Since 1982, Spider-Man has been one of the biggest draws in video games. It's not hard to see why, as he's a beloved character with a spectacular array of powers, one of the best supervillain rosters around, and the Big Apple makes for the perfect location to explore while avoiding getting pelted with pumpkin bombs. Over the years, we've seen Spidey adapted into a wide range of games across virtually every console system, flexing the proportionate speed, strength, and agility of a spider in numerous titles, and we're looking at the best of them in this ranked list of the best Spider-Man games.
From classic games on the Atari 2600 to coin-guzzling arcade outings, handheld console metroidvanias and AAA blockbusters exclusive to Sony platforms, Spider-Man's video game history is nothing short of amazing. So where does the most recent release, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, rank on this list? Read on to find out as we take a look at the best and most influential games around that got J. Jonah Jameson's blood pressure to reach dangerously high levels.
13. The Amazing Spider-Man 2
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 has an uninspired level design, repetitive combat, and a plot thinner than budget toilet paper. So what business does it have on this list? For all the fumbles that it makes, Beenox's final Spider-Man game still has several terrific ideas to play around with, even if they aren't well-executed. For starters, web-swinging around Manhattan is far more approachable and streamlined, the Web-Rush system of high-speed attacks was greatly improved, and the new morality system known as the Hero and Menace System added a nice layer of challenge to the game.
You can't help but wonder what kind of game Beenox would have been able to craft if it wasn't under the pressure of adhering to a strict deadline, but Amazing Spider-Man 2 is still a fine outing for New York's friendliest arachnid-themed hero.
Read our Amazing Spider-Man 2 review. | Platforms: PC, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Wii U
12. Spider-Man: The Video Game
If we're talking Spider-Man classics, then this 1991 arcade game is a fun example of action, reverence for the source material, and a reason to keep a pocket loaded with quarters. Across 16 stages, Spider-Man: The Video Game gives you a whirlwind tour of the Marvel Universe as you battle Spidey's greatest villains. Up to four players could sit at the arcade cabinet and join Spider-Man as his amazing friends Namor, Black Cat, and Hawkeye. With the Sega System 32 board powering this game, it was a gorgeous slugfest that faithfully captured the spirit of the comic books.
Platforms: Arcade
11. Spider-Man: Web of Shadows
It shouldn't be surprising that at the height of society's emo phase, Web of Shadows was a darker and edgier Spider-Man game. With New York City overrun by symbiotes--sounds familiar--and the situation looking dire, Spider-Man has to call on his allies and foes to help him out before it's too late for Manhattan. After several lighthearted games, a Spider-Man game that focused on making tough choices, dynamic world events, and new web-striking gameplay mechanics made for a fascinating departure from the norm. While the DS version of Web of Shadows is undeniably the superior game--more on that soon--the PS3 and Xbox 360 incarnations of the game are still fascinating dives into new territory.
Read our Spider-Man: Web of Shadows review. | Platforms: PC, PS3, PS2, Xbox 360, Wii
10. Spider-Man and Venom: Maximum Carnage
Based on the comic book event that saw the bloodthirsty supervillain Carnage go on a rampage throughout New York City, Maximum Carnage is a non-stop rollercoaster of action and web-swinging. The comic book aesthetics look great, the gameplay keeps you on the edge of your seat, and Green Jelly's soundtrack will have you tapping your feet while you're slugging it out with the likes of Carnage, Demogoblin, and Shriek. Whether you were playing as Spider-Man and nimbly backflipping out of harm's way or using Venom's tank-like build to demolish the enemies rushing toward you, Maximum Carnage felt like a comic book come to life.
Platforms: Sega Genesis, SNES
9. Spider-Man Web of Shadows and Shattered Dimensions for Nintendo DS
Some of the best Spider-Man games of yesteryear are handheld ones with a metroidvania flavor, and fans had two of them to dig into in 2008 and 2010. Web of Shadows came first and was a wild departure from the PS3 and Xbox 360 game, but this DS version had thrilling combat, a massive map to explore, and was perfect for lunchtime diversions. Skip ahead to 2010 and Shattered Dimensions added to the 2D action experience with more spider bite-sized levels, as well as a fantastic little mini-game that could be played between levels using the game's Tablet of Order MacGuffin.
Read our Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions review.
8. Spider-Man
We'd seen plenty of 2D Spider-Man games throughout the '80s and '90s, but Tony Hawk Pro Skater developer Neversoft paved the way for 3D incarnations of the wallcrawler with this gem of a PS1 game. Sandwiched between the development of THPS 1 and 2, Spider-Man is a convincing adaptation of the comic book that nails the essence of the character. He cracks wise--and jaws!--the gameplay is rock-solid, and the game feels like a Saturday morning cartoon with its presentation and cameos from the Marvel Universe. Future Spider-Man games might have been better, but Neversoft's game wall-crawled so that they could web-sling.
Platforms: PS1, N64, Dreamcast, PC
7. Spider-Man
Just a few years later, the official tie-in to Sam Raimi's 2002 Spider-Man movie arrived and delivered a high-quality retelling of that cinematic masterpiece. It looked like a million bucks at the time, most of the film's cast returned to voice their respective characters, and the flow of combat felt smooth and polished. Even better, the game had longevity with all of its bonus content. You could swap Spider-Maguire's film threads out for something more original and experience the game with a different narrative as Harry Osborn after he takes on the mantle of the Green Goblin.
Platforms: PS2, GameCube, Xbox, PC
6. Ultimate Spider-Man
Plenty of Spider-Man games felt like they were pulled directly from the comic book pages, but Ultimate Spider-Man is the one that also looks the part with its cel-shaded animation and dynamic action. Based on the comics that rebooted Spidey back to his high school days, Treyarch's open-world game combines the style of Mark Bagley's Spider-Man art with a rip-roaring adventure across New York that looked phenomenal. The game's story does a remarkable job focusing on a younger Peter Parker during his formative years, playing as Venom is a destructive delight and the fresh web-spin on age-old concepts made for an invigorating experience.
Platforms: PC, GameCube, PS2, Xbox
5. Spider-Man 2
The gold standard that all movie tie-in games would be judged by after 2004, Spider-Man 2 on PS2, Xbox, and GameCube is nothing short of iconic. It might be primitive by today's standards, but this was the game that laid out the blueprint for what a Spider-Man game could be. The DNA of its web-swinging can still be found in more modern Spider-Man games, the GTA 3-inspired open-world structure was groundbreaking, and every boss battle was a treat as you made use of Spider-Man's unique abilities to overcome impossible odds. Add an incredible amount of polish that made the gameplay feel just right, and you had the winning formula for a superhero game pressed onto a DVD.
Platforms: PS2, GameCube, Xbox, PC
4. Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions
Arguably one of the most important pieces of Spider-Man media of all time, Shattered Dimensions paved the way for the Spider-Verse and the idea of multiple Spider-Men banding together from across time and space. At its core, Shattered Dimensions is a terrific Spider-Man game with a cast of four distinct webheads to play as through a variety of stages and with plenty of fan service thrown into the mix. Each Spider-Man universe looks unique, the four heroes have a wide array of web-slinging abilities to use in battle, and there's no shortage of memorable set pieces in this multiversal adventure.
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii
3. Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Insomniac's second Spider-Man game might have been a smaller and more intimate affair, but this thrilling return to New York City was still an epic adventure that cemented Harlem's hero as a worthy successor to the Spider-Man mantle. While the game could have easily been more of the same with a PS5 upgrade--although it was also available on PS4--Spider-Man: Miles Morales added to that foundation with an electrifying array of powers that shook up the combat and made them feel more energized. Smaller but just as impressive as 2018's Spider-Man game, Miles Morales lives up to the legacy of what many consider to be the greatest superhero game ever made.
Read our Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales review. | Platforms: PS5, PS4
2. Marvel's Spider-Man
The beauty of Insomniac's 2018 Spider-Man game is that it is beholden to nothing but respectful to everything established by the Spider-Man mythos over the years. A fresh start for the franchise on PS4--and later, PS5--Marvel's Spider-Man reimagines the hero as a seasoned crimefighter facing his greatest challenges yet. That everyman nature of Spider-Man shines through, the combat is an exhilarating blend of punches, webs, and gadgets, the set piece moments could put a $250 million film to shame, and the story keeps you engaged from start to finish.
It's the smaller moments where this Spider-Man game shines, as those glimpses into the man beneath the mask and his struggles to do the right thing help elevate this game to the top of the list. A game about power, responsibility, and consequences, Spider-Man is anchored by incredible performances that showcase the heart of Marvel's greatest hero.
Read our Marvel's Spider-Man review. | Platforms: PS5, PS4
1. Marvel's Spider-Man 2
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 doubles down not only on the gameplay formula established in Insomniac's previous games, but on its heroes as well. Two Spider-Men sharing a single game, this sequel might be more of the same but it excels at strengthening its gameplay pillars with enhanced gameplay systems, a story that'll tug at your heartstrings, and a world that benefits from its focus on being a PS5 exclusive. With great PS5 power comes great responsibility, and Insomniac uses that platform to deliver a technically superb and emotionally hard-hitting sequel that confidently swings into action. Taking all of the combined strengths of its predecessors, this game will make your Spider-senses tingle with excitement.
Read our Marvel's Spider-Man 2 review. | Platforms: PS5
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