Below is my ranking of the three movies in Marvel's "SPIDER-MAN" franchise. Directed by Sam Rami, all three movies starred Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco and Rosemary Harris:
FRANCHISE RANKING: The "SPIDER-MAN" Movies
1. "SPIDER-MAN 2" (2004) - For me, this is the best movie in the franchise and it centered around Peter Parker's struggles to maintain a balance between his private life and his role as the web-slinging crime fighter, Spider-Man . . . who has to contend with Otto Octavius a.k.a. Dr. Octopus and a dangerous fusion-based experiment that could destroy half of New York City. Alfred Molina co-starred as Otto Octavius a.k.a. "Doc Ock".
2. "SPIDER-MAN 3" (2007) - Although slightly operatic, this third film centered around Peter Parker a.k.a. Spider-Man exploring his baser instincts thanks to a mysterious black alien symbiotic substance that bonds to him. He also has to deal with a vengeful Harry Osborn a.k.a. the New Goblin, an escaped convict named Flint Marko a.k.a. the Sandman, a rival photographer named Eddie Brock who becomes Venom and a very insecure Mary Jane Watson. Topher Grace, Thomas Haden Church and Bryce Dallas Howard co-starred.
3. "SPIDER-MAN" (2002) - This first movie introduced the cinematic Spider-Man to the world. The web-slinger has to deal with his unrequited feelings for childhood love, Mary Jane Watson and his arch enemy, the Green Goblin a.k.a. Norman Osborn, father of his best friend Harry Osborn. Good movie, but a bit episodic. Willem Dafoe and Cliff Robertson co-starred.