8 Essential Spider-Man Video Games, Ranked

Image via Treyarch Published Jul 17, 2026, 7:21 AM EDT Eddie Possehl is a dynamic and driven writer/director with a passion for the written word and all things film, television, comics, and games. His passion for storytelling led him to establish his own production company in hopes of achieving his dreams. His dedication to his craft has attracted renowned talent like Yuri Lowenthal to collaborate with him on his projects. As he grows and improves, Eddie is a shining example of a self-starter. Sign in to your Collider account Being the most profitable superhero of all time, it only makes sense that the one and only Amazing Spider-Man has gotten a plethora of different kinds of media over the years—movies, toys, television shows, and, of course, video games. When it comes to the world of video games, Spider-Man is genuinely one of the few superheroes who has succeeded in gaming, unlike most. While there are plenty of spectacular games under the Wall-Crawler's belt, there's also a few that can be considered "essential". Whether that be because they helped set the standard for superhero gaming, are simply phenomenal and considered a game of the year, or shifted up the status quo for Spidey games, there are 8 titles that are must plays for Web-Slinger fans. 8 'Spider-Man' (2002) Image via Treyarch There was an era back in the day in which movie studios would attempt to get video games produced for all the major film releases they were putting out. It was what a decent group on the internet consider an incredible age for gaming. A good movie tie-in game should either tell the story of the movie in a new way that can only be done in a video game, expand the universe of the film in a new story, or, in the best cases, do both of those things. One of the video games out there that do both is the tie-in project for Sam Raimi's Spider-Man in 2002. Released the same year, the Spider-Man game tells the movie's story in an expanded way with other Spidey villains that were not included in the original movie, and even gives the players the chance to play as the Green Goblin (Willem Dafoe) himself, something that would come to be a favored aspect of future games featuring the spectacular swinging hero. On top of that, another thing the Spider-Man movie games for this trilogy in specific does better than many others is the fact that they actually got a huge portion of the film cast to return to their roles for this project. 7 'Ultimate Spider-Man' (2005) Image via Activision While there may be plenty of Spider-Man video games out there, based on many things—many actually with original stories—there are few that base themselves on a specific comic book run. Based on the absolutely iconic Ultimate Spider-Man (2000), Ultimate Spider-Man does exactly that. Not only that, though, but adapting the comic's "Venom" storyline, Ultimate Spider-Man also lets players play as the main villain, Venom (Arthur Burghardt)—as stated, a trend mainly set by the Spider-Man game. It doesn't just adapt the comic in the story, though, but in all of its visuals, becoming a living and breathing comic book. This game became majorly so beloved for that style exactly. The visual pop that this game gives is so much fun and helped this stand apart by changing up the game of how Spider-Man games—superhero games in general, really—could look. 6 'Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions' (2010) Image via Activision Before the iconic "Spider-Verse" comic book crossover event, there were a few stories that dabbled with the idea of multiversal Spider-Men coming together. One of these stories comes through the 2010 video game, Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions. This gaming adventure features the likes of The Amazing Spider-Man (Neil Patrick Harris), Spider-Man 2099 (Dan Gilvezan), Spider-Man Noir (Christopher Daniel Barnes), and Ultimate Symbiote Spider-Man (Josh Keaton). What makes this game so much fun is the fact that each Spidey, while still having similar gameplay styles, each feels different in their own special ways. It also features a wild catalog of villains from the Wall-Crawler's mythology—each being different and unique depending on which universe they come from. For fans who love the entire concept of Spider-Verse and want to literally play through a game that can put them in a story like that, this game is a must-buy. 5 'Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales' (2020) Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment When Marvel's Spider-Man hit the scene in 2018, it really got people hyped back up on Spider-Man gaming. It truly made an impact and when players saw that there was going to be a spin-off sequel in 2020, following the young, newer Spider-Man, Miles Morales (Nadji Jeter), they got quite excited. When they finally got it in their hands, their excitement was rewarded with a game that was exceptional, despite being made by a smaller team than the original. Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales builds on everything the debut game had and improves almost all of it. What makes this game essential, though, is that it proves that a superhero game doesn't need a gigantic team behind it to be great. Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales was built off of the engine used to bring Marvel's Spider-Man to life, and had significantly fewer staff members working on it than the huge team that worked on the first game. With how good it ended up being, it's a marvel that it was made with the resources it had. 4 'Spider-Man' (2000) Image voa Neversoft When discussing essential Spider-Man video game titles, it's hard not to look to the original Spidey hit in the gaming sphere: Spider-Man, released in 2000. This is an exceptional play that not only brings forth a fun original plot that includes a larger portion of the Marvel Comics universe than one would think, but it also establishes gameplay mechanics in the 3D space that would go on to be present in future titles featuring the Web-Slinger. Spider-Man set the standard for how the character could be controlled in video games. The web-swinging, wall-crawling, and combat all have aspects that stuck around for future games—being expanded on and improved as time went on. The game's commitment to the comic book lore is great, and gets fans invested almost immediately. If people are looking to see where everything truly started for Spider-Man gaming, it's here that they need to visit. It's always good to see where a good thing got its start. 3 'Spider-Man: Web of Shadows' (2008) Image via Treyarch One of the most underrated Spider-Man games ever made is, without a doubt, the likes of Spider-Man: Web of Shadows. When the entirety of New York City—literally every corner of it—is taken over by Symbiotes, led by Venom (Keith Szarabajka), the heroes of the Marvel universe have to come together to save it. None have investment in the story as much as, of course, Spider-Man (Mike Vaughn). Not just because it's his villain that caused all of this chaos, but the love of his life, Mary Jane Watson's (Dana Seltzer) life is in danger as she helps the heroes of the city fight back against the Symbiote takeover. This project does something that no other Spidey video game does by offering players the chance to bring four different endings to life: the Hero Ending, Anti-Hero Ending, Anti-Villain Ending, and Villain ending. Spider-Man: Web of Shadows is legendary for this, because players get to invest themselves more in "being Spider-Man" than any other game. Not to mention, the combat in this 2008 title is very memorable, with the ability to fight enemies on the side of buildings, and some of the best aerial combat in a Wall-Crawler-centric video game. 2 'Spider-Man 2' (2004) Image via Activision While the first movie tie-in game was great, Activision really shook the ground beneath the game franchise with the second game, Spider-Man 2. To this day, the game is regarded as one of the best superhero games of all time thanks to the fun additions to the Spider-Man 2 film's story, and, most specifically, the web-swinging mechanics—an absolutely necessary core mechanic of any Spider-Man game. Based in real world physics, the way players traverse New York City in this second project is beyond fun. No other Web-Slinger game has been considered to have web-swinging as good as this one's, until Marvel's Spider-Man came out. So many people still play this game in the modern day, despite it being over 20 years old. Any fan of the Raimi franchise needs to give this game a go. 1 'Marvel's Spider-Man' (2018) Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment If it isn't already obvious, Marvel's Spider-Man by Insomniac Games is an exceptional video game. Equipped with an extremely well-written plot by Benjamin Arfmann, Kelsey Beachum, and Christos Gage, this experience is more than engrossing. Some even consider this one of the best Spider-Man stories ever told. Not to mention, with abundantly fun gameplay, and dozens of alternate suits to choose from and play with, Marvel's Spider-Man immediately set a whole new standard for superhero gaming.Thanks to how much it truly did set the standard, this is a must-play for not only Spider-Man fans, but fans of superhero gaming in general. There's something for everyone in this first entry in the quintessential franchise, even being a game that has gotten people into the Spider-Man video game world, thanks to how well-received it has been. Fans and casual players all around the world are all patiently and excitedly waiting for the fourth game in the franchise, Marvel's Spider-Man 3. That all began with Marvel's Spider-Man. Collider Exclusive · Marvel Personality Quiz Which MCU Hero Are You? Spider-Man · Daredevil · Iron Man · Punisher · Thor · Cap Six heroes. One destiny. Answer 10 questions to discover which Marvel Cinematic Universe hero shares your personality, values, and fighting spirit. Will you swing, fly, or thunder your way to glory? 🕷️Spider-Man 😈Daredevil 🤖Iron Man 💀Punisher ⚡Thor 🛡️Cap FIND YOUR HERO → 01 What drives you to do what's right? Choose the answer that feels most like you. AWith great power comes great responsibility — I protect those who can't protect themselves. BMy faith and my conscience — I believe justice must be served, even in the dark. CLegacy and ego, honestly — but I've learned that others depend on me now. DThe system failed. Someone has to make sure the guilty actually pay. EDuty to the innocent and honour to my name — I was born to protect realms. FThe values I was raised with — freedom, decency, and never backing down from a bully. NEXT QUESTION → 02 It's 2 AM. Where are you? Your answer says more about you than you'd think. ASwinging between skyscrapers, keeping an eye on the neighbourhood. BRunning rooftops in Hell's Kitchen, listening for trouble. CIn my lab, upgrading my suit with a cold cup of coffee nearby. DStaking out a target I've been tracking for three weeks. ESomewhere between the stars, or at a feast that got out of hand. FOn a morning run — I was up at 4, actually. Couldn't sleep. NEXT QUESTION → 03 How do you handle a villain who keeps escaping justice? Every hero has a method. What's yours? AWeb them up and leave them for the police — again. BBuild an airtight case and dismantle their entire operation from the inside. CDeploy a containment system I designed specifically for them. Tech wins. DMake sure they don't escape a third time. Permanently. EChallenge them to single combat. Honour demands a decisive end. FRally allies, adapt the plan, and bring them in — by the book, even if it's hard. NEXT QUESTION → 04 How do you feel about keeping a secret identity? The mask — or the lack of one — says everything. AEssential — my loved ones would be in danger if anyone found out who I am. BCritical — the mask protects my mission as much as my face. COverrated — I announced myself to the world and I'd do it again. DI'm a ghost. The less people know about me, the better. EMy name is known across the Nine Realms. There's no hiding it. FI don't hide — but I understand why some need to. Transparency builds trust. NEXT QUESTION → 05 You've lost someone important because of your heroism. How do you carry that? Every hero pays a price. The question is how they pay it. AWith guilt that never fully goes away — it pushes me to do better, every single day. BI channel it into purpose — their memory is the reason I keep fighting. CI buried myself in work for years. I'm only recently learning to face it. DIt transformed me completely. I'm not the same person I was before. EWith warrior's grief — I honour them by fighting with everything I have. FI keep moving forward. Stopping means letting the loss win. NEXT QUESTION → 06 What's your role when working with a team? Who you are under pressure is who you actually are. AThe enthusiastic wildcard who somehow makes it work — and keeps the mood up. BThe strategist who works best alone but shows up when it matters most. CThe one who funds it, equips it, and occasionally takes over the whole operation. DI don't do teams. I'm more effective operating solo, on my terms. EThe heavy hitter — I crash in, draw fire, and turn the tide of battle. FThe leader — I earn trust, build the plan, and make sure no one gets left behind. NEXT QUESTION → 07 Where do you draw the line between justice and revenge? The answer defines what kind of hero you really are. AClearly — I don't kill, and I wrestle with that line constantly. BI try to hold the line, but I've come terrifyingly close to crossing it. CPractically — I do what's necessary to protect people, including hard calls. DI crossed that line long ago. What I do is justice — the system just won't admit it. EIn battle, victory is justice. Mercy is earned — not automatic. FFirmly. The moment we abandon our principles, we become what we fight against. NEXT QUESTION → 08 When you're not saving the world, what does life look like? The person behind the mask is always the more interesting story. ATrying to juggle school, a part-time job, and not failing my friends. BWorking as a lawyer by day, fighting for justice in court and on the streets. CRunning a global company, attending galas, and pretending I'm sleeping enough. DQuiet. Isolated. Surviving with a clear mission and no distractions. ENavigating a bizarre and fascinating mortal world — coffee is extraordinary. FAdapting to a world decades ahead of everything I knew. Quietly, stubbornly. NEXT QUESTION → 09 What keeps you up at night? Fear is useful data — if you're honest about what you're actually afraid of. AThe people I couldn't save — and the ones I might not reach in time tomorrow. BWhether the monster I fight every night is starting to live inside me too. CThe threats I can see coming and whether my tech is actually good enough. DNothing. Silence is the only peace I get. I've made my choices. EWhether I'm truly worthy — of the hammer, of the throne, of the people I protect. FA world where no one stands up anymore. Where good people do nothing. NEXT QUESTION → 10 The battle is lost. You're outnumbered, outgunned, and exhausted. What do you do? This is your tiebreaker — choose carefully. ACrack a joke to buy a second, then find the one web shot that changes everything. BBlock out everything except the sound of the next threat — and keep going. CActivate the emergency protocol I built for exactly this scenario. Always have a plan. DI don't accept that it's lost. I keep fighting until I physically cannot anymore. ECall the lightning. All of it. The storm answers to me. FPick up the shield. Stand up. Because as long as I can stand, it's not over. REVEAL MY HERO → Your Hero Has Been Identified Your MCU Hero Is…Based on your answers, the Marvel hero who matches your spirit, values, and instincts has been revealed. 🕷️ Spider-ManYou carry the weight of the world on shoulders that are younger than they should have to be — funny, loyal, and endlessly self-sacrificing. You do the right thing not because it's easy, but because no one else will. You understand that responsibility isn't a burden you choose — it's one that finds you. Whether it's a neighbourhood mugging or a multiverse crisis, you show up. Peter Parker's lesson — that great power demands great responsibility — isn't a slogan to you. It's the code you live by, even when it costs you everything. 😈 DaredevilYou fight in the shadows between law and chaos, guided by a fierce moral compass that refuses to let the guilty walk free. You use every tool available — your mind, your body, your faith — to protect those the system overlooks. You've looked into the darkness and chosen not to become it, though the line has never been easy. Matt Murdock's duality — champion in the courtroom, devil in the alley — mirrors your own. Relentless, conflicted, and unwilling to stop. That is exactly you. 🤖 Iron ManBrilliant, driven, and occasionally insufferable — but always the person who solves the unsolvable problem. You lead with your mind and back it up with resources, innovation, and a stubbornness that borders on heroic. You started out looking out for yourself, but somewhere along the way the world became your responsibility. Tony Stark's arc — from ego to sacrifice — is your arc too. You build, you plan, and when the moment comes, you're willing to give everything. Because in the end, you're Iron Man. 💀 The PunisherYou've been through fire that would break most people — and it did change you, completely. What's left is unyielding, relentless, and operating by a code forged in grief. You don't ask for forgiveness, and you don't expect gratitude. You see a corrupt, broken world and you've decided to do something about it, consequences be damned. Frank Castle's war is born from love twisted by loss — and so is yours. Uncompromising and unflinching — the world may not agree with your methods, but your conviction is absolute. ⚡ ThorPowerful, proud, and on a lifelong journey to become worthy of the legend you carry. You lead with strength but have learned — sometimes painfully — that true greatness comes from humility and growth. You're larger than life, yet more vulnerable than you let on. Thor's story is one of transformation: from arrogant prince to worthy king, from isolated warrior to beloved protector. You bring the storm when it's needed — and the warmth when it matters just as much. 🛡️ Captain AmericaYou believe in something bigger than yourself — and you fight for it even when the world has moved on and nobody else will. You don't bully the small guy, and you never stop when it gets hard. Steve Rogers didn't become a hero when he got the serum — he was always one. So were you. Your strength isn't in your fists; it's in your refusal to compromise what's right, no matter the cost. In a world full of people taking the easy road, you're the one who picks up the shield and stands up — every single time. ↻ RETAKE THE QUIZ