For nearly 20 years, we've had 3 actors portraying the live-action version of the world's most popular super hero, Spider-Man. Of the three actors, two stand out to fans as the definitive version of Marvel's Webbed Hero. On the one hand, many see Tobey Maguire as the accurate comic version of the nerdy young man that got bitten by a Radioactive Spider. To this day, Spider-Man fans see Maguire's Spider-Man how Superman fans view Christopher Reeves's Superman. Meanwhile, many see Tom Holland as modern, yet closer to the original vision of what Stan Lee and Steve Ditko had in mind back in 1962.
Both are incredibly talented actors, but this isn't a who-portrayed-Spider-Man-better battle. Instead, this is which Spider-Man would win in a fight. We'll be taking a look at raw strengths, abilities, technology, villains, and more in this battle of the Spider-Men.
8 Strength: Tie
One of Spider-Man's abilities is his Super Strength. Like any other spider, Peter can lift things ten times heavier than him. This was a tough one to take in mind because both of these Spider-Men have shown their strength off in a myriad of ways. One example was when Tom Holland's Spider-Man aided Iron Man in fighting the Black Order in Infinity War, which saw the MCU's Spidey catching Black Dwarfs Hammer. Elsewhere, Maguire's Spider-Man had to stop a train at full speed with his webs and stamina in Spider-Man 2. Both versions of Spider-Man have shown off their raw strengths in many ways, and since we don't know if a Hulk-like alien is as powerful as a speeding train, we'll have to make this a tie.
7 Abilities And Tech: Tom
You might be wondering why would we be comparing these two Spider-Men's abilities. Spider-Man is still Spider-Man regardless of what reality he's from. That being said, there are enough differences between the two that are worth comparing and contrasting. Perhaps the most significant difference between Maguire and Holland's Spider-Men are how the two shoot web. Unlike in the comics, Maguire's Spider-Man doesn't create the web-shooters but uses them as a part of his body.
Then there's how the two use Spider-Men use their spider-sense. Maguire's Spider-Man has been shown to use his Spider-Sense to detect attacks that he couldn't see coming.... some of the times. What Holland's Spider-Man lacks in special powers, he more than makes up in gadgets. The advanced suit that Tony Stark equipped him with a lot of useful abilities, like Web-Bombs, Taser Webs, and even an A.I (which was absent in Far From Home). Maguire's Spider-Man is an impressive Spider-Man on his own and doesn't need to rely on tech, but we have to give this round to Holland's Spider-Man.
6 Intelligence And Nerdiness: Tobey
In the comics, Peter Parker was always an incredibly intelligent young man. He aced just about every class and, depending on the comic, was even a part of various science clubs. He's also shown to create some of his technology, such as his iconic web-shooters. We see that both Spider-Men are incredibly smart men in their own ways. Tom Halland's Peter attends a version of Mid-Town High that is full of genius kids. They've been shown to win the Academic Decathlon, build numerous devices, and much more. Even Flash Thompson, Peter's long-time bully, is an intellect.
That being said, it does take away a bit of Peter's Nerd cred when everyone in his school is a science wiz. Tobey, meanwhile, is not only seen graduating from High School but in college majoring in science. Also, just his mannerism and behavior is 100% nerdiness, was a part of the chess team, having goofy glasses, and constantly bullied by his classmates, except for Harry Osborn. He's even shown to outthink his foes, such as when he was able to save both MJ and remember the sound weakness the Venom Symbiote had when he was wearing it. Maguire wins this round.
5 Challenge From Villains: Tobey
A hero is nothing without his villains, and Spider-Man has one of the greatest rogues galleries in all of comics. Both Parkers have come up against some powerful foes, such as Maguire facing off against Green Goblin, Doc Ock, Sandman, and Venom, while Holland had to do battle with the Vulture and Mysterio. Not only have these villains challenged Spider-Man on a physical level but also an emotional level. Green Goblin was Harry Osborn's dad; Doc Ock was Peter's idol, Vulture was the father of Liz Allen and Mysterio had created a false Uncle/Nephew dynamic with Parker.
Each of them also brings unique challenges that Spider-Man has to overcome to defeat them. If judging by this, We'd have to give it to Maguire's version. Whilst Mysterio's battle of illusions and the Vulture fight with Holland's Peter on a moving plane are impressive, Maguire being forced to save MJ and some kids against Green Goblin, dozens of innocent people on a runaway train caused by Doc Ock and fighting the monstrous duo of Venom and Sandman on his own before Harry came to save him are much more exciting challenges Spider-Man has to face.
4 Backup: Tom
Spider-Man has a lot of people aided him through the movies. From his Girlfriend, MJ, to his best friends, there's no shortage of people to help the web-swinger out when he's in a jam. However, when it comes to actually help it a battle, we have to give this round to Tom Holland's. While Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man supporting cast is larger and complex, they don't compare when you have heroes like the Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D and the support of Stark Industries to help you out.
3 Legacy: Tobey
While the impact of what a character may not be a huge deal in a who would win a fight, it still will help sway general audiences towards will win. Tom Holland's Spider-Man came out in a time when things weren't looking so good for Spider-Man. Not only was Spidey replaced by Doc Ock, but The Amazing Spider-Man 2 failed to meet up with expectations. When Spider-Man finally came into the MCU, it was the catalyst of great things to come. Spider-Man: Homecoming and Far From Home were hits with critics and audiences, out-grossing both Amazing Spider-Man films, with the latter film being the most successful Spider-Man movie of all time.
Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man was one of many Marvel franchises that helped re-invigorate interest in Super Hero films. After the likes of Batman and Robin and Steel killed comic book movies, films like Sam Raimi's Spider-Man and Bryan Singer's X-Men films set the standard of Super Hero films, allowing audiences to forget the dark age of Super Hero cinema. Without the likes of the original likes of the Spider-Man trilogy, films like Homecoming and the rest of the MCU wouldn't be around.
2 Damage Endured: Tobey
A hero is nothing if he can't survive the beatings he's given, and both of these Spider-Men have had to endure a lot of hits in their battles to save NY and the universe. Holland's Peter had taken the constant attacks against Vulture in the plane battle (without the stark suit), but he also had to deal with Mysterio and his Numerous Illusions.... as well as being hit by a train. Yeah, Maguire had to stop one, and it wore him out, but he didn't get run over by one. Still, Maguire's Spider-Man had to deal with a lot on his plate. He had to be punched repeatedly by Green Goblin while holding on to a cart full of kids, Stopping that train at high speed took a lot out of his Spider-Man, and let's not forget him being choked by Venom while a giant Sandman crushed him.
1 Winner: Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man
Sure, both Spider-Men are equal in strength, and Tom Holland's Spider-Man has dozens of gadgets at his disposal, but Tobey Maguire's is far more intelligent, had faced more significant challenges and endured a lot more punishment from the bad guys. Although some still root for Holland's version of Spider-Man (we always will), Maguire is the strongest of the two Spider-Men. At least the two can beat Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man with ease.