Spider-Man: Brand New Day review roundup: critics call Tom Holland's darker, more grown-up outing one of the MCU's best
Spider-Man: Brand New Day finds Tom Holland's Peter Parker protecting New York alone, four years after the world forgot who he is. Most critics hail it as a mature, moving highlight of the Marvel films, though a few found it familiar.
The story (no spoilers)
Four years after a spell made the whole world forget that Peter Parker exists, Peter (Tom Holland) is still protecting New York on his own as Spider-Man, with no friends or family who know his secret.
The strain of living two lives, and of pushing himself harder than ever, starts to change his powers in ways he does not understand, just as a dangerous new threat arrives in the city. Zendaya returns as MJ, alongside Jacob Batalon, Marisa Tomei, Jon Bernthal as the Punisher, Florence Pugh and Sadie Sink.
Where to watch or download
Links go to official services only. Streaming services let subscribers download titles in their app to watch offline, on supported plans; stores let you buy a copy to download and keep. Availability differs by country and changes over time (checked 18 October 2026). ElysiumHub does not host files or link to unofficial downloads.
The verdict
A must for Marvel and Spider-Man fans, and one of the rare superhero films that critics and audiences both love. It has been available to rent or buy at home since 6 October 2026, and it is still worth the biggest screen you can find.
- 90%Rotten TomatoesTomatometer, Certified Fresh, 438 reviews, 18 Oct 2026
- 66MetacriticMetascore, 56 critic reviews, 18 Oct 2026
- 97%RT audiencePopcornmeter, 25,000+ verified ratings, 18 Oct 2026
What critics say
“We don't get many great MCU movies anymore. That this is one of the highlights of the whole franchise feels amazing.”
“With the possible exception of Sam Raimi and Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man 2, it's the wall-crawler's best film to date.”
“'Brand New Day' is watchable without ever being transporting.”
“It's an entertaining spectacle, but really without the novelty of movie-iterations like the more experimental Spider-Verse animations.”
What works
- Tom Holland's most mature and moving performance as Peter Parker.
- A grounded, street-level story with real emotional stakes.
- Thrilling action and well-judged cameos.
- Zendaya and Jon Bernthal stand out in the supporting cast.
What doesn't
- Some critics found it familiar and short on genuine surprises.
- Several reviewers felt the slow first stretch takes a while to get moving.
- A few wanted a bolder break from franchise box-ticking.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day opened in cinemas on 31 July 2026 and arrived to rent or buy online on 6 October. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who made Shang-Chi, it is the fourth Tom Holland Spider-Man film and has been a huge hit: it had taken about $2.51 billion worldwide by 16 October, according to The Numbers, after a $360 million opening weekend in North America.
What critics liked
Most reviews call it a high point for Marvel. TheWrap's William Bibbiani named it one of the highlights of the whole franchise, and The Daily Beast's Nick Schager rated it the best Spider-Man film since Sam Raimi's Spider-Man 2. Critics praised its smaller, street-level stakes, its emotional weight and the way it lets Peter grow up, and The San Francisco Chronicle compared its mature melancholy to The Empire Strikes Back.
Where it falls short
The dissenters were not hostile so much as unmoved. Variety's Owen Gleiberman found it watchable without ever being transporting, and The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw thought it lacked the novelty of the Spider-Verse animated films and that a more radical reboot is needed. Some reviewers also felt it takes a while to get going.
The performances
Holland earns the best notices of his time in the role, and critics single out Zendaya, whose MJ now lives in a different emotional world from Peter, and Jon Bernthal's gruff Punisher.
Should you watch?
With a Certified Fresh 90% Tomatometer and a 97% audience score, this is an easy recommendation for anyone who enjoys Spider-Man, whether on a big screen or at home.
Quick answers
- Is Spider-Man: Brand New Day worth watching?
- A must for Marvel and Spider-Man fans, and one of the rare superhero films that critics and audiences both love. It has been available to rent or buy at home since 6 October 2026, and it is still worth the biggest screen you can find.
- What are the review scores for Spider-Man: Brand New Day?
- Rotten Tomatoes: 90% (Tomatometer, Certified Fresh, 438 reviews, 18 Oct 2026). Metacritic: 66 (Metascore, 56 critic reviews, 18 Oct 2026). RT audience: 97% (Popcornmeter, 25,000+ verified ratings, 18 Oct 2026).
- Where can I watch Spider-Man: Brand New Day?
- Official options: Fandango at Home (rent and buy to keep; US) and Fandango (in cinemas; US). Availability varies by country and changes over time.
- How long is Spider-Man: Brand New Day?
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day runs 145 minutes (2 hr 25 min).
- When was Spider-Man: Brand New Day released?
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day was released on 31 July 2026 by Sony Pictures Releasing.
- Who is in Spider-Man: Brand New Day?
- It is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Florence Pugh, Sadie Sink and Marisa Tomei.
Sources
This roundup summarises the reviews and reporting below. Follow the links for the full pieces.
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day review · TheWrap
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day is his best MCU adventure yet · The Daily Beast
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day review · Variety
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day review · The Guardian
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026) box office · The Numbers
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day · Rotten Tomatoes
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day · Metacritic
- Spider-Man: Brand New Day · Wikipedia
ElysiumHub Screen Desk roundups summarise published reviews and reporting, and are written with AI assistance. Scores belong to the sites that publish them. Read our editorial standards. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.