Spider-Man is one of the most popular comic book characters ever created. Of all his depictions, the Disney Channel's Spectacular Spider-Man show has proved to be a fan-favorite adaptation. And for good reason.
Spectacular Spider-Man is the Batman: The Animated Series of Spider-Man media. This is because it does such a good job fleshing out its characters and relationships, boasting terrific action scenes, and honoring Spider-Man comics and movies. Despite only running for two seasons, this show had a collection of beloved and well-realized episodes and stories. Many of them have become some of the most highly regarded Spider-Man media in recent memory.
10 Gangland Is An Intense Supervillain Gang War
"Gangland" is a high-stakes episode featuring not just villains but Pete's complicated personal life. A huge supervillain gang fight punctuates the episode. Fans also see Pete struggle in his relationships with Liz and Gwen.
Spectacular Spider-Man did a great job establishing Gwen as one of Peter's closest friends, making sure that the step-by-step process of their courtship can be felt. Of course, Spider-fans know that the two end up dating, but the show was tasteful in not just throwing them into a relationship right away. At this point, however, Peter is dating Liz, and this episode does a great job highlighting her reaction to seeing Peter's feelings for Gwen. As well as some excellent villainous moments, this episode did a lot to make fans see Liz in a whole new way.
9 First Steps Sees Peter Face Sandman And Harry's Return
Spectacular Spider-Man did a great job with Spidey's returning villains, and "First Steps" sees many of Peter's threats coming back to haunt him. The episode also garnered much praise for its action sequences and character development.
Sandman was previously established in the show, and this episode does a lot to make him a compelling threat. The episode has Sandman expand his skill set, from forming a tornado of sand to absorbing Spider-Man within him. This creates some stunning action set pieces. Furthermore, Harry Osbourne and Eddie Brock return to haunt Peter as he reflects on his complicated relationship and past interactions with both characters.
8 Shear Strength Is A Great Doctor Octopus Plot
Doctor Octopus was always a fan favorite Spider-Man rogue, especially since his appearance in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 2. The Spectacular Spider-Man also had a great take on the eight-limbed villain.
In "Shear Strength," the plot's primary focus is Doctor Octopus' intellect and plan to kidnap Pete's friend Gwen Stacy. While Gwen being kidnapped is nothing new, how the episode handles the pattern and its subsequent climax are fabulous. Gwen's dad George Stacy also receives a nice supporting role in this episode. The finale has a brilliant reference to one of Spider-Man's most iconic comic covers, which pleased many viewers.
7 Opening Night Boasts A Great Prison Break Premise
"Opening Night" is an excellent adventure for the web-slinger, as it feels like Spider-Man's equivalent of the comic Batman: Arkham Asylum. Essentially, Spider-Man is stuck in the middle of a prison breakout.
Spidey is trapped in a high-security prison after being hired to test the system's security. However, after the Goblin interferes, the system is compromised, and Spidey is stuck with Mysterio, Rhino, Molten Man, and other foes. As well as boasting a great plot, the show also has a great revelation surrounding Black Cats' father, which added a lot to her dynamic with Spidey. All in all, it's a well-realized concept with superb execution and a core to its story to boot.
6 Group Therapy Sees The Spectacular Debut Of The Sinister Six
Spectacular Spider-Man did a great job establishing and developing Spideys biggest rogues, so fans were very excited to see a sinister six team up. This episode sees Doctor Octopus, Rhino, Electro, Sandman, Vulture, and the Shocker team up to take on our beloved web-slinger.
Not only does "Group Therapy" have a brilliant villain team-up, but it marks a distinct change in Peter's career. His personality has started to shift, and he is becoming used to his new black symbiotic suit, much like the comics. The episode also has a heart-stopping scene with Aunt May, with audiences on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, this episode doesn't just offer some great fight scenes, but it also adds a lot to Peter, Eddie, and Aunt May.
5 Final Curtain Is What Fans Wanted From A Season Finale
Rarely do fans seem satisfied with season finales, but the Spectacular Spider-Man delivered terrifically. "Final Curtain" sees many of the show's threads come to a head, with a revealing Green Goblin twist and a great deal of intense action.
This outing sees Peter grapple with the Goblin's identity, which was something audiences thought had been previously resolved. Spectacular Spider-Man does a great job at balancing Peter and Spidey's emotional conflicts. The finale sees Peter struggling with his relationship with Gwen, and simultaneously, Spider-Man dealing with the Green Goblin's return. Thus, this episode encapsulates what the show did best; presenting audiences with great action, genuine character drama, and emotional stakes.
4 The Uncertainty Principle Is A Terrific Green Goblin Outing
"The Uncertainty Principle" sees many fan-favorite Spider-man villains receive their time in the spotlight, specifically the Green Goblin. Hammerhead and Tombstone also get pretty good treatment here too.
The conflict between the Goblin and Tombstone comes to a head, as the Green meany has started to target Tombstone, which leads to an exciting alliance between Tombstone and Spidey. As well as terrific action and intense Green Goblin sequences, fans were mainly shocked by the twist about the Goblin's identity, which will not be spoiled here. Ultimately, this episode handled a lot for its runtime and proved to be one of the Goblin's best adventures.
3 Identity Crisis Sees Peter's Fears Realised
"Identity Crisis" sees Peter Parker's biggest fear manifest, making for a spectacular watch. Continuing the story from the previous episode, "Identity Crisis" story starts with J. Jonah Jameson and the Daily Bugle staff investigating if Peter Parker is Spider-Man.
The episode not only has a very high-stakes premise, but it also has fun. The Bugle and later the general press dig deep into Pete's life, and the episode is intercut with Peter's closest friends being interviewed. This adds a lot of humor to the premise, and even some depth to the supporting cast. Furthermore, the episode sees the clash of Spider-Man and Venom. Fans were excited to see this, and most were very happy with how the show handled the action and Venom's power. So this adventure is not just a fun premise. Spider-Man and Venom's ongoing conflict is dealt with effectively as well.
2 Nature Vs. Nurture Has A Truly Epic Spider-Man And Venom Showdown
"Nature vs. Nurture" does a brilliant job at resolving the threads that made season 1 of Spectacular Spider-Man brilliant. The first season dealt a lot with Peter's relationship with his closest friends and family, and it all comes to a head in this episode.
As well as delivering some terrific and brutal action sequences between Venom and Spider-Man, the emotional stakes and relationships give the show such weight. Fans saw Eddie Brock and Peter grow apart in the first season, which lends a lot of personal connection to their big fight. On top of this, the episode also deals with the fallout of Aunt May's hospitalization, and does a fantastic job at keeping the tension and the emotion at the center of these conflicts. The ending also provides Peter and Gwen with a lovely intimate scene.
1 Intervention Gets The Core Of Spider-Man Right In Spectacular Fashion
"Intervention" is a fan favorite episode, and for a good reason. This episode is not just 20 minutes of fun for kids; it's a genuinely brilliant story encapsulating why fans love Spider-Man and Peter Parker.
The episode sees Peter grappling with the symbiote suit. Much like in the comics, he goes to a church to desperately try to pry the symbiote off him. This sequence leads to an incredible cerebral battle in which we see Peter's origins, his uncle Ben, and his inner strength pull through. The episode visualizes Peter's internal conflict, providing some potent emotional moments. It also does a terrific job blending comic book lore with Sam Raimi's films, all rendered in Spectacular style. "Intervention" is a must-watch episode for any fan of Spider-Man.