Breaking Down the Spider-Verse: Which Spider-Man Movie do I Watch First?

Introduction

Spider-Man movies have been entertaining audiences since the release of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man in 2002. Since then, the character has been portrayed on screen by three different actors – Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland – each with their unique take on the beloved character. With the recent success of Spider-Man: No Way Home, which brought together all three Spider-Men, the hype for all things Spider-Man has never been higher. However, with so many movies and different timelines, it can be hard for newcomers to know where to start.

The Ultimate Guide to Watching Spider-Man Movies: A Comprehensive Ranking

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s first provide an overview of all Spider-Man movies to date. Note that we will only focus on the mainline Spider-Man movies and not spin-offs like Venom or Morbius.

Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, released between 2002 and 2007, starred Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. The trilogy is widely considered as the standard-bearer for quality superhero movies, with Spider-Man 2, in particular, regarded as one of the best superhero movies of all time.

The Amazing Spider-Man movies, released between 2012 and 2014, starred Andrew Garfield as Spider-Man. The series was intended to serve as a reboot of the franchise, but after the underwhelming response to the second movie, Sony canceled all planned sequels and decided to collaborate with Marvel to produce a new Spider-Man film.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) version of Spider-Man debuted in Captain America: Civil War, with Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. He has since starred in Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far from Home, and Spider-Man: No Way Home, as well as appearing in other MCU films.

Now, let’s rank the Spider-Man movies based on critical reception, box office performance, and fan popularity:

1. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
3. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
4. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
5. Spider-Man (2002)
6. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
7. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
8. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
9. Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Note that every viewer has different preferences, and this ranking is just one perspective.

Web-Slinging Through the Spider-Verse: Navigating the Best Order to Watch Spider-Man Movies

Spider-Man movies take place in alternate universes or timelines, which can be confusing for newcomers. Here’s a breakdown of the different universes:

• The Sam Raimi Universe
• The Amazing Spider-Man Universe
• The Marvel Cinematic Universe
• The Spider-Verse

Now, let’s provide some guidance on the optimal viewing order for each universe:

The Sam Raimi Universe

This universe comprises the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man movies. The best order to watch these movies is:

1. Spider-Man (2002)
2. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
3. Spider-Man 3 (2007)

The Amazing Spider-Man Universe

This universe comprises the Andrew Garfield Spider-Man movies, which take place in a different continuity to the Sam Raimi movies. The best order to watch these movies is:

1. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
2. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe

The Marvel Cinematic Universe version of Spider-Man is part of a connected universe, which means it’s best to watch his movies in chronological MCU order:

1. Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
2. Captain Marvel (2019)
3. Iron Man (2008)
4. Iron Man 2 (2010)
5. The Avengers (2012)
6. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
7. Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
8. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
9. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
10. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
11. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

The Spider-Verse

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is unique in that it takes place in a multiverse, featuring multiple versions of Spider-Man. It can be watched at any time, but it’s best to watch it after getting familiar with at least one other version of the character.

From Tobey Maguire to Tom Holland: Exploring the Evolution of Spider-Man on Screen

Each actor who has portrayed Spider-Man has brought something new to the character. Here’s an overview of how they have portrayed Peter Parker:

Tobey Maguire

Maguire’s Spider-Man is widely considered the most comic-accurate portrayal to date. He played the role as a relatable everyman, balancing his heroic duties with his everyday life. The Sam Raimi trilogy is notable for its excellent character development, especially in Spider-Man 2, which is often cited as one of the best superhero movies ever made.

Andrew Garfield

Gary Oldman’s Spider-Man was more confident and quippy than Maguire’s, but also more emotionally stunted. The Amazing Spider-Man films placed a greater emphasis on Parker’s relationships, particularly with Gwen Stacy, and also dived deeper into his backstory and his parents’ mysterious past.

Tom Holland

Holland’s Spider-Man is the youngest iteration of the character, emphasizing Parker’s high school life and teenage awkwardness. This version also more closely adheres to the MCU version of events, with Stark Industries playing a significant role in Parker’s development. Holland has been praised for his authentic portrayal of both Peter Parker and Spider-Man, with a perfect balance of humor, heart, and heroism.

Spider-Man Movies for Beginners: A Recommended Viewing Order

If you are new to Spider-Man movies, here’s our recommended viewing order:

1. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
2. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
3. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
4. Spider-Man (2002)
5. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
6. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
7. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
8. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
9. Spider-Man 3 (2007)

We recommend starting with Into the Spider-Verse, which offers a fun and unique take on the character and serves as a good introduction to the concept of the multiverse. Homecoming and Far From Home then provide a welcome return of Spider-Man to the MCU, followed by a throwback to the original trilogy with Spider-Man (2002) and Spider-Man 2. Finally, finish with the latest blockbuster, Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Breaking Down the Spider-Verse: Which Spider-Man Movie Should You Watch First?

If you’re still unsure about which Spider-Man movie to watch first, don’t worry. Here are some options to consider:

• Start with the highest-rated movie: Spider-Man 2 or Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
• Watch the first movie of each universe: Spider-Man (2002), The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
• Watch Spider-Man: No Way Home as an entry point, as it features all three previous Spider-Men in a multiverse adventure

No matter which option you choose, you can’t go wrong with diving into the world of Spider-Man. It’s a fun and exciting ride from beginning to end.

Conclusion

Spider-Man movies offer a variety of thrilling stories and exciting adventures featuring a beloved superhero. Hopefully, our guide has helped take out some of the guesswork when it comes to choosing where to start your journey. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer, there’s plenty to enjoy in the world of Spider-Man.