Spider-Man 2 is a 2004 American superhero film directed by Sam Raimi, serving as the sequel to the 2002 film Spider-Man.
Starring Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, the film also features Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, and Alfred Molina as the antagonist Dr. Otto Octavius, also known as Doc Ock. The screenplay was written by Alvin Sargent from a story conceived by Michael Chabon and the writing team of Alfred Gough and Miles Millar.
Set two years after the events of the first film, Spider-Man 2 follows Peter Parker as he struggles to balance his responsibilities as a college student and his life as a superhero. Faced with personal challenges, including his feelings for Mary Jane Watson (Dunst) and the pressures of his dual identity, Peter begins to lose his powers due to stress and self-doubt. Meanwhile, Dr. Octavius, a brilliant scientist who suffers a tragic accident during an experiment, becomes a formidable adversary after being fused with mechanical tentacles that enhance his abilities but also drive him to madness.
The film explores themes of sacrifice, responsibility, and the emotional toll of being a hero. As Peter grapples with his identity and the impact of his choices on those he loves, he ultimately learns that embracing his role as Spider-Man is essential to both his own happiness and the safety of others.
Upon its release on June 30, 2004, Spider-Man 2 received widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling, character development, visual effects, and performances—particularly those of Maguire and Molina. It grossed approximately $795 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The film won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and was nominated for additional Oscars in sound categories.
Spider-Man 2 is often regarded as one of the greatest superhero films ever made, praised for its emotional depth and action sequences. Its success solidified Raimi's trilogy as a benchmark for future superhero films and contributed significantly to the evolution of the genre in cinema.