relies heavily on references to the greater MCU. With the film taking place after the events of “Captain America: Civil War” and the villain being motivated by the events of “The Avengers” I don’t see a lot of this film working for someone who’s never seen an MCU film. The film itself too is very visually bland and jumbled in its narrative. Tom Holland really fits the role well and comedy veterans like Martin Starr and Hannibal Burress really elevate the comedy but the film for the most part misses the mark. The climax, and the car scene with Michael Keaton are the best sequences in this series, providing real tension and emotional stakes, I wish the rest of the film was more like its finale. Homecoming provides a pretty standard Marvel movie with some great moments and sequences.

5. Spider-Man 3 (2007)

The final installment in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy is a mess. It tries to balance 3 completely different villains into one film and it mostly fails at that. Known mostly for its controversial usage of the black-suited Spider-Man I don’t think Spider-Man 3’s flaws are in its content but in its structure. With so much to put together this film is really all over the place, bouncing from character to character and never really taking much time to breathe. The individual scenes and characters themselves are mostly good. Much like its predecessors this film is packed with charm, wit, and excellent cinematography. Its exciting finale provides some of the most heartfelt and moving moments in the series. One thing that really holds the film together well, despite its inconsistent writing, is its strong and resonant themes of revenge and pride. Those ideas ring throughout the entire film from Peter to Harry to Venom and to Sandman this is a film that knows what it’s about. The film is full of Spider-Man charm and is very entertaining, even if it is the most poorly built film in the trilogy.

4. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Following in similar footsteps of Spider-Man (2002), The Amazing Spider-Man is able to establish itself as an aesthetically unique albeit inconsistent Spider-Man film. This film shines at capturing the chip on his shoulder, outcasted Peter Parker from the Stan Lee & Steve Ditko Spider-Man comics of the early 1960s. Featuring great performances from Andrew Garfield, Martin Sheen and Sally Field the first half of this is truly amazing. The second half of the film diverts from the character-centric nature of the film and becomes very plot-heavy. The Lizard is a very bland villain and the climax of the film is very underwhelming. Where the film shines is in its more personal moments, Peter and Gwen, Peter and Uncle Ben, Peter and Aunt May, really anything that contains Andrew Garfield’s Peter Parker he is excellent both in and out of the suit. The clear studio interference in the second half diverts from the quality of the first half, however it still contains a couple of moments, one with Gwen’s Father and one with the father of a boy Spider-Man saved earlier in the film that save it. The Amazing Spider-Man is a mostly amazing Spider-Man film packed with great performances, a moving story and a lot of heart.

3. Spider-Man (2002)

Sam Raimi’s first Spider-Man film was once the biggest superhero film of all-time. It’s spectacle, charm and heart captured audiences all around the world. Bursting with camp, grit and passion this film feels ripped from the pages of a Spider-Man comic book. The film contains a great narrative, a main character you could root for and the best on screen Spider-Man villain to date. Inspired by the work of Lee & Ditko as well as classic Hollywood, Sam Raimi and screenwriter David Koepp poured their heart and soul into this film and what we got is a thrilling superhero film. Danny Elfman’s opening theme and Tobey Maguire’s opening narration set the tone for the film. Some effects are dated, and the film can be rushed at points but none of that takes away from this being one of the best films in the history of the genre. The final battle between Spider-Man and Green Goblin is the most Spider-Man set piece in any Spider-Man film. Packed with Sam Raimi style, visceral performances all across the board, as well as fantastic visual storytelling, Spider-Man is one of the most exciting Hollywood blockbusters ever made.

2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse (2018)

Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse is one of the most unique superhero films ever made. Containing mind-bending animation, hip-hop music and an extremely diverse and unique cast of characters, this film tells a really fantastic Spider-Man story. The voice work is incredible especially from Shameik Moore and Jake Johnson. Moving at a breakneck pace and feeling rushed at times are the only flaws present in this film. Packed with unique visual style, heartfelt and hilarious writing from the great team of Phil Lord & Chris Miller and great performances this is one of the best films of the past decade. This film can be incredibly funny, exciting and motivational and none of those feelings come at the expense of the others. In the current superhero climate, it’s honestly a miracle this film was even made. Introducing us to the great character of Miles Morales, as well as Spider-Gwen, Penny Parker, Spider-Man Noir, and the hilarious Spider-Ham, Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse is an all-time great superhero film and an amazing Spider-Man film. Special shout out to John Mulaney who is hilarious in this movie.

1. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Spider-Man 2 takes everything about Spider-Man and improves it. Spider-Man 2 plays like a great dramedy with some Spider-Man action mixed in. This film is so well-written and paced and the characters and themes are developed perfectly. Bill Pope’s cinematography is some of my favorite in any movie, not just a superhero movie. The visual storytelling is off the charts in this film and the character of Peter Parker/Spider-Man is so authentic and true to everything he stands for in the comics. This film is loaded with “Parker Luck” it is truly the quintessential Spider-Man film. It’s hilarious, sad, uplifting and exciting. As a fan of film and a fan of Spider-Man it’s exactly what I love. In the film’s great climax Spider-Man doesn’t save the day by punching his way out, he saves it by appealing to Dr. Octavius’ humanity and using the lessons he learned along the way. If that doesn’t nail home the character of Spider-Man, then I don’t know what does. From the inventive opening credits recapping the events of the first film, to the excellent performances, to the brilliant, subtle and emotional script all the way to the thrilling and groundbreaking action set-pieces, Spider-Man 2 is the best superhero film ever made, and one of the best American films of all-time.