Every Spider-Man Actor Ranked: Our Comprehensive List

As passionate fans of the Spider-Man franchise, we have watched and re-watched every movie and TV show featuring our beloved hero. We have laughed and cried, cheered and booed, and debated endlessly about the best and worst aspects of each adaptation. And now, we are ready to share our ultimate ranking of every Spider-Man actor, from worst to best.

The Criteria for Ranking Spider-Man Actors

Before we dive into the list, let us explain the criteria we used to evaluate each Spider-Man actor:

Acting skills: How well did the actor embody the character of Peter Parker/Spider-Man, both in terms of physicality and personality? Did they deliver convincing performances in dramatic, comedic, and action scenes?

Chemistry with co-stars: How well did the actor interact with other actors in the Spider-Man universe, such as love interests, allies, and villains? Did they create memorable relationships and dynamics?

Adherence to source material: How closely did the actor follow the established canon and mythology of Spider-Man, as well as the tone and themes of the comics and previous adaptations?

Innovation and creativity: How much did the actor bring their own spin and interpretation to the role of Spider-Man, while still honoring the essence of the character? Did they introduce new ideas, quirks, or insights that enhanced the story and character development?

Impact and legacy: How much did the actor contribute to the overall success and cultural significance of the Spider-Man franchise? Did they leave a lasting impression on fans, critics, and the industry as a whole?

Our Ranking of Every Spider-Man Actor

Without further ado, here is our comprehensive list of every Spider-Man actor ranked, based on the criteria above:

Tobey Maguire (2002-2007): 

Despite some flaws in the writing and direction of the Spider-Man trilogy, Maguire's portrayal of Peter Parker and Spider-Man remains iconic and influential. He captured the awkwardness, humor, and pathos of the character with sincerity and depth, and brought a timeless quality to the role that transcended the CGI and special effects. His chemistry with Kirsten Dunst's Mary Jane and Willem Dafoe's Green Goblin was particularly strong, and his emotional journey throughout the trilogy resonated with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Maguire's Spider-Man is still regarded as the definitive version by many fans, and his legacy endures to this day.

Shameik Moore (2018): 

Although Moore only voiced Spider-Man in the animated film "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," his performance was so captivating and fresh that it deserves a high place on our list. Moore infused his Spider-Man with a youthful energy, humor, and optimism that felt true to the spirit of the comics, while also adding his own personality and style. He also had great chemistry with the other Spider-People and characters in the multiverse, and his scenes with Jake Johnson's Peter B. Parker were particularly poignant and hilarious. Moore's Spider-Man showed that the character can still surprise and delight us, even after decades of adaptations.

Tom Holland (2016-present): 

Holland's tenure as Spider-Man has been both praised and criticized for various reasons, but overall, he has proven to be a worthy successor to Maguire and Andrew Garfield. Holland brings a youthful charm, humor, and vulnerability to Peter Parker that makes him relatable to younger and older audiences alike, and he has developed a strong rapport with Marisa Tomei's Aunt May, Zendaya's MJ, and Jacob Batalon's Ned. Holland's Spider-Man also benefits from the MCU's interconnected storytelling, as he has interacted with other heroes and villains in memorable ways, and his arc has mirrored the coming-of-age themes of the comics. However, some fans and critics have criticized Holland's Spider-Man for being too dependent on Tony Stark's technology, too inexperienced and naive for a seasoned superhero, and too disconnected from his working-class roots. Whether these criticisms are valid or not, Holland's Spider-Man remains a beloved and prominent figure in the current pop culture landscape.

Andrew Garfield (2012-2014): 

Garfield's Spider-Man movies, "The Amazing Spider-Man" and "The Amazing Spider-Man 2," were met with mixed reviews and box office results, but Garfield himself was praised for his performance as Peter Parker and Spider-Man. Garfield's Peter was more confident, rebellious, and sarcastic than Maguire's, and his Spider-Man was more agile, acrobatic, and quippy than Maguire's. Garfield also had strong chemistry with Emma Stone's Gwen Stacy, and their tragic romance added emotional weight to the films. However, Garfield's Spider-Man was criticized for deviating too much from the source material, for being too dark and brooding, and for being overshadowed by the villains played by Jamie Foxx and Dane DeHaan. Garfield's Spider-Man may not have been perfect, but he still deserves credit for trying to bring a fresh and contemporary spin to the character.

Nicholas Hammond (1977-1979): 

Hammond played Spider-Man in a short-lived live-action TV series in the late 70s, and although his portrayal was cheesy and dated by today's standards, he still holds a nostalgic place in many fans' hearts. Hammond's Spider-Man wore a goofy costume, used cheesy catchphrases, and had low-budget special effects, but he also had a likable earnestness and heroism that captured the essence of the character. Hammond's Spider-Man also had some memorable interactions with supporting characters like J. Jonah Jameson and Doctor Octopus, and his theme song is still a classic. While Hammond's Spider-Man may not be the most technically impressive or faithful adaptation, he still represents a charming and innocent era of superhero media.

Jake Johnson (2018): 

Johnson voiced an alternate version of Peter Parker in "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," and his take on the character was refreshingly self-aware and comedic. Johnson's Peter was older, fatter, and more jaded than Moore's, and he had a lot of regrets and mistakes to make up for. However, he also had a lot of witty one-liners, pop culture references, and meta commentary on the Spider-Man franchise, and his relationship with Hailee Steinfeld's Spider-Gwen was one of the highlights of the movie. Johnson's Spider-Man may not have been the most heroic or inspirational, but he was certainly one of the most entertaining and relatable.

Yuri Lowenthal (2018-present): 

Lowenthal has voiced Spider-Man in several video games, including "Spider-Man PS4" and "Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales." Lowenthal's Spider-Man is a seasoned and confident hero who is always ready with a quip or a clever plan. Lowenthal's performance is praised for its humor and energy, as well as its ability to capture the complexity of Peter Parker's life as both a hero and a civilian. In "Miles Morales," Lowenthal also voices Peter's mentor and friend, adding another layer of depth and emotion to the character.

While Lowenthal's portrayal of Spider-Man may not have the same visibility as the live-action actors, his work in the video game medium has allowed fans to experience Spider-Man's adventures in a new and immersive way. Additionally, his performance has been well-received by fans and critics alike, solidifying his place as a beloved Spider-Man actor.

In conclusion, the ranking of Spider-Man actors is subjective and open to interpretation. Each actor has brought their own unique strengths and nuances to the character, creating a diverse and multifaceted legacy for one of the most iconic superheroes of all time. Whether you prefer Maguire's emotional depth, Holland's youthful energy, Garfield's vulnerability, Moore's diversity, or Lowenthal's humor and skill in the video game medium, Spider-Man remains a beloved and enduring figure in popular culture.