Summary
- Spider-Man has a rich history in the MCU, with iconic scenes from his solo movies and ensemble films.
- The MCU’s Spider-Man is built methodically, focusing on Peter Parker’s character and establishing him in the universe.
- Films like No Way Home reflect on the character’s cinematic legacy, leading to exciting and iconic scenes.
Spider-Man has been featured prominently in numerous iconic scenes in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, both in his own trilogy and from his appearances in ensemble movies. While there are many iconic Spider-Man characters rumored for the hero’s next film, the central figure of Peter Parker remains one of the MCU’s most popular heroes. Following the incredible success of his own trilogy, culminating with Spider-Man: No Way Home‘s record-breaking box office, there will surely be more exciting future films. This makes reflecting on the character’s past in the universe so much more compelling.
The MCU has built an exciting Spider-Man universe inside its franchise. Though Sony has attempted to do this in their Venom and Morbius films, the MCU Spider-Man approach has been more restrained. While characters like Mac Gargan have appeared in movie like Spider-Man: Homecoming, their transformations into villains like Scorpion have not been rushed. In this, the MCU has quietly built a full Spider-Man universe of their own inside their larger series. This has led to many scenes that reward more fully on rewatch.
Related Spider-Man 4: Cast, Story, & Everything We Know
After Spider-Man: No Way Home, Marvel and Sony have an even bigger task to make Spider-Man 4, but will Tom Holland return and would it be in the MCU?
10 “You’re Spider-Boy?”
Captain America: Civil War
Captain America: Civil War gave itself an incredibly difficult task when it decided to set up the MCU’s iteration of Spider-Man. In a film already loaded with iconic characters, this sequence, where Tony Stark goes to recruit Peter Parker, is charming and sweet. In a short scene, the entire world of the MCU’s Peter Parker is quickly set up, including his home and his relationship with his Aunt May.
This scene is incredible to review because of how much it has contributed to the character’s realization in the universe. As an initial appearance, this Peter Parker seems to be fully formed. A brief glimpse of his efforts in a homemade costume, accompanied by humor and wit, gives all the origin this hero requires and allows him to emerge as the known, beloved hero in this universe.
Captain America: Civil War Where to Watch
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This third Captain America film adapts the “Civil War” storyline from Marvel Comics and sees Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) at an impasse over who governs superheroes and how. Captain America: Civil War pits two teams of Avengers against one another and introduces new superheroes Black Panther and Spider-Man. The divide between the two perceived leaders of the Avengers caused the other members to choose sides. It all started when the UN decided to take control of the superheroes’ involvement in fighting crimes. Steve disagreed with the UN’s proposal, while Tony supported the decision. Things turn for the worst when Steve’s friend Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), also known as the Winter Soldier, becomes the prime suspect in a terrorist bombing.
Director Anthony Russo , Joe Russo Release Date May 6, 2016 Cast Martin Freeman , Daniel Brühl , Robert Downey Jr. , Sebastian Stan , Elizabeth Olsen , Chadwick Boseman , Chris Evans , Paul Rudd , Frank Grillo , Scarlett Johansson , William Hurt , Paul Bettany , Anthony Mackie , Emily VanCamp , Tom Holland Expand
9 Spider-Man Joins The Fight Between Avengers
Captain America: Civil War
Revealed in one of the most iconic trailers yet produced for the MCU, this sequence introduces the fully costumed, modern iteration of Spider-Man into the universe. Working with Tony Stark, this Spider-Man is immediately introduced as an iconic hero in his uniform’s bright and shiny version. With computer-animated eyes and a youthful demeanor, this Spider-Man felt both new and familiar from the very start, with his first words.
More than this, this Spider-Man is introduced as a fan of superheroes, leading to the character’s development as an audience surrogate in the universe. He wants to be alongside the Avengers and is excited to be there. As the fight proceeds, audiences see his personality seeded and the visual use of his powers inside the MCU. Rewatching this scene allows audiences to see the visual vocabulary for this Peter Parker established.
Related 8 Years Later, The MCU Has Confirmed Team Cap Won Civil War In The Worst Way
While Captain America: Civil War ended with members of Team Cap branded fugitives, the MCU has since proven that Team Cap actually won the battle.
8 Spider-Man Rescues His Friends In Washington
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Peter’s high-school relationships with his classmates are some of the best components of Spider-Man: Homecoming and Spider-Man: No Way Home. It is essential that the hero’s world and contemporaries be built out as characters of their own, and this is done exceptionally well in Homecoming. During this scene, several of the hero’s classmates and teachers are stuck in an elevator that is about to fall, and it is up to Spider-Man to save them.
This scene is rewatchable because it shows Spider-Man’s relationship with his peers. Harboring a crush on Liz, Spider-Man is driven to want to participate in typical high school antics, all while juggling his Spider-Man side and wishing to join the Avengers. As this scene plays out with wit and stylish action, Peter can save the day, and audiences get to see how the world reacts to him through the eyes of his established classmates.
Spider-Man: Homecoming Where to Watch
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After making his MCU debut in Captain America: Civil War, Tom Holland is back as Peter Parker for a new Spider-Man solo film. This time, Peter battles with Adrian Toomes, who takes on the moniker Vulture after profiting off of selling Chitari technology and weapons. Under Tony Stark’s guidance, Peter must prove himself a hero while protecting his city from Vulture and the other criminals in New York. Spider-Man: Homecoming was the first of three films in director Jon Watts’ MCU journey, dubbed the “Homecoming” trilogy.
Director Jon Watts Release Date July 7, 2017 Cast Michael Keaton , Martin Starr , Angourie Rice , Robert Downey Jr. , Marisa Tomei , Bokeem Woodbine , Logan Marshall-Green , Garcelle Beauvais , Michael Mando , Zendaya , Tom Holland , Jon Favreau , Donald Glover , Hannibal Buress Expand
7 Spider-Man Intimidates The Future Prowler
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Donald Glover can’t be Marvel’s Spider-Man anymore, but the actor did make a notable cameo in Spider-Man: Homecoming. During a humorous scene where Peter attempts to intimidate Aaron Davis, using various tools from his suit, Davis looks on with little interest and quips back. The scene is short and effective, but it is unique to look back on for its place in the larger Spider-Man continuity.
For years, Glover campaigned to play Miles Morales. While this never happened, using the actor in this way and allowing him to speak of his nephew finally introduces the idea of Miles Morales to the MCU. In addition, comic fans and viewers of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse know that Aaron Davis himself does become The Prowler later on, leading to a potential future for the character in the MCU.
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6 Peter Parker Nearly Kills His Classmates With Drones
Spider-Man: Far From Home
One thing the MCU has done exceptionally well with the Spider-Man character compared to other iterations is that they let him be a kid. Following the death of Tony Stark, however, a great deal of responsibility is thrust upon Peter, and it is made clear in this scene that he is not yet ready for it. This is important to the film’s plot, but it also contributes to an entertaining sequence that gives character insight into Peter and his classmates.
In this scene, Peter bumbles through the use of Tony Stark’s E.D.I.T.H. software and nearly winds up attacking his own school bus. This is a humorous scene, but it also shows Peter’s ability to re-plan and recalibrate to the threats he faces. In a quick response, with meticulously crafted action, Peter is able not just to avoid the attack, but, with goofy twists and action, to even keep his classmates from seeing him do it.
Spider-Man: Far From Home
Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: Far From Home follows Peter Parker (Tom Holland) as he deals with the fallout of Thanos’ snap and the weight of Tony Stark’s legacy in a post “blip” world. Peter and his friends go on summer vacation to Europe, where Peter finds himself suddenly the inheritor of Tony’s incredible tech. However, the trip suddenly goes awry as Europe comes under siege from otherworldly villains, routed by a cloaked hero, Mysterio. Partnering with Nick Fury, Maria Hill, and Mysterio, Peter will fight to protect his friends while figuring out his place in a post-Iron man world.
Director Jon Watts Release Date July 2, 2019 Cast Michael Keaton , Tom Holland , Jacob Batalon , Jon Favreau , Zendaya , Samuel L. Jackson , Martin Starr , Marisa Tomei , Cobie Smulders , Jake Gyllenhaal , Tony Revolori , Angourie Rice
5 Mysterio’s Nightmare
Spider-Man: Far From Home
Mysterio impacted Peter Parker’s life in the MCU in significant ways that will influence Spider-Man’s next movies. While the villain is often seen as lesser in Spider-Man’s rogues gallery, the MCU put tremendous work into turning the master of illusions into a disturbing and horrific threat. This is best done in this scene, which plays with Quentin Beck’s ability to manipulate images. In this, he is able to not just deceive Spider-Man, but trick the audience.
This scene is among the closest the MCU has come to horror, and it feels upsetting to watch. The character’s fragile state is twisted as he is sent through a series of horrible, deceptive moments that nearly send him toward a violent end as he is struck by a train. This scene is rewatchable for its unusual use of visuals in the MCU and for how it displays Mysterio in a way that comic books never really could.
Related Far From Home Secretly Revealed Its Mysterio Twist Way Earlier Than You Realized
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4 Spider-Man Goes To Space
Avengers: Infinity War
While Spider-Man’s death may be the most memorable scene from Avengers: Infinity War, it is too heart-wrenching to include on this list. Instead, the scene of Spider-Man’s journey into space is a more rewarding and entertaining sequence that allows audiences to see Spider-Man taken off of the earth and truly become an Avenger. The contrast between Spider-Man and his teammates is made evident here, where we see Peter’s character responding to the enormous implications of what is occurring.
The Iron Spider suit is used to full effect here, and the sequence of Spider-Man lifting into space on the side of Thanos’ ship is breathtaking. This sequence is the culmination of Spider-Man’s Avengers involvement and allows the hero to break from his New York ties and become the hero that the Avengers well represent. In addition, Spider-Man feels most like an audience surrogate here, allowing viewers to feel immersed in the sequence.
Avengers: Infinity War Where to Watch
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Avengers: Infinity War is the third Avengers movie in the game-changing Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film is positioned as the beginning of the culmination of everything that has transpired in the franchise to date. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who previously helmed Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Civil War, have assembled the largest ensemble in a superhero film to date. Nearly every living character in the MCU is included as the Avengers join forces with the Guardians of the Galaxy to take down Thanos in a battle that has massive repercussions for the future of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. A sequel, Avengers: Endgame, was released in 2019 and marked the end of the Infinity Saga.
Director Joe Russo , Anthony Russo Release Date April 27, 2018 Cast Chris Hemsworth , Anthony Mackie , Elizabeth Olsen , Robert Downey Jr. , Scarlett Johansson , Mark Ruffalo , Sebastian Stan , Paul Rudd , Chadwick Boseman , Don Cheadle , Samuel L. Jackson , Josh Brolin , Tom Holland , Evangeline Lilly , Paul Bettany , Chris Evans , Jeremy Renner Expand
3 Spider-Man Returns To The Fight And Reunites With Tony Stark
Avengers: Endgame
The portals scene in Avengers: Endgame is often cited as one of the best scenes in the MCU, and it is surprising that portals were not Endgame‘s original plan. It is undoubtedly one of the most rewatchable scenes for Spider-Man. Following the death of so many beloved heroes in Infinity War, there is great reward and catharsis for audiences when each of the heroes finally returns to the field of battle. Following Spider-Man’s emotional death, his return is among the best here.
Seeing the hero in action among his contemporaries is one of the most exciting visual sequences in all of Marvel. Spider-Man fights with all of his might, using his powers and his suit to their full effect. This also gives him his last moments with Tony Stark, his mentor, before Stark’s emotional death. This scene stands up to rewatches and reveals more detail in the foreground and background alike each time it is viewed.
Avengers: Endgame Where to Watch
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The penultimate chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Avengers: Endgame, marks the finale of the first three phases of the MCU and acts as part two of Avengers: Infinity War. With Earth’s Mightiest Heroes failing to stop Thanos from wiping out half of all existence, the heroes discover one final chance to make things right. Journeying back through space and time, the surviving Avengers attempt to stop Thanos before all is lost.
Director Joe Russo , Anthony Russo Release Date April 26, 2019 Cast Chris Hemsworth , Anthony Mackie , Paul Rudd , Robert Downey Jr. , Scarlett Johansson , Mark Ruffalo , Evangeline Lilly , Sebastian Stan , Josh Brolin , Elizabeth Olsen , Tom Holland , Don Cheadle , Samuel L. Jackson , Bradley Cooper , Karen Gillan , Brie Larson , Paul Bettany , Chris Evans , Jeremy Renner , Chadwick Boseman Expand
2 Spider-Man Fights Doctor Octopus
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Revealed in the trailer for the film, Peter’s fight against Doctor Octopus on the Alexander Hamilton Bridge is an incredible sequence that blows open the multiverse in the MCU. Seeing Tom Holland and Alfred Molina, two of the best Spider-Man performers, each from different franchises, interact in the same scene was wholly unexpected. The combat is exciting, and Spider-Man taking over Otto’s arms is a rewarding end to a great scene.
This is so rewatchable because of how it has set up the entire Spider-Verse. Spider-Man movies throughout history all become connected through this single scene. As the hero and villain disappear at the end and the Green Goblin is teased, the entire Spider-Man mythos is distilled down to its essence. Indeed, any Spider-Man character from any time in history can now be used in the franchise’s future thanks to the effectiveness of this scene.
Spider-Man: No Way Home Where to Watch
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For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the trials and tribulations of being a superhero. In Spider-Man: No Way Home, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) asks for help from Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) when his identity becomes a problem for the ones he loves. Unfortunately, when the spell goes wrong, Spider-Man will now have to face off with villains such as Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina) and Electro (Jamie Foxx) as Peter finally comes to terms that he can’t run from being Spider-Man. Supported by his close friends and help from an unexpected place (or multiverse), Spider-Man will go toe-to-toe with some of the most legendary foes in his storied history.
Director Jon Watts Release Date December 17, 2021 Cast Tom Holland , Zendaya , Benedict Cumberbatch , Jacob Batalon , Jon Favreau , Jamie Foxx , Willem Dafoe , Alfred Molina , Benedict Wong , Tony Revolori , Marisa Tomei , Andrew Garfield , Tobey Maguire
1 All Three Spider-Men Fight Together
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Much of the excitement around Spider-Man: No Way Home was based on its connections to the previous Spider-Man films. This scene takes all of that potential and distills it into a single sequence. All three Spider-Men appear together onscreen and fight a series of villains from their collective pasts. The scene is rife with impact and meaning, but it also operates as a staggeringly fun action sequence.
Following this scene, it is strange that Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield sequels have not yet been made in the MCU. Still, the scene is quite remarkable for the franchise, and successfully distills 20 years of comic book movie history into a single scene. Spider-Man is one of the most important characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and this scene allowed the hero to be shown in every way he has been intended throughout the years in an enjoyable, bombastic fashion.
Marvel Cinematic Universe
The Marvel Cinematic Universe is a multimedia superhero franchise that began in 2008 with Paramount’s Iron Man starring Robert Downey Jr. The franchise quickly grew in popularity, with Disney eventually buying out Marvel Entertainment in 2009. The MCU consists of dozens of movies and TV shows, most notably Avengers: Endgame, WandaVision, and Loki.
Created by Kevin Feige First Film Iron Man
Upcoming MCU Movies
- Captain America: Brave New World
Release Date February 14, 2025
- Thunderbolts*
Release Date May 2, 2025
- The Fantastic Four (2025)
Release Date July 25, 2025
- Blade (2025)
Release Date November 7, 2025
- Avengers: Doomsday
Release Date May 1, 2026
- Avengers: Secret Wars
Release Date May 7, 2027