(Image credit: Sony Pictures)
It’s officially a Spider-Man summer, as the next web-slinging adventure, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” swings into theaters at the end of July. Nolan’s Batman movies and “Iron Man” are usually cited as the catalyst for superhero culture, but 2002’s “Spider-Man” deserves its flowers for ushering in the rise of the comic book adaptation in the 21st century.Since 2002, three actors have played the live-action version of Peter Parker: Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland. Each actor truly made the role their own, resulting in three distinct depictions of the beloved superhero. Since the three actors shared the same screen in 2021’s “No Way Home,” there has been an ongoing debate as to which Spider-Man is the best.Having seen all their movies, I’m ready to put an end to the debate and name the top Spider-Man.Best Peter Parker
(Image credit: Sony Pictures)Choose your Peter Parker: Awkward Peter (Maguire), Surprisingly Edgy Peter (Garfield), or Nerdy Peter (Holland). Maguire is the everyman version of Peter. He’s barely getting by on his newspaper salary, forcing him to live in a building with a shared bathroom. He’s always late to pay his rent (Sorry, Mr. Ditkovitch). While in school, Maguire’s Peter was a shadow in the background, searching for a way to sneak a picture of MJ.Holland’s Peter is the biggest nerd out of the three Spider-Men. They’re all smart; Peter Parker is a genius. However, Peter’s mentor, Tony Stark, is always implementing the latest technological advances in his suit. When he’s not freezing up in front of Mary Jane, Peter is making web-fluid cartridges or quoting “old movies” like “Aliens,” which just celebrated its 40th anniversary. He’s a dork, but he’s a lovable dork.Garfield plays the most comic-book-accurate version of Peter. He’s certainly the most confident and witty of the three. There is an edge to Garfield’s Peter. He's the cool alternative-music-loving kid in your high school class who skateboards and probably could talk your ear off about conspiracy theories.Plus, Garfield’s Peter is willing to stand up for himself a lot more than Maguire’s or Holland’s Peter. Behind his caring personality, Garfield’s Peter has some cockiness to him. He calls Flash by his first name, and he romantically uses his webs to snag Gwen in for a kiss.Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.No chance Maguire or Holland are singing “Spider-Man (Theme Song)” like Garfield.Winner: Andrew Garfield
