Before the MCU was a multi-billion dollar juggernaut, and before Fortnite skins were the primary way kids interacted with Marvel, we had Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man. This is the origin story: Peter Parker is a nerdy high schooler, gets bitten by a genetically modified spider (it was radioactive in the comics, but 2002 loved "genetics"), gains powers, loses his Uncle Ben, and learns that "with great power comes great responsibility."

It stars Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker, Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane Watson, and the legendary Willem Dafoe as Norman Osborn (the Green Goblin). While modern kids might think the CGI looks a little "Ohio" (that’s kid-speak for weird or cringey) compared to Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, the story hits harder because it feels more personal and grounded than the "save the entire multiverse" plots we see today.

Even if your kid hasn't seen the movie, they know the movie.

Here is where I give you the "Screenwise No-BS" warning. The director, Sam Raimi, is a horror movie legend (Evil Dead, anyone?). He brought some of those sensibilities to Spider-Man (2002).

The Green Goblin is genuinely terrifying. We aren't just talking about a guy in a mask; there are scenes where Norman Osborn talks to himself in a mirror that feel like a psychological thriller. There’s a scene involving a "skeleton" transformation during a laboratory accident that has been known to make 7-year-olds hide under the covers.

If your child is sensitive to "jump scares" or creepy imagery, you might want to pre-screen the laboratory scene and the final fight. The final showdown is brutal—it’s not just "superhero punching," it’s a bloody, desperate street brawl. It’s far more visceral than the sanitized, sparkly violence we often see in modern Avengers films.

Ask our chatbot for a list of the scariest scenes in Spider-Man 2002

Honestly? I’d skip it or watch it with them with the "fast-forward" finger ready. The Green Goblin’s cackle and the jump scares might be too much. If they want Spidey fix, stick to Spidey and His Amazing Friends or the Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse movie, which is visually stunning but feels more like a "cartoon" buffer.

This is the perfect age. They’re old enough to handle the "scary" parts and young enough to deeply feel the moral lessons. This is also a great time to talk about the difference between practical effects and modern CGI.

Teenagers will likely enjoy it for the memes, but also because it’s a solid film. It’s a great bridge to talk about how movies have changed in the last 20+ years.

The famous line—"With great power comes great responsibility"—is the heart of this movie. In a world where kids have the "power" of a global broadcast system in their pockets (aka a smartphone), this is a perfect conversation starter.

Early in the movie, Peter uses his new powers to humiliate his bully, Flash Thompson. It’s satisfying to watch, but it also leads to consequences.

The death of Uncle Ben is the emotional catalyst for the whole franchise. It’s handled with weight and sadness. It’s a heavy moment, so be prepared to talk about grief if your child is sensitive to that.

If your kid finishes this and wants more, the "Spider-Verse" is vast. Here is how it stacks up against the other options:

Check out our guide on the differences between the three Spider-Man actors

Spider-Man (2002) is a "must-watch" for a reason. It isn't just "brain rot" content designed to sell toys; it’s a well-constructed movie about the transition from childhood to adulthood. Yes, the Green Goblin looks like a Power Ranger villain, and yes, the "upside-down kiss" is a bit much, but the core of the movie—a kid trying to do the right thing when it’s hard—is timeless.

If you’re looking for a Friday night movie that will actually hold your attention while keeping the kids off Roblox for two hours, this is a top-tier choice. Just keep a pillow nearby for them to squeeze when Willem Dafoe starts talking to his reflection.

Ask our chatbot for more retro movie recommendations for 10-year-olds