Spider-Man is swinging back into theaters today with Spider-Man: Brand New Day, marking Tom Holland’s seventh appearance as Marvel’s friendly neighborhood web-slinger. Over the past decade, Holland has evolved from an eager teenager trying to impress Iron Man into one of the emotional pillars of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Unlike previous live-action Spider-Men, Holland’s Peter Parker has grown up before our eyes. We’ve watched him geek out over Captain America, mourn the loss of Tony Stark, save the multiverse and ultimately sacrifice everything, including his own identity, for the people he loves. It’s been one of the MCU’s richest character arcs.
With Holland’s seventh appearance as the webhead in Brand New Day, now feels like the perfect time to look back and rank every one of Tom Holland’s MCU appearances. From Captain America: Civil War through Spider-Man: No Way Home, here’s how they stack up from amazing to spectacular.
6. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Tom Holland remains immensely likable, but Infinity War is so crowded with heroes that Peter Parker never truly gets a chance to own the story. His scenes aboard Ebony Maw’s ship are entertaining, and his improvisational humor lands, but this is more of an ensemble showcase than a Spider-Man film.
Best moment: “Mr. Stark, I don’t feel so good.”
5. Captain America: Civil War (2016)
One of the greatest superhero introductions ever filmed.
Holland immediately erased memories of previous Spider-Men with an energetic, funny, comic-accurate Peter Parker. His airport battle steals nearly every scene he’s in, balancing awkward teenage enthusiasm with genuine heroism.
The only reason it ranks lower is that he’s essentially a guest star.
Best moment: “You have a metal arm? That is awesome!”
4. Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Spider-Man only appears in the final act, but what an entrance.
His return through Doctor Strange’s portals remains one of the MCU’s biggest crowd-pleasing moments. Holland doesn’t have much dramatic heavy lifting to do, but his chemistry with Tony Stark during their reunion is heartfelt.
Best moment: Peter hugging Tony after returning.
3. Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)
Following Tony Stark’s death was never going to be easy.
Far From Home explores Peter’s grief while introducing Jake Gyllenhaal’s excellent Mysterio. The film occasionally leans too heavily on Iron Man’s legacy, but Holland convincingly portrays a teenager struggling with expectations.
The illusion sequence remains one of the MCU’s most inventive action scenes.
2. Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Still one of Marvel’s freshest coming-of-age stories.
Instead of saving the universe, Peter worries about homework, homecoming dances and proving himself to Tony Stark. Michael Keaton’s Vulture remains one of Marvel’s best villains, and Holland perfectly captures Spider-Man’s youthful optimism.
The car ride reveal—when Peter realizes Liz’s father is Vulture—is still one of the MCU’s most suspenseful scenes.
1. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
This is the film that transformed Holland from Marvel’s kid brother into one of the franchise’s emotional anchors.
The deaths, sacrifices and impossible choices force Peter to finally become the hero we’ve watched him grow toward since Civil War. Bringing Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield together could have been empty fan service. Instead, it became one of the most emotionally satisfying superhero films ever made.
The ending, with Peter sacrificing every relationship he has, is among the MCU’s boldest decisions.
Most emotional lines: “With great power comes great responsibility.” and “I know. Do it.”
Of course, if the reviews of Spider-Man: Brand New Day are to be believed, this could be the ultimate Tom Holland performance. Stay tuned for our review.
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
