Who would have ever predicted that in the span of fifteen years, we would have six Spider-Man movies, and that these six films would contain three different versions of the character? With an impressive trilogy, a so-so pair of reboots, and an exciting new direction for Marvel's wall-crawler, there is enough Spider-Man to go around for anyone looking for a colorful comic book adventure. The latest installment, Spider-Man: Homecoming is new to home formats this month, which is a great time to look back at the entire franchise, from worst to best.
6. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
This is the only Spider-Man film that I would consider "bad". While it made nearly as much money as its predecessor, TASM2 is the worst-reviewed movie in the franchise. It begins with promise. A tussle with Paul Giamatti's Aleksei Sytsevich (AKA The Rhino), Spidey juggling radioactive isotopes, and a great-looking suit are the only highlights in this film. Jamie Foxx's Electro doesn't work, Dane DeHaan's Green Goblin doesn't work, and the conspiracy involving Peter's parents doesn't work. By the time this mess of a film gets to the dramatic conclusion, there's no heft to support the tragedy Peter faces. A massive disappointment, this movie temporarily ended the Spider-Man franchise (which turned out to be a good thing).
5. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
This first entry in the reboot series is not a bad film whatsoever. Andrew Garfield takes over as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, bringing modern sensibilities to the character. Gwen Stacy, played by Emma Stone, is the new love interest in lieu of Mary Jane Watson. The Lizard, as portrayed by Rhys Ifans, is an effective foil for our hero. The film is well acted, well directed, and meshes drama and fun quite nicely. It's just that the whole thing feels so unnecessary. Movie-goers just saw a Spider-Man origin story ten years prior, so the first third or two of this one can seem a tad boring. Nonetheless, this is a fine Spidey offering that will more than likely be forgotten in years to come.
4. Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Many will disagree with the placement of this one, but Spider-Man 3 has been the subject of undue criticism over the years. Yes, the film is overstuffed, and yes, Topher Grace is woefully miscast as Eddie Brock/Venom, but it is a whole heckuva lot more fun the either of the Amazing entries. Sandman is the highlight villain here, wonderfully done by a subdued Thomas Haden Church. Bryce Dallas Howard brings Gwen Stacy straight off of the comic book page. Tobey Maguire's turn as Black Suit Spidey is seen by fans as being goofy, but it is in fact hilarious. The scenes of Peter strutting down the streets of New York and dancing in the piano bar are the funniest of the trilogy. Don't take this one too seriously, and you too will find that it is "so good".
3. Spider-Man (2002)
Not only did Spider-Man kick off the franchise, it, along with 2000's X-Men, helped usher in a whole new era of super-hero movies that fans are still enjoying today. This first film is bright, colorful, and a perfect blend of classic comic book fun and modern film making. The cast is superb, no one in this movie seems out of place. Willem Dafoe does an outstanding job as Norman Osborn/Green Goblin, although he does the best he can when wearing the silly Goblin suit that just isn't scary or intimidating. Overall this films acts as an extremely satisfying origin story, and as a near-classic film in the genre.
2. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
After Spider-Man was re-introduced to film-goers in last year's Captain America: Civil War, it was time to quickly get him not only in the MCU, but in his own solo film as well. Nervous fans were set at ease with the release of Homecoming, which is one of the best Spider-Man films and a standout film in the ever-growing MCU. Tom Holland takes on the role of Peter/Spidey with ease, finally looking the part of a high-schooler who is a nerd in the modern sense. Everyone else in the film is also likable, from Marisa Tomei's Aunt May to Peter's high school friends (and enemies) to the supporting villains. Michael Keaton appears as the Vulture, one of the best villains in any comic book movie. An appearance by Tony Stark/Iron Man doesn't make the film seem overcrowded, but adds just the right touch to the story. Spider-Man: Homecoming is refreshingly funny, and brings the character back to his comic book roots.
1. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Spider-Man 2 is a bonafide classic, a comic book movie that set the standard for those that followed. It does exactly what any sequel does. It brings back what made the predecessor so successful, and adds just the right additional material to keep things interesting and exciting. Alfred Molina chews the scenery as Doctor Octopus, one of Spidey's most memorable villains. The rest of the cast returns to form, as each relationship becomes more complicated. Director Sam Raimi crafts a film that is just the right mix of action, drama, romance, and comic book fun. Spider-Man 2 is one of the greatest super hero movies of all time, and still tops the lists of fans and critics alike.
