Spider-Man has been swinging through comic pages for over six decades, delivering stories that have ranged from heartwarming to heartbreaking—and everything in between. But among the hundreds of tales, a few stand out as truly unforgettable. From multiversal madness to tragic losses, these are the 10 greatest Spider-Man stories in history, retold for fans old and new.
The 10 Greatest Spider-Man Stories Ever Told
Spider-Verse: A Multiverse of Spider-Heroes
Few modern stories have reshaped the Spider-Man mythos like Spider-Verse. This crossover event took Peter Parker (Earth-616) and united him with a legion of alternate Spider-people to face off against one of the most chilling villains ever—Morlun and his family, the Inheritors. Their goal? Drain the life force from every Spider-hero across the multiverse.
The roster included Spider-Gwen, Spider-Man 2099, Spider-Ham, Spider-Man Noir, Miles Morales, Silk, and even Superior Spider-Man, among others. Not only was the event thrilling, but it was also executed with rare perfection—delivering action, heart, and stakes across realities. It even inspired Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, arguably the best Spider-Man movie to date.
The Original Sinister Six: United Villains, One Target
Debuting in Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1 (1964), the Sinister Six story became an instant classic. Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, the tale sees Doctor Octopus tired of losing to Spider-Man. His plan? Form a team with Vulture, Mysterio, Sandman, Electro, and Kraven the Hunter to defeat Spidey by taking him on one at a time.
As a young reader, this story blew minds with the sheer scale of villainy. It introduced a legendary lineup of foes, many of whom remain core to Spider-Man’s rogues’ gallery even today. It’s simple, iconic, and still one of the best villain team-ups in comic book history.
The Death of Jean DeWolff: A Dark Mystery
Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man issues #107–110 took a tonal shift that few expected. In this grim and gritty tale, Captain Jean DeWolff, a long-time ally of Spider-Man, is murdered. The story turns into a compelling murder mystery—one filled with shocking twists, brutal violence, and moral complexity.
Written in the same dark vein as Frank Miller’s Daredevil, this arc stood out for its noir style and depth. It influenced countless creators and remains a must-read for fans who appreciate the psychological layers of the wall-crawler’s world.
The Master Planner Saga: True Heroism Under Pressure
This iconic Stan Lee and Steve Ditko story showcases why Peter Parker is more than just a mask and webs. In it, Spider-Man faces a desperate race against time to save Aunt May. Trapped under a mountain of steel, beaten and broken, Peter thinks he’s failed.
But then he remembers Uncle Ben. He remembers his responsibility. And with sheer will, he lifts the massive steel—one of the most iconic moments in comic book history. The scene defined Spider-Man’s spirit: never give up, no matter the odds. It was even beautifully adapted in Spider-Man: Homecoming decades later.
The Original Hobgoblin Saga: Mystery and Mayhem
While most fans were familiar with the Green Goblin, the introduction of the Hobgoblin brought a new edge to the Spidey mythos. This new villain discovered Norman Osborn’s hidden cache of tech and weapons, reengineered them, and crafted a more cunning, mysterious persona.
The brilliance of this arc lay in the suspense. Readers didn’t know who was behind the mask for ages, creating a whodunit vibe. Eventually revealed as Roderick Kingsley, the Hobgoblin became a staple of Spider-Man’s villain roster, even earning a spot in Universal Studios’ Spider-Man ride and the ‘90s animated series.
Spider-Man No More: When Peter Quit
In Amazing Spider-Man #50–52, Peter Parker reaches his breaking point. After years of saving lives and getting labeled a menace thanks to J. Jonah Jameson, Peter decides he’s had enough. In a powerful moment, he tosses his costume in a trash can, walking away from his heroic identity.
But when Kingpin rises as a new threat, Peter realizes he can’t escape who he is. The image of Spider-Man’s suit in the trash became iconic, even recreated by Sam Raimi in Spider-Man 2. The story explores duty, frustration, and the eternal conflict of the hero’s journey.
Superior Spider-Man: Doc Ock Becomes the Hero
Few twists hit as hard as the concept behind Superior Spider-Man Vol. 1: My Own Worst Enemy. In this arc, Doctor Octopus swaps minds with a dying Peter Parker, taking over his body—and life—as the new Spider-Man.
What started as a controversial idea turned into one of the most creative reinventions of the character in decades. Otto Octavius, determined to be a “better” Spider-Man, modifies the costume, upgrades the tech, and uses ruthless tactics to fight crime. It’s compelling to watch a villain try to live up to the legacy of a hero. The result? One of the freshest Spider-Man stories ever told.
Amazing Fantasy #15: The Birth of a Legend
This is the story that started it all. Amazing Fantasy #15 introduced the world to Peter Parker, a teenager bitten by a radioactive spider who learns that “with great power comes great responsibility.”
Created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, Spider-Man shattered superhero stereotypes. He was awkward, broke, misunderstood, and incredibly human. This first issue’s success wasn’t just luck—it resonated because readers saw themselves in Peter. The costume was cool, the powers were fun, but it was Peter’s struggle that made him iconic.
The Night Gwen Stacy Died: A Love Lost Forever
This story, spanning Amazing Spider-Man #121–122, delivered one of the most heartbreaking and shocking moments in comic book history. In a cruel twist, Green Goblin kidnaps Gwen Stacy, Spider-Man’s first true love, and throws her from the Brooklyn Bridge.
Peter’s web catches her—but the whiplash snaps her neck. That haunting moment changed Spider-Man forever. It marked the end of the Silver Age of comics and ushered in a grittier, darker era. Fun fact: Stan Lee wasn’t even informed about Gwen’s death while it was being written.
Kraven’s Last Hunt: The Ultimate Psychological Battle
At number one is Kraven’s Last Hunt—a haunting, psychological masterpiece that dives deep into both hero and villain. Originally pitched as a Batman story, the tale follows Kraven the Hunter as he captures, seemingly kills, and buries Spider-Man alive.
Kraven then dons the black suit and takes over as a “better” Spider-Man, proving his dominance. But Peter isn’t dead—and he comes back, reclaiming his mantle. The story’s tone is dark, its message profound, and its ending flawlessly executed. It stands as the definitive Spider-Man story, exploring identity, mortality, and redemption.
