Spider-Man

Spider-Man

Year: 2002

Runtime: 121 min

Language: English

Director: Sam Raimi

Budget: $139M

ActionAdventureFantasy

A teenager named Peter Parker gains incredible abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider. Struggling to balance his personal life with newfound strength and agility, he must learn to use his powers responsibly. Inspired by the memory of his Uncle Ben, Peter embraces his destiny as Spider-Man, fighting crime and protecting the people of New York City.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Spider-Man (2002)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Spider-Man (2002). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie is set in a contemporary era, reflecting the early 2000s when teenage struggles and issues of identity are prominent. This period is characterized by a mix of traditional high school experiences and emerging technologies, influencing Peter's journey and interactions. The era also highlights the tension between personal growth and societal expectations.

Location

New York City

New York City serves as the vibrant backdrop for Peter Parker's transformation into Spider-Man. Known for its bustling streets and diverse culture, the city becomes an integral part of Peter's journey as he grapples with both personal challenges and superhuman responsibilities. Iconic landmarks and urban landscapes play a significant role in showcasing his adventures and the duality of his life as a teenager and a hero.

🏙️ City 🕷️ Superhero

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:00

Main Characters – Spider-Man (2002)

Meet the key characters of Spider-Man (2002), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Peter Parker

Peter Parker is an introverted and thoughtful high school senior who grapples with significant personal loss and the emergence of his superhuman abilities. His transformation from a bullied teenager to the heroic Spider-Man reflects his inner conflict and growth. Driven by a strong moral compass, Peter embodies resilience and determination as he learns to balance his responsibilities as a hero with his personal life.

🕷️ Superhero 🏫 Student 💔 Orphan

Mary Jane Watson

Mary Jane Watson is a compassionate and strong-willed young woman who captures Peter Parker's heart. Despite the challenges she faces in her own life, she stands out as a beacon of kindness and inspiration for Peter. Her evolving relationship with Peter signifies both genuine affection and the complexities that arise from his secret identity.

❤️ Love Interest 🎭 Actress 💪 Strong Female

Norman Osborn / Green Goblin

Norman Osborn is a wealthy and ambitious scientist whose obsession with success leads him to become the villainous Green Goblin. His dual identity creates a compelling antagonist for Spider-Man, challenging Peter both physically and morally. Norman's complex character illustrates the fine line between brilliance and madness, deeply impacting Peter's journey as a hero.

🧪 Scientist 😈 Antagonist ⚔️ Villain

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:00

Major Themes – Spider-Man (2002)

Explore the central themes of Spider-Man (2002), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🦸‍♂️ Heroism

The theme of heroism is central to Peter Parker's journey as he discovers his powers and adopts the mantle of Spider-Man. It explores the responsibilities that come with great power, emphasizing the sacrifices he must make for the safety of others. Peter's evolution into a hero not only serves as an inspiration but also reinforces the moral lessons about duty and courage.

❤️ Love

The romantic tension between Peter and Mary Jane highlights the theme of love and its complexities. Despite personal challenges and the looming threat of danger, their relationship evolves throughout the story. Their connection symbolizes hope and emotional strength, even as Peter navigates the challenges posed by his dual identity.

⚖️ Responsibility

Peter Parker's journey underscores the crucial theme of responsibility, which is encapsulated in Uncle Ben's advice. The consequences of his choices, particularly in the wake of tragedy, shape his character and actions going forward. The film interrogates the balance between personal desires and the obligation to protect others, defining Peter's path as both a hero and an individual.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:00

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Bittersweet Superhero Movies like Spider-Man

Heroic triumphs that come with a heavy personal cost and lingering sadness.If you liked the mix of heroic victory and personal sacrifice in Spider-Man, this thread features similar stories. Discover movies where the hero's journey ends on a bittersweet note, blending triumph with emotional cost, just like Peter Parker's story.

heroictragicupliftingearnestsacrificialmelancholicthrilling

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically follow a hero's ascent, culminating in a public victory that is undercut by a private tragedy. The narrative arc emphasizes that great power requires great responsibility, often forcing the protagonist to sacrifice personal happiness or endure a painful loss for the greater good, resulting in an ending that is both uplifting and somber.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here because they share a specific emotional tone: a hopeful core undercut by poignant sacrifice. They balance high-stakes action with deeply personal stakes, leading to conclusions where the hero wins the battle but loses something irreplaceable, creating a powerful and memorable emotional experience.

Coming-of-Age Power Stories like Spider-Man

Young protagonists grappling with newfound abilities and the heavy burden they bring.For viewers who enjoyed Spider-Man's theme of power and responsibility, this list finds similar movies. Explore stories about young heroes navigating the double life of extraordinary power and ordinary adolescence, where the real battle is learning what it means to be good.

coming-of-ageheroicearnestadventurousthrillingresponsibleidentity crisis

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern centers on a young character's rapid transition from ordinary life to one defined by a secret and a duty. A pivotal tragedy often serves as the catalyst, forcing them to mature quickly and embrace a moral code. The journey intertwines typical adolescent challenges—school, romance, identity—with the immense weight of protecting others.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their core exploration of a specific archetype: the adolescent burdened with power. They share an earnest, hopeful tone and a fast pace, blending action-packed sequences with a heartfelt, character-driven story about the difficult choices that define both a hero and an adult.

Unlock the Full Story of Spider-Man

Don't stop at just watching — explore Spider-Man 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-Man is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Spider-Man Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Spider-Man, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Spider-Man Summary

Spider-Man Timeline

Track the full timeline of Spider-Man with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Spider-Man Timeline

Spider-Man Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Spider-Man that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Spider-Man Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Spider-Man

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Spider-Man: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Spider-Man