Spider-Man has had many different faces over the years, and although it can be difficult to decide which version of the webslinger you like best, there comes a time in one’s life when a choice must be made (with great power comes great responsibility, and all that).
Do you prefer the earnestness and modernity of Tom Holland? Or the broody aura of Andrew Garfield? Or is it Tobey Maguire still the quintessential Spidey for you in spite of all the memes he helped create?
Let’s not forget the voice actors or those who only played the Marvel character for a hot minute!
So, without further ado, here’s a list of every Spider-Man actor ranked from worst to best…including the ones you wouldn’t even think of.
17. Jorma Taccone
Appeared In: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Comedian Jorma Taccone tries to reproduce Paul Soles’ voice in the post-credit scene of Into the Spider-Verse. The funny gag sees Spider-Man 2099 go back to the 1960s, stumbling upon Soles’ Spidey and thus recreating the iconic meme-ified scene in which Spider-Man meets Spider-Man.
Although he doesn’t really succeed in replicating Paul’s deep timbre, Jorma does a good enough job. We’d have to see more to pass judgement, though.
16. Oscar Isaac
Appeared In: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
These actors may have played Spider-Man for a few mere minutes (sometimes seconds), but their names are still worthy of this list. Oscar Isaac takes on the brief voice role of Miguel O’Hara a.k.a. Spider-Man 2099 in Into the Spider-Verse just before Jorma Taccone’s version appears on screen.
He isn’t on for long, but we have to admit Oscar’s take on the web-head is enjoyable while it lasts. It’s rumored that the Star Wars actor will reprise his role in a live-action Spider-Man 2099, which means Oscar Isaac did something right.
15. Paul Soles
Appeared In: Spider-Man (1967)
Paul Soles couldn’t have given an interpretation furthest from who Spider-Man is supposed to be, and in some strange way, we’re almost thankful for it. After all, some of the best memes were born of the old 1960s Spider-Man cartoon, and Paul’s overly confident and masculine take on Peter Parker’s voice will remain hilariously over the top for years to come.
14. Nicholas Hammond
Appeared In: The Amazing Spider-Man (1977), Spider-Man Strikes Back (1978), Spider-Man: The Dragon’s Challenge (1979)
The first time a live-action Spidey found its way on our screens was in the 1970s. Nicholas Hammond was chosen for the titular role of a television series which, given its premise, should have become a cult classic.
While he is essentially the “first Spider-Man” (live-action), unfortunately, Nicholas is forgettable and far too old for the part, so it’s unlikely any of the older adults in your circle even remember this show or its lead actor.
13. Dan Gilvezan
Appeared In: Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends (1982-1983)
In the 1980s, Dan gave his voice to Spider-Man in Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends, an NBC animated series that lasted three seasons and garnered positive reviews.
Although the show hasn’t exactly become a cult classic, Dan actually does a rather good job as Peter Parker, making him sound like the young adult he is supposed to be rather than the weathered superhero of previous adaptations.
12. Chris Pine
Appeared In: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Into the Spider-Verse was so good, we can’t help but mention every version of the character that crawled on screen. Chris Pine plays Sam Raimi’s version of Spider-Man (AKA Tobey Maguire’s character) at the start of the movie, perfectly depicting the iconic version of the web-crawler we all know and love.
Not only is Chris’ vocal cameo traditionally funny and heroic, he also treats us to some epic Spider-Man Easter Eggs like shoutouts to his kiss with MJ and that legendary train rescue from Spider-Man 2.
11. Nicolas Cage
Appeared In: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Here’s yet another actor who took on the Spider-Man role for a fleeting second – and what a great time it was. Nicolas Cage isn’t your everyday Spidey, but this version we get to meet in Into the Spider-Verse suits him tremendously well.
The actor brings a 1930s vibe to Spider-Man Noir who is ridiculously and hilariously charming (I mean, that uncle voice is iconic!) – if only we got to see a little bit more of him.
10. Neil Patrick Harris
Appeared In: Spider-Man: The New Animated Series (2003)
You wouldn’t immediately associate Spider-Man with the recognizable face of How I Met Your Mother alumni Neil Patrick Harris, and yet! Spider-Man: The New Animated Series might have only lasted a few episodes, but Neil still gave it his all and many fans of the comics were happy with how witty and fun his portrayal of Peter was.
9. Donald Glover
Appeared In: Ultimate Spider-Man (2015)
Three years before Into The Spider-Verse, Donald Glover jumped on the Spidey train to lend his voice to the first on-screen adaptation of Miles Morales in the animated series Ultimate Spider-Man.
Turns out, the creators of the series were encouraged to hire Donald after seeing him dressed up as Spidey in the hit show Community. This was a wise choice as it helped make Miles a humorous and endearing character from the get-go, and paved the way for Shameik Moore in Spider-Verse.
8. Drake Bell
Appeared In: Ultimate Spider-Man (2012 – 2017)
Considering the quantity of Spider-Man animated series there are out there, we wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t remember that the Drake & Josh star gave his voice to Peter Parker in Ultimate Spider-Man. Drake Bell’s work was honorable and he did stay on board for four seasons, after all.
7. Andrew Garfield
Appeared In: The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
Although his performance isn’t as acclaimed as Tobey Maguire’s or Tom Holland’s, Andrew Garfield remains a great live-action Spidey in the hearts of many.
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Youthful and nerdy-looking enough, he seemed promised to a beautiful run… alas, it was the “meh” plotlines and Sony’s efforts to make Peter Parker part of the “cool kids” that doomed his version of the character more than Andrew’s way of playing him. Actors don’t write the scripts after all.
6. Josh Keaton
Appeared In: The Spectacular Spider-Man (2008-2009), Marvel’s Spider-Man (2017-2020)
From 2008 to 2009, Josh Keaton gave his voice to the iconic webslinger in the The Spectacular Spider-Man. And just like Neil Patrick Harris, he done a damn good job by nailing his liveliness and quick wit, which was only cut short by legal issues between Disney and Marvel. Prior to the series, Josh had also voiced Spidey in video games.
5. Jake Johnson
Appeared In: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
If you’ve ever seen New Girl, you’ll recognize Jake Johnson’s weary yet loveable voice in a matter of seconds. And even if you haven’t, Jake’s charisma as the interdimensional, broken-hearted Spider-Man in Into the Spider-Verse is an iteration of Spidey we didn’t know we needed.
The best heroes are those we can relate to the most, and what is more relatable and inspiring than someone who doubts themselves but gets back up? And did we mention he’s hilarious?
4. Shameik Moore
Appeared In: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Miles Morales is by far the most innovative version of Spider-Man, and Shameik Moore’s performance in the animated masterpiece Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse truly reflects that.
Not only is Miles the first Afro-Latino Spidey to grace the big screen, and a long-awaited departure from Peter Parker’s slightly tiresome origin story, he is also the first Spider-Man who doesn’t have to work on his own and learns even the best superheroes need a little help from their friends.
3. Christopher Daniel Barnes
Appeared In: Spider-Man: The Animated Series (1994-1998), Ultimate Spider-Man (2013-2016)
In the 1990s, the original Spider-Man: The Animated Series offered us a Peter Parker who defied expectations and became THE Spidey that millennials would come to worship.
Then in his early twenties, Christopher Daniel Barnes had everything to make the character work – a young, eager voice and a snappy, fun personality to go with it.
2. Tom Holland
Appeared In: Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
When he was chosen to play Spider-Man in Captain America: Civil War, Tom was only 19-years-old, making him the youngest actor to ever play Peter Parker in a feature film. Probably the closest and most accurate to the comics, Tom’s Spider-Man delivers everything and more to the character including iconic one-liners (whilst fighting) and being engagingly silly.
Finally giving us someone who actually looked like a high schooler, Tom has just the right amount of wit, earnestness and courage to play the part like a pro. We can’t wait to see what’s in store for him ahead of Homecoming and Far From Home.
1. Tobey Maguire
Appeared In: Spider-Man (2002), Spider-Man 2 (2004), Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Here’s the thing. Whether you grew up with the Sam Raimi Spider-Man movies or not, it is undeniable that Tobey has given everything he has to the character.
While you probably want to be best friends with Holland’s Spidey, you really admire and look up to Maguire’s version. Although he looks a bit old for the part, his performance in all three movies, even the not-so-good third opus, are both fittingly goofy, in-depth, and filled with heart, and there’s no beating that. Officially ranked as the best Spider-Man actor (at least in Tell Tales’ opinion) and one that will always come to mind when we recall our friendly neighborhood hero.
Here you have it! A ranking of the worst and best Spider-Man actors to date. Although we might have been harsh on some of the actors on this list, every one of them has worked hard and has somewhat contributed to the fantastic world that is the Spider-Man universe, and that’s why we secretly love them all…
So, out of these Spider-Man actors, who would you rank as the best in the world? Don’t hesitate to come at us for any ranking mistake you think we might have made. After all, to each their Spidey!
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2 Responses
Totally disagree with your ratings. Andrew Garfield without a doubt, was the best Spiderman. Tom Holland next . Toby McGuire somewhere after them
Well, I disagree with yours. Tom Holland takes first, then Tobey Maguire, and Andrew Garfield somewhere after. Btw, you didn’t even spell Tobey’s name right.