Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse isn’t merely a follow-up; it’s a cinematic revolution. Expectations were sky-high after the massive success of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. And guess what? Not only does this movie not meet them — it flies right by. With dazzling animation, poignant storytelling, and a multiverse full of Spider-people, Across the Spider-Verse cements itself as one of the best-animated films of all time.
But what makes it so special? Is it the stunning visuals? The emotionally charged story? Or the raw affection that goes into every frame? Let’s swing into the Spider-Verse and find out.
Spider Man Plot – A Multiversal Adventure
Gwen hears about a new threat, the Spot, and seeks help from her pals Peter B. Parker and Miles Morales, the latter of whom was last seen in the Academy Award-winning Into the Spider-Verse. But when Gwen Stacy (Spider-Woman) shows up again in his life, Miles is thrust into a sprawling, mad-cap multiverse inhabited by untold quantities of Spider-heroes. But that’s not the whole story.
They’re joined by a new villain, The Spot, who isn’t an ordinary bad guy. His powers spiral dangerously out of control, threatening the entire multiverse. When Miles meets the mysterious Spider-Man 2099, Miguel O’Hara, he discovers that some destinies are unavoidable. But Miles Morales? He’s never been a stickler for the rules.
It leads into an emotional, action-packed journey as Miles fights to protect what he believes in, even if it means taking on the very heroes he once looked up to.
Spider Man: Across the Spider-Verse – A Visual Masterpiece
If Into the Spider-Verse rewrote the animation rulebook, Across the Spider-Verse shatters it to pieces.
Every dimension Miles visits is different, and until he redeems the worlds in unique styles of art that match their Spider-heroes. Gwen Stacy’s universe, for example, is a dreamy, watercolor-influenced domain, while the animation used for Spider-Punk feels like it was snagged directly from a wearenotamovie.com underground zine. It’s an explosion of ideas that pushes animation where animation can go.
The action sequences? Absolutely jaw-dropping. Every sequence in which characters throw punches is painstakingly choreographed, incorporating speedy energy and a comic-book vibe. The chase through Spider Society HQ? Maybe the most thrilling action sequence was put on screen.
Spider Man – More Than a Superhero Film
At its center, Across the Spider-Verse is about choice, identity, and charting your own course. The movie asks the curious question: Are we predestined, or are we architects of our own fate?
Miles is told over and over again that he doesn’t belong — that he isn’t meant to exist in the Spider-Verse the way he does. But instead of accepting it, he pushes back, demonstrating that heroes are not determined by their destiny, but rather the decisions they choose.
The movie, too, has deep-dive relationships, especially with Miles and his parents. His struggles feel very personal as his mother and father are central to his journey. The emotional gravity of these moments is just as heavy as the action scenes.
The Villains — The Spot Is More Than He Seems
Many fans were skeptical when The Spot was first revealed as the film’s main villain. He didn’t come off as a credible threat — he was just a kooky villain with silly teleportation powers. But oh boy, were we wrong.
The Spot to start is a bumbling, even pathetic, almost comic figure, but as the movie goes on he depresses toward something truly nightmarish. His powers also develop in ways that make him an existential threat to the whole multiverse. Without spoiling too much, he’s a villain who evolves with the story and a formidable foe.
The Spider-Society — Too Many Spideys? Never!
The biggest highlight of the film is the introduction of the Spider-Society — a huge network of Spider-People from various universes working in tandem, and led by Miguel O’Hara (Spider-Man 2099).
This opens itself up to a ridiculous amount of Spider-Man variants, including fan favorites like Spider-Punk (Hobie Brown) and Spider-Man India (Pavitr Prabhakar) deep cuts like the Spectacular Spider-Man and even a LEGO Spider-Man cameo!
Each new Spider-person comes with their own quirks and animation styles, in what, for an Easter egg hunter, would be a dream of a movie. Marvel fans will get a kick out of what’s hidden in the (many, many) references.
Spider Man Cast – Stellar Performances
The voice acting in this movie is next-level. The ever-reliable Shameik Moore shines, yet again, as Miles Morales who, alongside the film’s visuals, conveys his growth yet struggles. The voice work is also stellar, with Hailee Steinfeld contributing an emotionally powerful performance as Gwen Stacy, for example.
Miguel O’Hara (Oscar Isaac) comes with intensity and heft, adding a darker tone to the Spider-Verse. Daniel Kaluuya brings magnetic charisma and rebellious spirit to the screen as Spider-Punk, stealing every scene he’s in. And Jason Schwartzman’s The Spot? A masterclass on how to develop a villain over time.
The Music and the Soundtrack is just pure fire
Is it a Spider-Verse movie without a sick soundtrack? Impossible.
The film’s score, made by Metro Boomin, finds the perfect mix of hip-hop, electronic, and orchestral elements. Each track augments the emotional beats and action sequences. Whether it’s resounding pulse-pounding beats for chase scenes or softer, reflective pieces for a moment with a character, the soundtrack is a whole experience on its own.
The Cliffhanger – A Bold Move
Not to spoil too much, but Across the Spider-Verse ends with a huge cliffhanger, which sets up the next film, Beyond the Spider-Verse. Some viewers might find that frustrating, but it is obvious that the story is far from over.
Imagine The Empire Strikes Back — that kind of intensity and unresolved stakes.” It leaves you wanting more, and that’s precisely what a great middle chapter is supposed to do.
IMDb Rating
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has unsurprisingly been met with immense critical acclaim. It also boasts an impressive 8.7/10 score on IMDb, further establishing its status as one of the best Spider-Man films ever made.
Final Verdict – Should You Watch It?
Absolutely. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse isn’t merely a great superhero movie — it’s an animated masterpiece. All of it adds up to a rich experience between the breathtaking visuals, in-depth storytelling, crisp characters, and heart-pounding action.
Whether you have been reading Spider-Man comics since the ’60s or you just appreciate looking at great movies, this one is a must-see.
FAQ
Do I have to watch Into the Spider-Verse before Across the Spider-Verse?
Cannot recommend watching Into the Spider-Verse enough. The sequel expands the first film’s narrative, characters, and emotional arcs, and so it’s required viewing.
When is the Beyond the Spider-Verse release date?
The third and final entry in the trilogy, Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, was originally scheduled for 2024, but delays have shifted its release as well. An official date has not yet been announced.
Who is the main villain in Across the Spider-Verse?
The main antagonist is The Spot, who at first, seems like a goofy villain and eventually becomes a terrifying multiversal threat as the movie unfolds.
Is the film good for children?
Yes, but with some caveats. Though it’s an animated film, Across the Spider-Verse deals with some of the themes and storylines of a more mature nature and has a lot of intense action. It’s most appropriate for children ages 10 and older.
How does it stack up against Into the Spider-Verse?
Where Into the Spider-Verse introduced the multiverse concept to the world with groundbreaking animation, Across the Spider-Verse expands on it at every conceivable level — higher stakes, richer themes, and even more stunning visuals. Plenty of fans even regard it as a stronger picture.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is no ordinary animated movie — it’s an audacious, visionary, all-consuming film that sets a new bar for superhero storytelling. If you haven’t watched it yet, what are you waiting for? Go swing into the Spider-Verse
