Spider-Man: Brand New Day first reactions say it's like "a mini Avengers film" and Sadie Sink's mystery role is "perfect"
The first reactions are in for Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is being called Tom Holland's best Spider-Man yet in glowing first reactions to the Marvel movie.
Collider's Perri Nemiroff called it "absolutely fantastic." She wrote on Twitter: "Far and away a favorite of the recent MCU installments. It's largely about the importance of work-life balance and community, and, OH MY, do writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers ensure those ideas hit hard. Can’t believe how emotional the film made me."
Film journalist Scott Menzel wrote: "Spider-Man: Brand New Day somehow manages to top No Way Home as my new favorite Spider-Man film and the best Marvel movie to date. The secret sauce with this one is the emotional weight of the screenplay."
Fandango's Erik Davis says the film heads in some interesting new directions, calling it "part detective story, part psychological thriller, part buddy comedy." He also has high praise for Sadie Sink's mystery role, adding: "the Sadie Sink mystery absolutely pays off. She's perfect."
"#SpidermanBrandNewDay is fantastic, no notes," adds film critic Wendy Lee Szany. "Top tier action! Love how deep the story goes into the consequences of Peter's choice (from NWH) and how it affects his life as Peter and as Spider-Man. Definitely some tearjerker moment in there. Felt like a mini Avengers film."
Variety's Jazz Tangcay was equally glowing, writing on Twitter: "Destin Daniel Cretton brings incredible energy to the #Spiderman franchise. #Brandnewday is action-packed from start to finish. That sound design is incredible. this might be Tom Holland's best outing as Spiderman to date. It's the Summer of Tom Holland, Zendaya + John Bernthal'"
Movie Web's Joseph Deckelmeier goes one step further, calling it "easily the best Spider-Man movie yet." They wrote: "Incredible action, real emotional stakes, huge surprises, and Peter & Frank steal every scene together. This is THE summer movie of the year! Tom Holland and Sadie Sink are incredible in this film!"
Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox
Check out some more below.
.#SpiderManBrandNewDay is one of the few superhero films that feels deeper than a comic book movie. It has layers & boy, does it pierce your emotions. It tackles everything from loss, grief, heartbreak, & the struggle to accept a new normal. Tom Holland was born for this role as… pic.twitter.com/LF5lkcTs99July 28, 2026
#SpidermanBrandNewDay is far and away the best MCU film for me in years. It’s also up there with the best of Spider-Man films. It honestly reminded me of “The Batman”, with a sense of humor of course. I absolutely adored it. Destin Daniel Cretton delivered! WHAT A FILM 😭 pic.twitter.com/LeocpiXMjaJuly 28, 2026
#SpidermanBrandNewDay is the most grounded and aesthetically analog outing we’ve seen for Spidey this cycle. It leans into stylistic elements from the classic comics and the 70s TV show to illustrate his state and search for emotional sobriety. Less thrills, more thoughtful. pic.twitter.com/Kx2qwkE7gVJuly 28, 2026
Don’t mind me. I’m just sitting here crying after watching #SpidermanBrandNewDayIt’s a massive movie that balances like 5 different through lines in equal measure, each better than the last. It can feel a little overwhelming but it all comes together so beautifully it works. pic.twitter.com/5dHvcF58SkJuly 28, 2026
#SpidermanBrandNewDay is everything I hoped it would be! A tragic yet poetic odyssey about what it truly means to feel alone, only to realize you may not have to be alone…It’s thematically beautiful while still delivering an endlessly entertaining Spider-Man adventure that… pic.twitter.com/QCeOoY5JU4July 28, 2026
Listen. #SpidermanBrandNewDay is my new favorite Spider-Man movie. It is absolutely incredible. Looks gorgeous. Writing is sharp. Performances are excellent. I was smiling the entire time. Even teared up. I am SHOCKED at how good this is. pic.twitter.com/z86QdgsUEzJuly 28, 2026
Spider-Man: Brand New Day arrives in UK cinemas first on July 29 before hitting US theaters on July 31. For more, check out our guide to all the upcoming Marvel movies and shows on the way and our breakdown of how to watch the Marvel movies in order.

I’m the Deputy Entertainment Editor here at GamesRadar+, covering TV and film for the Total Film and SFX sections online. I previously worked as a Senior Showbiz Reporter and SEO TV reporter at Express Online for three years. I've also written for The Resident magazines and Amateur Photographer, before specializing in entertainment.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.