Spider-Man is a 2002 American superhero film directed by Sam Raimi, based on the Marvel Comics character created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko.
It stars Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker, a shy high school student who gains superhuman abilities after being bitten by a genetically engineered spider. The film also features Willem Dafoe as the antagonist Norman Osborn, also known as the Green Goblin, Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson, and James Franco as Harry Osborn.
The story follows Peter Parker as he navigates the challenges of adolescence while grappling with his newfound powers. After the tragic death of his Uncle Ben, Peter learns that "with great power comes great responsibility," motivating him to use his abilities to fight crime in New York City. As he embraces his role as Spider-Man, he faces off against the Green Goblin, who poses a significant threat to both him and the city.
Production of Spider-Man began in the late 1990s, with various directors considered before Raimi was ultimately chosen. Filming took place in Los Angeles and New York City, and the film was released on May 3, 2002. It received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike for its direction, visual effects, and performances, particularly that of Maguire.
Spider-Man was a commercial success, grossing over $825 million worldwide and becoming the highest-grossing film of 2002. It was praised for redefining the superhero genre and setting a new standard for comic book adaptations. The film received nominations for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound at the 75th Academy Awards.
Overall, Spider-Man is credited with launching a successful trilogy directed by Raimi, followed by Spider-Man 2 (2004) and Spider-Man 3 (2007). Its impact on the superhero film landscape continues to be felt today, influencing numerous adaptations and establishing a template for future Marvel films.