---
title: "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"
year: 2018
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse"
fi1m_id: "spider-man-into-the-spider-verse"
imdb_id: "tt4633694"
tmdb_id: 324857
wikidata_id: "Q29588607"
fi1m_score: 87
critics_score: 87
critics_reviews: 13
published: "2026-09-15"
updated: "2026-09-18T08:37:42.808124+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: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

Directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman · 1h 57m · MPA PG · Animation, Action, Adventure, Science Fiction

## Identity

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** spider-man-into-the-spider-verse
- **IMDb ID:** tt4633694
- **TMDB ID:** 324857
- **Wikidata ID:** Q29588607
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4633694/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/324857, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29588607

**Fi1m score: 87** · Critics 87 from 13 reviews

*In a sentence:* The Spider-People multiply, but we still care whether the new boy can keep up

> *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* is funny, moving and unusually interested in how comic books look. We recommend it warmly, with one reservation: the busiest action sometimes crowds out the people we want to follow.

## Synopsis

Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) is finding his way into being Spider-Man when he encounters other versions of the masked hero from parallel universes. Among them is Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson), who becomes his mentor, while Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) brings another perspective on the same calling. Miles’s relationships with his father, Jefferson Davis (Brian Tyree Henry), and his Uncle Aaron (Mahershala Ali) also shape his attempts to work out who he wants to be. The animated adventure follows a new hero learning alongside people who have their own experience of wearing the mask.

## Review

*Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* has a sensible answer to the problem of telling another superhero origin story: give us someone worth spending time with. Miles Morales, voiced by Shameik Moore, supplies that reason before the film’s competing animation styles have finished introducing themselves. Directors Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman let the pictures get complicated while keeping his efforts to become a hero easy to understand. The film is funny, affectionate and well worth an evening, even when its action grows too busy. Miles makes the repeated business of learning to be Spider-Man matter.

Production designer Justin K. Thompson helps make the comic-book look more than decoration. Printed dots remain visible, different drawing styles share the screen, and computer animation has the graphic bluntness of marks on a page. The images can be dense without looking polished into the same smooth finish. The mismatches help distinguish the visitors from parallel universes in an already crowded film.

Editors Arthur D. Noda, Matthew Landon and Robert Fisher Jr. keep the competing images readable. We laughed aloud at the split-screen gags. The cuts give us time to catch each joke before another image competes for attention. That precision matters when the story is already asking us to accept several Spider-People at once. Daniel Pemberton’s score adds to the film’s hip-hop energy, although the combination of music, movement and densely packed frames can become tiring.

Moore makes Miles’s uncertainty engaging without turning him into a collection of adorable hesitations. Jake Johnson gives Peter B. Parker the right comic weight beside him, so the teaching is entertaining before it becomes touching. Phil Lord and Rothman’s screenplay allows the mentor and pupil to develop a relationship worth following through all the other introductions. Their scenes give the film room to be patient with a beginner. Their humour depends on how they get on with each other, so the quieter exchanges hold our attention too.

Miles also has a life beyond instruction in superheroism, and the family scenes give it some weight. Brian Tyree Henry voices his father, Jefferson Davis, with Mahershala Ali as Uncle Aaron; the relationship between the three helps keep Miles’s choices personal. These are the passages that make the noisy ones worth caring about. The film takes his attachments seriously, rather than treating family as something to mention before the next action sequence.

The weakness is the amount of business competing with those relationships. At 117 minutes, the film has time for its characters, yet the piling up of action and alternative Spider-figures can make it seem impatient with them. Rothman and Lord are good at finding jokes in the repeated origin stories, but repetition still takes time, however knowingly it is handled. Trimming some of the introductions would help. The busiest action is exciting at first and then increasingly hard to take in.

This is where animation earns its place in a genre so often concerned with making impossible things look physically plausible. Putting visibly different kinds of drawn character together is funny in itself, and the film does not have to explain away their appearance. Miles remains recognisable through the changing styles, which is a substantial part of the achievement. Give it a large screen, and do not plan on doing anything else while it is on.

*Fi1m score 87, published 15 September 2026.*

## What the critics say

The consensus is strongly positive, with praise concentrated on animation that brings comic-book drawing, colour and page layouts into motion rather than smoothing them away. Most critics find that this gives a familiar origin story fresh energy. Miles Morales supplies the emotional centre, with his family relationships and friendship with Peter B. Parker drawing particular praise. The humour, voice performances and contrasting styles of the other Spider-characters also make the crowded multiverse engaging.

The differences concern how much noise and complication the story can bear. The Independent finds that the energy occasionally overwhelms quieter moments, while /Film notes a curtailed subplot and slight overlength. The Hollywood Reporter offers a sharper reservation: the visual invention becomes sensory overload, and the shifting worlds weaken the sense that anything matters. Enthusiasm is broad, but these reservations suggest that the relentless activity is not equally rewarding for every critic.

## Straight answers

**Is Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse worth watching?**

*Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* is worth watching for almost anyone who can sit through a busy animated adventure, and we scored it 87. Miles Morales is a hero worth spending time with, and the comic-book look, with its visible printed dots and mismatched drawing styles, is more than decoration. Our one reservation is that the busiest action sometimes crowds out the people we want to follow.

**How long is Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, and what is it rated?**

*Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* runs 1h 57m and is rated PG by the MPA in the US. It is an animation and action film.

**Where can I watch Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse in the US?**

*Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* is streaming on Netflix in the US, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from $3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How does Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse compare to The Iron Giant?**

*Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse* is the louder and more crowded of the two, while [*The Iron Giant*](https://film.one/film/the-iron-giant) is the quieter and more tender. Both make a young hero's friendships the reason to care about large-scale action, but Brad Bird's film keeps one relationship at its centre and never tires the eye. Choose the Spider-Man for jokes and visual invention, the Iron Giant for something calmer that takes children just as seriously.

**What should I watch after Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse?**

After *Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse*, try [*The Iron Giant*](https://film.one/film/the-iron-giant) (1999, Fi1m 88): Another young hero whose friendships make the large-scale action worth caring about. Then [*The Mitchells vs. the Machines*](https://film.one/film/the-mitchells-vs-the-machines) (2021, Fi1m 76): Busy animation, family friction and jokes that keep the digital chaos human; and [*The Adventures of Prince Achmed*](https://film.one/film/the-adventures-of-prince-achmed) (1926, Fi1m 80): Silhouette animation that makes every chase and transformation worth looking at closely.

### Reviews we read (21)

- **Radio Times**, Alex Berry (5/5): The critic calls it a bold, Oscar-winning animated spin with a pulsing hip-hop soundtrack and dazzling visuals that refresh the character. They single out the inventive design and the vibrant energy brought by the other versions of Spider-Man. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-j3aprl/spiderman-into-the-spiderverse/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Justin Chang (90/100, inferred): The critic finds the film terrific despite initial skepticism about superhero movies, praising its inventive animation that blends CG with comic-book aesthetics and its emotional core centered on Miles Morales as a richly imagined character. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-review-20181128-story.html)
- **Little White Lies**, Kambole Campbell (5/4/4): The critic calls it outrageous fun with an endlessly imaginative script and animation to match. They single out the mentor-mentee relationship between Miles and Peter B. Parker as consistently delightful and sometimes moving. [Read](https://lwlies.com/reviews/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse/)
- **Sight and Sound**, Henry K. Miller (80/100, inferred): The critic finds the film funny in itself and visually dazzling for its own sake. They single out the mercurial animation that races through visual registers and the motley assemblage of Spider-creatures from parallel universes. [Read](https://www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/reviews/spider-man-into-spider-verse-review-wider-webbed-world)
- **The Telegraph**, Robbie Collin (4/5): The critic praises it as the wildest, wittiest web-slinging movie yet and a spiffing fusion of Marvel’s historic aesthetic with state-of-the-art animation. They single out the craft and sumptuously designed end credits. [Read](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/spider-man-spider-verse-review-wildest-wittiest-web-slinging/)
- **Time Out**, Phil de Semlyen (4/5): The critic describes it as bonkers and a bit brilliant, a fresh Spidey reboot well worth watching. They single out the clutter of other Spideys with their own animation styles and the eye-popping visuals packed into each frame. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse)
- **Screen Daily** (75/100, inferred): The critic finds it a confident blend of comic-book élan and stirring sentiment that finds fresh ways to tell the familiar story. They single out the dynamic action sequences and self-referential riffs alongside the splendid voice cast. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-review/5134650.article)
- **Empire**, John Nugent: The film boldly embraces the multiverse with five origin stories, delivering animation unlike anything seen before, witty gags and heartfelt focus on Miles Morales. It is fresh, funny and frequently bonkers—an astonishing shot of cinematic superhero adrenaline that feels original. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/spider-man-spider-verse-review/)
- **The Guardian**, Peter Bradshaw: The critic calls it a thrilling, witty and surprisingly necessary chapter in the franchise that converts studio impositions into amusement-park thrills. They single out the vibrant, expressionistic animation that evokes comics with Ben-Day dots and psychedelic visuals. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/nov/28/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-review-a-dazzling-animated-caper)
- **The Hollywood Reporter**, Todd McCarthy: The critic praises the film's striking visual style that blends computer and hand-drawn animation with dynamic multiverse elements and a fresh, multicultural cast of Spider-characters. However, it is faulted for running too long, causing sensory overload and a sense that nothing ultimately matters amid the ephemeral realms. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/spider-man-spider-verse-review-1164358/)
- **The Independent**: The film revitalises the Spider-Man franchise through animation, blending visual flair, humour, pathos and style while arguing that animation suits comic-book movies best. It is ambitious and often thrilling, though its noisy energy can occasionally overshadow grounded moments. [Read](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/spider-man-spider-verse-review-live-action-marvel-comic-book-movies-soundtrack-a8679761.html)
- **The Times**, Kevin Maher (★★★★☆): The critic calls it an audacious, revolutionary take on Spider-Man that is the best yet. They single out the mind-bending animation and careful character work creating an emotional triangle between Miles, his father and uncle. [Read](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-review-fnmmg60d3)
- **Total Film**: Into the Spider-Verse is a joyful, trippy new incarnation brimming with wit, soul and jaw-dropping visuals that obliterates assumptions about Spider-Man stories. It is smart, funny and visually astonishing, with unexpected heart and thrilling action. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-review/)
- **Variety**, Peter Debruge (Critic's Pick): The critic calls it a brilliant, postmodern riff that resets and expands the Spider-Man universe with fresh retro comic-book visuals and a hip-hop score, highlighting its inclusive message that anyone can be a hero. [Read](https://variety.com/2018/film/reviews/film-review-spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-1203038468/)
- **Vulture**: The review highlights the film's inventive animation that translates comic-book aesthetics to the screen in a kinetic and abstract way, marking a stylistic breakthrough for major animated features. It singles out the nano-second timing, split-screen gags, and the likable lead Miles Morales for making the multiverse chaos engaging and fun. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2018/12/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-review.html)
- **Den of Geek**, Mike Cecchini (5/5): The critic calls it the best superhero movie of the year, praising the playful screenplay, energetic voice cast, and endlessly inventive animation that elevates a familiar origin story. They single out the emotional depth and likability of Miles Morales as the standout element. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-review/)
- **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (A): The critic praises the film as the best Spider-Man movie and one of the best superhero movies of 2018, highlighting its unique animation style that mixes comic book aesthetics with street art and acid effects, and its thoughtful deconstruction of the character through Miles Morales' story. [Read](https://collider.com/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-review/)
- **/Film**, Chris Evangelista (9/10): The critic calls it the best superhero movie of the year and possibly the best Spider-Man film ever, praising its visual style, humor, action, and heart as a fresh take freed from realism by animation. They single out the innovative blend of animation styles and the central relationship between Miles and Peter B. Parker for particular praise, while noting minor issues with a trimmed subplot and slight overlength. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/562707/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-review/)
- **The Ringer**, Micah Peters (90/100, inferred): The review calls it one of the best animated features and superhero movies, praising its recreation of the sensation of reading a crossover comic through innovative animation and its organic, delightful take on the origin story and multiverse. [Read](https://www.theringer.com/2018/12/13/movies/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-animated-film-marvel-miles-morales)
- **The Wrap**, William Bibbiani (90/100, inferred): The critic calls the film audacious, funny and thrilling, praising it as the best Spider-Man movie since Spider-Man 2. They single out its emotional depth, strong representation across characters, and innovative animation style for particular praise. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-film-review-animated-2018/)
- **Polygon**, Susana Polo (85/100, inferred): The critic lauds the film as one of the best action comedies, emphasizing its vibrant comic-book-inspired art style, seamless multiverse storytelling, and joyful celebration of superhero coolness through Miles Morales' coming-of-age tale. [Read](https://www.polygon.com/2018/11/28/18105326/spider-man-into-the-spider-verse-review/)

## Details

- **Director:** Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman
- **Director:** Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman
- **Screenplay:** Phil Lord, Rodney Rothman
- **Story:** Phil Lord
- **Editor:** Matthew Landon, Arthur D. Noda, Robert Fisher Jr.
- **Music:** Daniel Pemberton
- **Production design:** Justin K. Thompson
- **Producer:** Phil Lord, Avi Arad, Christopher Miller
- **Cast:** Shameik Moore as Miles Morales (voice); Jake Johnson as Peter B. Parker (voice); Hailee Steinfeld as Gwen Stacy (voice); Mahershala Ali as Uncle Aaron (voice); Brian Tyree Henry as Jefferson Davis (voice); Lily Tomlin as Aunt May (voice); Lauren Vélez as Rio Morales (voice); Zoë Kravitz as Mary Jane (voice)
- **Runtime:** 1h 57m
- **Certificate (MPA):** PG
- **Release (the US):** 14 December 2018
- **Genres:** Animation, Action, Adventure, Science Fiction
- **Budget:** $90 million
- **Box office:** $395 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg52up16eq0

## Where to watch in the US

- Netflix: streaming
- Amazon Prime Video: rent $3.99, uhd
- Apple TV: rent $3.99, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy $14.99, uhd
- Apple TV: buy $14.99, hd

*Checked 2026-09-15.*

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

## Awards

- Academy Awards 2019: Best Animated Feature (won)
- BAFTA Film Awards 2019: BAFTA's Children & Young People Award - Feature Film (won)
- Hugo Awards 2019: Best Dramatic Presentation, Long Form (won)
- Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie 2019: Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Animated Movie (nominated)
- Annie Award for Best Animated Feature 2018: Annie Award for Best Animated Feature (won)
- Critics' Choice Awards 2018: Best Animated Feature (won)

## If you liked this

- *The Iron Giant* (1999), Fi1m 88: Another young hero whose friendships make the large-scale action worth caring about — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-iron-giant.md)
- *The Mitchells vs. the Machines* (2021), Fi1m 76: Busy animation, family friction and jokes that keep the digital chaos human — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-mitchells-vs-the-machines.md)
- *Belle* (2021): For another young protagonist learning what a spectacular second identity can offer
- *A Town Called Panic* (2009): For the pleasure of incompatible characters causing trouble in a handmade world
- *The Adventures of Prince Achmed* (1926), Fi1m 80: Silhouette animation that makes every chase and transformation worth looking at closely — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-adventures-of-prince-achmed.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-into-the-spider-verse