Since 2002, there have been eight Spider-Man movies. Director Sam Raimi first brought him to the big screen, producing the highly influential Spider-Man Trilogy that starred Tobey Maguire. The character received a reboot by Sony in 2012, with Director Marc Webb and Andrew Garfield playing the titular superhero. In 2017 Sony and Marvel combined forces with Tom Holland donning the Spidey suit and Jon Watts directing.
Here’s our ranking of every solo film.
8. Spider-Man 3
Still mocked over 10 years after its debut, it’s the weakest entry of Spidey on the big screen. Like other part threes (e.g., X-Men: The Last Stand, Alien 3), this one finishes with a whimper instead of a bang. Too many subplots and misunderstandings make this movie buckle under its own weight.
7. The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Though this movie was released seven years after Spider-Man 3, it somehow manages to make every mistake as its predecessor. A new light-hearted tone adopted from the success of The Avengers is welcome and suits Spidey’s historically easy-going character, the excessive number of plots and ideas don’t fare as well.
6. The Amazing Spider-Man
Initially created with the intention of telling the untold story of Peter’s always-missing parents, it was mostly a remix of the same familiar origin stories. For its shortcomings, it is a solid installment that tries to do something different but is hampered by the comics and the original Raimi trilogy.
5. Spider-Man
This movie is cemented in pop culture thanks to J.K. Simmons perfect Jonah Jameson, Tobey Maguire’s endearing Peter Parker and Sam Raimi’s apparent affection for the witty wall climber that is felt throughout the film.
Despite the light touches of humor, this movie didn’t shy away from darker places: Green Goblin’s attack on Aunt May and his beat down of Spider-man in the final act come to mind. Its approach may be deemed dated by today’s standards, but there’s no denying this movie’s importance.
4. Spider-Man: Homecoming
Savvy and sprightly, Jon Watts found great pacing for Spider-Man, capturing the humor and Spidey’s rebellious spirit. Tom Holland also happens to be tremendously talented as the web-slinging hero.
3. Spider-Man: Far From Home
Peter just wants a vacation after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Very understandable. Holland continues to be fantastic in his portrayal of Spider-Man and his chemistry with Mary Jane (Zendaya) is magical on the screen. Far From Home is full of charming individuals, more action sequences and some fine psychedelic visuals.
2. Spider-Man 2
One of the best Spider-Man films and superhero movies ever, improving on the first was no easy feat for Sam Raimi. This movie finds a fully-fledged Spider-Man in Tobey Maguire, but his life is in shambles: he’s lost MJ, on the verge of bankruptcy and struggling in college.
Tobey perfectly encapsulates Parker’s humor, torment and heartache. Can’t forget Doc Oct, one of the best superhero movie villains, played by Alfred Molina.
1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Though one of the more recent entries, it rightfully sits at the #1 spot. By delving into the untapped potential of alternate realities, Sony sidestepped the superhero fatigue audiences are inching closer to. Brooklyn teen Miles has to join forces with several other Spider-People to save the multiverse.
Not only a heartfelt love letter, it’s the most endearing and funniest Spider-Man movie released so far. The movie has an unbridled energy and warmth unlike any other and is one of the best animated and superhero movies ever made.
