Andrew Garfield’s portrayal as The Amazing Spider-Man brought memorable scenes that have improved with time. Positioned at a pivotal moment in the Spider-Man cinematic timeline, Garfield faced the tough challenge of succeeding Tobey Maguire, whose role as the beloved Marvel character remains iconic. Despite the mixed reception of Garfield’s two entries, there was a lingering perception that his Spider-Man was not on par with Maguire’s or Tom Holland’s interpretations.
However, after Garfield’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), opinions regarding his earlier films were reassessed more favorably. Reflecting on the two Amazing Spider-Man movies reveals that Garfield delivered several standout moments, which were further enhanced by his return to the franchise. Thus, we present ten of Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man scenes that have aged remarkably well.
10
The Amazing Spider-Man’s Final Swing
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZ4qAqzc2Qg
The Amazing Spider-Man faced many comparisons to Sam Raimi’s trilogy, but it did succeed in areas that showcased Garfield’s talent. The film reimagines Spider-Man’s origin story and concludes with a powerful message about responsibility. One of the film’s most thrilling moments is when Spider-Man swings high above New York City.
This sequence, shot from Spider-Man’s perspective, captures the essence of the hero as he navigates the bustling streets of the city. The meticulous crafting of this scene, culminating in his iconic pose against the moonlit sky, solidifies it as a hallmark of superhero cinema that continues to resonate with audiences.
9
Arriving in the MCU
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Following the tepid response to The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Garfield’s Spider-Man seemed to be relegated to a chapter of the past. His recasting in the MCU hinted that his Spider-Man days were over, making his surprise return in Spider-Man: No Way Home all the more thrilling. His re-entry, after much speculation and denial, became a celebrated surprise for fans.
Garfield’s arrival in the MCU was met with widespread excitement as he deftly balanced humor and emotional depth. Looking back at this scene, it only grows in significance, proving that his return was justified and warmly received by audiences.
8
New York’s Crane Operators Help Spider-Man
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_JzihiWvlQ
The Amazing Spider-Man adeptly delves into various facets of the superhero’s journey. A standout moment occurs during Spider-Man’s struggle to thwart the Lizard’s plans, where he faces the urgency of navigating New York City rapidly. In a beautifully orchestrated collaboration, the city’s crane operators align their machinery to help Spider-Man make his way through the skyline.
This scene transcends its visual spectacle, encapsulating the symbiotic relationship between the hero and his city. It starkly illustrates Spider-Man’s bond with New York, showcasing the reciprocal love between the web-slinger and the urban landscape. This section of The Amazing Spider-Man remains an often-overlooked yet pivotal part of Garfield’s tenure.
7
Three Spider-Men Getting to Know Each Other
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Os7s1HuNRyw
The union of three live-action Spider-Man actors in Spider-Man: No Way Home opened a treasure trove of interaction possibilities. A particular standout moment featured them bonding and sharing their experiences. Garfield’s portrayal shines in this context, making his Spider-Man distinguishable alongside his predecessors, Maguire and Holland.
This scene enhances the narrative by emphasizing Garfield’s Spider-Man’s charm and emotional intelligence. His funny yet heartfelt approach to connecting with his fellow heroes adds depth to his character, further enriching this multi-generational moment in Spider-Man history.
6
Spider-Sense in Times Square
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2d5-SzWQ-2k
While criticism often focused on the portrayal of Electro in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, the battle occurring in Times Square is a noteworthy exception. This action-packed confrontation presents a profound visualization of Spider-Man’s spider-sense — arguably the best depiction of this iconic ability across all Spider-Man films.
By slowing the action down to explore how Spider-Man perceives the emerging threats around him, the scene strikes a perfect balance of tension and artistry, capitalizing on what makes Spider-Man unique in the superhero genre.
5
Saving Jack
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQPBiE0XEf8
One of the defining aspects of Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man was the focus on his humanity. A remarkable scene comes from the initial film, highlighting a child named Jack trapped in a precarious situation. In a demonstration of compassion, Spider-Man removes his mask to comfort the frightened child. He encourages Jack to wear it for strength, creating a poignant moment of connection.
This scene exemplifies Spider-Man’s sensitivity and relatability, reinforcing the character’s depth and charm, resonating even more strongly with audiences as time passes.
4
The Death of Gwen Stacy
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi3P8vUveVQ
Among the most impactful scenes in Garfield’s tenure is undoubtedly the tragic death of Gwen Stacy, which occurs at the climax of The Amazing Spider-Man 2. As Spider-Man battles the Green Goblin, he desperately tries to save Gwen, but tragically fails, resulting in her death. This moment has become a lasting part of Spider-Man’s legacy.
The emotional weight of this scene has only intensified over the years, especially as Garfield’s interactions in No Way Home re-explore the guilt and anguish stemming from this event. Even years later, the scene remains heart-wrenching and significant to Spider-Man’s character arc.
3
Saving MJ
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Building on the emotional stakes set by Gwen’s demise, Garfield’s Spider-Man experiences profound character growth in a pivotal moment of Spider-Man: No Way Home. In a critical confrontation, he successfully saves MJ, mirroring his past failures with Gwen. This act prompts an emotional release for the character, showcasing how his journey has shaped him.
This scene serves as a narrative resolution that connects deeply with fans, marking one of the strongest highlights of Garfield’s Spider-Man story, making it resonate even more retrospectively.
2
Uncle Ben’s Responsibility Speech
The Amazing Spider-Man (2021)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61XnpbwnNL8
Follow-up scenes with Uncle Ben’s iconic wisdom presented a daunting task in The Amazing Spider-Man. While Garfield’s rendition initially felt verbose compared to Raimi’s version, it has grown in appreciation over time, largely due to Garfield’s authentic delivery.
Initially resistant to Uncle Ben’s advice, Peter Parker’s eventual embrace of this lesson reflects a relatable journey of growth and realization, ultimately resonating more powerfully as the character’s story unfolds.
1
Web-Slinging Kiss
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4331uXY0nxA
One of the most understated yet captivating aspects of Garfield’s look at Spider-Man was the palpable chemistry between his Peter Parker and Emma Stone’s Gwen Stacy. In one pivotal scene, after carefully revealing his identity, Peter pulls Gwen closer with a webbing gesture in a uniquely romantic moment, leading to a kiss that encapsulates their heartfelt connection.
This scene skillfully intertwines the superhero narrative with romance, showing a level of intimacy that transcends conventional hero tropes. As time progresses, it becomes clearer how Andrew Garfield’s portrayal of Spider-Man fostered deeper emotional engagement, enriching the character’s legacy in ways that warrant renewed appreciation.