10 Spider-Man Movie Moments Straight from the Source
For this list, we're looking at Peter Parker's most iconic movie moments taken directly from the comic page. Due to the nature of some of these entries, a spoiler warning is now in effect for every "Spider-Man" film
#10: Ben Parker’s Death “Spider-Man” (2002) & “The Amazing Spider-Man” (2012)
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Most characters are defined by a moment or two; in the case of Peter Parker's surrogate father, Uncle Ben is and will always be remembered for dying at the hands of a thief. Be it Sam Raimi's "Spider-Man" or 2012's "Amazing Spider-Man," both movies recreate Uncle Ben's death from the comics. Although a couple of minor details are changed, all three versions involve a spiteful Peter allowing a criminal to escape, who winds up murdering Uncle Ben. Along with following similar chains of events, each iteration sees Peter ultimately learning that with great power comes great responsibility.
#9: Tony Gives Peter a New Suit “Captain America: Civil War” (2016) & “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017)
The MCU's Peter Parker regards Tony as a mentor, which is not fully representative of the pair's dynamic in the comics. During 2006's "Civil War" storyline, Peter initially sides with Tony and is rewarded with a cool Iron Spider suit, which makes an appearance at the end of "Spider-Man: Homecoming" and is seen throughout “Infinity War” and “Endgame.” While movie Peter rejects the costume, "Homecoming's" main suit is also a Stark production given to Peter during the MCU’s Civil War and features many of the same gimmicks as the comic's Iron Spider uniform, with both outfits allowing Tony to monitor the wall-crawler. In some ways, both “Civil War” and "Homecoming" simultaneously honors and subverts expectations regarding Tony Stark's Spider-Man suit.
#8: Bridge Fight “Spider-Man” (2002)
2002's "Spider-Man" is a landmark release in the superhero movie genre, so it is fitting that Sam Raimi's blockbuster tributes one of the most important "Spider-Man" moments of all time. Published in 1973, "The Night Gwen Stacy Died" marks a rare early instance when Spider-Man fails to save the day. Replacing Stacy with Mary Jane, Raimi's movie has Spider-Man and Green Goblin once again fighting on a bridge as Peter's main love interest hangs in the balance. Luckily for Mary Jane's neck, things work out differently in the movie than they did for Gwen Stacy in the comics.
#7: Aunt May Catches Peter Changing “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017)
While Spider-Man seems a touch more prone to exposing his face in the movies, there have been a few occasions when comic Peter accidentally let the cat out of the bag. "Homecoming's" hilarious ending directly references 2001's "Amazing Spider-Man #35," which ends with Aunt May walking in on a sleeping Peter who just did not have the energy to properly clear up the Spider-Man costume. In the comic, Peter at least has the excuse of being utterly exhausted, but the same cannot be said about the movie version. As a teenager, Peter should really comprehend the importance of locking the door.
#6: Criminal Avengers “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017)
"Homecoming" is just packed with tiny nods to the comics and few are as obscure as the ATM robbery scene. As a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, stopping street-level crime is part of the job description, so there is bound to be an ATM robbery somewhere in the comic's extensive history. Rather than what is being stolen, this particular moment is memorable due to the criminals’ chosen attire. While the comic's storyline has practically nothing in common with "Homecoming," "Ultimate Spider-Man #42" clearly inspired the movie's Criminal Avengers, who prove to be rather ineffectual regardless of the medium.
#5: Eddie Brock Becomes Venom “Spider-Man 3” (2007)
As possibly the most divisive film in the franchise, "Spider-Man 3's" good moments can be overshadowed by all of the stupidity. Look past emo Peter Parker's impromptu audition for Broadway and you'll find a couple of comic-accurate story beats; primarily, Spider-Man breaking free of the Symbiote’s influence and Eddie Brock eventual transformation into Venom at a church. While the storyline is handled far better in the comics – which may or may not have to do with Topher Grace's casting as Eddie - "Spider-Man 3" still tries to recreate the source material's magic. A for effort.
#4: The Night Gwen Stacy Died “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” (2014)
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Twelve years after subverting Gwen Stacy's comic book death, fans got to finally witness the real deal on the big screen. While the movie is rather flawed, at the very least, "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" almost pulls no punches when it comes to recreating one of Spidey's defining moments. Along with swapping the bridge for a clock tower, the movie's biggest alteration is that Gwen is clearly shown hitting the ground, while comic Peter's rescue attempt inadvertently breaks Stacy's neck. Considering Peter and Gwen's relationship is arguably the one constant bright spot in "The Amazing Spider-Man" series, this moment is particularly painful.
#3: Miles Morales Witnesses Peter’s Death “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018)
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While some others put up a reasonable challenge, no “Spider-Man” flick comes as close to perfectly capturing the feel of the source material as "Into the Spider-Verse." The film serves as an origin story for Miles Morales, who gets bitten by a radioactive spider in a world where Peter Parker is already a hero. Based on the "Ultimate Comics" version of Spider-Man, Miles initially rejects his new powers but ultimately decides to take up the mantle after witnessing Peter Parker's death. The circumstances leading to Peter's murder are different in the movie and comic; nevertheless, in both instances, this moment motivates Miles to accept the role of a superhero. Even Miles’ Halloween costume gets a shoutout in the movie.
#2: Spider-Man No More “Spider-Man 2” (2004)
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Taking into account this nod literally name-drops the comic's title and recreates the issue's most famous panel, it is presumably safe to assume "Spider-Man 2" is not trying to hide its source of inspiration. Published in 1967, "Spider-Man No More" shows a frustrated Peter binning the iconic Spidey suit and retiring from the web-slinging business. Even though "Spider-Man 2" adds a new subplot involving Peter temporarily losing his powers, the movie implies this sudden bout of impotence is a byproduct of the hero's wavering resolve, which compliments the original comic's central premise.
#1: Spider-Man Lifts the Rubble “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017)
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"Amazing Spider-Man #33's" cover is the stuff of legend and among Marvel’s most iconic illustrations. Along with just being visually striking, Spider-Man lifting the rubble echoes the hero's willingness to accept responsibility while refusing to be crushed by it. It is a character-defining moment and "Homecoming" does a fantastic job of translating it to the big screen, even if the stakes are somewhat lessened in the movie. Overall, "Homecoming" is among Spider-Man's most lighthearted live-action adaptations; however, this one scene carries an incredible emotional weight, regardless of whether someone is familiar with the original comic or not.
