Even before making his big-screen debut in 2002, Spider-Man has always been the most popular Marvel character around. With a great sense of humor and everyday type of struggles, it is easy to see why so many have related to the character over the years.
Likewise, the character's success has generally translated very well on the big screen, with several different versions of the character being depicted over the years. While not every film has been a smashing success, each one definitely offers some unique looks at the character overall. Looking specifically at the final moments of each film, here is our list of the Spider-Man movies, ranked according to their climax.
Spider-Man 3
In what is widely considered to be one of, if not the worst, Spider-Man movie yet Spider-Man 3's (2007) climax is just as overpacked as the rest of the film. Serving as the climax to the Sam Raimi/Tobey Maguire era of the character, Spider-Man 3 definitely had a lot to wrap up for this cast of characters.
Unfortunately, with so many villains and plot points to end, the whole climax just felt like a mess, making it easy to see why so many weren't fans of the overall film. While the climax itself was far from the only thing wrong with this movie, it is easy to see why it falls in last place.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
While some consider The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) to be the worst movie for the character to date, the climax itself isn't actually that bad. Of course, everything before the climax could have used some work, but everything after Gwen Stacy's death was arguably the strongest point of the whole film.
Since the beginning, it was obvious that Emma Stone's Gwen Stacy was to be killed off at some point. However, when the moment finally did come, it was still a rather emotional experience for Peter. Furthermore, given his hiatus from being Spider-Man after the fact, it made for an appropriate response to his situation, and really added to the hype of his comeback in the very end. While there have still been stronger climaxes in other Spider-Man films, The Amazing Spider-Man 2's climax is arguably the best part of the whole movie.
Spider-Man: Far From Home
Having left out Peter's famous Spider-sense in the prior film, Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) made excellent use of the heroes life-saving ability. Especially with Mysterio as the villain, this power of Peter's certainly came in handy when fighting against a bunch of illusions.
In an action-packed climax such as this, it is easy to see why the film performed so well. Though some films have delivered a more emotional climax, Spider-Man: Far From Home still wrapped everything up in a nice, satisfying way, making audiences very excited for the third installment.
The Amazing Spider-Man
When Sony Pictures first rebooted the Spider-Man film franchise in 2012, The Amazing Spider-Man definitely had high standards to meet. Though the film has since received some mixed reactions from fans, there's no denying that the film's climax is a truly great moment.
Seeing the people of New York come together to help get Spider-Man to the Oscorp building was a great way to showcase the character's relationship with the people he protects. Likewise, the overall imagery of the final scene makes it really hard not to cheer for Peter. Leading to a rather emotional resolution, it is easy to see why the climax of this film ranks a bit higher than others.
Spider-Man
From a great fight with Green Goblin to an emotional death for the villain, Spider-Man (2002) had a great climax for Spider-Man's first live-action outing. Not only was this scene action-packed, but it was simply just well-made overall.
Featuring nods to the comics and truly wonderful performances from Willem Dafoe and Tobey Maguire, Spider-Man had a very satisfying climax that still holds up today. Serving as a great conclusion while also leaving things open for a sequel, this is definitely one of the better and more violent final fights to be featured in a Spider-Man film.
Spider-Man: Homecoming
After the disappointing performance of The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) definitely had some big shoes to fill. Thankfully, the character had already had a successful debut as part of Captain America: Civil War, with his first solo feature in the MCU living up to the hype as well.
In regards to the climax of this film, it is definitely one of the strongest of any Spider-Man movie yet made. Not only does it reference one of the most pivotal moments in Spider-Man's comic history, but it also is a great way to show how Peter really ascends to the role of Spider-Man overall. Packed full of emotion, this scene definitely features a great Peter Parker moment that can also inspire the hero in many others.
Spider-Man 2
Unlike with many other superhero films in general, Spider-Man 2 (2004) took the more unique approach of redeeming the villain by the end of the story. After a very intense fight with Doc Ock (Alfred Molina), Peter is actually able to talk to the villain, helping him to regain control of the arms that have cursed him.
Not only does the climax offer a great ending for the film in general, but it is also a fantastic representation of Peter as a character. Though Doc Ock still died by the end of the film, seeing Peter help redeem the villain really showcases just how heroic Spider-Man is as a character, making this one of the strongest climaxes in a Spider-Man film yet.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Despite being the only animated feature on this list, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) is still one of the best Spider-Man movies ever made. focusing on Miles Morales instead of Peter Parker, the film finds an excellent balance of characterization, story, and comic accuracy.
By the time the film's climax comes about, it is definitely one of the more emotional and action-packed moments in any other Spider-Man film. From a heartfelt goodbye to his friends, to the involvement of Miles' dad, to Miles himself coming into his own as Spider-Man, there are many things to appreciate about this climax, all without it feeling as though there were too much. With so much to appreciate about the film overall, it is definitely one of the best Spider-Man films yet made, making audiences very excited for the sequel.
