1. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Part two of the Raimi series is easily the best of the bunch. Pitting Spider-Man up against one of his best villains, Doctor Octopus, makes for a great threat to him and all of New York. Everything that worked in the first film is done better here and turned up a notch. Alfred Molina steps into the role of Doc Ock and does a fine job proving to be one of the best villains in any Marvel film thus far. This film is a prime example of having a lot of plot points and being able to handle them well. As we see Peter struggle with school, his living situation, his relationship with Mary Jane, his relationship with Harry, his Aunt May and deal with Doc Ock there’s never a point where any plot doesn’t get the right amount of time, which is rare in a superhero film. Not only is this the best Spider-Man film but it is one of the best Marvel-based films to have come out so far.
Jake Peffer
Originally published May 19, 2014. Updated April 15, 2018.
