---
title: "Spider-Man: Brand New Day"
year: 2026
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/spider-man-brand-new-day"
fi1m_id: "spider-man-brand-new-day"
imdb_id: "tt22084616"
tmdb_id: 969681
wikidata_id: "Q113244935"
fi1m_score: 72
critics_score: 76
critics_reviews: 16
published: "2026-09-09"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:37:41.658838+00:00"
region: "US"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026)

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton · 2h 25m · MPA PG-13 · Science Fiction, Action, Adventure

## Identity

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/spider-man-brand-new-day
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** spider-man-brand-new-day
- **IMDb ID:** tt22084616
- **TMDB ID:** 969681
- **Wikidata ID:** Q113244935
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22084616/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/969681, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113244935

**Fi1m score: 72** · Critics 76 from 16 reviews

*In a sentence:* Nobody remembers Spider-Man, so he spends two and a half hours reminding New York one mugging at a time

> Cretton’s Spider-Man is the loneliest and most grown-up of Holland’s run, and for an hour it is the best of them. Then the guest stars and the green screen arrive, and the film gets longer and less interesting at the same time.

## Synopsis

Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is still Spider-Man, and nobody in New York knows it. His friends, his aunt and the woman he loved have no memory of him, so he lives alone, works alone and swings out at night to stop the small crimes nobody else bothers with. MJ (Zendaya) and Ned (Jacob Batalon) are getting on with lives he can only watch from a distance. When a new kind of threat begins moving through the city, Peter crosses paths with Frank Castle (Jon Bernthal), Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo) and a police detective, Jean DeWolff (Liza Colón-Zayas), who has her own questions about the masked man on the rooftops. Marisa Tomei and Florence Pugh appear. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton.

## Review

Destin Daniel Cretton inherits a Spider-Man that the previous film left with nothing: no friends, no aunt who knows his face, no girlfriend who remembers his name. Erik Sommers and Chris McKenna’s script takes that seriously, which is the first surprise. Peter Parker (Tom Holland) lives in a small flat, works, patrols, and talks to almost nobody. When *Spider-Man: Brand New Day* stays down at the level of the street, it is the best of Holland’s films in the part. It does not stay there for all of its 145 minutes.

The opening stretch is a montage of nights: Peter dropping onto muggers, walking a drunk home, sitting on a water tower eating something out of a paper bag. Brett Pawlak shoots it at rooftop height with the city’s lights kept soft behind him, and Michael Giacchino holds his old theme back to a few piano notes. The webs now come out of Peter’s wrists rather than a gadget, and the film treats that as one more thing he has to manage on his own. It moved us more than we expected a Marvel film to. It was not the swinging. It was Holland’s face when a boy he has just pulled out of the road runs off without a word, and Peter stands there, and nobody comes.

Zendaya has less screen time than in the earlier films and does more with it. MJ here is a woman with a job and a life who keeps noticing a stranger looking at her a beat too long, and Zendaya plays the not-knowing without a flicker of the old rapport, which is exactly what the scenes need. Jacob Batalon’s Ned is used more sparingly still, and the one long conversation he and Peter have across a table is the warmest thing in the film. Holland is quieter than he has ever been in the suit, and better for it.

Then the visitors turn up. Jon Bernthal’s Frank Castle is the one who earns his place: he and Peter disagree about what to do with a man on the ground, and the film lets the disagreement stand. Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner is pleasant company and could be lifted out without leaving a hole. Florence Pugh and Sadie Sink pass through. Sanja Milkovic Hays keeps the costumes plain, dark and worn, so that the suit looks like something a man washes in a sink, and Charles Wood’s production design gives Peter’s neighbourhood real shopfronts and stairwells that the second half mostly abandons.

That second half is the trouble. Michael Mando’s Mac Gargan becomes the Scorpion, a threat that moves from body to body begins to spread, and the film moves with it into a run of large digital set pieces that could have come from any of a dozen other films in this series. Three editors are credited, Gina Sansom, Harry Yoon and Nat Sanders, and the seams show: scenes arrive, make their point, and are cut away from before they have settled. The script also starts saying what the first hour showed. Peter is told he is lonely; he is told what a hero is for; he is told it again. We started to notice the time at about the ninety-minute mark, and we were still noticing it at the end.

Cretton’s [*Short Term 12*](https://film.one/film/short-term-12) was a small film about a young woman looking after children nobody else wanted, and the best of this one comes from the same place. His *Shang-Chi* showed he could stage a fight so you can follow it, and the early brawls here, in stairwells and on fire escapes, are clean and fast. When the fighting leaves the ground and the people turn into pixels, his interest visibly drops, and so did ours.

See it for the first hour and for Holland and Zendaya, who make a love story out of two people who have never met. Stay for the rest because you are already there.

*Fi1m score 72, published 9 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics like it, and the praise clusters in the same places: Tom Holland’s performance as a lonelier, more grown-up Peter Parker, his scenes with Zendaya, and a return to street-level crimefighting after several films of multiverse traffic. Several reviews call it the best of Holland’s outings, and a few reach further back, ranking it alongside the Raimi films. The action is generally admired, particularly in the first half.

The reservations are consistent too: a back half that slows under Marvel obligations, a villain plot that interests reviewers less than the character work, some corny effects, and themes explained more than once. The spread is fairly wide for a film nobody dislikes. Variety finds it arduous and self-serious, trying too hard to be humane, and The New York Times misses the comedy and chemistry of the earlier entries. Even those two credit Holland; the argument is about the plot around him, not the man in the suit.

## Straight answers

**Is Spider-Man: Brand New Day worth watching?**

*Spider-Man: Brand New Day* is worth watching, and we scored it 72, though its first hour is a good deal better than what follows. Tom Holland's Peter Parker, alone in a city that has forgotten him, gives the film its finest stretch, and Zendaya makes something touching of a woman who does not know him. Once the guest stars and the digital set pieces arrive, its 145 minutes start to feel long.

**How long is Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and what is it rated?**

*Spider-Man: Brand New Day* runs 2h 25m and is rated PG-13 by the MPA in the US. It is a science fiction and action film.

**Where can I watch Spider-Man: Brand New Day in the US?**

*Spider-Man: Brand New Day* is available to buy from Amazon Prime Video from $29.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How violent or frightening is Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and is it suitable for children?**

*Spider-Man: Brand New Day* is a 12A, and its violence is the usual comic-book kind: muggings stopped on rooftops, brawls in stairwells and on fire escapes, and large digital battles in the second half. Nothing in it is graphic, though a villainous threat that spreads from body to body may unsettle younger children. Older children and teenagers who know these films will be fine.

**How does Spider-Man: Brand New Day compare to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse?**

[*Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse*](https://film.one/film/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse) is the better film: it is funny, moving and inventive, and its look and its feeling match. *Spider-Man: Brand New Day* is quieter and more grown-up, and its first hour, with Tom Holland alone in a city that has forgotten him, is the best thing in it. Then it drifts into digital set pieces, while the animated film's only fault is that its busiest action sometimes crowds out its people.

**What should I watch after Spider-Man: Brand New Day?**

After *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, try [*Spider-Man 2*](https://film.one/film/spider-man-2) (2004, Fi1m 85): Raimi’s second film, still the clearest account of what the job costs Peter Parker. Then [*Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse*](https://film.one/film/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse) (2018, Fi1m 87): The animated one, where the visual invention matches the feeling for once; and [*Short Term 12*](https://film.one/film/short-term-12) (2013, Fi1m 86): Cretton’s early film about care work and loneliness, with no capes and more heart.

### Reviews we read (19)

- **The AV Club**, Jesse Hassenger (B+): The review calls it the best MCU Spider-Man since Homecoming, praising the character-focused approach, crossovers, and handling of young adult changes, while noting it's not as masterful as earlier Raimi films but satisfying. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/spider-man-brand-new-day-review)
- **Radio Times**, Jeremy Aspinall (80/100, inferred): The critic calls the film a refreshingly intimate spidey success that balances exhilarating action with emotional depth. They single out Holland's portrayal of a lonely, melancholic Peter Parker and strong character moments, especially with Zendaya. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/scifi/spider-man-brand-new-day-review/)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, David Rooney (80/100, inferred): The critic praises the film's focus on Peter Parker's emotional isolation and humanity, highlighting Tom Holland's soulful performance and strong action sequences balanced with tenderness, though noting some pacing issues. It singles out the intimate scenes with MJ and Ned for emotional depth. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/spider-man-brand-new-day-review-tom-holland-zendaya-1236657988/)
- **The Telegraph**, Robbie Collin (4/5): This is hailed as the best Spider-Man film since the Tobey Maguire era, restoring the character’s gawkiness, pep and street-level charm through organic web-shooters and strong chemistry between the real-life newlyweds Holland and Zendaya. The self-contained plot and inventive combat are praised while some CGI is noted as occasionally corny. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/spider-man-brand-new-day-review/)
- **Slant Magazine**, Jake Cole (70/100, inferred): Praises the reset to street-level Spidey and action clarity in first half, but criticizes later focus on villain and CGI-heavy action; ultimately values the moral climax where Peter demonstrates his humanity. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/spider-man-brand-new-day-review-tom-holland-zendaya/)
- **The Guardian** (65/100, inferred): The critic finds the film an entertaining but familiar spectacle that resets Peter Parker’s secret identity and introduces body-possessing threats and health issues, yet lacks real novelty. Zendaya’s grounded, adult performance as MJ is singled out as the element that rescues the movie from silliness and generic superhero tropes. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/jul/28/spider-man-brand-new-day-review-zendaya-saves-tom-hollands-semi-cronenberg-style-superhero)
- **The New York Times**, Alissa Wilkinson (65/100, inferred): The critic views the film as capping this Spider-Man’s growing-up arc, focusing on accepting adult powers amid isolation and external threats. It lacks the lighthearted comedy and character chemistry of prior entries, making it less fun overall. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/28/movies/spider-man-brand-new-day-review.html)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Amy Nicholson (60/100, inferred): The film is likable but never quite achieves liftoff due to franchise obligations and padding; it highlights Tom Holland’s buoyant humanity as a lonely, workaholic Spider-Man while offering some strong action and humanist touches. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2026-07-30/spider-man-brand-new-day-review-tom-holland-zendaya-sadie-sink-destin-daniel-cretton)
- **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (55/100, inferred): The film is a mature but arduous effort that tries too hard to be thoughtful and humane, resulting in something watchable yet overly episodic, self-serious, and not emotionally transporting despite solid action. [Read](https://variety.com/2026/film/reviews/spider-man-brand-new-day-review-tom-holland-zendaya-1236821873/)
- **Empire**, John Nugent: The critic praises the film's more mature, emotional and ground-level take on Spider-Man, highlighting the friendly neighbourhood elements, Tom Holland's earnest performance and strong opening montage, while noting some typical MCU concessions slow the pace in the back half. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/spider-man-brand-new-day/)
- **The Times**, Kevin Maher (★★★☆☆): Holland’s sensitive, emotional performance and the charged scenes with Zendaya are highlighted as saving the film and giving it genuine ache and longing, but the actual plot is criticised as a shame that undercuts the strengths. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/spider-man-brand-new-day-review-tom-holland-kcchqdlx9)
- **Total Film**, Jordan Farley: The critic calls it Marvel Studios' strongest standalone outing since Endgame, celebrating the film's fresh take on the character and strong performances. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/entertainment/marvel-movies/spider-man-brand-new-day-review/)
- **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (90/100, inferred): The critic praises the film for taking a more mature, darker direction under Cretton, returning Spider-Man to his roots as a crimefighter. Holland and Zendaya maintain strong chemistry despite the plot's distance. [Read](https://deadline.com/2026/07/spider-man-brand-new-day-review-tom-holland-zendaya-1237005422/)
- **NME**, Victoria Luxford (90/100, inferred): The critic highlights the film's exploration of loneliness, consequences, and Peter as an adult, with strong action sequences, mature storytelling, and Tom Holland's darker yet engaging performance. It calls it the best Tom Holland Spider-Man outing and the best MCU movie of the decade. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/film-reviews/spider-man-brand-new-day-review-is-tom-holland-marvels-new-super-saviour-3959622)
- **Polygon**, Jake Kleinman (90/100, inferred): The critic praises it as the best Spider-Man movie since Raimi's Spider-Man 2, highlighting its grounded, emotional storytelling, mature tone, and action sequences inspired by video games and classic films. They single out the focus on Peter Parker as a lone hero and the innovative action. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/spider-man-brand-new-day-review/)
- **The Wrap** (85/100, inferred): The critic calls it a fantastic Peter Parker movie focused on loneliness, growth, and doing good despite personal cost, with strong ensemble work and character-driven storytelling that elevates the MCU entry. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/creative-content/movies/spider-man-brand-new-day-review-tom-holland-zendaya/)
- **Consequence** (B+): The review calls it a remarkably coherent, often joyful film that gives the character growth and grace, praising the focus on Spider-Man's humanity, aerial action, and integration with the MCU without overshadowing the hero. [Read](https://consequence.net/2026/07/spider-man-brand-new-day-review-marvel/)
- **Den of Geek**, David Crow (4/5): The critic praises the film's focus on Peter Parker's personal growth, longing, and relationships, especially with MJ and Ned, anchored by Tom Holland's performance. It notes some clutter from MCU obligations but highlights strong human elements, direction by Cretton, and Holland's command of the character. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/spider-man-brand-new-day-review-tom-holland/)
- **/Film**, Jeremy Mathai (7/10): The critic praises the film as Tom Holland's best Spider-Man outing yet, highlighting director Destin Daniel Cretton's emotional depth and action, the grounded story focusing on Peter's isolation and growth, and its real-movie feel. They complain about over-explained themes, some wonky plotting, and pacing issues that make the runtime feel long. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/2224901/spider-man-brand-new-day-review-tom-holland-marvel/)

## Details

- **Director:** Destin Daniel Cretton
- **Director:** Destin Daniel Cretton
- **Writer:** Erik Sommers, Chris McKenna
- **Cinematography:** Brett Pawlak
- **Editor:** Nat Sanders, Gina Sansom, Harry Yoon
- **Music:** Michael Giacchino
- **Production design:** Charles Wood
- **Costume design:** Sanja Milkovic Hays
- **Producer:** Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal, Rachel O'Connor
- **Cast:** Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider-Man; Zendaya as MJ; Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner / Hulk; Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle / Punisher; Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds; Sadie Sink as Jean Grey; Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova / Black Widow; Liza Colón-Zayas as Detective Jean DeWolff
- **Runtime:** 2h 25m
- **Certificate (MPA):** PG-13
- **Release (the US):** 31 July 2026
- **Genres:** Science Fiction, Action, Adventure
- **Budget:** $225 million
- **Box office:** $2.41 billion
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3uI5sLosKU

## Where to watch in the US

- Amazon Prime Video: buy $29.99, uhd

*Checked 2026-09-10.*

Also available in: CA, US. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## If you liked this

- *Spider-Man 2* (2004), Fi1m 85: Raimi’s second film, still the clearest account of what the job costs Peter Parker. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/spider-man-2.md)
- *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* (2018), Fi1m 87: The animated one, where the visual invention matches the feeling for once. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse.md)
- *Short Term 12* (2013), Fi1m 86: Cretton’s early film about care work and loneliness, with no capes and more heart. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/short-term-12.md)
- *Unbreakable* (2000), Fi1m 81: Shyamalan’s quiet superhero film, in which the hero mostly rides trains and worries. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/unbreakable.md)
- *Attack the Block* (2011), Fi1m 84: South London teenagers versus aliens; street-level heroics with jokes and real streets. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/attack-the-block.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/spider-man-brand-new-day