A blockbuster animated follow-up capturing audiences and critics
Spider-Man: Across the Spider‑Verse has emerged as one of the most-watched and highest-rated titles on Disney+ in the U.S., quickly becoming a standout success for Sony’s animated Spider‑Verse franchise. Released in theatres June 2, 2023, the film picked up where the 2018 Oscar-winner Spider‑Man: Into the Spider‑Verse left off, expanding the multiverse story around Miles Morales and delivering a vivid, action-packed cinematic experience that resonated with both audiences and reviewers.
Why audiences and critics are praising it
Across the Spider‑Verse has been widely lauded for several strengths that set it apart:
- Bold, inventive animation that pushes stylistic boundaries and rewards repeat viewings.
- A tightly woven story that balances high-stakes action with emotional stakes for its young hero.
- Dense layering of references and visual Easter eggs that appeal to long-time fans and new viewers alike.
- A dramatic, cliffhanger conclusion that sets up further installments while leaving a strong impression on its own.
On Rotten Tomatoes the film scored an exceptionally high approval, with both critics and audience ratings landing around 95%. Critics’ consensus highlights the picture’s visual flair and thrilling pacing, while audience reactions emphasize the combination of striking animation, compelling storytelling, and deep fandom callbacks.
Box office performance: big returns on a modest budget
Financially, Across the Spider‑Verse was a major success. Produced for an estimated $100 million, the film grossed roughly $690 million worldwide. That total breaks down to about $381 million domestically and $309 million from international markets. The movie opened at the top of the U.S. box office against strong summer competition and finished 2023 among the year’s top earners globally—ranking sixth worldwide and third in the U.S.
Key creative team and cast
Across the Spider‑Verse was directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, with a screenplay shaped by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller alongside Dave Callaham. The cast includes:
- Shameik Moore as the voice of Miles Morales
- Hailee Steinfeld as Gwen Stacy
The film is a direct continuation of the Spider‑Verse storyline established in Into the Spider‑Verse and is positioned as the middle chapter ahead of the planned sequel Spider‑Man: Beyond the Spider‑Verse.
What this success means for the wider Spider‑Man landscape
The animated Spider‑Verse’s critical and streaming momentum underscores the breadth of the Spider‑Man brand: it thrives across formats, from stylized animation to the interconnected live‑action entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That crossover appeal matters as audiences await new live‑action releases—most notably the next Tom Holland-led installment, Spider‑Man: Brand New Day, which finished production in December 2025 and is set to follow the events of Spider‑Man: No Way Home. Brand New Day brings back Zendaya (MJ), Jacob Batalon (Ned), Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/Hulk), and a roster of characters including Jon Bernthal (Frank Castle/The Punisher), Michael Mando (Scorpion), Marvin Jones III (Tombstone) and Sadie Sink, and will arrive on December 18.
Across’s acclaim and streaming presence demonstrate that inventive storytelling and strong emotional cores can elevate franchise entries—an encouraging sign for both animated and live-action Spider‑Man projects as they build toward future crossover events.
Where to watch
Spider‑Man: Across the Spider‑Verse is currently available to stream on Disney+. Fans looking to catch up ahead of future releases can find it there. For viewers who want the full narrative arc, begin with Spider‑Man: Into the Spider‑Verse, then watch Across before the upcoming Beyond the Spider‑Verse installment.