Which Spider-Man film is the best?

By Shane Hernandez, Staff Writer

Spider-Man: Far From Home swung into theaters this past Tuesday and critics and audiences everywhere seem to love it. Some even say it could be the best Spider-Man film to date. Right now, we’re going to look into which is best in my mind. Each Spider-Man film is ranked differently for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of the Raimi Trilogy, Garfield’s interpretation or Tom Holland in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we can all agree that there is a version out there for everyone to enjoy.

8. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

Andrew Garfield is given a hard time as Spider-Man but he’s most certainly not at fault for this being why the film is so low on the list. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 has very talented actors, but a poor script and bad direction. Marc Webb didn’t seem to understand Spider-Man as a character as seen in the first film, but continues this with the rest of Spider-Man lore and characters. All of these villains and plot threads, don’t feel like they exist to entertain us with the wonder and struggles of being a superhero. Characters such as Electro, Green Goblin and The Rhino are only created for Sony to profit off of a “Sinister Six” franchise. There were even rumors that Sony was going to do an “Aunt May Movie” starring Sally Field. The film attempts to do so much with too many plots going on which leaves the film feeling bland and uninteresting and most importantly, without heart.

7. Spider-Man 3 (2007)

“Spider-Man 3” suffers from far too many plot threads in the film with addition to unnecessary characters and stories that don’t enhance the film. The first two “Spider-Man” films demonstrated that comic books can be something more than useless magazines but this movie setback that revolution. Sam Raimi poured his heart out but, unfortunately, his 3rd baby became the victim of studio notes and interference. What keeps the movie going is that we’ve followed these characters for so long, that we’re still invested in what is happening. All of what was in “Spider-Man 3” are good concepts for the most part (not including “Emo Peter”), but they all feel like they could’ve been split up into the potential “Spider-Man 4”.

Fans to this day make fun of this film. However, this film holds up differently. In a way it’s so bad, that it’s actually good. It has created some of the best memes for comic fans, making it almost timeless. To this day there are fans that wish we  could see a comic adapted “Spider-Man 4” or even a crossover with Tobey Maguire’s Spider-Man involving the multiverse. 

6. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Instead of Sony wanting to go with Sam Raimi’s “Spider-Man 4”, they decided to completely scrap those plans and go with a new take on the character by Marc Webb. This movie is structured better than it’s sequel. Curt Connors is a fairly decent villain with Rhys Ifans as his human form, but his character’s motivation as the Lizard were very one noted. In general, Andrew Garfield is my least favorite Spider-Man. I do have to give credit to Andrew Garfield as an actor. He does a fine job and has good chemistry with Emma Stone. Through most of the movie, Spider-Man seeks revenge from Uncle Ben’s killer. He doesn’t come to the realization that, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” I’d forgive this plot detail if the sequel addressed this and gave him that lesson, making it an arc over the course of the series. Sadly, Garfield’s era doesn’t focus on building substance into its universe.

5. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

With the downfall of “The Amazing Spider-Man” series, Sony made a deal with Marvel Studios to insert the character into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Two competing film studios came together for the good of a character. Tom Holland debuted his Spider-Man in “Captain America: Civil War”, one year prior to the release of his solo film. Where I think he cemented himself as both the best Peter Parker and Spider-Man. “Homecoming”, was a fresh creative take on the character, it takes a lot of inspiration from comics that we haven’t seen represented on screen before. However, one of the main reasons why I placed it so low, is that it’s so different, that it doesn’t entirely feel like Spider-Man. Tony Stark acts as a mentor to Peter Parker rather than Uncle Ben. In this, Peter wants to prove himself as worthy of being an Avenger. While this is fitting to be the ambitions of a young Spider-Man wanting to fight alongside his idols, in a world where there are many heroes.At times, it doesn’t feel right that the lessons that Uncle Ben taught him aren’t utilized. Homecoming tries to be a creative take on Spider-Man, but the motivations for the characters have changed, that it doesn’t feel like a full justice to fans. With that though, I’m more than thankful to have Spidey a part of a bigger universe where he belongs.

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

I can’t go too much into detail without spoiling this movie. So I’ll try to be as brief as I can. Though there is an absence of Uncle Ben in “Spider-Man: Homecoming”, the lessons in the comics are emphasized more. The death of Peter’s mentor Tony Stark in “Avengers: Endgame”, really puts Spider-Man in a situation where he has to step up as a hero on his own and helps him understand the responsibility more than it did in the previous installment. The pacing of this movie is a little slow at the start but quickly picks up with Mysterio, played by Jake Gyllanhaal. In terms of side characters, I enjoy all of them. Except I wish other friends like Harry Osborn and Gwen Stacy were acknowledged. Even though we don’t get to have those characters, we reintroduced to a Spider-Man classic character. With a twist in the end credit scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat, you will be waiting for the next installation of this series.

3. Spider-Man (2002)

In 2002, there weren’t many great superhero films. They were seen as worthless until the first X-Men film, produced by 20th Century Fox. Sony gave Sam Raimi a shot with the character. Though a casual fan may find the Green Goblin to be ridiculous and the established world to be over the top. It’s these elements of camp that still make the original Spider-Man rewatchable. Tobey Maguire may not be my favorite interpretation of the web head, but he nails Peter Parker. He may look too old to be in high school but he does a great job of showing Parker’s attempt to impress Mary Jane and use his abilities for money. We as an audience share Peter’s interests and want him to succeed. However when he’s cheated out of the money he was promised, he lets the criminal go by him to get his revenge. As a result, we as an audience share the guilt of us letting Uncle Ben die. By the end of the day, Spider-Man saves the day. Except even in a campy world. We see that even when the hero wins, he also loses something. Elements of this may be a little outdated but this may be my guilty pleasure of the films. It’s not perfect but Raimi was given great power, and in the end, he understood the responsibility he had. Delivering a piece of cinematic history, that paved the way for superhero films as a whole.

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

What’s so intriguing is that one of the best Spider-Man movies came out last year and it doesn’t star Peter Parker as the lead instead we’re introduced to Miles Morales as the lead. I never followed his character from the comics. I was always more of Peter Parker fan except this movie allows any audience member to immediately fall in love with him. The animation is groundbreaking and it delivers a fresh score. It’s the definition of a comic book brought to life. All the characters are super likeable, while the filmmakers found a clever way to create a Sinister Six in a casual and not in a forced way. Even though Peter Parker isn’t the main character, it’s plays a  fresh take on Parker’s character. It’s only when he is forced to mentor Miles, he rediscovers why he chose to step up and listen to his Uncle. While it’s a fun journey with a lot of heart, if I had to point out flaws of this movie, is that I wish we got more time with Miles and Uncle Aaron. We get a glimpse of his relationship and we’re given more of an understanding as to why he loves him so much. I felt Aaron Davis/The Prowler could be an ongoing story for multiple films. While I love each of these characters, I just feel like they’re not all given a proper justice for their stories. Regardless of this, the movie has a lot in it and it flows so well with every viewing. I catch something new every time I watch Spider-Verse, and if all these characters were given a lot more exposition than development as characters. I believe they will have justice in the sequel and spin-off film that Sony announced. Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse has solidified itself as not only one of my favorite Spider-Man films, but one of my favorite animated films.

1. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

For years Spider-Man fans placed “Spider-Man 2” as the best of the films. “Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse” took that title, but for me Tobey Maguire’s second film is still my favorite. This movie opens up a bigger world from it’s previous installment while keeping a grounded level to it’s protagonist. Peter Parker experiences life head on and struggles to balance being Spider-Man and Peter Parker. He had to surrender the girl of his dreams to pursue the responsibility given to him. As he loses his powers through the movie, we do want a normal life for Peter. He’s sacrificed so much for others that it’s hard for us to bare him dealing with this on his own. The effects and fight scenes hold up after 15 years, that the movie is a timeless classic for superhero movies. The humor may not be for everyone and maybe my nostalgic feelings are in the way. Except I grew up rewatching this movie so much, that it holds a special place in my heart. It demonstrates not only what a good superhero movie could be, but what a sequel can truly be for the modern films.

Stan Lee and Steve Ditko created a character that has become one of the most recognizable superheroes in the world. No matter how we rank the movies, the character will resonate with all ages for many more years to come.