Spider-Man is one of the most popular superheroes in the world. The character has already had numerous film adaptations, and has been played by three actors. Does this profusion of feature films dedicated to Spider-Man intimidate you? Here’s a viewing guide to get through it.
Actors Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland have one thing in common: they have all donned the Spider-Man costume, and in more than one film. The Marvel superhero is one of the most popular in the world and, like a figure like Batman or Superman, has undergone several cinema adaptations.
So much so that Spider-Man now has eight different films, not counting the animated films and his appearances in other side projects (thanks to the Marvel Cinematic Universe). Today, a neophyte would have plenty to get lost in. Our viewing guide will help you see more clearly and everything binge-watcher in proper order.
How to navigate all the Spider-Man films?
The films Spider-Man are divided into three categories:
- The trilogy with Tobey Maguire;
- The two films with Andrew Garfield;
- Films in which Tom Holland appears (three so far, but a fourth is planned).
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Each actor is linked to their own adaptation, with their own codes, tone and universe. You can watch Tobey Maguire movies before or after Andrew Garfield movies. On the other hand, it is better to watch those with Tom Holland last, because his latest adventure, called Spider-Man: No Way Homebrings together the three actors thanks to the trick of the multiverse. If you haven’t seen the previous films with Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, you may be a little confused by some of the scenes and miss all the references and subtleties.
We advise you to start with Sam Raimi’s trilogy, with Tobey Maguire in the title role. Spider-Man (2002), Spider-Man 2 (2004) et Spider-Man 3 (2007) constitute a successful proposition, with incredible cinematographic mastery at a time when superhero films were far from numerous. Sam Raimi has a real touch, and tackles serious themes while putting on a show.
Then, place The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) et The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014), both adaptations with Andrew Garfield. The tone is much lighter, with a perfect interpretation from the actor, comfortable in the role of Peter Parker (more goofy, funny and touching). Hang in there anyway, because the films are mediocre, especially the second, especially in comparison to Sam Raimi’s trilogy. If the films had been well received, Andrew Garfield wouldn’t have hung up the suit so quickly.
Things become more complex for Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, because he belongs to the Marvel Cinematic Universal, via a partnership between Sony Pictures, which has the rights, and Disney. Thus, it appears for the first time in Captain America: Civil Warbefore his own film. The idea is then to watch all the MCU blockbusters in which he appears, because certain events intersect.
Or, in order:
You will have understood, in reality it is enough to follow the order of the cinema outings, to Spider-Man (2002) to Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). On the other hand, we spare you the ridiculous adaptations of Venom, Morbius, Madame Web or even The requirements — characters from the Spider-Man universe who find themselves botched by the financial appetite of Sony Pictures.
Where to watch the films Spider-Man and streaming ?
- Spider-Man (available on NetflixMax and myCanal)
- Spider-Man 2 (available on Max and myCanal)
- Spider-Man 3 (available on Max and myCanal)
- The Amazing Spider-Man (available on Netflix and myCanal)
- The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (available on Netflix and myCanal)
- Captain America: Civil War (available on Disney+)
- Spider-Man: Homecoming (available on Netflix)
- Avengers: Infinity War (available on Disney+)
- Avengers: Endgame (available on Disney+)
- Spider-Man: Far From Home (available on Netflix)
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (available on Netflix)
Yes, you have to increase your subscriptions to see everything…
What about animated films, then?
In addition to the live action films, it is possible to enjoy two animated adaptations, with Spider-Man: New Generation (2018) et Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023). They are definitely worth a look, with breathtaking artistic direction, and a modernized and refreshing story. A third opus is currently in production. We expect it for 2025 or 2026.
Source: www.numerama.com
