Spider-Man Films Ranked from Worst to Best

Happy Spider-Man Day! Since its release from the big screen on 2002, our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man have adapted into eight films and been played by 4 actors. Here are all the rankings from worst to best:

 

8. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

This version of Spider-Man, starring Andrew Garfield as the web-slinger, never quite lived up to the original “Spider-Man” films. The film was panned by critics for being “over-stuffed with plot” and a “bloated and blunted” drama. Jamie Foxx’s strange, misguided performance as Electro drew a lot of criticism from critics. And yes, it’s very unnecessary for Peter Parker to dig up his parent’s past.

7. Spider-Man 3 (2007)

The ambition of director Sam Raimi and the character dynamics in the film were praised by critics, but even the good reviews noted that the film was “uneven.” Peter Parker must deal with his relationship with Mary Jane, an escaped convict named Flint Marko (aka Sandman), a now-evil Harry Osborn riding about as the Goblin, and, for some reason, Venom in the third act of the Tobey Maguire trilogy. It’s understandable if this all seems overwhelming. While there are some excellent action and character moments early on, Spider-Man 3 devolves into a cringe-fest by the time emo Peter Parker starts dancing in the streets.

6. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

The Amazing Spider-Man tries to add depth to these familiar story themes, but it often feels disconnected. Due to of the changes made to the surrounding plot, Uncle Ben’s death has less impact. In the same way, Peter’s extended pursuit for Ben’s killer isn’t a horrible idea. In the context of the film, however, this change obstructs Peter’s arc. His transformation from cocky kid with superpowers to full-fledged superhero isn’t as clear as it should be.

5. Spider-Man (2002)

After Blade and X-Men helped popularize superheroes movies, Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man came along and established its place in pop culture. The film shattered box office records and went on to become the most popular film of 2002, as well as one of the most beloved superhero films of all time. Despite the fact that Spider-Man is now nineteen years old, it is apparent that his triumphs – and the adoration he continues to receive – are well-deserved.

4. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Spider-Man: Far From Home is more ambitious than its predecessor, yet it never loses sight of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker’s quirky high school adventures. The sequel to Homecoming is much more of a real Marvel Cinematic Universe affair, with Peter dealing with the tragic aftermath of Avengers: Endgame while combating mysterious new elemental threats, but even as Spidey battles gigantic monsters across Europe. Far From Home’s smaller moments, such as Peter’s interactions with his crush MJ, give the film its heart.

3. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Following his debut in Captain America: Civil War, Tom Holland’s Spider-Man got his own film, which skips the origin story in favor of a cute teenage comedy about Peter learning how to be a superhero while navigating his sophomore year of high school. Homecoming is a small-scale film that focuses on the relationships between Peter and his high school friends, as well as showing Peter failing as Spider-Man several times while learning from his mentor Tony Stark. But it’s the irresistibly energetic Peter Parker played by Holland, as well as Michael Keaton’s memorable, sympathetic portrayal of the Vulture, that made Homecoming an immediate Marvel movie classic.

 

2. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Spider-Man 2 is highly recognized as one of the best superhero sequels of all time, demonstrating that a good story and believable characters can take a film a long way. It picks up where the previous film left off and expands on the plot. Spider-Man 2 doesn’t merely follow Peter Parker’s character journey from the previous film, but with a new villain. Instead, Peter has matured into his role as Spider-Man, but he is beginning to realize that his heroic antics are compromising his personal life. Just as the brilliant Dr. Otto Octavius accidentally transforms himself into the insane criminal Dr. Octopus, he must choose between his job as a crimefighter and his love for Mary Jane. Spider-Man 2 is the pinnacle of Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, and it is a story about romance, responsibility, and redemption. Unfortunately, the third film did not measure up to the high expectations set by the second.

 

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

Although it is one of the most recent additions to this list, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse has already established itself as one of the all-time greats. With the ever-expanding comic book movie genre diversifying, the potential of superhero fatigue looms large; after all, audiences can only see superheroes gain their powers and save the day so many times. Sony defied the odds by digging into the previously untapped potential of alternate universes. The film’s directors, Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman, have created a moving and inventive film that has re-energized Spider-Man and his fellow caped crusaders.