Spider-Man is one of the most beloved superheroes of all time — a character who is equal parts awkward teen, brilliant mind, and courageous hero. Since his first comic appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15 (1962), Spider-Man has swung across comics, animation, video games, and, of course, the big screen. In this post, we cover every major Spider-Man film, the actors who played him, his relationships, enemies, and more.

Spider-Man’s real name is Peter Parker, a teenage science nerd raised in Queens, New York. Orphaned at a young age, Peter lives with his kind Aunt May and Uncle Ben, who shape his values. A pivotal moment in his life is the death of Uncle Ben — a tragedy that occurs after Peter, flush with his new powers, fails to stop a robber. That very criminal later kills Ben. It’s this moment that cements his core belief:

“With great power comes great responsibility.”

This tragedy echoes through every film adaptation and fuels Peter’s drive to protect others.

Peter is bitten by a genetically enhanced spider (or radioactive in earlier versions), giving him:

• Superhuman strength and agility
• The ability to cling to surfaces
• Precognitive “spider-sense”
• Web-shooting abilities (either via gadgets or organically)

He learns the harsh lesson that power must be used responsibly — and that being a hero comes with sacrifice.