Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Kernel Score: 81% · 16,114 ratings · Rated PG-13
Genres: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
Released: 2004-06-25
Runtime: 127 minutes
Is Spider-Man 2 worth watching?
Must-watch. Often named among the best superhero films, it gives Peter Parker real problems outside the costume and a villain with genuine tragedy. The train sequence is a highlight, and the film has warmth and humour to match.
Watch it if you
- want a superhero film built on character, not just spectacle
- like a sympathetic villain
- enjoy Sam Raimi's playful comic-book style
Skip it if you
- can't stand any Spider-Man melodrama
- want a modern, gritty take on heroes
Best for: Superhero movie night
Fresh Kernels verdict, AI-assisted from our scores, audience reviews and the official rating.
Where to watch Spider-Man 2
- Stream: Disney+, Fubo, YouTube TV, FXNow
- Rent: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Peter Parker is going through a major identity crisis. Burned out from being Spider-Man, he decides to shelve his superhero alter ego, which leaves the city suffering in the wake of carnage left by the evil Doc Ock. In the meantime, Parker still can't act on his feelings for Mary Jane Watson, a girl he's loved since childhood. A certain anger begins to brew in his best friend Harry Osborn as well...
Spider-Man 2 parents' guide: ages 11+
Parents need to know that Spider-Man 2 is a PG-13 superhero sequel with fantasy action violence as Peter Parker battles Doc Ock while balancing his personal life.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Superhero action violence including a supervillain with mechanical tentacles causing citywide destruction and peril.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Movies like Spider-Man 2
If you liked Spider-Man 2, these are the movies we'd watch next.
- Spider-Man (2002) — 82%: The first film in the same series, with the same tone
- Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) — 92%: Spider-Man at its most inventive and emotional
- The Dark Knight (2008) — 96%: Superhero film with a villain who matters
- Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) — 88%: Pulls together every Spider-Man era
- Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) — 81%: Younger, lighter Spider-Man with school-life comedy
- Batman (1989) — 81%: Gothic comic-book style with a memorable villain
Director
Cast
- Tobey Maguire as Spider-Man / Peter Parker
- Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson
- James Franco as Harry Osborn
- Alfred Molina as Doc Ock / Otto Octavius
- Rosemary Harris as May Parker
- J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah Jameson
- Donna Murphy as Rosalie Octavius
- Daniel Gillies as John Jameson
- Dylan Baker as Dr. Curt Connors
- Bill Nunn as Joseph 'Robbie' Robertson
Spider-Man 2 FAQ
Is Spider-Man 2 worth watching?
Must-watch. Often named among the best superhero films, it gives Peter Parker real problems outside the costume and a villain with genuine tragedy. The train sequence is a highlight, and the film has warmth and humour to match.
Where can I watch Spider-Man 2?
In the US you can stream Spider-Man 2 on Disney+, Fubo, YouTube TV and FXNow and rent it from Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play and YouTube.
Is Spider-Man 2 OK for kids?
Spider-Man 2 is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Spider-Man 2 is a PG-13 superhero sequel with fantasy action violence as Peter Parker battles Doc Ock while balancing his personal life.
What movies are like Spider-Man 2?
If you liked Spider-Man 2, try Spider-Man, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Dark Knight and Spider-Man: No Way Home.