Spider-Man Trilogy: 10 Most Iconic Moments

Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy starring Tobey Maguire captivated audiences with its unique blend of goofy fun, terrific action, and great characters. The trilogy introduced the web-head to a wider global audience and since then he has never left the big screen.

The series set the benchmark for superhero movies, at a time when there weren’t all that many. The films do an excellent job of adapting some of the greatest moments from Spider-Man’s long history in comics. From Spidey’s powers to his friends, to his greatest foes. With this in mind here are the 10 most iconic moments from the trilogy.

10 Harry Unmasks Peter

In this iconic scene from Spider-Man 2, the unthinkable happens; Harry unmasks Spider-Man. Finally able to learn who he believes killed his father. Upon discovering it is Peter behind the mask he is in utter disbelief.

With a knife pointed at Peter, he is unable to go through with it and lets Peter go, only to stumble upon Norman’s secret stash of Goblin gear and take on the persona of the Green Goblin in Spider-Man 3.

9 Spider-Man Trashes His Suit

One of the most shocking moments of the entire trilogy sees Peter Parker ditch his iconic red and blue suit in a trash can and abandon his alter ego. It’s a classic moment, and the last thing you would expect him to do. Proving what a curse his powers have become.

The moment is ripped straight out of the comics, and pitch-perfectly portrayed on screen. Turning his back not only on his superhero life but also on Uncle Ben’s wisdom.

8 The Birth Of The Sandman

Although Spider-Man 3 is criticized heavily for dropping the ball and killing the series, with its mishandling of Venom, emo Peter and many other things. There’s one thing that can be universally agreed up; the birth of the Sandman is one of the trilogy’s greatest scenes.

Featuring no dialogue the sequence effortlessly communicates everything the audience needs to know. The sequence is like a short film in its own right, not to mention the brilliant special effects that still hold up today.

7 Peter Tests His Powers

After accidentally tossing his lunch at Flash Thompson Peter decides to learn more about the strange string coming out of his wrists. On the rooftop he tests out his new powers, trying his best to figure out what caused it to happen. Twisting his hand into different shapes, to no avail.

Until finally he released the webbing from his wrists and launched himself across the roof and into a billboard. The scene is played for laughs and gives a great insight into Peter’s mind, and is a vital part of his origin story.

6 Peter Removes The Symbiote

The black suit was a highlight of the third film. Portraying a very different side of Peter Parker, he became arrogant, selfish and violent due to the influence of the alien symbiote. When Peter finally comes to his senses the only way to remove it is by blasting it with sonic frequencies.

At the bell tower he battles to remove the alien from him, it clings to him, until finally, he is able to tear it from his body and be rid of it.

5 Birth Of Doc Ock

Equipped with four mechanical arms, each with incredible advanced artificial intelligence to aid his experiments, Otto Octavius was one of the world’s leading scientists. However, his arrogance was his undoing.

Confident he was able to control the fusion reaction (that was clearly out of control) the building was evacuated, but he continued. As a result, his beloved wife Rosie was killed and he was transformed forever in the villainous Doctor Octopus.

4 The Train Fight

The excellent train fight from Spider-Man 2 remains a high point of the superhero genre and is still revered today. The sequence sees Spider-Man battle with Doctor Octopus on top, on the side and inside the train. Both equally matched and giving all they have to give.

Things are elevated when Doc Ock damages the train preventing it from breaking and it is up to Spider-Man to stop it and save all the terrified passengers on board.

3 Green Goblin’s Death

The climax of the first Spider-Man totally delivered with Peter and Norman squaring off in a battle to finally end things. The battle was bloody, with Peter taking an absolute beating throughout the fight. But he manages to get the upper hand and is triumphant.

He spares Norman, only for the Green Goblin to take hold of his psyche. Norman then launches his glider at Peter, who dodges it, killing himself.

2 Upside-Down Kiss

The upside-down kiss is without a doubt one of the most iconic moments of the trilogy. The larger than life scene fit perfectly with the tone of the film and proved to be a turning point for both Mary Jane and Peter Parker.

The scene has been parodied and referenced numerous times through film and television, with good reason. Audiences became instantly invested in the couple and their relationship continued to evolve and grow throughout the series.

1 Uncle Ben’s Death

Uncle Ben’s death was the most tragic and heartbreaking scene, not only in the series but in any movie. Ripped straight from the comics the scene was adapted perfectly. The moment provided the perfect motivation for peter to become one of the most popular superheroes.

With Uncle Ben and Peter’s relationship having already been built up, tearing it apart was hard to watch. The Amazing Spider-Man tried it’s best to recreate Ben’s death, but the results were underwhelming.

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