A dazzling, emotionally charged sequel that pushes superhero animation into near-operatic territory. It pairs inventive multiverse spectacle with real coming-of-age stakes, making it a standout for viewers who want style, heart, and momentum in equal measure.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Where to watch: Buy
Movie · Animation · Action
Wed · 2h 20m
Director: Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson, Joaquim Dos Santos
Starring: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry
Overview
After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters the Spider Society, a team of Spider-People charged with protecting the Multiverse's very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must set out on his own to save those he loves most.
Director
Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson, Joaquim Dos Santos
Cast
Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Brian Tyree Henry
Curator Review
Verdict
A dazzling, emotionally charged sequel that pushes superhero animation into near-operatic territory. It pairs inventive multiverse spectacle with real coming-of-age stakes, making it a standout for viewers who want style, heart, and momentum in equal measure.
Best for
fans of bold, experimental animation
viewers who like superhero stories with emotional depth
people who enjoy multiverse sci-fi with high visual energy
audiences who appreciate kinetic action and strong soundtrack-driven filmmaking
Skip if
you want a self-contained story with a clean ending
you dislike fast-cut, overstimulating visual design
you prefer grounded, low-concept superhero films
you haven’t seen the first Spider-Verse and want full context
Overview
Across the Spider-Verse is one of those rare sequels that feels bigger, stranger, and more alive than the movie before it. The animation is constantly reinventing itself, shifting styles, textures, and rhythms in ways that make even exposition feel like part of the spectacle. It’s a movie built to be felt as much as followed, and it rewards attention with visual invention at nearly every turn.
Worth noting
What gives it staying power, though, is that the movie never lets the multiverse gimmick swallow the character work. Miles is still the emotional center, and the story uses all that cosmic scale to sharpen the familiar anxieties of growing up, disappointing people, and trying to define yourself against expectations. Gwen’s arc adds a second layer of tenderness and melancholy that keeps the film from becoming pure noise.
Bottom line
It does end like a cliffhanger, so it’s not the most satisfying choice if you want a complete standalone experience. But as a piece of blockbuster animation, it’s thrilling, unusually ambitious, and often gorgeous enough to make you forget how much plot it’s juggling. For viewers open to maximalist style and serialized storytelling, it’s essential.
Top Letterboxd reviews
Karsten · 37819 likes
“my holes can take me anywhere”
demi adejuyigbe (5★) · 21197 likes
one of the most overwhelming viewing experiences of my life, compounded by my inability (refusal) to pee for about 100 minutes. outstanding. another banger for the canon of guys who love to loudly recognize something (e.g. “that’s spider-man, from spider-man”) edit: whoops almost forgot to add a very important note: if u look like rio morales, dm me…….
James (Schaffrillas) (4.5★) · 19699 likes
This is gonna be so lit when I can watch it at 0.75x speed with subtitles
cinemonika (5★) · 12861 likes
What an incredible treat this movie is. It’s been several hours and I’m still beaming with joy. The colors, the animation, the humor, the soundtrack; everything about it was damn near perfect and I enjoyed myself to the fullest from beginning to end. The only bad thing about it is that it ended.
Framesofnick (5★) · 8982 likes
I rewatched with my friend and instantly started crying with the first frame and didn’t stop for 40 fucking minutes I’m not kidding. Also I was high. this shit is magical
Themes
multiverse, coming of age, identity, family, destiny vs free will, heroism, friendship, self-discovery
Topics
animated superhero, multiverse, coming-of-age, high-energy action, stylized visuals, emotional, sci-fi adventure, family drama, cliffhanger, modern blockbuster