10 Best Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Moments
8. It Can Get Weirder
As Miles, Peter B. Parker and Gwen greet Aunt May, she reveals to them that they’re not alone. Lurking in the shadows of the Spider-Cave are three more Spider-people, each also having slipped in from another dimension.
First is Nicolas Cage’s Spider-Man Noir, immediately recognisable by his black and white appearance, complete with a trench coat and fedora. Next up is Peni Parker (Kimiko Glenn), who pilots a psychic-powered mech suit. She incorporates elements of anime tropes, including her expressive reactions and dynamic movements. Rounding out the new trio is Spider-Ham, voiced by John Mulaney. Spider-Ham’s design is reminiscent of classic animation, with exaggerated features and a cartoonish appearance. His character quickly becomes defined by his Looney Tunes-esque humour and over-the-top antics, making him a hilarious addition to the team.
This scene features the best use of the recurring comic book origin gag, with three simultaneously fed to the audience. The stark contrast between each, coupled with the highspeed nature of it, is a testament to just how zany the script is.
Here we have a moment that displays just how whacky the filmmakers wanted to go with Into the Spider-Verse, but because they had already taken so much time to develop characters and lay the foundations for this world, nothing seems too far-fetched or out of pocket.
7. Escape from Alchemax
Miles teams up with Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson) to infiltrate Kingpin’s research facility, Alchemax. As the duo secure what they need, they are caught and must escape.
This sequence is fun for a lot of reasons. Firstly, we are introduced to this universe’s Doc Ock. While most are familiar with Alfred Molina’s take on the 8 limbed villain, Into the Spider-Verse uses Olivia Octavius instead, creating a hidden in plain sight villain that can go toe-to-toe with the two Spider-Men. Her reveal is a surprise for the characters and audience alike, and her action scenes are thrilling as the heroes must weave through her seemingly endless tentacles.
After this, the pair are able to escape the building but are being hunted through the woods. Miles has had no training in swinging just yet, but as Peter tells him “the best way to learn is under intense life-threatening pressure.” Here, through the ongoing chase, Peter must teach Miles how to web swing. The interplay between the seasoned Spider-Man and the enthusiastic, yet inexperienced Miles creates a balance of tension and humour, showcasing the mentor-mentee dynamic that becomes a central theme in the movie.
The animators demonstrate their finesse by portraying the two Spider-Men at different frame rates – Peter, the veteran, at 24fps, and Miles, the novice, at 12fps. This subtle yet effective distinction conveys the stark difference in experience between the two heroes.
Finally, as the two Spider-Men are swinging through the woods, we get our first proper introduction to Hailee Steinfeld’s Gwen Stacy, the Spider-Woman from another dimension. Her sleek and visually striking design, including her hooded costume that screams ‘cool’, distinguishes her from other Spider-People. She gives brief insight into her backstory, which immediately adds depth. Gwen’s relationship with Miles becomes one of the most endearing parts of the film, so to see her initial team up with him is certainly a fun moment.
The Alchemax escape is one of the film’s most exciting sequences. As well as key character moments, the animation is top tier. And this scene features the bagel incident which unexpectedly comes into play in the sequel. So bonus points for that.
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6. The Future Is Bright
Kingpin has finally been thwarted by Miles and his Spider-pals. An ending montage shows Miles getting to grips with being his universe’s Spider-Man, doing better at school and enjoying the teenage aspects of his life. Things are left looking hopeful and optimistic – but the moment that really suggests something for the better is the dual conversation Miles has with his dad.
In the aftermath of the climactic finale, Miles and Jefferson speak over the phone. It’s a long overdue conversation but both parties are now finally able to talk. When emotions get too high for Miles, he swings down and speaks to his dad as Spider-Man instead.
He instantly hugs his unsuspecting father, leaving Jefferson visibly confused. As Miles leaves, he tells him in a disguised voice that he looks forward to working with him, before slipping in an “I love you.” It’s disguised as a humorous moment, but the scene gives viewers the emotional closure they’ve been longing for. It’s this resolution that makes the film’s final act as beautiful as it is exciting. It also showcases the talent of the filmmakers in that they are able to blend the hilarious and the heartwarming so effortlessly.
