Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Much like X2, this sequel to Sam Raimi’s original Spider-Man deepened the characters and enriched the world in a way that few superhero sequels have. More than simply a tale of hero versus villain, the film centers on Peter Parker’s (Tobey Maguire) mounting pressure to sort out his life, a sentiment instantly relatable to anyone who’s undergone adolescence and one that rings true to the character’s initial appeal in the comic books. In addition, Alfred Molina makes for an unforgettable villain as Doctor Octopus, and the film’s final moments — which tease Harry Osborn’s (James Franco) rise as the new Green Goblin — set the stage for a hell of a payoff in the inevitable follow-up. Although Spider-Man 3 failed to deliver, the middle chapter in Raimi’s trilogy works as a standalone adventure and is likely the benchmark that Marvel Studios will be hoping to improve upon in their 2017 reboot.