TheSpider-Manfilm franchise is one of the biggest and most reliably successful in the entertainment business. Being one of the most popular and enduring superheroes of all time, there’s no question why so much money and effort gets placed into Spidey’s media each year. Like most other high-budget superhero movies, pretty much every Spider-Man project comes with some incredible action.
Each of theSpider-Manmovies is packed with some incredible action, some being the best in the genre. It’s safe to say that there’s not aSpider-Manfilm that could be considered weak when it comes to larger-than-life action sequences. Alas, there are undoubtedlysomeSpider-Manfilms that simply excel in the action department better than others, featuring the best and most thrillingly creative use of the wall-crawler’s famous abilities.
10’Spider-Man: Homecoming' (2017)
Directed by Jon Watts
Spider-Man’s first solo outing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe features some amazing and high-flying action sequences, thanks tothe film’s villain called The Vulture, The Vulture (Michael Keaton). Unlike the other Spider-Man films out there,Spider-Man: Homecomingis a lot more focused on the high school life of Peter Parker (Tom Holland), making the action less focused on than others. Which is absolutely the intention, becauseSpider-Man: Homecoming’s biggest pull for fans was the fact that it was going to be focusing on Peter’s teenage life, rather than throwing him out of it one movie in.
While the action inHomecomingis still wonderful,it just doesn’t stack up as well against the otherSpider-Manfilmsout there, given its priorities lay more so in Peter Parker’s persona life as the newest part of the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe. But one can’t countSpider-Man: Homecomingout, especially not with that third act final action sequence, which proved the MCU’s wall-crawler was on his way to achieving great things. Starting his solo tenure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is fitting with a film like this.
Spider-Man: Homecoming
9’The Amazing Spider-Man' (2012)
Directed by Marc Webb
Much likeSpider-Man: Homecoming,The Amazing Spider-Man’s priorities don’t lie in action, as the film is known for having a slower first and second act than others. The intention behind recreating the origin inThe Amazing Spider-Manwas to slow down and take more time with Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) before the bite, Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen), and the blossoming romance with Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone) before jumping straight into the typical Spider-Man action everyone is accustomed to. Which was appreciated by many Spider-Man fans.
The Amazing Spider-Manis far more character-basedthan otherSpider-Manfilms, allowingAndrew Garfield to flex his acting musclesand prove his chemistry with Stone, Sheen, and the ever-reliableSally Field. But, the multiple action sequences that spring into the film in the final act and a half are thrilling.The Amazing Spider-Manis also the only film to feature a fight scene in the halls of Peter’s school, which is absolutely rad. The duality of Spider-Man and Peter Parker’s life is one of the most compelling parts of the character, so a fight like that is, understandably, one of the best in any Spider-Man film.
The Amazing Spider-Man
8’Spider-Man 3' (2007)
Directed by Sam Raimi
WithSpider-Man 3being the third installment in the explosively popularSam RaimiSpider-Manfranchise, the intention was always to go bigger and better. While the story may have suffered from such, the action sequences most certainly did not. Indeed, most action inSpider-Man 3is far bigger and grander than in the past two films. While Raimi was absurdly screwed over by Sony Pictures in the production of this film, he still gave the film his all and made sure that it was going to be grander and have more spectacle than the rest of the franchise.
Whether it be the intense fight scene between Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire) and Sandman (Thomas Haden Church) in the depths of New York’s subway system or Spider-Man dashing through the skies to catch Gwen Stacy (Bryce Dallas Howard) before hitting the pavement, the action ofSpider-Man 3is thrilling. It’s a fortune becauseSpider-Man is at his worst in this movie, butat least fans have the action to look forward to. Him being at his worst also adds to the action, making his black-suited fights far more brutal than typical.
Spider-Man 3
7’Spider-Man: Far From Home' (2019)
If there’s a complaint thatSpider-Man: Far From Homereceives, it’s that it feels like less of aSpider-Man: Homecomingsequel and more of anAvengers: Endgamesequel. It’s not ideal, but this approach does a lot to help the film’s action. Being a bit less character-focused thanSpider-Man: Homecomingmeans that Jon Watts had a bit more space to fit some more action into the film. Plus, the inclusion of Mysterio (Jake Gyllenhaal) meant that the battles within it were going to be some of the most visually electrifying fights in any Spider-Man film.
Not to mention,the action inSpider-Man: Far From Homefeels much grander than other films, given the fact that it’s the first Spidey adventure to take place overseas, with its action scenes happening all over Europe. Whether he’s facing off with one of the many Elemental monsters he fights or the master of visually stunning illusions, Mysterio, Spidey’s action inSpider-Man: Far From Homeis top-tier. He even gets hit by a train, which has never happened to a live-action Spider-Man before (not counting a deleted scene fromSpider-Man 2).
Spider-Man: Far from Home
6’Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse' (2018)
Directed by Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichetti & Rodney Rothman
If there’s a film that blew audiences away and became a groundbreaking project for superhero films and even animated films as a whole, it isSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. The storytelling and visuals were monumental, including the film’s breathtaking action sequences. Its more cartoon-like style allowed for a lot of flow and fast-paced action. The fact that it’s animation also allowed the directors to take fights anywhere, not needing to worry about location permits or stunt actors. Animation allowed them to make absolutely anything possible.
The action inInto the Spider-Verseis certainly enhanced by the beautiful and distinctive visuals, but the set-pieces are also thrilling and enjoyable all on their own. Huge standouts are the sequences in which the Prowler (Mahershala Ali) chases Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) through the subway and then, later, to New York. The scene in which the Spider-People are ambushed at Aunt May’s (Lily Tomlin) house, destroying the home in the process, is also a ton of fun.Into the Spider-Verseis amongthe most rewatchable animated movies of the 2010s, and the action plays a huge role in that.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Rent on Apple TV
5’Spider-Man: No Way Home' (2021)
Spider-Man: No Way Homeisthe most financially successful Spidey movieto date and a huge driving force in getting people back into movie theaters post-COVID. It delivered more than just an excuse to get back into those theater seats; in fact, the film also produced some action sequences that are unlike any Spidey has been part of in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Honestly, they’re action sequences unlike any Spider-Man in general has ever been part of.
No Way Homedid the seemingly impossible and brought villains and Spideys of pastSpider-Manfranchises together, giving them a chance to show what they’re made of on-screen unlike ever before. Fan favorites include the likes of Spider-Man teaming up with Sandman to fight a reborn Electro (Jamie Foxx) and Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina) making his comeback in Act One. Butthe action scene that audiences will never forget isgetting to see the three iconic live-action Spider-Men team upfor the very first time on screen. This team-up specifically made the final fight one of the most memorable superhero cinema scenes of all time.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
4’Spider-Man' (2002)
Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man, from 2002’s ‘Spider-Man’.
Spider-Man’s first live-action theatrical debut was a huge mark in film history. Not only was it a great introduction to the web-slinger in film, but it also set a new standard for superhero action on the big screen. The film defined how Spider-Man could move and fight in live-action, cementing him as one of the most popular superhero film characters and the undeniable star of Marvel Comics. It redefined what a good superhero film could look like and a lot of that is attributed to the action found within it.
With the sole antagonist of the film being the menacing and brutal Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe),the fight scenes inSpider-Manwere not only thrilling but even brutalat times.The most iconic comes in the third act when Green Goblin throws Spider-Man into an abandoned building. What comes after may very well be the most brutal fight in any Spider-Man film, elevated by anintense performance from Willem Dafoe. It’s hard-hitting and bone-crunching, and Spider-Man still hasn’t received a beating like that. The action inSpider-Manis simply not produced in superhero films anymore.
Spider-Man
3’Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' (2023)
Directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers & Justin K. Thompson
As ifSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Versedidn’t redefine and shake the ground beneath the film space enough as it is, the film’s sequel,Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, upped the ante. It became easily one of the best and most visually inventive superhero films to date. Much like the film’s predecessor,Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’s beautiful visualsand higher stakes blessed audiences with some incredible action. Especially because the fights in the film take place over a number of different Earths, making the environment and visuals of each unique.
If stopping a Super Collider in the first film didn’t seem big enough,Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Versetreated fans with an incredible sequence whereMiles must fight and run from the entire Spider-Society. The one-versus-hundreds trope has seldom been better executed than it is in this remarkable movie. To make things even better, the film’s villain, The Spot (Jason Schwartzman), and his portal-opening abilities make for some visually unique fights. Everything that made the action inSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Versegood has been improved upon, and then some, inSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Every Spider-Person involved has unique powers and fighting styles, which makes each action sequence different from the rest.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
2’The Amazing Spider-Man 2' (2014)
While it is one of the poorer receivedSpider-Manfilms,The Amazing Spider-Man 2just so happens to have some of the best Spider-Man action and visuals in general. The fight and action sequences inThe Amazing Spider-Man 2have become some of the most iconic Spider-Man film scenes and are, unfortunately, thrown under the rug most times due to the critical reception of the film. But people shouldn’t confuse themselves.The Amazing Spider-Man 2’s action sequences are phenomenal.
Whether Spidey is facing off against Electro in the neon-lit Times Square with only one web shooter, swinging around the pillars of a power plant to dodge Electro, or engaging in super intense and close combat with the new Green Goblin (Dane DeHaan),there isn’t an action sequence inThe Amazing Spider-Man 2that doesn’t hit. The cinematography and brilliant visual effects, thanks to ILM, make these sequences beautiful marvels.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
1’Spider-Man 2' (2004)
Spider-Man 2is known as, arguably, one of the best superhero films of all time, thanks both to the film’s incredibly compelling plot and the action setpieces that have kept audiences enamored to this day. There’s a reason the film has yet to lose its charm and is still so highly regarded to this day: the quality is there and is still as legit as ever. While there are the likes of the bank fight and the final battle that place pretty high up in the rankings of the film’s action sequences, there’s one inSpider-Man 2that’s genuinely known as one of the best action setpieces of all time, not only in the superhero genre but in action films in general: the train fight at the end of act 2.
Spider-Man 2’s train fight scene is a masterclassin all things direction and shot composition and is just an all-around masterpiece. Even at 20,Spider-Man 2remains a triumphfor superhero cinema, thanks to its timeless action sequences that remain untouched. The fight choreography, especially, takes center stage here. Alongside that, the fight expands beyond the train at times, too, but always returns to the center stage. The stakes are high, with an entire train car of innocent civilians at stake. Doctor Octopus even throws two out of the train at one point. The stakes are abundant and it makes the fight thrilling. Keeping audiences on the edge of their seats the entire ride.
