Spider-Man has been swinging into gamers' hearts since 1982, when the first game appeared on the Atari 2600. Since then, the Web-Slinger has starred in dozens of titles, from open-world epics to linear adventures. The fantasy of crawling walls and soaring between skyscrapers is irresistible, and the best Spider-Man games capture that thrill perfectly. Here are the greatest Spider-Man video games of all time, ranked.
9. Spider-Man: Edge of Time (2011)
Often overshadowed by its predecessor, Spider-Man: Edge of Time is a hidden gem. Developed by Beenox, this game follows Peter Parker and Miguel O'Hara (Spider-Man 2099) as they navigate a timeline-altering crisis. The story kicks off with Peter's shocking death—a flash-forward that adds tension throughout. The connection between the two Spider-Men leads to clever writing, and the way past actions affect the future is genuinely fun. While not as strong as Shattered Dimensions, it's an underrated adventure worth revisiting.
8. Ultimate Spider-Man (2005)
Based on the beloved Ultimate Marvel comic, this game adapts the "Venom" story arc with style. The cutscenes are framed like moving comic panels, giving it a unique visual flair. Players can control both Spider-Man and Venom, each with distinct playstyles. Venom's brutal, destructive moves offer a fun contrast to Spidey's acrobatics. It's a faithful adaptation that comic fans adore.
7. Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions (2010)
Before the Spider-Verse movies made the concept mainstream, Shattered Dimensions let players control four different Spider-Men: Amazing, 2099, Ultimate, and Noir. Each universe has its own visual style and gameplay mechanics. The highlight is facing off against iconic villains, including the first appearance of a female Doctor Octopus (later seen in Into the Spider-Verse). It's a creative, varied experience that still holds up.
6. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (2023)
The sequel to the 2018 masterpiece improves on nearly every technical aspect. Web-swinging is faster, combat is smoother, and the world feels more alive. However, the story doesn't quite match the emotional depth of the original. Still, the gameplay is some of the best in any Spider-Man game, making it a thrilling ride despite a slightly weaker narrative.
5. Spider-Man: Miles Morales (2020)
When Miles Morales got his own game, few expected it to be this good. Set after the events of Marvel's Spider-Man, it follows Miles as he steps up to protect New York while Peter is away. The new combat system, with Miles' unique bio-electric powers and invisibility, is a blast. Many argue the mechanics here are even better than in the main series. Its shorter runtime leaves you wanting more, but it's a near-perfect spinoff.
4. Spider-Man (2000)
The 2000 classic for PlayStation and Dreamcast set the standard for Spider-Man games. With a story written by comic legend Kurt Busiek and voiced by the animated series cast, it felt authentic. The gameplay mixed beat-'em-up action with web-swinging and puzzle-solving. It introduced many to the joy of playing as Spidey and remains a nostalgic favorite.
3. Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Based on the Sam Raimi film, Spider-Man 2 revolutionized open-world superhero games. Its web-swinging system, which required physics and momentum, was groundbreaking. Players could freely explore New York, stop random crimes, and fight iconic villains. It set the template for every Spider-Man game that followed.
2. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
While not a game itself, the film's influence on gaming is undeniable. Its vibrant art style and multiverse concept inspired Shattered Dimensions and later titles. The game adaptation, however, is a fun beat-'em-up that captures the movie's spirit. It's a solid entry, but the real impact is how it reshaped Spider-Man storytelling in games.
1. Marvel's Spider-Man (2018)
Insomniac's Marvel's Spider-Man is the definitive Spider-Man game. It combines a compelling story about Peter Parker balancing his personal life with heroism, fluid combat, and the best web-swinging ever. The open world is packed with activities, and the narrative is emotional and mature. It redefined what a superhero game could be and remains the gold standard. For more on the best of entertainment, check out our list of Top 10 Hong Kong Martial Arts Movies of All Time, Ranked and The Best Opening Movie Shots of the 21st Century, Ranked.
