Spider-Man is more than a comic book hero—he’s a cultural phenomenon who’s swung from page to screen in more guises than nearly any other superhero. Whether fighting multiverse baddies or appearing in psychedelic spoofs, Spidey has left an on-screen legacy bursting with emotion, humor, and moments that never fade. So, in classic web-slinger fashion, let’s number down the 10 most iconic Spider-Man movie and TV appearances—beginning at the back and working our way up to the very top.
10. Italian Spiderman (2007): The Internet’s Most Raucous Web-Slinger
Before meme culture became mainstream, Italian Spiderman arrived as a ridiculous, unlicensed spoof created by Australian producers. With his thick mustache, arbitrary superpowers, and excessive action, this Spidey is half grindhouse movie, half fever dream. Not official, but it won the internet’s heart—and even received a light-hearted nod from Stan Lee.
9. Spider-Man (1977): The First Live-Action Climb
Nicholas Hammond played Peter Parker in the 1977 made-for-TV film that kick-started The Amazing Spider-Man TV series. He didn’t battle comic book bad guys, but his rope-swinging stunts and martial arts sequences brought Spider-Man to life for a generation who’d never seen him outside of comics. It’s crude around the edges, but irrefutably historic.
8. Japanese Spider-Man (1978): Spidey Meets Super Sentai
Forget what you think you know about Spider-Man. In Japan, Takuya Yamashiro becomes the hero thanks to alien technology, giant robots, and laser fights. This take is a crazy mix of tokusatsu excitement and superhero panache—and it’s now a part of the Spider-Verse. And without it, we may never have Power Rangers.
7. Spider-Man (1967 Animated Series): Origin of Memes
That classic theme music? It all began here. So did the ever-repeated animation and the meme that never dies double-Spidey pointer. The 1967 cartoon may have been cheap, but it gave us colorful visuals, timeless villains, and a mood that’s still parodied and adored now. Pure retro goodness.
6. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014): A Beautiful, Chaotic Swing
Andrew Garfield’s second go-round as Spidey tried to do too much, but it also gave us some unforgettable moments. From the tragic love story with Gwen Stacy to Jamie Foxx’s glow-up as Electro, the film is visually rich and emotionally raw. It’s messy, but it has a big heart and undeniable charm.
5. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012): A New Kind of Peter Parker
Marc Webb’s reboot brought a darker, gangly Peter in the guise of Garfield’s skateboard-wielding science brainiac. The chemistry with Emma Stone’s Gwen Stacy gave it depth, and although the Lizard wasn’t the greatest villain, the movie concentrated on more personal stakes than end-of-the-world threats.
4. Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019): Spidey in the Deep End
Peter Parker simply wanted to take a vacation, but the aftermath of Endgame had other ideas. This sequel sent Spider-Man abroad and into a realm of illusions, with Mysterio’s deceptions conjuring some of the MCU’s trippiest sequences. Holland’s Peter matures in a hurry here, although it sometimes seems like he’s not always in charge.
3. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017): Spidey Begins Anew
Tom Holland’s solo film debut bypasses the origin story and goes directly to Peter’s teenage angst and his coming-of-age as a protégé to Tony Stark. Homecoming is a teen comedy mixed with a superhero movie, and it succeeds. Michael Keaton’s Vulture brings the film down to earth in terms of human threat, and the film ranks among the most character-centric MCU films.
2. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021): The Ultimate Fan Moment
Three Spider-Men, one film, infinite feelings. No Way Home united Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland in a multiverse battle that honored two decades of Spidey tales. Gimmicky-free nostalgia, the film provided closure, redemption storylines, and one of the most rewarding team-ups in superhero lore.
1. Spider-Man 2 (2004): The Web-Slinging Gold Standard Still
Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 remains the heart and soul of Spidey’s cinematic journey. Tobey Maguire’s Peter Parker faces burnout, self-doubt, and heartbreak, all while battling Alfred Molina’s unforgettable Doctor Octopus. The emotional core, iconic train battle, and themes of sacrifice and identity have kept this film at the top for years—and rightly so.
From low-budget cartoons to multiverse epics, Spider-Man has never stopped evolving. He’s been weird, heartfelt, tragic, and hilarious—and that’s exactly why fans keep coming back. No matter your Spidey of choice, one thing’s for sure: the wall-crawler’s web of stories is one of the most iconic in all of pop culture. And he’s still far from done.