Spider-Man 2 vs Across the Spider-Verse debate splits fans

Spidey fans have been treated to two of the best pop culture moments in the hero’s history: Spider-Man 2 on PS5 and Across the Spider-Verse – but which is better?

Into the Spider-Verse felt like a watershed moment not just for superhero movies but animation as a medium: its kaleidoscopic use of color and slam! bam! boom! comic book imagery was (r)evolutionary, rightly earning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.

Five years later, we got the second movie in the trilogy: Across the Spider-Verse, which we gave four stars. “We are lucky to be living in an age where the power of animated superhero films is finally being realized, and with great power, comes great responsibility. So be responsible, and watch it as soon as you can,” we wrote.

In any other year, it’d be the year’s crowning jewel of superhero entertainment – but Spider-Man 2 has proved itself to be a worthy competitor, and fans can’t decide which is the best.

Fans debate Spider-Man 2 vs Across the Spider-Verse

We also gave Spider-Man 2 a rave review, writing: “Being a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is compelling. You’re equally important in saving the world or helping someone cross the street, a dichotomy this game understands beautifully.”

Inevitably, people have pitted the two titles against each other. The little girl from the Old El Paso advert asking “Why not have both?” comes to mind, but fandoms love to bicker and leverage one thing over another.

In the movie’s corner, one user argued: “It’s my firm belief that, in the coming years, Across The Spider Verse will be considered amongst the greatest achievements of filmmaking.”

“Across the Spider-Verse, easily. Compelling characters, impeccable art direction, fantastic soundtrack, interesting narrative. By far one of the best movies of the year, and probably the best Spider-Man story put on screen,” another wrote. “The story in Spider-Man 2 isn’t even half of ASTV. Spider-Man 2 is nothing new. Just well made. ASTV is an OG story that hits on every level. It’s the best film of the whole year so far with Oppenheimer and Flower Moon being 2nd and 3rd respectively,” a third tweeted.

Going to bat for Spider-Man 2, some users have even cited specific side missions; for example, when you’re tasked with finding Grandpa Earl.

“That’s a hard choice, but since Across the Spider-Verse’s story isn’t fully complete I have to go with Spider-Man 2. They are doing the Venom story extremely well, and I have loved staying up late to play it, even on school nights,” one wrote.

“Spider-Man 2 PS5 and it ain’t close. Insomniac writers are on another level,” another wrote. “I love Spider-Verse and loved the sequel, but it feels completely unfinished and the way they keep reediting scenes or cutting and adding other scenes has sat poorly with me. Meanwhile, Spider-Man 2 on PS5 is like, one of the greatest tellings of a Spider-Man story ever,” a third tweeted.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is available on-demand via Amazon Prime, which you can sign up for here, and Spider-Man 2 is out on PlayStation 5 now.

You can find out more about Beyond the Spider-Verse here, and check out our other coverage of the game below:

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2: All suits for Peter Parker & Miles Morales | Spider-Man 2 Photo Mode | Main Story missions list | Can you play as Venom? | How to unlock Webbed Suits | Spider-Man 2 All Marko’s Memories | Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 editions | Spider-Man 2 trophies & achievements | All Accessibility settings | Increase health & damage | Spider-Man 2 Photo Ops locations | Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 map

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