The Most Stunning Animation Moments In Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse Ranked
Contains spoilers for "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse"
After years of anticipation, "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," the highly-awaited sequel to the 2018 blockbuster "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," has finally swung into theaters, leaving audiences and critics thoroughly delighted. Pushing the boundaries of animation, the film offers a visual feast of unparalleled innovation, imaginative artistry, and an enthralling narrative that propels the franchise in exciting new directions.
Building upon the groundbreaking foundation laid by its predecessor, "Across the Spider-Verse" ventures into uncharted dimensions, each accompanied by its own distinctive art style. Gravity-defying action sequences, teeming with an impressive array of heroes and villains, are masterfully captured through breathtaking camera work, stunning designs, and vibrant locales that leave a lasting impact on the senses.
In this article, we delve deep into the very essence of the awe-inspiring animation in "Across the Spider-Verse," unraveling its most captivating moments. From Miles Morales' exhilarating adventures in Brooklyn's vibrant streets to the monumental set piece involving a multitude of Spider-Men, the film offers an abundance of standout scenes that will undoubtedly leave audiences in awe. Kick back, relax, and feast your eyes on our favorite animation moments from "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse."
10. Miles and Gwen's first date
In the early moments of "Across the Spider-Verse," we find Gwen appearing in Miles' world, enticing him to join her for a thrilling escapade through the bustling city streets. You see, poor Miles had recently been grounded, and Gwen, being the understanding friend that she is, devises a clever workaround. "Is Spider-Man grounded?" she asks.
With that excuse, Miles musters up the courage to leap from his window and embark on this nighttime escapade alongside Gwen. He slyly mentions that he's acquired a few new tricks, igniting a friendly competition between the two. Together, they soar through the cityscape, effortlessly maneuvering between trucks and even managing to snatch a couple of hot dogs from a local street vendor.
The animation in this sequence is nothing short of breathtaking. As our dynamic duo explores the diverse neighborhoods of Brooklyn, the animation style seamlessly transitions from a painterly aesthetic to an immersive comic book experience. At one point, they leave their mark on a water tower, triggering an explosion of giant animated words that fill the sky. And when they finally decide to catch their breath, Miles and Gwen choose to savor the enchanting evening while perched upside down atop a skyscraper. The sheer energy, humor, and heartfelt moments within this sequence effortlessly captivate us, drawing us deeper into this mesmerizing world.
9. Gwen's Peter Dies
When it comes to comic book movies, it might be time for them to bid farewell to live-action and fully embrace the realm of animation. Why, you ask? Animators have the freedom to unleash their wild imaginations and conjure up exhilarating scenarios featuring delightfully quirky characters that their live-action counterparts can only dream of. A perfect case in point is the mind-boggling sequence found in "Across the Spider-Verse," where Gwen's buddy Peter Parker injects himself with a mysterious concoction, transforming into a gargantuan lizard set on seeking revenge against some obnoxious high school bullies.
This extraordinary sequence would falter in a live-action setting, leaving audiences perplexed and incredulous. However, in the animation format, we willingly suspend our disbelief to savor the breathtaking spectacle of Spidey's incredible feats. Though brief, this distinctive flashback scene presents gripping fight choreography and a somber color palette, effectively conveying the weight of the ensuing tragedy. As Gwen valiantly confronts the monstrous creature, she discovers its true identity as Peter, only to witness his demise, crushed beneath a heap of debris. Such poignant moments are scattered throughout the film, offering an emotional depth that resonates with viewers.
8. Spider-Man 2099
I can't help but single out every glorious moment featuring Spider-Man 2099, also known as the mighty Miguel O'Hara, brilliantly brought to life by the remarkable Oscar Isaac. The character is a sight to behold. Standing tall and commanding, he exudes an unparalleled aura of power, boasting a muscular physique that puts your average comic book hero or villain to shame.
There's a sequence in which Spider-Man 2099 relentlessly pursues Miles with a ferocity reminiscent of the Prowler. Every move he makes is calculated, every line delivered with a growl, and his imposing poses send a clear message — this is a man not to be trifled with.
During the finale, Spider-Man 2099, perches majestically atop a towering building, the night sky as his backdrop. Clad in his striking dark blue and red costume, he stands out, an enigmatic figure in contrast to the world around him. He possesses not only formidable physical prowess but also a keen intellect. And while his mission may stem from noble intentions, his methods may not always align with the conventional heroic path. Perhaps that's why the animators chose to depict him as a captivating blend of light and darkness, capable of seamlessly transitioning between superhero and violent monster to achieve his goals. You can't take your eyes off him.
7. Gwen versus Vulture
"Across the Spider-Verse" kicks off with a bang as Gwen, aka the fearless Ghost Spider, springs into action, ready to take on the formidable Vulture. Except, there's a twist — this ain't your average Vulture. Instead, he hails from a Renaissance dimension, a perfect mesh of Leonardo da Vinci's intricate sketches, but with a modern touch of pizzazz.
This Vulture causes chaos at every turn, wreaking havoc in Gwen's world. He unleashes a barrage of explosives at our hero, and the animators take the time to label each of his gadgets (a fun little quirk that occurs throughout the picture). Vulture truly believes he's the epitome of human achievement, and he won't back down until Spider-Man 2099 and his crew swoop in to save the day.
The clash of artistic styles in this sequence is an absolute treat. Vulture's rough and rugged design collides with Gwen's ethereal and watercolor-inspired aesthetic. And let's not forget Spider-Man 2099, sporting a sleek and futuristic digital look that's all his own. Each character brings their own unique visual flair to the table, creating a symphony of stunning visuals that'll leave audiences in awe. It's a true celebration of the limitless creativity and artistry that animation has to offer.
6. Miles visits Nueva York
Miles Morales embarks on a mission to stop the seemingly benign yet progressively formidable antagonist, the Spot, voiced by Jason Schwartzman. His pursuit leads him through a portal and into the realm of Nueva York. This futuristic society unfolds before his eyes, characterized by its pristine white walls and technological marvels that epitomize cutting-edge innovation. Yet, it is within this awe-inspiring backdrop that we see a diverse congregation of Spider-Men, each bearing a unique visual style that distinguishes them amidst the multitude of heroes.
We see muscular Spider-Men who tower over their counterparts, short Spideys, LEGO Spideys, and even a few that hail from the various video games released over the years. Every incarnation pays homage to a specific artist, infusing the tapestry with an additional layer of richness. Spider-Punk emanates an essence reminiscent of vibrant punk rock magazines; Spider-Woman makes her entrance atop a motorcycle, her look akin to something out of a gritty, blaxploitation film.
This sequence alone is worth the price of admission, as it features enough Spider-people to make a fan drool. Of course, it also means you'll likely need a few more trips to the theater to truly appreciate every character and detail. Fine by me!
5. Gwen talks to her dad
A pivotal element of the "Across the Spider-Verse" plot revolves around Gwen and her father, Captain George Stacy, voiced by Shea Whigham. In this unique Spidey universe, Gwen assumes the mantle of Ghost Spider, while Peter Parker, a close friend of the Stacy family, never experiences the fateful spider bite. However, plagued by feelings of neglect, the brilliant Peter concocts a formula that transforms him into a formidable giant lizard, ultimately meeting his demise at Gwen's hands.
Unaware of his daughter's secret identity, George, consumed by grief, relentlessly pursues Ghost Spider, attributing blame to her. The climactic moment arrives when Gwen unveils her true self in a poignant scene rendered in ever-evolving watercolors, mirroring the characters' emotional states. George, a robust figure, remains partially obscured, enveloped in deep shadows that blend with the surroundings. Yet, as he and Gwen embrace, his complete design gradually emerges — a clever visual metaphor symbolizing his personal growth.
Furthermore, the watercolor motif serves as a powerful representation of Gwen's internal struggle. Uncertain of her place and desires, she exists in a state of perpetual flux within this realm, a nifty tidbit that demonstrates the creators' unwavering commitment to enhancing the complexity of their characters through inventive visual techniques.
4. Spider-Man versus the Spot
Following a captivating prologue centered around Gwen, "Across the Spider-Verse" shifts its focus to the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, where we reunite with our protagonist, Miles Morales. Here, we encounter the film's primary antagonist, the Spot. Initially portrayed as a seemingly inconsequential villain attempting to steal an ATM from a convenience store, the Spot's powers progressively amplify, rendering him a formidable adversary capable of unraveling the very fabric of the multiverse.
However, their initial encounter doesn't unfold as expected. Spidey valiantly strives to thwart the Spot's heist, resulting in a fierce clash that leaves a trail of destruction in its wake. The Spot's ability to manipulate his spots as portals offers a visually stunning spectacle, allowing the animators to unleash their creativity in crafting exhilarating fight sequences. Our hero discerns the mechanics behind the Spot's powers and uses them against him, ultimately leaving the defeated villain bound atop an abandoned building.
Yet, the battle is far from over. The paths of our hero and the Spot intersect throughout the picture, each confrontation escalating in intensity and raising the stakes to precarious heights. The filmmakers skillfully exploit the Spot's unique visual aesthetic, imbuing the character with an allure that is striking, making him an appealing, if not downright terrifying, villain.
3. India sequence
Miles' journey brings him face to face with Pavitr Prabhakar, also known as Spider-Man: India. This exuberant and self-assured hero sports a distinctive hairstyle and a vibrant costume that perfectly mirrors his joyful and confident demeanor. Joined by Gwen, the trio engages in a spectacular battle against the Spot, a clash that unfolds amidst a kaleidoscope of vivid purple and orange hues.
The India sequence is a mesmerizing display of excitement and action. Our trio heroically saves innocent pedestrians from a collapsing building and bravely confronts the Spot's destructive rampage. Here, "Across the Spider-Verse" transcends the conventions of typical comic book films, delivering an exceptional sequence that leaves you on the edge of your seat with its wondrous visuals and incredible animation.
Amidst the exhilarating chaos, Pavitr introduces himself and the screen seamlessly transitions into dynamic comic book panels. This stylistic choice allows for a multi-faceted exploration of Pavitr's character without compromising key plot points. While the overabundance of visual flair may leave some viewers reaching for Tylenol, those who embrace the madness will enjoy one of the most incredible comic book set pieces ever assembled for the big screen.
2. Miles meets Miles
The most shocking plot twist in "Across the Spider-Verse" happens when Miles discovers that he has jumped to the wrong universe. After evading Spider-Man 2099 and his Spider-Men army, Miles steps into a machine and seemingly returns to his world. He immediately runs to his mother, who notes the difference in his hair and demeanor. She also mentions that she has no idea who Spider-Man is because the character doesn't exist in this realm. Moments later, Miles' uncle Aaron appears, startling our hero. Eventually, we learn the truth when Aaron attacks Miles and ties him to a punching bag, bringing him face-to-face with his alternate self.
Visually, the filmmakers hint at the twist by presenting the sequence in darker color tones. We obviously know something is amiss when the deceased Aaron shows up, but the creepy atmosphere, heavy shadows, and the character's strange behavior intensify our fears. At one point, Aaron wears a Prowler claw and strikes the boxing bag, causing the animation to slow down and make us truly feel the impact. We're watching a comic book come to vivid life here, folks. This is the kind of thing you don't take for granted.
When alternate Miles arrives, revealing himself to be the actual Prowler, his overall look is harsher — shorter hair, darker complexion, and less emotion on his face. These simple, but effective visual cues lead to an amazing cliffhanger and fuel our desire for the third film to arrive as quickly as possible.
1. Spider-Men chase
Anticipation peaks in "Across the Spider-Verse" as Miles Morales skillfully evades an army of diverse Spider-Men, each bursting with their own distinctive designs and traits. This exhilarating sequence showcases the film's remarkable animation prowess, immersing us in a universe teeming with imaginative variations. From Spider-cars to Spider-dinosaurs, Spider-toys to characters plucked straight from comic book pages and video games, the film's creativity treats our eyes to a feast.
While the sequence maintains an overall comedic tone, highlighted by the uproarious collision with a therapy session, the stakes remain high as Miles must find a way back to his own universe to save his father from impending doom. Among the captivating cast, Spider-Man 2099 stands out as a frightening blend of human and vampire, driven by an unwavering determination that disregards the pleas of Gwen and Peter B. Parker. The clash of personalities and motives ramps up the tension and propels the narrative forward.
With a legacy encompassing numerous "Spider-Man" movies, video games, and comic books, "Across the Spider-Verse" boldly distinguishes itself with its unparalleled zaniness. The visual splendor and audacious filmmaking showcased in this sequence serve as a testament to the boundless ambition of the creators, delivering a dizzying array of colors and a whirlwind of excitement that sets it apart from other comic book fare.