Since Peter Parker made his amazing debut, he's become one of the most celebrated comic book characters of all time. As Spider-Man, he accomplished all sorts of incredible feats over the years, despite often being seen as a street-level hero.
With a unique sense of humor and relatable personality, Spider-Man has said and done some hysterical and inspiring things over the years — sometimes at the same time. His most iconic quotes reveal interesting details about himself and his life. Whether taking a jab at J. Jonah Jameson, laughing at his wild circumstances, or lifting someone up, Spidey always finds a way to pull others into his world.
Updated on October 13th, 2023 by Jordan Iacobucci: Spider-Man may be known for keeping supervillains at bay, but he is also just as memorable for his terrific and often very inspirational quotes in Marvel Comics. Few characters have ever been better-known for their moving speeches and bold aphorisms than Spider-Man himself.
All The Different Spider-Man Variants and Versions Ranked by Powers
From young Miles Morales to the future Spider-Man 2099 and the villainous Poison, Marvel Comics boasts many powerful versions of Spider-Man.25 "Weird Things Happen To Me All The Time."
Spider-Man Unlimited (Vol. 3) #9, by Christopher Yost, Drew Johnson, Ray Snyder, John Rauch, and Dave Sharpe
"I'm Spider-Man. Weird things happen to me all the time."
Given how frequently Spider-Man deals with strange traps and potentially dangerous situations, he couldn't help but be suspicious when a mysterious, injured man randomly addressed him. Spidey was quick to acknowledge the wild things he's seen in his career as a costumed crime-fighter. Choosing to help the man find the police, Spider-Man chalked the encounter up as another bizarre moment to add to his running list.
24 "I'm Batman."
Runaways (Vol. 2) #11, by Brian K. Vaughan, Adrian Alphona, Craig Yeung, Christina Strain, and Randy Gentile
"Yes. I'm Batman."
A Great Non-MCU Series Deserves to be Canon Again
The MCU has added a slew of shows like Daredevil and The Punisher to its timeline. But another non-canon series deserves a second chance.Whether his teammates appreciate it or not, Spider-Man relies on humor to defuse tense situations. When Cloak was framed for crimes he didn't commit, Spider-Man sought the Runaways since they'd helped Cloak out before. To put the young heroes at ease, Spidey introduced himself as Batman. Then he bought the young heroes a sushi dinner and talked about Cloak instead of launching into a typical superhero vs. superhero battle.
23 "It's Easy To Laugh..."
Peter Parker: Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #20, by Paul Jenkins, Mark Buckingham, Dan Green, Joe Rosas, Richard Starkings, and Troy Peteri
GALLERY
"I guess it's easy to laugh in the face of danger when you don't take anything too seriously."
After losing his wife, Mary Jane, in a plane crash, Peter Parker visited his Uncle Ben's grave. Peter reminisced about the fun he used to have while fighting crime and web-slinging across the city, highlighting the darkness he now found himself facing years. Peter's trip down memory lane made it easier to laugh at his own jokes instead of hiding behind humor.
22 "Is This The End Of Spider-Man?"
Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #132, by Gerry Conway, John Romita Sr., Paul Reinman, Tony Mortellaro, Petra Goldberg, and Art Simek
"Is this -- Is this It? Is this the end of Spider-Man?"
During a deadly battle with Molten Man, Peter Parker discovered he'd been exposed to radioactive rocks. The radiation poisoning plaguing his body, Peter Parker passed out on his way out of the hospital. Known only to himself, Peter's thoughts revealed his genuine fear during a vulnerable moment.
21 "My Name Is Peter Parker."
Civil War (Vol. 1) #2, by Mark Millar, Steve McNiven, Dexter Vines, Morry Hollowell, and Chris Eliopoulos
"My name is Peter Parker and I've been Spider-Man since I was 15 years old."
Who Was the First Superhero to Learn Spider-Man's Secret Identity?
Spider-Man's secret identity is known to a large number of superheroes, but who was the first to discover it in the comics?As part of a publicity stunt to increase general support for the Superhuman Registration Act, Tony Stark asked Spider-Man to reveal his secret identity to the world. Protecting his true identity had always been a core element to Spider-Man's stories, so his decision to go public shocked the readers as much as it surprised Peter's friends and coworkers.
20 "Cap... I Need To Know."
Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #537, by J. Michael Straczynski, Ron Garney, Bill Reinhold, Matt Milla, and Cory Petit
"I don't want to know, Cap. I need to know."
During Civil War, Spider-Man originally sided with Iron Man and backed the Superhero Registration Act. Soon, he found himself fighting former teammates and people he admired. Realizing he'd made a mistake, Spider-Man defected to Captain America's Anti-Registration team. Spider-Man's sincerity when seeking Cap's advice revealed his humility and the level of respect he held for Captain America.
19 "I Was Born To Be Spider-Man!"
Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #18, by Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, and Sam Rosen
"Nothing will stop me now! For I know at last that a man can't change his destiny... and I was born to be Spider-Man!"
After Spider-Man had to abandon several battles to help his ailing Aunt May, the Daily Bugle called him a coward, causing the public's ridicule to increase. Peter Parker's resolve weakened, and he quit being Spider-Man. However, Aunt May's recovery and her words of wisdom sparked a change in Peter, reminding him why he never gives up. Tearing up another of J. Jonah Jameson's scathing editorials, Peter put on his costume and returned to the action.
18 "Playing Super Hero Isn't A Game. It's Fate."
Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #7, by Todd McFarlane, Gregory Wright, and Jim Novak
"Playing super hero isn't a game. It's fate. We choose to do good. Choose to do bad. We had a choice."
The 10 Most Responsible Spider-Man Film Characters, Ranked
The Spider-Man movies have offered characters that are great examples of responsibility. But from MJ to Uncle Ben, who was the most responsible?Following the fallout from Marvel's Inferno event, the newly powered Demogoblin kidnapped a child and transformed him into his own ghastly image. Teaming up with Danny Ketch/Ghost Rider, Spider-Man battled the Demogoblin and sought to save the boy's life. However, Ghost Rider's inexperience and reckless behavior nearly cost the young boy his life. Spider-Man tried to help Ghost Rider see how his recklessness caused problems, but the Spirit of Vengeance wasn't interested in Spidey's valuable lesson.
17 "No Matter How Hard I Try -- People Die!"
Amazing Spider-Man: Soul Of The Hunter (Vol. 1) #1, by J. M. DeMatteis, Mike Zeck, Bob McLeod, Steve Buccellato, and Rick Parker
"I've worn this suit -- gone out there and put my life on the line again and again! ...but no matter how hard I try -- people die!"
In Soul of the Hunter, an undead Kraven the Hunter made Spider-Man confront this guilt. Spidey often blamed himself for not being better, faster, stronger, or smarter, even when there was nothing he could feasibly do.
While the exasperated claim that everyone always died wasn't one of Spider-Man's more uplifting quotes, it revealed a lot about his character and his heart for others.
16 "We Save As Many As We Can... That's All We Do."
All-New Captain America Special (Vol. 1) #1, by Jeff Loveness, Alec Morgan, Nolan Woodard, and Joe Sabino
"We save as many as we can to make up for the ones we couldn't. That's all we do."
When Spider-Man sees other heroes struggling with similar guilt or doubt, he's quick to come alongside them and help them find their confidence. Spidey's given this advice to numerous heroes from all walks of life. Whether the discouraged hero is learning the ropes, or is the Queen of the Inhumans, Peter Parker always has an encouraging word of advice.
15 "My Fault, All My Fault!"
Amazing Fantasy (Vol. 1) #15, by Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, Stan Goldberg, and Artie Simek
"My fault -- all my fault! If only I had stopped him when I could have! But I didn't -- and now -- Uncle Ben-- is dead."
Marvel’s New Ultimate Spider-Man is the Peter Parker Fans Have Always Wanted
The next Ultimate Spider-Man couldn't be more different than his predecessors, and that is exactly why he is bound for greatness.Peter's tragic revelation concerning his Uncle Ben's death drove him to become a genuine hero. He learned innocent people suffer when good people don't step in to help, and he determined to put his powers to good use. Peter lost his hero and mentor, but he made sure Uncle Ben's death meant something.
14 “There's No Stopping You... 'Cause You're A Hero.”
Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #300, by Chip Zdarsky, Adam Kubert, Juan Frigeri, Jason Keith, and Travis Lanham
"I know that look. I had it a lot when I was your age... There's no stopping you. I want you to run because you don't have your armor. But you won't... 'cause you're a hero."
In one of Spider-Man’s more inspirational quotes, Peter Parker encouraged the armored hero Riri Williams, who became Ironheart after Tony Stark’s disappearance. Considering Peter himself became Spider-Man at such a young age, it was fitting to witness him offering advice and encouragement to one of Marvel’s younger heroes.
13 "When There Seems To Be No Chance, That's When It Counts!"
Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #33, by Stan Lee, Steve Ditko, and Artie Simek
"Anyone can win a fight when the odds are easy! It's when the going's tough, when there seems to be no chance, that's when it counts!"
Following a battle with Doctor Octopus, Spider-Man got trapped by heavy machinery as Doc Ock's underwater base flooded around him. The Web-Head momentarily thought about giving up, but as usual, he called on the lessons he'd learned from those he loved. After encouraging himself, he lifted tons of equipment to free himself and escaped.
12 “Spider-Man? ...He’s Never Going To Stop Trying.”
Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #310, by Chip Zdarsky and Travis Lanham
"When I think of Spider-Man? I think, no matter what... he's never going to stop trying."
10 Incredibly Powerful Villains Spider-Man Reformed
Spider-Man refuses to give up on anybody, including some of his greatest villains who he has helped reform time and again over the years.In Chip Zdarsky’s very last issue of Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man, a filmmaker went around asking people for their opinion on Spider-Man. Peter Parker had a very complicated answer and did his best to summarize what Spider-Man meant to him. In a way, Peter described his aspiration and who he wanted to be as a hero, offering greater insight into his motivations.
11 “No Man Should Fall Without A Struggle.”
Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #67, by Stan Lee, John Romita Sr., Jim Mooney, and Artie Simek
"No one can win every battle, but no man should fall without a struggle."
As Spider-Man fought against Mysterio's deceiving tricks in the pages of The Amazing Spider-Man, things look bleak. Fortunately, Spider-Man’s spirits weren’t easily broken. Digging deep, Spider-Man latched onto his strong sense of hope, and resolved to give it everything he had.
10 “That’s What I Love About This City.”
Son of M (Vol. 1) #1, by David Hine, Roy Allan Martinez, Pete Pantazis, and Dave Lanphear
"That’s what I love about this city. Every time I need to hit somebody really, really hard, some jerk steps up and volunteers."
The House of M event altered reality by giving the Avengers and X-Men their greatest wish in a new mutant-dominated society. For Spider-Man, that meant the loved ones he'd lost over the years were once again alive, like his parents and Gwen Stacy. In this new reality, Peter married Gwen and they started a family. When reality reverted, Peter's memories of his other life haunted him. He retreated to his life as Spider-Man and lashed out at a group of criminals targeting a young mutant, remarking that New York City's criminals were always quick to provide "catharsis."
9 “Uncle Ben. I Couldn’t Save Him… But I Saved You.”
Ultimate Comics Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #160, by Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagley, Andy Lanning, Andrew Hennessy, Justin Ponsor, and Cory Petit
“Uncle Ben. I couldn’t save him… No matter what I did. But I saved you. I did it. I did…”
One of the saddest Spider-Man comics to date is undoubtedly Peter Parker's death in the Ultimate universe. Although Peter proved victorious in the end, the fight took literally everything he had. As he lay dying, Peter explained to his Aunt May that he felt content, because he managed to save his loved ones when he couldn’t save Uncle Ben.
8 “Ah, Man... Wolverine... Is Really Gonna Be Pretty Upset.”
New Avengers (Vol. 1) #7, by Brian Michael Bendis, Steve McNiven, Mark Morales, Morry Hollowell, Richard Starkings, and Albert Deschesne
“Ah, Man, When Wolverine Grows His Face Back, He's Really Gonna Be Pretty Upset.”
Deadpool 3 Finally Unveils First Trailer, Revealing Official Title
The first trailer for Deadpool 3 has just been released.Following a serious injury that Wolverine was sure to recover from, Spider-Man wittingly offered his average commentary. Spidey's remarks don't always come at the most appropriate time, but that's part of what readers love about him. Spider-Man's great quips and awkward give him a certain charm few other Marvel characters can match.
7 “I Never Carried A Man-Purse.”
Superior Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #31, by Dan Slott, Christos N. Gage, Giuseppe Camuncoli, John Dell, Terry Pallot, Antonio Fabela, and Chris Eliopoulos
"Except the dignity of knowing I never carried a man-purse."
During Superior Spider-Man, Doctor Octopus literally took over Peter Parker's body. This change didn’t last long, and Otto restored Peter’s mind after realizing Parker was the only one who could stop Norman Osborn. Believing Spider-Man was still Doc Ock, Green Goblin taunted Spider-Man. However, Peter's hilarious jab made it clear the real Spider-Man had returned.
6 "Nothing Scares Me More Than Letting [Ben Parker] Down."
Amazing Spider-Man (Vol. 1) #661, by Christos N. Gage, Reilly Brown, Victor Olazaba, John Rauch, and Joe Caramagna
"I know I'm not good enough. I never will be. That's no excuse to stop fighting. No matter how much it scares me. No matter how much it hurts, Ben Parker taught me that. And nothing scares me more than letting him down."
When Spider-Man was spending a day with the students at Avengers Academy, they encountered the emotion-manipulating Psycho-Man. Psycho-Man used his Control Box to stoke the doubt, fear, and anger in the students and Spider-Man. However, Peter Parker overcame his insecurities, focusing on the motivation he learned from his Uncle Ben. While things hadn't gone as planned, Peter taught the heroes of Avengers Academy a valuable lesson.