Every Spider-Man Cartoon Series Since 1967

Before he lit up the big screen in cult films and triumphed in hit Spider-Man video games — our favourite web-slinger had already won fans' hearts through his many animated series. Since 1967, Peter Parker has been reworked in every form imaginable: traditional animation, the stylised drawings of the 1980s, experimental 3D effects and modern high-definition animation.

Every adaptation mirrors not only the evolution of animation techniques, but also that of pop culture and of how the character has been seen across the generations. In this article, we're taking you on a trip back in time to revisit every Spider-Man cartoon since his television debut.

1967: The Amazing Spider-Man, the founding series

First broadcast in 1967, this series produced by Grantray-Lawrence Animation gave us a cult theme tune, with its famous ‘Spider-Man, Spider-Man, does whatever a spider can’ line lodged in the collective memory. The animation, rudimentary by today's standards, marked a turning point: it was the first time Peter Parker came to life on screen.

This version lays the foundations: a lone hero, a complicated double life and a constant fight against his enemies. Even though the technique has dated, it keeps a nostalgic charm that still appeals to collectors and vintage lovers.

1981: Spider-Man & Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends

The 1980s mark a new stage with two flagship series. The first, Spider-Man (1981), stays fairly classic in its storytelling. The second, Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends, teams the web-slinger up with Firestar and Iceman to form a colourful trio.

This is the era of the Saturday morning cartoons, shown at the weekend to millions of American households. The tone is lighter and the plots simpler, but the aim is clear: entertain a young audience while fuelling the boom in toys and Spider-Man merchandise.

1994: Spider-Man: The Animated Series (Fox Kids)

Widely seen as one of the best animated adaptations of the web-slinger, the 1994 series brings in a more serialised format, with complex story arcs, crossovers and real character development. Broadcast on Fox Kids, it defined for many the voice and the rhythm of Spider-Man on television.

Among its cult moments: the symbiote (Alien Costume) saga, the Neogenic Nightmare arc about mutations, and the multiverse finale Spider-Wars. The rogues' gallery is especially rich here: Green Goblin, Doctor Octopus, Venom, Carnage, Mysterio, Kingpin… not to mention appearances linked to the X-Men and the Avengers that thrilled a whole generation.

This series remains an ideal way into Peter Parker's world, with a perfect balance between comic-book faithfulness and TV storytelling. To dig into the great sagas, have a look at our pillar page on the Spider-Man story arcs.

2003: Spider-Man – The New Animated Series (MTV)

In 2003, Spider-Man came back in an experimental 3D version broadcast on MTV. Darker and more grown-up, this series was meant as an alternative continuity to the Sam Raimi films. Its visual style, inspired by cell-shading, and its more adult tone won some fans over while leaving others puzzled. This version tackles more psychological plots and puts forward a Peter Parker at university, already marked by his choices as a hero. A curiosity worth (re)discovering if you like unusual formats.

2008: The Spectacular Spider-Man

Seen by many as the best Spider-Man animated series, The Spectacular Spider-Man shines thanks to its perfect balance of humour, action and comic-book faithfulness. Broadcast between 2008 and 2009, it revisits the web-slinger's origins while developing long plots and strong supporting characters. Sadly it stops after two seasons, leaving fans wanting more. The story arcs around the Venom symbiote and the Sinister Six are especially memorable here.

2012: Ultimate Spider-Man

In 2012, Marvel Animation launched Ultimate Spider-Man, a more cartoonish and comedic series aimed mainly at a young audience. Expect Deadpool-style breaks of the fourth wall, fast action and the introduction of plenty of heroes such as Nova, Iron Fist and Luke Cage. It divides long-time fans, but it let a new generation discover Spider-Man in a colourful, accessible world. It is also a good way into the Spider-Verse for children.

2017: Marvel's Spider-Man

The 2017 version, simply titled Marvel's Spider-Man, offers a more school-based, contemporary take on Peter Parker. The hero is shown as a teenager still learning, juggling his studies with his life as a crime-fighter. Less popular with long-time fans, the series still appeals to younger viewers thanks to its modern visuals and fast pace. It also puts the emphasis on the character's science and inventiveness, an aspect often enjoyed by anyone who admires Peter's brilliant side.

2018 & 2023: Into the Spider-Verse and Across the Spider-Verse

Even though they are not series, it is impossible to talk about Spider-Man in animation without mentioning these two masterpieces. With a revolutionary animation style blending 2D, 3D and comic-book-inspired textures, Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and Across the Spider-Verse (2023) redefined the way an animated story can be told. They introduce Miles Morales, Spider-Gwen, Spider-Man Noir and many other variants from the Spider-Verse. Their success proved that the web-slinger is more than ever a cultural icon.

Why so many animated versions?

Spider-Man is one of the most universal and adaptable heroes in the Marvel universe. His everyday life as a teenager or young adult, his moral dilemmas and his colourful rogues' gallery make him ideal for short, evolving formats. Every generation has had its own Spider-Man, reflecting the values and the visual style of its time.

📺 Which Spider-Man animated series for which audience?

The Spider-Man cartoons in chronological order

Carry on the Spider-Man adventure

Whether you are a fan of the early vintage cartoons or of modern versions like the Spider-Verse, our shop is packed with products inspired by every era. You'll find Spider-Man figurines, exclusive T-shirts and even fancy dress costumes to become your favourite version.

Did you know?

The cult meme of the ‘Spider-Men pointing at each other’ comes from the episode Double Identity of the 1967 series. The gag has travelled down the decades, reused in Into the Spider-Verse and No Way Home, and it has become a universal symbol of the Spider-Man world.

The best Spider-Man animated series according to fans

What fans say on social media

Debate runs hot between those nostalgic for the 1994 version and the fans of Spectacular. On Reddit, YouTube and Twitter, thousands of polls and videos compare the merits of each adaptation. The general trend puts 1994 ahead for nostalgia and faithfulness, and 2008 in the lead for writing quality and modernity.

Conclusion

From 1967 to today, every Spider-Man animated series has left its mark on its era. Whether it is the vintage charm of the early days, the epic plots of the 1990s, the 3D experimentation of the 2000s or the colourful freshness of the recent versions, each one adds a stone to the myth. If you are feeling nostalgic, Spider-Man: The Animated Series is a must. If you want the best writing, go for The Spectacular Spider-Man. And to get the youngest started, Ultimate Spider-Man or Marvel's Spider-Man remain ideal.