Top 10 Spider-Man Movie Villain Moments

“Spider-Man: Far From Home” (2019)

Quentin Beck, aka Mysterio, is a master of deception. While every comic book fan knew that he’d be the villain, his connection to Tony Stark caught most people off guard, including Peter. Even after Peter learns his true nature, Mysterio isn’t done playing mind games. Trapped inside an illusion, Peter never knows what awaits around the corner, from a dogpile of Spider-Man doppelgangers to a zombie Iron Man rising from the grave. Although Peter knows this isn’t real, it certainly feels real as MJ falls to her apparent doom. The mind-bending imagery has the essence of a comic brought to life, cleverly transitioning from one haunting visual to another. Just when it appears the nightmare is over, Mysterio has another trick up his sleeve.

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018)

If you thought “Into the Spider-Verse” would be a more “kid-friendly” take on the Web-Slinger, this Oscar-winning animated feature did something that none of the live-action films have done thus far: kill Peter Parker. Caught between Green Goblin and Kingpin’s collider, Spider-Man is left on his last leg. Passing a USB flash drive - and the torch - to Miles Morales, Peter is now at Kingpin’s mercy. Unmasked, Peter attempts to reason with the grief-stricken Kingpin, who responds with a soul-crushing blow. Although we didn’t know this Peter for long, we feel the weight as Kingpin slams his sledgehammer-sized fists down, ending the hero’s life. Spider-Man’s death echoes throughout New York, but the city fortunately has Miles and several more Spider-People to clean up Kingpin’s mess.

“Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017)

In one of the MCU’s best twists, it’s revealed that Peter’s homecoming date Liz is the daughter of Adrian Toomes, aka the Vulture. What ensues walks a tightrope between something you might see in a sitcom and a horror film. Meeting the parents can already be uncomfortable enough, but Peter fears for his life as he steps into the Vulture’s nest. Although Adrian initially doesn’t realize that Peter is Spider-Man, he quickly connects the dots during a car ride that’s equally awkward and terrifying. Peter may be Spider-Man, but he’s also a teenager. We feel that youthful vulnerability as Adrian takes him aside, threatening to kill Peter and his loved ones. Honestly, Michael Keaton’s Joker-like grin and intense eyes are creepier than the Vulture’s mask.

“Spider-Man 3” (2007)

Sam Raimi’s horror roots shine through during Flint Marko’s transformation into the Sandman. Granted, the scene isn’t scary, but it carries a sense of poetic tragedy that you’d find in a classic work of gothic horror like “Frankenstein” or “Phantom of the Opera.” Relying on atmospheric CGI and Christopher Young’s powerful musical score, we see Flint try to reassemble himself, one grain of sand at a time. While his face isn’t the most expressive, we still feel Sandman’s pain as he observes what he’s become and attempts to grasp his daughter’s locket. Flint’s love for his daughter gives him the will to regain his human form, slowly emerging from the sand. He may technically be a villain, but we can’t help but sympathize with Marko.

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021)

Upon arriving in another universe, it appears Norman Osborn may’ve turned over a new leaf. The Goblin is still running the show, however, changing from Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde with a sinister smirk. Almost two decades after he first donned the Goblin persona, Willem Dafoe doesn’t miss a beat in a spine-chilling speech that brings Electro back to the dark side. As the other villains flee, Osborn and Peter turn the apartment building into a battlefield. While we have a soft spot for the Goblin’s 2002 look, Osborn’s hooded makeover is infinitely more menacing, as well as a nice nod to the comics. Dafoe’s Goblin not only instills fear, but also unbearable sadness as his actions leave Aunt May dying by Peter’s side.

“Spider-Man: Far From Home” (2019)

The first MCU movie ended with Tony Stark telling the world that he’s Iron Man. It’s only fitting that the final film in the Infinity Saga would conclude with another character’s secret identity being revealed. This mid-credits scene delivered a few bombshells. First, Mysterio recorded a message before his death, painting himself as a fallen hero and Spider-Man as a menace. Second, J. Jonah Jameson exists in the MCU and he’s played by the invaluable J. K. Simmons. Third, and most shocking of all, Mysterio reveals that mild-mannered Peter Parker is Night Monkey… er, we mean Spider-Man. Now that’s how you do a cliffhanger! The world may eventually forget Spider-Man’s alter ego, but Mysterio’s actions still send Peter on a dark path with lasting consequences.

“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018)

From Kingpin to Doctor Olivia Octavius, “Into the Spider-Verse” runs the risk of trying to juggle too many villains. Unlike some other “Spider-Man” movies, though, “Spider-Verse” knew how to properly utilize every character. Nowhere is this more apparent than during a face-off between the Spider-People and several villains. Side note, Aunt May calls Doc Ock “Liv.” Does that make them friends? Or at least frenemies? In any case, Liv brought backup with Tombstone and Scorpion. The showdown is full of memorable confrontations, but the heart of the scene boils down to Miles and his Uncle Aaron, who he recently realized was Prowler. Upon seeing Miles’ face, Aaron’s love for his nephew trumps self-preservation. Aaron lets Miles go, sealing his fate at Kingpin’s hands.

“Spider-Man 2” (2004)

Following an accident that leaves his wife dead and his experiment in shambles, Octavius winds up on an operating table with his mechanical arms. Without the inhibitor chip, each tentacle essentially has a mind of its own. Springing to life, the arms attack the doctors in a scene reminiscent of Sam Raimi’s “Evil Dead” trilogy. Sure, it’s not nearly as bloody or gory as those films, but it’s every bit as creative. Raimi even works in a chainsaw, which has got to be a reference to Ash Williams. Despite maintaining a PG-13 rating, the scene still gets away with some twisted imagery. Although Octavius initially resists the negative influence of his arms, it isn’t long until he’s using them to battle Spider-Man aboard a train.

“Spider-Man” (2002)

Show of hands? How many of you associate “Itsy Bitsy Spider” with the Green Goblin? Yeah, us too. Goblin’s take on the nursery rhyme is just one of this climax’s many unforgettable moments. Having learned Spider-Man’s identity, Goblin gives him an impossible choice: save Mary Jane or a tram car full of kids as they’re all sent falling alongside the Queensboro Bridge. It’s a classic supervillain setup, but Spidey manages to rescue all innocent parties with a little help from his fellow New Yorkers. The sequence is similar to Gwen Stacy’s death in the comics, albeit with a different love interest and a happier ending. That said, when Gwen gets caught between Spidey and Gobby in another cinematic universe, she’s sadly not as lucky.



Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Mirror Goblin, “Spider-Man” (2002)
Again, Sometimes Spider-Man Villains Are Scarier Without the Mask



Electro vs. Spider-Man, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” (2014)
The Motivations Are Kind of Questionable, But the Action Is Electrifying


Lizard School Fight, “The Amazing Spider-Man” (2012)
Complete With One of Stan Lee’s Finest Cameos


You And I Are Not So Different, “Spider-Man” (2002)
We’re So Happy That This Has Become a Mean


Uncle Ben’s Death, “Spider-Man” (2002) & “Spider-Man 3” (2007)
An Essential Moment, But Why Didn’t the Cops Tell Peter or May About Flint Marko?


“Spider-Man 3” (2007)
Sony Pictures Releasing

“Spider-Man: No Way Home” (2021)

The climax of “No Way Home” is the very definition of sticking the landing. In addition to seeing three generations of Spider-Men fight side by side, several of the franchise’s most iconic villains are unleashed in a storm of sand, scales, and electric shocks. Doc Ock is also given a chance to play the hero role in the final fight. While the Goblin nearly sends Peter over the edge and successfully stabs his friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, the cure leaves Osborn to live with the horrible things he’s done. After the previous two incarnations of “Spider-Man” ended on such sour notes, this sequence provided an immensely satisfying sendoff for the heroes and villains alike. Of course, the MCU’s Spider-Man still has many more villains to face.