---
title: "Spider-Man: Homecoming"
year: 2017
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/spider-man-homecoming"
fi1m_score: 74
critics_score: 75
critics_reviews: 24
published: "2026-09-19T12:09:49.664200+00:00"
updated: "2026-09-19T12:10:02.244500+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: Homecoming (2017)

Directed by Jon Watts · 2h 13m · MPA PG-13 · Action, Adventure, Science Fiction

**Fi1m score: 74** · Critics 75 from 24 reviews

*In a sentence:* A fifteen-year-old with superpowers and a chaperone, and the film is best whenever the chaperone is out of earshot

> Jon Watts’s reboot works best as a school comedy, with Tom Holland as a Peter Parker who is late for everything and Michael Keaton as a villain with a mortgage. The action gets murkier the higher it climbs, and Tony Stark keeps wandering in.

## Synopsis

Queens. Eight years after an alien army wrecked Manhattan, salvage contractor Adrian Toomes (Michael Keaton) loses the clean-up job to a federal agency and keeps the alien hardware he has collected. Fifteen-year-old Peter Parker (Tom Holland), back from Berlin with Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), wants to be an Avenger and is told to stick to his neighbourhood. He quits the academic decathlon team, stops bicycle thieves, gives an old woman directions, and waits for Stark’s minder Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) to answer his texts. At Midtown School of Science and Technology his friend Ned (Jacob Batalon) works out his secret, Liz (Laura Harrier) does not notice him, and Michelle (Zendaya) watches everything. Then Peter interrupts a cash-machine robbery carried out with weapons nobody on Earth should own.

## Review

This is the third attempt at Spider-Man in fifteen years and the first made inside the Marvel machine, which is why Tony Stark keeps turning up. Jon Watts, whose previous film *Cop Car* got its tension from two small boys who did not understand what they had stolen, has been handed a fifteen-year-old with superpowers and a budget to match. Six writers share the screenplay credit and the film feels like it: a school comedy for an hour, a heist picture for twenty minutes and a Marvel film whenever somebody remembers. The school comedy is the good part. We enjoyed it, we would recommend it to anyone fond of the character or under seventeen, and we lost track of the last ten minutes of the action because the film did not let us see it.

Tom Holland is the reason the school scenes work. His Peter Parker is small, quick, late for everything and unable to stop talking, and Holland plays him as a boy far more frightened of Liz (Laura Harrier) than of anyone holding a gun. Ned (Jacob Batalon), who finds out the secret early and treats it as the best thing that has ever happened to him, gives Holland someone to babble at. Zendaya’s Michelle sits at the back of every room with a book and one dry line per scene. Watts shoots the corridors of Midtown School of Science and Technology the way American teen films have since the eighties, lockers and a decathlon team and a homecoming dance, and does not pretend to be doing anything cleverer.

Michael Keaton’s Adrian Toomes is the best thing in the film after Holland, and he is good because he is ordinary. He runs a salvage yard. He has a crew, a mortgage and a grievance against Stark, and Oliver Scholl’s production design gives him a hangar where alien hardware is stacked next to pallets and forklifts, so the wonders look like stock. Keaton barely raises his voice. There is a conversation in a car late on that we will not describe, in which he says nothing openly threatening, and we went cold; it was the calm, and the way he kept his eyes on the road.

Salvatore Totino shoots Queens in flat, ordinary daylight, and that is the right call: the suit looks like something a boy would be embarrassed to be caught in, and the neighbourhood has laundrettes and delis rather than backdrops. Louise Frogley’s costumes make the same point. Peter’s own outfit is a hoodie, tracksuit bottoms and goggles; the one Stark gives him is a piece of equipment, and the film is honest that it is also a leash. Michael Giacchino opens with a full orchestra playing the theme from the 1960s cartoon and sets the tone in twenty seconds. Dan Lebental and Debbie Berman cut the first scenes as Peter’s own phone footage, shaky and delighted, and it is the most confident editing in the film.

The trouble starts when it leaves the ground. Robert Downey Jr.’s Stark drops in to scold, and each time he does the film stops being about a boy in Queens and starts being about a franchise. Jon Favreau’s Happy Hogan, ignoring Peter’s texts, is funnier and does the same job. A sequence at the Washington Monument, with Ned and the decathlon team stuck in a lift, is built one beat at a time, and we sat forward through all of it because we could see exactly how far Peter had to climb and how little time he had. The climax is a fight in the dark against a man in a flying suit, and Lebental and Berman cut it so fast that we could not tell which figure was falling.

Against the character’s own record it sits below Sam Raimi’s *Spider-Man 2*, which had a sadder hero and a clearer plot, and above the two Marc Webb films, which had neither. At 133 minutes it is longer than any school comedy needs to be. Most critics have been a shade warmer than we are, mostly because they forgave the last twenty minutes. Marisa Tomei’s May Parker is written largely as a joke about being attractive, and Liz is a girl to be looked at across a corridor; neither gets a scene in the first hour that is about her.

Watch it with a teenager if you have one to hand. They will not mind the plane, and you can enjoy the school day while they explain what a Chitauri is.

*Fi1m score 74, published 19 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

Most critics like it, and the praise clusters in two places: Tom Holland’s Peter Parker and the decision to keep the story small. The reviews keep returning to the high-school comedy, the Queens setting and the lack of the angst that weighed down earlier versions; John Hughes is the comparison several reach for. Michael Keaton’s Vulture is the other name that recurs, singled out as one of the series’ more grounded villains.

The reservations gather around the Marvel machinery. The Hollywood Reporter finds the film too tightly bound to the wider franchise and blames a crowded script; Variety calls the approach rote and the hero innocuous. Even admirers at Time Out and Den of Geek concede the bigger action sequences blur, and NME notes the female characters are underused. The one outright dissent is The New Yorker, which finds it saccharine and oddly fond of the military hardware it might have questioned. For a film this well liked, the spread is wide.

### Reviews we read (24)

- **Radio Times** (★★★★★): The critic hails it as among the very best of the Marvel bunch for its keenly observed high-school comedy and brilliantly constructed body with no wasted frames. It singles out Tom Holland's nuanced performance as the web-like glue holding the action and teen drama together. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/spider-man-homecoming-among-the-very-best-of-the-marvel-bunch/)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw (90/100, inferred): The critic calls the film a crowd-pleasing triumph and a whip-smart teen movie, crediting Tom Holland's charming central performance. They single out the self-contained storytelling, Michael Keaton's nuanced Vulture and the focus on high-school life for praise. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/jun/29/spider-man-homecoming-review-tom-holland)
- **Total Film**, Jamie Graham (4 stars): The critic finds the film exuberant and fun, with Holland delivering a delightful, athletic take on Peter Parker that makes the high-school superhero story feel fresh and engaging. It highlights the zinging gags, strong character moments and overall sense that Spidey has a spring in his step again. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/spiderman-homecoming-review/2/)
- **Empire**, Nick de Semlyen (85/100, inferred): The review calls it the best Spider-Man film since Raimi’s Spider-Man 2, crediting Tom Holland’s endearing performance and Jon Watts’ light touch for ditching angst in favor of a cool, funny remix that feels fresh. It singles out the small-scale high-school moments and witty action sequences for praise. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/spider-man-homecoming-review/)
- **Vulture** (85/100, inferred): The critic calls it the breeziest, most convivial Marvel movie in ages, praising its friendly-neighborhood focus, witty action, and strong performances especially from Tom Holland and Michael Keaton. It returns to simpler superheroics without heavy angst. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2017/07/spider-man-homecoming-review-a-breezy-delight.html)
- **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (80/100, inferred): The critic praises the reboot as irreverent, intimate and wrenching, highlighting its debt to Buffy the Vampire Slayer and strong ensemble performances, especially Tom Holland as a winsome yet hard-scrabble Peter Parker. The high-school setting, sharp humor and focus on Peter and his friends stand out as particular strengths. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/spider-man-homecoming-review-irreverent-intimate-and-wrenching-a3681736.html)
- **Time Out**, Tom Huddleston (4/5): The critic calls it a bright and breezy teen-flick-meets-action-movie that narrows the Marvel universe to something local and intimate. It singles out Tom Holland's likable performance and the blend of humour, pathos and antics, while noting some blurry action and lost supporting characters. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/spider-man-homecoming)
- **IndieWire**, David Ehrlich (75/100, inferred): The review sees the film as a step forward for Marvel by leaning into genre conventions and high-school elements to keep things fresh. It notes it should have been more John Hughes but still figures out a way to refresh the superhero formula. [Read](https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/spider-man-homecoming-review-marvel-future-superhero-movies-tom-holland-zendaya-1201848553/)
- **Screen Daily** (70/100, inferred): The critic describes it as a fun, likable coming-of-age tale and solid reboot that may surpass the previous attempt. It singles out Tom Holland's believable portrayal and Michael Keaton as a fleshed-out villain, while noting the air of familiarity and MCU constraints. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/spider-man-homecoming-review/5119528.article)
- **Sight and Sound**, Kim Newman (70/100, inferred): The critic praises Jon Watts's smart direction and a seamless script for turning Spider-Man into a humble high-school hero focused on doing the right thing. It highlights the film's character-driven rescues and down-to-earth approach over spectacle. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/spider-man-homecoming-review-peter-parker-humble-high-school-hero)
- **The New York Times**, Manohla Dargis (70/100, inferred): The film is likable and amusing as a return for the character, focusing on Peter Parker as a teenager figuring out his powers amid school and home demands. It works best in its light, good-natured teen story but occasionally strains with forced airiness. [Read](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/29/movies/spider-man-homecoming-review.html)
- **The Times**, Kate Muir (★★★★☆): The critic praises the reboot as an old-fashioned teen movie buoyed by Tom Holland's puppyish performance and lively set pieces. They highlight the high-school focus and supporting characters while noting it refreshes the formula effectively. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/world/us-world/article/kate-muir-film-review-spider-man-homecoming-dwcz2f00s)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, John DeFore (55/100, inferred): The critic finds the film occasionally exciting but often frustrating due to corporate strategy and an over-integrated MCU feel. Tom Holland's winning performance as Peter Parker stands out amid script issues and too many writers. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/spider-man-homecoming-review-1017796/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Kenneth Turan (50/100, inferred): The film is uneven, with strong stunt work and one of the series' most sympathetic villains in Michael Keaton's Vulture, but it pushes the teen protagonist too hard into frantic, clichéd territory. It finds its pace by the end despite distractions from the Marvel integration. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-spider-man-homecoming-review-20170705-story.html)
- **Variety**, Owen Gleiberman (50/100, inferred): Tom Holland plays Peter as an awkward, ordinary teen superhero-in-training, making the film a mildly diverting YA-flavored reboot that feels distinctive after prior entries. The action has casual buoyancy and roots for the hero's perseverance, though the approach is often rote and the character innocuous. [Read](https://variety.com/2017/film/reviews/spider-man-homecoming-review-tom-holland-1202481638/)
- **The New Yorker**, Richard Brody (30/100, inferred): The movie undercuts its coming-of-age story about learning restraint with powers by hedging and seeking approval in ways that mirror what the hero supposedly overcomes. It results in an oblivious, saccharine film that praises the military-industrial complex while effacing real distinctions among characters. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/richard-brody/review-spider-man-homecoming-hedges-its-bets)
- **Digital Spy**, Ian Sandwell (90/100, inferred): Hails it as a charming and hilarious John Hughes-style high school comedy that makes Holland the best on-screen Spider-Man yet and avoids common reboot pitfalls with strong supporting performances. Singles out the tense Washington Monument sequence and grounded villain for praise. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a832004/spider-man-homecoming-review-marvel-tom-holland/)
- **/Film**, Ethan Anderton (9/10): The critic calls it a spectacular return for the webslinger that integrates high school life with superhero action in the MCU. They praise Tom Holland's performance and the authentic high school elements along with strong action sequences. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/551818/spider-man-homecoming-review/)
- **The Wrap**, Robert Abele (85/100, inferred): The critic finds the film a funnier, more teen-oriented take that feels punchy, laugh-filled and exciting. He singles out Tom Holland’s fresh-faced buoyancy and earnest teen energy for placing the story in John Hughes territory. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/spider-man-homecoming-review-tom-holland-mcu/)
- **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (B+): The critic calls the film fun and joyous, noting it forges its own identity in the MCU through humor and a focus on Peter as a neighborhood hero rather than high-stakes angst. They single out Tom Holland's eager performance and the grounded, character-driven story for praise. [Read](https://collider.com/spider-man-homecoming-review/)
- **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (80/100, inferred): The critic calls it a clever reboot and high-flying franchise success that works as a coming-of-age story pitched to a new generation. He singles out Tom Holland’s handling of the dual role with humor and wonder. [Read](https://deadline.com/2017/07/spider-man-homecoming-review-tom-holland-marvel-robert-downey-jr-video-1202124039/)
- **Den of Geek**, Simon Brew (4/5): Praises the film as a strong high school movie grounded in Peter Parker's teenage life, with sharp comedy, excellent casting including Tom Holland, and a fresh neighbourhood focus. Notes it loses some relatability when shifting to larger-scale superhero action and effects. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/spider-man-homecoming-review-2/)
- **NME**, Larry Bartleet (80/100, inferred): Calls the zippy reboot an improvement over predecessors by embedding itself in the MCU while staying light and focusing on a teenager's ambitions. Praises gripping action set pieces and Holland's likeability but notes female characters are underused. [Read](https://www.nme.com/reviews/spider-man-homecoming-review-2096659)
- **The Ringer**, Adam Nayman (80/100, inferred): The review notes the film's modest charm set in Queens with small-scale stakes and a happy-to-be-there vibe, contrasting prior angst-ridden versions. It singles out Michael Keaton's compelling, relatable villain and the light, glib tone for praise. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2017/07/05/pop-culture/spider-man-homecoming-review-50dd5f3b062f)

## Details

- **Director:** Jon Watts
- **Director:** Jon Watts
- **Screenplay:** Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley, Jon Watts, Christopher Ford
- **Cinematography:** Salvatore Totino
- **Editor:** Debbie Berman, Dan Lebental
- **Music:** Michael Giacchino
- **Production design:** Oliver Scholl
- **Costume design:** Louise Frogley
- **Producer:** Kevin Feige, Amy Pascal
- **Cast:** Tom Holland as Peter Parker / Spider-Man; Michael Keaton as Adrian Toomes / Vulture; Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man; Marisa Tomei as May Parker; Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan; Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts; Zendaya as Michelle; Donald Glover as Aaron Davis
- **Runtime:** 2h 13m
- **Certificate (MPA):** PG-13
- **Release (the US):** 7 July 2017
- **Genres:** Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
- **Budget:** $175 million
- **Box office:** $881 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEvV3OsE2WM

## Where to watch in the US

- Netflix: streaming, leaving 2026-10-01
- Disney+: streaming, uhd
- Apple TV: rent $3.99, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd
- Apple TV: buy $14.99, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy $14.99, uhd

*Checked 2026-09-19.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, AZ, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, SK, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie 2018: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Movie (nominated)

## If you liked this

- *Spider-Man 2* (2004): Raimi’s best: a hero who wants to quit, and a villain who is sorry.
- *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* (2018), Fi1m 87: The same boy-in-a-city idea, drawn rather than filmed, and funnier about it. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse.md)
- *The Breakfast Club* (1985), Fi1m 75: Five teenagers in a library with no powers; the corridors this film is copying. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-breakfast-club.md)
- *Attack the Block* (2011), Fi1m 84: A south London estate, aliens, and teenagers who do not wait for a mentor. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/attack-the-block.md)
- *Cop Car* (2015): Watts before the budget: two boys, a stolen police car and Kevin Bacon.

---
© 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-homecoming