Year: 2002
Runtime: 98 min
Language: English
Director: David Cronenberg
Dennis "Spider" Cleg is released from decades of confinement and finds himself struggling to adjust to life at Mrs. Wilkinson's halfway house. His already fragile mental state deteriorates as fragmented memories of his troubled childhood begin to resurface. Haunted by his past, Spider must confront the dark secrets and trauma that led to his incarceration, threatening to shatter his sense of reality.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Spider yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Spider (2002), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Peter Parker, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes, is a socially awkward senior in high school living in the bustling metropolis of New York City. Tragically orphaned, he resides with his caring Uncle Ben and Aunt May. His affection for his neighbor, Mary Jane Watson, is complicated by the bullying he endures from her boyfriend, Flash Thompson, and his clique. Despite his rich background, his friend Harry Osborn struggles with being an outcast and harbors jealousy towards Peter, who gains the admiration of Harry’s father, Norman, the CEO of Oscorp.
During a field trip to a genetics lab, Peter encounters a genetically modified spider that bites him, triggering a profound transformation. While he initially wakes up feeling revitalized and stronger, other strange abilities like web-slinging manifest when he goes to school the following day. However, the most ironic twist comes from a wrestling challenge where he hopes to fund his desire for a car to impress Mary Jane. Confronted by Uncle Ben’s words about using powers responsibly, Peter disregards Ben’s advice, leading to tragic consequences when a robber kills his uncle.
As the narrative progresses, Peter adopts his superhero persona, Spider-Man, finding purpose in fighting crime. Yet, he faces resistance from J. Jonah Jameson of the Daily Bugle who initially ridicules Spider-Man until he realizes the financial potential of exploiting the hero’s fame. Meanwhile, Norman’s madness begins to take hold, leading him to become the formidable Green Goblin after a scarring encounter with his own experimental formula.
The Goblin’s violent tendencies ramp up as he attacks a public fair and targets Mary Jane, sparking a dangerous rivalry between him and Spider-Man. While Mary Jane develops feelings for Spider-Man, Peter is tortured by his inability to reveal his true identity. This tension escalates as the Goblin takes Mary Jane hostage, forcing Spider-Man into a heart-wrenching choice between saving her and a trolley car full of innocent lives.
Their climactic battle reveals Norman’s connection to the Goblin, leading to tragic confrontation outcomes. A final showdown leaves Norman dead, plunging Peter into sorrow, especially as Harry vows vengeance against Spider-Man, believing him responsible for his father’s demise. In a poignant moment at Uncle Ben’s grave, Peter grapples with his dual life and realizes that his responsibilities as Spider-Man will forever affect his personal relationships, leaving him with the haunting question of his own identity: “Who am I? I’m Spider-Man.”
Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 20:37
Don't stop at just watching — explore Spider in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Spider is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Spider with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like Spider that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Spider (2002) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Spider (2002) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Spider – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Spider-Man (2002) Full Summary & Key Details
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) Full Movie Breakdown
Spider-Man 3 (2007) Full Movie Breakdown
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) Detailed Story Recap
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014) Complete Plot Breakdown
Spider-Man 2 (2004) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Spider in the Web (2019) Full Movie Breakdown
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) Film Overview & Timeline
Spiderhead (2022) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Cobweb (2023) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Spiders (2013) Complete Plot Breakdown
Madame Web (2024) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Venom (2018) Detailed Story Recap