With the release of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, I wanted to rank the Spider-Man movies that have been made throughout these last 21 years.
10. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
This is widely known as the worst Spider-Man movie to be made. It has a rotten score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is the only Spider-Man movie to get such a rating. Most of everything doesn't work about this movie outside of Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield) and Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) and their chemistry and relationship throughout the movie. Rhino (Paul Giamatti) is only in the movie for about 10 minutes, and is probably the worst part of the movie. Green Goblin / Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan) is just shoehorned into the movie after no sight or hearing about him in the first movie. The story about him needing Peter's blood cause he's dying now doesn't make sense, but I won't go into that. He also doesn't look right, and his character doesn't work throughout most of the movie. Electro / Max Dillion (Jamie Foxx) could've been a cool character if done right, but the reason he becomes a villain doesn't make much sense, especially when they made him out to be obsessed with Spider-Man. This movie is just plain bad.
9. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
It was a toss-up between this and what I have at number 8. This movie isn't bad by any means, but it is a very forgettable movie with a forgettable villain in The Lizard (Rhys Ifans). Just like The Amazing Spider-Man 2, this movie is carried by Peter and Gwen's relationship and chemistry. Andrew Garfield plays a good Spider-Man in this film, but Peter Parker is too cool and doesn't seem like how the character should be played. They tell us about the "untold story" even though no one really cares about Peter's parents or what happened to them. Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field) are super forgettable and you don't really care about them throughout the film. Outside of the two main stars, this movie is forgettable which is why it lands this low on my rankings.
8. Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Most would have The Amazing Spider-Man over this. I think that this film's highs are much better than that movie and is a way less forgettable film. Say what you want about this movie, but two out of the three supposed villains are some of the best characters in the movie. The scenes with Sandman (Thomas Haden Church) are visually appealing and he is an all-around good character. Haden Church's performance makes him a good villain. New Goblin/Harry Osborn (James Franco) has a history built up with Peter, as seen in Spider-Man 2. His motives are clear why he is a villain of Spider-Man. The way they put him to the side could be criticized, but when he comes back for the final battle, it is a good ending to the trilogy when he is killed. Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire) is still a good character, even though he puts up his worst performance here, i.e. the dance number and the whole Emo Peter scenes in the movie. The battle scenes with the Black Suit are nice, as seen in the battle with Sandman. Another notable scene is where he is getting beat to a pulp by Sandman and Venom which you truly feel for him and think he isn't gonna make it. Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) has always been a pretty plain character to me and never added much in my opinion, so she doesn't help the movie in my eyes. The absolute worst part is Venom (Topher Grace), which was one of the worst casting choices in a superhero movie. You can tell he's shoehorned into the movie and that Raimi didn't want to have him in this movie, or didn't know what to do with him. Sony should've stuck to the other two villains, which could have potentially made this movie better, but Sony wanted Venom which ended these movies and ultimately made the movie worse.
7. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
After Spider-Man defeated Vulture in Homecoming, everyone wanted to know what was next for the web-slinger. They got a great performance by Tom Holland in Infinity War, in which he adds something in combination with the Guardians, Dr. Strange, and Iron Man that is unique and it makes them the best team combination in the entire movie. His unexpected death scene and his heartfelt “I don’t feel so good“ to Iron-Man, is one of the best scenes in the movie, in my opinion. In Endgame, although doesn’t have a big role, he is one of the best parts of the final act. Now back as the star of Far From Home, Tom Holland steals the show again. The chemistry between MJ and Peter is great, and that is one of the reasons this movie is good. Jake Gyllenhaal as Mysterio was great and the illusion scenes are the best scenes I’ve seen in a Spider-Man movie. The problem I have with this movie is that Ned doesn't work for me in this as he did in Homecoming. Also, May‘s (Marisa Tomei) and Happy‘s (Jon Favreau) relationship seems a bit forced. Gyllenhaal is great but it doesn't seem like he's a Spider-Man villain in this movie and is more an Iron-Man villain, which is why it comes in at 7.
6. Spider-Man (2002)
Another pretty hard placement to do here between 6 and 5. The first of the Sam Raimi trilogy comes in at 6. This movie is really good, and the performances all around are pretty great, starting with Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man. He is a believable Peter Parker and does just enough to be taken seriously as Spider-Man. Green Goblin/Norman Osborn (Willem Dafoe) has a great performance and is taken seriously as an evil villain after what happens in the lab where it turns him into the Green Goblin, The scenes with him are some of the better scenes in the movie. Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson is played best in this movie and is actually a pretty good character in the movie. Uncle Ben (Cliff Robertson) is great in this movie, even in such a small role and in little time. His death scene is one of the better scenes in the movie. In the end, this is a very impressive debut for a trilogy.
5. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
No Way Home is a dream come true for any Spider-Man fan and it is amazing to see it play out on screen. Seeing the three Spider-Men we grew up watching being together in the same world and curing the villains was great. This movie does have its problems though, as it is mostly fan service, and that is what most of what this film is and that is what hinders it from being higher on this list. I do like the ending where Peter has to sacrifice to save everyone. I believe it should have everyone ready and excited to see what is next for MCU Spider-Man.
4. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
After Spider-Man first appeared in the MCU in Captain America: Civil War, people were waiting to see what would happen next to Spider-Man. Let's just say they weren't disappointed. Tom Holland is the perfect blend of Spider-Man and Peter Parker and is the best iteration of the character yet. Michael Keaton as the Adrian Toomes/Vulture is a great villain, his motives are clear and he can be taken seriously as a believable antagonist next to Spider-Man. Ned played by Jacob Batalon, is a great best friend and supporting character next to Peter and has some of the funniest moments in the entire movie. Laura Harrier as Liz also played well. Zendaya as MJ doesn't have that big of a role to judge her performance but comes through in the little time. Tony Revolori as Flash Thompson is a good enough bully to Peter in the film to be believable. All around, this movie is a great debut for the MCU Spider-Man.
3. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
A top-tier Spider-Man movie. The performances around are great, especially Maguire‘s Spider-Man and Alfred Molina’s Doctor Octopus. Spider-Man faces his greatest challenges in this movie, missing out on his best friend's (Mary Jane) performances, not paying rent, and not talking to May as often, who is facing eviction. Doc Ock is a top 2 Spider-Man villain, and Molina made him a popular character. The way his character was portrayed and just how he looks in the movie makes him a top-tier villain not just in Spider-Man movies but in superhero movies. Aunt May played by Rosemary Harris has her best performance here and adds depth to a character some could say has limited depth. You guys know how I feel about Mary Jane, but I think she comes off annoying and puts up her worst performance here. Other than that, this movie is superb and is the best live-action Spider-Man movie.
2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
This is the most visually appealing Spider-Man movie. Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) goes through many trials and tribulations throughout the movie with him almost getting killed by his uncle, the Prowler played by Mahershala Ali. Another fact was when he's told that he's not good enough by the other Spider-Men and Woman (Hailee Steinfeld). Miles shows he is good enough and ends up saving the day, letting others go back to their own Spider-verse and defeating Kingpin (Liev Schreiber). Jake Johnson’s Spider-Man plays as a good mentor to Miles and they build a relationship throughout the movie. Spider-Woman is also a great addition to the team. The other Spider-Men all add something unique. Into the Spider-Verse lands at 2 on my list.
1. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
This movie was simply amazing from start to finish. The animation is even somehow better than its predecessor (seen above). Miles builds on where he left off from the first movie and this movie sets up for an insane ending in Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. The different animation styles are amazing, as you see for Spider-Punk, Gwen, and Miles it is all totally different and you can tell they carefully crafted it for each character. The ending will leave some people mad or confused, but I loved it and it will leave you on the edge of your seat thinking about what could happen until March 29th, 2024. This is, in my opinion, the best Spider-Man movie ever and The Spider-Verse has a chance to be the best trilogy ever if it sticks the landing.
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