Few superheroes have earned a following as huge as Spider-Man. Since the 1960’s, the hero has become a beloved icon. A commemorated figure in popular culture, Spider-Man has inspired several film adaptations. Given the number of movies made about the hero, producing a list is challenging. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best films made about a hero that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man is a spectacular superhero that shaped my teacher’s identity. Several years ago, I formed strong bonds with a teacher that appreciated the web-swinging superhero. A comic-book nerd, he spoke fondly about a superhero that made him feel heard. He would always praise a legendary hero whose great powers came with great responsibilities that shaped his identity. His classroom was always decorated with posters of a superhero that he appreciated. Through his inspiring words of wisdom, I was motivated to pursue a career in film criticism. As someone that grew up to value a teacher that adored a hero making dreams come true, I loved “Spider-Man 2”. Released in 2004, Sam Raimi’s spectacular comic-book sequel has stood the test of time as the greatest Spider-Man movie ever made. Packed with breathtaking action sequences, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of those rare comic-book movies that works on every level. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Tobey Maguire, who embodies the superhero comic-book fans have grown to admire. Ultimately, what makes “Spider-Man 2” the greatest spider-man movie is its message. The film delivers a profound message about the importance of finding a work-life balance that would resonate with everyone. It turned Spider-Man into a relatable hero with humanity that anyone could identify with. A touching tribute towards a web-swinging superhero whose great powers come with great responsibilities that are challenging, it’s a groundbreaking reminder of a commemorated comic-book character whose stories are definitely worth celebrating.
2. Spider-Man
It’s always challenging to maintain a work-life balance. As far as I remember, I have often struggled to find a work-life balance in my life. During high school, I struggled to balance the pressure of high schools studies with household responsibilities. It was always a struggle for me to juggle the responsibility of being a son with succeeding in high school studies. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the struggle of maintaining a work-life balance that can affect a person as powerfully as “Spider-Man”. Released in 2002, Sam Raimi’s movie did a beautiful job of capturing the relatability of Spider-Man struggling to find a work-life balance. Tobey Maguire was perfectly cast in the role of the young Peter Parker, creating an empathetic character that audiences could easily relate to. The main reason why “Spider-Man” succeeded is because of its portrayal of Peter Parker as a relatable hero. For instance, the scene in which Uncle Ben gives Peter valuable advice that his great powers come with great responsibilities is one of the greatest moments in a Spider-Man movie. It’s an incredibly inspiring scene that captures the essence of a character that has relied on teachers. Ultimately, what makes “Spider-Man” a great comic-book movie is its message. The film delivers a powerful message about the importance of finding a work-life balance which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking beginning of a beloved franchise about a web-swinging hero, it’s a remarkable reminder of a character that has always given audiences dreams to follow.
3. Spider-Man: No Way Home
Spider-Man is a hero that has woven a lasting legacy. Throughout his long-running history, the web-swinging hero has been portrayed by several great actors. Several years ago, I formed a friendship with a kid in school that was a huge fan of the superhero. He would often like to debate which actor did the best job of playing an iconic hero he had grown up to appreciate. We would often have tense arguments about which actor did the best job of playing the web-swinging superhero. As someone treasuring a friend that loved the web-swinging superhero seeking a home, I loved “Spider-Man: No Way Home”. Jon Watts’ blockbuster did an excellent job of celebrating the legendary comic-book character. It isn’t easy to bring together different versions of Spider-Man into one movie, but this film succeeded. Watching three actors that played Spider-Man coming together for the first time was exhilarating. Ultimately, what makes “Spider-Man: No Way Home” a standout movie is its creativity. The film uses the multi-verse to bring depth to the superhero. Unlike most Spider-Man movies which follow a safe formula, the film took risks that paid off tremendously. A spectacular tribute towards a character whose great powers come with great responsibilities, it’s a riveting reminder of a superhero whose timeless stories are worth telling in movies.
4. The Amazing Spider-Man
It’s not easy to come to terms with the loss of a loved one. Several years ago, my family faced grief when our uncle passed away without relief. As wise as Uncle Ben, he was a person that my family had grown to idolize. His devastating death causing my family to face mourning. Today, it’s safe to say I still haven’t moved on from the death of a beloved uncle that tragically passed away. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured how loss can destroy the amazing lives of teenagers as powerfully as “The Amazing Spider-Man”. Released in 2012, Andrew Garfield’s film did an amazing job of capturing impact of loss on Spider-Man. Unlike previous Spider-Man movies, “The Amazing Spider-Man” offered a glimpse at a teenage Spider-Man struggling to deal with loss. Andrew Garfield brought an emotional maturity to Peter Parker that made him stand out from other actors that have played the comic-book character. For instance, the scene in which Peter discovers his beloved Uncle Ben has died is one of the greatest scenes in any Spider-Man movie. Ultimately, what makes “The Amazing Spider-Man” an amazing comic-book movie is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about loss which would resonate with everyone. An amazing depiction of a comic-book character as a teenager, it’s a riveting reminder of a hero that audiences treasure.
5. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
The teenage years are a time in life when everyone faces fears. I remember the time when I was a teenager as if it were yesterday. Looking back in reflection, it definitely wasn’t a time of happiness. I was anxious about failing classes, being bullied and finding social acceptance from my peers in school. As someone that faced struggles as a teenager which were adverse, I related to “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”. Released in 2023, Joaquim Dos Santos’ movie did an extraordinary job of creating an animated Spider-Man. What makes “Across the Spider-Verse” stand out in the pantheon of Spider-Man movies is its depiction of a relatable hero. Unlike most Spider-Man movies, the film captures the struggles the superhero faces as a teenager. The film captures the strong appeal of Spider-Man as a teenager struggling to juggle duties of school with saving the world. Ultimately, what makes it a great Spider-Man movie is its message. The film delivers a bold message about adolescence that would resonate with everyone. It captures essence of a hero everyone can relate with regardless of ethnicity. An amazing animated adaptation of a character that’s conflicted, it’s a strong reminder of a hero whose movies deserve to be celebrated.
6. Spider-Man: Homecoming
One of the defining characteristics that makes Spider-Man such an appealing character is his sharp sense of humour. Since his creation several years ago, Spider-Man has always been a comical hero. Audiences have always been drawn towards the web-swinging hero because his sense of humour is appealing. Spider-Man’s commemorated sense of humour that audiences find entertaining is clearly evident in “Spider-Man: Homecoming”. Released in 2017, Jon Watts’ movie did a spectacular job of reimagining Spider-Man from a humorous perspective. In the most comical portrayal of the superhero, Tom Holland embodied the larger-than-life spirit of a young Spider-Man that’s funny. A captivating tribute towards a legendary comic-book character that’s comical, it’s a commemorated reminder of an iconic superhero audiences consider to be special.
7. Captain America: Civil War
It isn’t easy to create a reboot of a world-famous superhero. When it was first announced that Spider-Man would yet again be rebooted in the MCU, fans doubted whether the new version would be successful. I had doubts about whether a new Spider-Man could live up to the previous versions. Nevertheless, “Captain America: Civil War” took me by surprise. Tom Holland was dazzling, bringing youthful energy to the character that was missing from previous versions. Despite his limited screen-time in a movie packed with several superheroes, Holland left a lasting impression. The iconic shield scene in which Spider-Man is introduced is one of the greatest cinematic moments of the character. As precious as the shield of Captain America, it’s a captivating reminder of a superhero with charisma whose timeless movies are cherished in Cinema.
8. Spider-Man: Far From Home
A common theme running throughout the Spider-Man franchise is the important role of teachers. Throughout the series, Peter is often guided by inspirational mentors that give him advice about how to achieve his goals. This theme of mentors is clearly evident in “Spider-Man: Far From Home”. Released in 2019, Jon Watts’ movie found the hero struggling to cope with the loss of his mentor. In his most emotional turn as Spider-Man, Tom Holland captured Peter’s dark trauma following the loss of his mentor Tony Stark. What makes “Far From Home” stand out from other Spider-Man films is its emotion. The film delivers a strong message about teachers that would resonate with everyone. As strong as Peter Parker’s bond with Tony Stark, it’s a riveting reminder of a hero with a spark whose movies have left a lasting mark.
9. Spider-Man 3
One of the most controversial Spider-Man movies ever made is “Spider-Man 3”. Released in 2007, Sam Raimi’s comic-book blockbuster was considered by fans to be a disaster. Nevertheless, for all its faults “Spider-Man 3” remains a movie that I have always enjoyed. Despite its problematic storytelling, the film celebrated the legacy of the web-swinging superhero. Sam Raimi’s third film in the franchise did an admirable job of bringing darkness to the legendary comic-book character. Tobey Maguire gave one of his best performances as the web-swinging superhero tempted by the powers of venom. While the film is admittedly far from perfect, it’s still extremely entertaining. As powerful as Spider-Man’s desire to overcome venom, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a superhero with great wisdom that has achieved stardom.
10. The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man is a superhero that hasn’t always been portrayed perfectly on the big-screen. While most movies have celebrated the superhero, others have proven to be anything but amazing. Unfortunately, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” failed to celebrate a superhero that audiences value. Released in 2014, Marc Webb’s blockbuster was a disaster that failed to honour a legendary comic-book character. While it’s admittedly not an amazing movie, the film still managed to celebrate a hero building webs which are lasting. Andrew Garfield pours his soul into the role of the web-swinging superhero with success even when the film he’s in is a mess. As amazing as webs Spider-Man seeks to weave, it’s a soaring reminder of a superhero I will forever treasure for motivating me to believe there’s nothing in the world I can’t achieve.
The Film Buff 