Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man Has the Best Animated Intro of All Time

Summary

Spider-Man cartoons’ intros ranked by animation style, music, and content.
Some intros lacked effort, while others had catchy music and unique animation.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (2025) intro stands out for its energy, originality, and music remix.

Spider-Man made his initial appearance in comic books through Amazing Fantasy #15, and he continues to be a popular character today, having been around for several decades. His first solo animated series was broadcast in 1967, which is not too long after his comics debut. This is a relatively quick transition for a superhero, considering that the production of cartoons was more frequent during the television era back then.

In simpler terms, after several cartoons were produced, the most recent one is “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man,” airing on Disney+. Some people believe that a cartoon’s quality is determined by its opening animation sequence. Regardless, we’ll examine the animated intros of all Spider-Man cartoons and rank them based on their visual style and choice of music. We will only focus on shows centered around Spider-Man, so “Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends” and “Spidey and His Amazing Friends” will be mentioned briefly in comparison to other series.

9. Spider-Man (2017)

No Effort At All

2017’s animated series is generally well-received, but its opening sequence could use some additional polish. Instead of an engaging introduction, it features a simple white backdrop accompanied by subtle music while Spider-Man glides in.

This show, which originally aired on Disney XD, replaced “Ultimate Spider-Man” following its conclusion in 2016. The reboot that began in 2017 ran for multiple seasons, making it unusual that the introduction of this series seems out of place among other Spider-Man introductions.

8. Spider-Man (1981)

An Intro With Very Few Words

As a die-hard film fan, I’ve got to say that when Spider-Man graced our TV screens on NBC after the 1967 original on ABC, it felt like a new era was dawning. The catchy jingle of the ’67 show took a backseat, replaced by the simple yet impactful word: “Spider-Man.” In essence, there were technically two instances of this powerful phrase in the intro, with the narrator announcing “Spider-Man” at the start and repeating it as the intro came to a close.

The music has a funkier vibe and the animation features scenes from the series, particularly focusing on Doctor Doom and less on traditional villains like the Green Goblin. This show, “Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends,” premiered in 1981, where Spider-Man gained two companions: Ice Man and Firestar.

7. Spider-Man: The New Animated Series (2003)

MTV’s Short-Lived Take

2002’s Sam Raimi-directed “Spider-Man” film was both a commercial and critical success. Seizing this wave of popularity, MTV produced a 2003 TV series titled either “Spider-Man” or “Spider-Man: The New Animated Series,” depending on the region. This show combined computer-generated (CG) animation with a cel-shaded appearance. While the narratives were more complex, this attempt was short-lived.

In this rephrased version: The main characters, such as Peter Parker, Mary Jane Watson, and Harry Osborn, are introduced against a techno backdrop. Familiar antagonists like Kraven the Hunter, Kingpin, and The Lizard also appear, and the introduction concludes with Peter unmasking to reveal one of the most unusual animated faces on screen – a sight that didn’t exactly encourage viewers to stay tuned.

6. Ultimate Spider-Man (2012)

A Little Too Thrash

In 2012, I was part of the team that brought to life the adaptation known as “Ultimate Spider-Man.” The opening sequence captures Peter Parker tinkering with what appears to be his parents’ inventions before getting bitten by a spider. The intro carries an urgent, no-nonsense vibe, with its fast-paced, thrash metal soundtrack suggesting we’ve got no time to waste.

The pace is overwhelmingly quick, bordering on uncomfortable, which seems unusual for Disney XD. Just like other Spider-Man cartoons, Doctor Doom and Venom are featured in the opening credits, as well as various scenes from the series episodes.

5. Spider-Man Unlimited (1999)

The End Of The 90s Loved Their Darker Tales

In the aftermath of the original 1994 series, another adaptation titled “Spider-Man Unlimited” made its debut on Fox. The opening scene already signaled a shift, featuring grittier visuals and a more mature vibe compared to previous versions. Interestingly, 1999 marked the emergence of edgier reinterpretations of classic characters; “Spider-Man Unlimited” started airing in October 1999, preceded by “Batman Beyond,” which premiered in January 1999.

In addition to the comic illustrations, rain, and heavier outlines, another striking feature is a group of anthropomorphic animals. This is noteworthy as the character known as the High Evolutionary, who serves as a significant antagonist in the storyline, has a prominent role. Therefore, it can be said that 20th Century Fox successfully conveyed the uniqueness of Spider-Man Unlimited.

4. The Spectacular Spider-Man (2008)

Back To Lyrics

Back in 2008, I stumbled upon The Spectacular Spider-Man, and visually, it bore a striking resemblance to the series from 2012. Yet, what sets this cartoon apart from those before 1967 is its unique approach to lyrics in the opening theme – moving beyond just strange chants. This distinctive feature alone elevates its worth, and let me tell you, the tune itself is quite catchy!

This opening scene offers a fresh perspective on Peter, portraying him as younger, and it also introduces several iconic foes such as Shocker, Sandman, Doc Ock’s tentacles, among others. Initially aired on The CW, the second season was later acquired by Disney XD, but unfortunately, the series was terminated when Spidey’s television animation rights shifted back to Disney from Sony.

3. Spider-Man (1994)

Radioactive Spider Blood

The 1994 Spider-Man animated series marked the character’s most successful transformation, with numerous seasons airing after its debut, much like the 1992 X-Men cartoon that also aired on Fox and was set in the same universe. Instead of a lyrical ballad, this Spider-Man intro opted for catchy music to set the tone.

To put it simply, the persistent cries of “Spider-Man” and “Spider Blood” certainly make this theme unique amidst its hard rock base. Each season brought a different rendition, often paired with episode clips. The initial version saw Spider-Man battling adversaries like Doc Ock, Hobgoblin, Kraven the Hunter, The Lizard, Kingpin, and even Venom.

2. Spider-Man (1967)

Listen, Bud, He’s Got Radioactive Blood

The 1967 version of Spider-Man, unlike modern cartoons, doesn’t boast flashy animations or frequent action sequences on the screen. Instead, the opening scenes mainly depict Spider-Man swinging through New York City and intermittently apprehending petty criminals using his web tricks.

Regardless of the quality of animation and direction, the show on ABC was memorable due to an incredible theme song that has stood the test of time and remains relevant today. This timeless tune has been reimagined in countless ways, and it’s a piece of pop culture that originated from this very cartoon.

1. Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (2025)

There We Go Again Swinging

In its opening, Spider-Man, your local hero, exudes an infectious energy through a revitalized tune derived from the 1967 intro, now rhythmically adjusted to hip-hop beats. The animation maintains a comic-book aesthetic and avoids repetition by presenting fresh scenes instead of rehashing episodes. What truly sets it apart is that each episode concludes with a unique version of this theme song, mirroring the cover art found in comic books.

If you’re fond of the tune, you can find the extended version for cranking up in your vehicle as well. It’s refreshing to notice that the recent Disney remake is receiving a considerable amount of attention and hard work invested in it.

2025-02-26 21:09