“Spider-Man: No Way Home” is finally here. In honor of the anticipated event, I felt that an updated ranking of the “Spider-Man” films was deserved. My ranking has changed a lot since November of last year, and with a new entry being added to the mix, it makes sense. This list will not only include “No Way Home,” but both of the “Venom” movies as well. This…is the definitive “Spider-Man” ranking.
11. ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ (2014)
Jamie Foxx and Andrew Garfield in “The Amazing Spider-Man 2.” Photo: Columbia Pictures.
Yeah, there’s really no question that this is the worst “Spider-Man” film of all time. “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” has some of the most baffling writing decisions I have ever seen. The plot is almost a complete failure, struggling to balance horribly written villains with a side plot about Peter’s parents that is just completely useless. Of course, it’s not all bad. This film has easily the best visuals of any “Spider-Man” film, and Andrew Garfield consistently proves himself as a phenomenal actor. Unfortunately, this doesn’t save “TASM 2” from being a true abomination of the superhero genre.
10. ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’ (2012)
Andrew Garfield in “The Amazing Spider-Man.” Photo: Columbia Pictures.
I really hate to put both “Amazing Spider-Man” films at the very bottom, as it’s clear that Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, and the cinematographers are really giving it their all. Again, great visuals, great acting from our leads, but the script just feels so lazy and dull. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why “TASM 1” is better than “TASM 2,” it’s the sort of thing you just have to experience yourself. This still feels like a competent movie, just a dull and boring one. It doesn’t totally throw sense out the window like its sequel. Other than that, it’s no doubt that Garfield’s movies don’t hold a candle to the others. It’s funny; in my 2020 list I had this film being worse than “TASM 2,” but I couldn’t feel more different now.
9. ‘Venom: Let There Be Carnage’ (2021)
Woody Harrelson in “Venom: Let There Be Carnage.” Photo: Courtesy of Sony Pictures – © 2021 CTMG, Inc.
Okay, I truly do not know if this should be placed below or above its predecessor, but I do think it’s not quite as strong. This is by no means a dumpster fire of a film, but it still is pretty dang stupid. I don’t know; if you’re looking to turn your brain off for 90 minutes and watch Tom Hardy crack some (pretty funny) one-liners to a CGI blob, you’ll like this movie. But if you’re looking for a movie that does justice to the character of Carnage, or one that has an ounce of actual substance… you might want to hold off on this one.
8. ‘Venom’ (2018)
Eddie Brock and Venom in the first romp. Photo: Columbia Pictures.
While “Venom” (2018) might be a little better than the sequel, they’re pretty much interchangeable for me. They’re both funny, stupid, and well, fun. These aren’t good movies, but I kind of like them anyway. This one certainly has the worst villain, even though Woody Harrelson’s Carnage is pretty abysmal. But this one seemed more raw, gritter, and yes, funnier. I think this one is really unintentionally hilarious, which is why it became such a financial hit. But by the time the sequel came out, I think they tried to capitalize this with real jokes, which simply made it less funny. This one just has something that “Let There Be Carnage” doesn’t. Still, I find both of these films to be equally entertaining as they are stupid.
7. ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017)
“Spider-Man: Homecoming.” Photo: Columbia Pictures, 2017.
This is probably one of the more drastic changes from my 2020 list. “Homecoming” was originally at my #4 spot, meaning this film dropped a lot for me. Upon rewatch, I found the middle to really drag and the CGI to be downright horrendous. I still think it’s leagues ahead of “TASM” and “Venom” films, but it didn’t click with me this time. Even Michael Keaton’s Vulture, who I would consider a top three Marvel villain back in the day, didn’t hold up the same way. I found him to be pretty uncompelling, if I’m being frank. Still, I love Peter himself in this and there’s clearly a lot of heart both in front of and behind the camera. And it includes one of my favorite “Spider-Man” moments of all time, when he lifts an entire building off of him. It felt inspiring, and truly felt like “Spider-Man.” Not perfect, but a good time nonetheless.
6. ‘Spider-Man 3’ (2007)
Tobey Maguire in “Spider-Man 3.” Photo: Columbia Pictures.
Most people consider this to be the worst “Spider-Man” film of all time, but I couldn’t disagree more. Maybe I’ve just watched it too many times and I’m experiencing Stockholm Syndrome, but there’s something so enjoyable about the campiness and silliness of this film. Tobey Maguire literally has not one, but two dance sequences in this film. Topher Grace’s Venom is laughably bad, and Harry is at his zaniest here. This isn’t a good movie. But I grew up on this one. I’ve probably seen it two dozen times. Even with all of its flaws, I still consider it one of my favorites. And I think I always will.
5. ‘Spider-Man’ (2002)
Tobey Maguire and Willem Dafoe in “Spider-Man.” Photo: Columbia Pictures.
Another drastic change from my 2020 list was the original “Spider-Man” film. I had it at my #1 spot, which is much higher than it is now. I still love this movie and hold it very dear to my heart. Still, I think it falls a bit shorter than I once thought it did. It’s still trying to figure itself out at times, leaving the pacing a little disjointed. Despite all that, I still think it’s a phenomenal film. Willem Dafoe is insanely good in this role, and Maguire is at his most awkward here, in a good way. And without the success of this movie, very few other superhero films would exist today. Simply put, the original “Spider-Man” is an imperfect classic, and one that will continue to affect the film industry for years to come.
4. ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’
A scene from “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” Photo: Columbia Pictures.
This is another one that’s subject to change, as I usually love it a lot more than I did on my latest rewatch. The greats are still undeniably great: the animation is stellar, the acting is incredible, and that ‘Leap of Faith‘ scene is incredible. Still, it didn’t hit quite the same this time. I guess there’s a point where if you watch a movie too many times, you don’t feel the same effect anymore. Nonetheless, this is one of the greatest superhero movies ever, proving that animated films are no joke. I’m just excited for the sequel, and I hope I’ll rank it a bit higher when I inevitably rewatch it for the nth time.
3. ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021)
Tom Holland in “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” Photo: Marvel Studios.
No question about it, “Spider-Man: No Way Home” lived up to and exceeded expectations. I would say this was one of the most anticipated films of all time, with the entire internet speculating on theories, cameos, and events. Without getting into spoiler territory, there’s points in this film where I genuinely could not believe my eyes. They somehow combined all these insane concepts and expectations into a film, that I can confidently say, worked. Sure, some CGI was very iffy, and they could have handled past villains a little better, but compared to all the great things in this, the problems seem trivial. Go see this movie, you will probably have the time of your life.
2. ‘Spider-Man 2’ (2004)
Kirsten Dunst and Tobey Maguire in “Spider-Man 2.” Photo: Columbia Pictures.
This film is easily the best out of the Maguire trilogy. Everything is near perfect in this: the performances, the action, and it finally gives us our best look into Peter Parker’s psyche. In the end, this is a perfect “Spider-Man” experience. The whole point of Spidey is that he can’t balance his life between Peter and his superhero alter ego. He must make a choice, and this film sees him make the easier one. He stops being Spider-Man, and then ultimately comes back when he realizes it’s his responsibility to be the webhead. It’s beautiful, and I really have no complaints about this film.
1. ‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ (2019)
Tom Holland and Jake Gyllenhaal in “Spider-Man: Far From Home.” Photo: Marvel Studios.
This is easily the most controversial spot on this list. I’ve seen so many other lists that have “Far From Home” at last place, as many think this movie is an abomination to Spider-Man’s character. To me, “Far From Home” is the most entertaining entry in the “Spider-Man” franchise. Does it pack in as many emotional moments as the films before it? No. But that’s what’s great about Spider-Man: Sometimes his stories can be heartbreaking, intense, and sometimes depressing. And other times, they’re light-hearted, fun, teenage adventures. This is the latter, something that really worked here. Jake Gyllenhaal’s Mysterio is one of my favorite Spider-Man villains in this as well, adding to an already great cast of characters. Maybe it won’t stay my favorite, but for now, this film has everything I want in a Spider-Man movie.
It seems like the Spider-Man universe is only getting bigger, and it’s obvious why: The reason why Spider-Man is the most famous superhero is because he’s a character that everyone can relate to. Sure, some “Spider-Man” films are better than others, but all of them include a character that anyone can see themselves in. That’s the beauty of Spider-Man—he’s just like us.
Do you agree with our ranking? Leave a comment in the section below.
