History Heartwarming / SpiderMan3

* The deleted scene added to the Editor's Cut where Sandman becomes a giant sandcastle near Penny is a touching scene that helps humanize Flint further.

** The novelization even has Gwen forgiving Peter, and comforting him and MJ at Harry's funeral.

'''Peter:''' ''[smiling tearfully]'' Best friend.

* Throughout the film, Gwen Stacy is shown to be nothing more than a beautiful person inside and out. She is more thoughtful, more affluent, and generally portrayed as a better partner for Peter than MJ. Still, Gwen respects their relationship and makes a point to ask whether Peter wants to avoid MJ after their messy breakup during their date. [[{{Jerkass}} He intentionally refuses]], and when she realizes [[OperationJealousy the real reason Peter asked her out]], she apologizes to MJ in person and leaves Peter in disgust. Finally, in the novelization, Gwen ultimately forgives Peter and comforts both him and MJ at Harry's funeral.

*** This becomes HeartwarmingInHindsight in ''Film/SpiderManNoWayHome'', [[spoiler:where Peter confirms that while it was complicated for some time, he and Mary Jane ultimately stayed together.]]

* Throughout the film, Gwen Stacy is shown to be nothing more than a beautiful person inside and out. She is more thoughtful, more affluent, and generally portrayed as a better partner for Peter than MJ. Still, Gwen respects their relationship and makes a point to ask whether Peter wants to avoid MJ after their messy breakup during their date. [[{{Jerkass}} He intentionally refuses]], and when she realizes [[OperationJealousy the real reason Peter asked her out]], she apologizes to MJ in person and leaves Peter in disgust.

* In the game, there is a part where Jameson almost thanks Spiderman for saving him. Even though he stops himself from saying it halfway through, Spider-Man still tells him, "You're welcome."

* In general, an amnesiac Harry's easygoing dynamic with Peter and Mary Jane reinforces that he ''does'' care about them. It's bittersweet seeing Harry as a normal, carefree young man happy to live his life despite the loss of his father.

*** It may be sappy, but the fact that Harry wrote a play for MJ in high school is very sweet, since he mainly seemed to view her as a TrophyWife back when they dated.

* While it's a bit sad considering how Peter is stringing her along and she's lapping up the attention she's getting from him, it's sweet that Ursula is catering to Peter's every whim and stuffing him with an endless buffet of her homemade cookies.

** Peter coming to Mary Jane's first Broadway show as scheduled and them happily chatting afterwards. They later go out stargazing to celebrate, as pictured here, and top it off with a declaration of love and passionate kiss. It's all sweet bliss between the two, which is touching before their ordeal in the rest of the film.
*** In a CallBack to the second film, Peter and Mary Jane have an intimate moment in his web, this time happy and settled ''together''.

*** It may be sappy, but Harry actually writing a play for MJ in high school is very sweet, particularly with how he seemed to only regard her as a TrophyWife back when they dated.
* Harry's arrival just in time to help Peter take on the Sandman and Venom. Peter's no longer fighting alone and is now part of a superhero duo. And then afterward, his and Peter's conversation just before his death, which also counts as a TearJerker.

* ''Spider-Man 3'' may be a polarizing film, but damn if the "Birth of Sandman" scene didn't pull everyone's heartstrings; the beautiful [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGOgzmatsgA musical score]] and jaw-dropping visuals only add to it. Watching Flint go from barely being able to stand to be on the verge of tears before reforming his whole body with absolute determination after just one look at his daughter's photo, one can't help but tear up a bit. When you can make people have a strong emotional response to a pile of sand, you're doing something right.
* Mary Jane attempts to reach out to Peter after he learns Flint Marko killed Uncle Ben, concerned about his emotional state. Keep in mind that she just lost her acting role and was mad at Peter for kissing Gwen, yet is still ready to support him. When Peter is too upset to listen to her, MJ doesn't push and simply reminds him that he doesn't have to face such difficult news alone before leaving.

** Even more than that: they've both just lost their mutual best friend and put each other through hell, but he comes back to her, and there's the implicit recognition when she takes his hand to dance that he won't let her suffer alone, and they'll work through their issues together. Bottom line: when all is said and done, they love each other.
** Earlier, Peter had pushed MJ away when she expressed her worry over him searching for Ben's killer. Now, there's the implication he'll take her advice and open up to her.
** The scene is done [[SilenceIsGolden without much fanfare]], notwithstanding MJ's singing (which stops when she notices Peter). The two lock eyes, reach for each other's hands and hug. No declaration of love[[note]] They have done it multiple times before[[/note]], no apology[[note]] Both of them had wronged each other for different reasons, and as far as we know, haven't apologized for them[[/note]], no [[TheBigDamnKiss Big Damn Kiss]][[note]] the previous two films ended with it[[/note]]. There is something beautiful in its simplicity.

*** This becomes HeartwarmingInHindsight with Peter's appearance in ''Film/SpiderManNoWayHome'', [[spoiler:where he confirms that while it was complicated for some time, he and Mary Jane stayed together.]]
* [[AllThereInTheManual The novelization]] features the original ending for the film: Harry and Peter are trying to defeat Sandman and Venom, and even with the added help, they are having trouble. Then Sandman's daughter and ex-wife show up and beg Flint to stop, with his daughter Penny reminding him that [[CallBack he isn't a bad person]]. Flint returns to his human form, but Venom begins to rampage. Peter tells Flint to run and get his family out of there, and the three leave.
* Mr. Ditkovich, Peter's landlord, brushing off the angry outburst Peter (who was under the symbiote's influence) just dealt on him, assuring his daughter that Peter is a good boy, and then quickly forgiving Peter later on when the latter comes to apologize. Furthermore, Mr. Ditkovich lends Peter some romantic advice upon learning that Peter plans to propose to Mary Jane. Heartwarming in retrospect when one considers his portrayal from the previous films as a bullying asshole.

** Also, despite her crush on Peter, Ursula still [[ShipperOnDeck supports Peter and Mary Jane together full-stop]], urging him to call her earlier in the movie. She's later giddy when Mary Jane calls him because she thinks it means that the two of them are about to get engaged to each other. In the novelization, Ursula helps get Mary Jane the singing waitress job after her acting career falls through.

* Robbie stands up for Peter and reminds Jameson how long Peter's been working with the Bugle when Jameson floats the staff photographer job.
** It's more explicit in the novelization, but Betty also advises and supports Peter at work, especially when Eddie tries to one-up him.

** Peter coming to Mary Jane's first Broadway show as scheduled and them happily chatting afterwards. They later go out stargazing to celebrate, as pictured, and top it off with a declaration of love and passionate kiss. It's all sweet bliss between the two, which is touching before their ordeal in the rest of the film.

*** It may be sappy, but Harry actually writing a play for MJ in high school is very sweet, particularly when he seemed to only regard her as a TrophyWife back when they dated.

* Mary Jane attempts to reach out to Peter after he learns Flint Marko killed Uncle Ben, concerned about his emotional state and assuring him she's here to help. While Peter is too upset to listen to her, it's heartening that Mary Jane wants to support him like how he's always been there for her. Keep in mind that this is after MJ lost her acting role and was mad at Peter for kissing Gwen, yet even as she leaves, she empathizes with Peter's pain and reminds him that he doesn't have to face such difficult news alone.

** Even more than that: they've both just lost their mutual best friend and put each other through hell, but he comes back to her, and there's the implicit recognition when she takes his hand to dance with her that he won't let her suffer alone, and they'll work through their issues together. Bottom line: when all is said and done, they love each other.

* After Peter has shed himself of the alien symbiote and sits alone depressed in his apartment, Aunt May visits Peter to see how things have gone between her nephew and his fiancée and asks if he's proposed to her yet. Peter tells his aunt that he's not ready for marriage because he had hurt Mary Jane badly and returns the proposal ring Aunt May gave him earlier in the movie, much to Aunt May's shock. In response, Aunt May replies by saying that Peter should forgive himself and that Aunt May believes Peter will do the right thing because she knows he's a good person and she knows he will find a way to make things right again and give it time. She then punctuates it by leaving the ring on Peter's desk, completely confident that he'll still have a use for it in time. Since this is their final scene together for the trilogy, it also serves as a TearJerker moment.

* Peter finally forgives Flint after learning that his shooting of Uncle Ben was an accident caused by Carradine, so Peter still shares blame for not stopping him when he had the chance. Flint didn't flee with Carradine in Uncle Ben's car because he stayed behind at Uncle Ben's side, and ''he'' was the one who called for help, explaining the crowd of people around the dying Uncle Ben when Peter arrived on the scene. Especially so since he's carried the weight of his death throughout the entire trilogy, and he finally managed to find closure.

* After Peter has shed himself of the alien symbiote and sits alone depressed in his apartment, Aunt May visits Peter to see how things have gone between her nephew and his fiance and asks if he's proposed to her yet. Peter tells his aunt that he's not ready for marriage because he had hurt Mary Jane badly and returns the proposal ring Aunt May gave him earlier in the movie, much to Aunt May's shock. In response, Aunt May replies by saying that Peter should forgive himself and that Aunt May believes Peter will do the right thing because she knows he's a good person and she knows he will find a way to make things right again and give it time. She then punctuates it by leaving the ring on Peter's desk, completely confident that he'll still have a use for it in time. Since this is their final scene together for the trilogy, it also serves as a TearJerker moment.

* After Peter has shed himself of the alien symbiote and sits alone depressed in his apartment, Aunt May visits Peter to see how things have gone between her nephew and his fiance and asks if he's proposed to her yet. Peter tells his aunt that he's not ready for marriage because he had hurt Mary Jane badly and returns the proposal ring Aunt May gave him earlier in the movie, much to Aunt May's shock. In response, Aunt May replies by saying that Peter should forgive himself and that Aunt May believes Peter will do the right thing because she knows he's a good person and she knows he will find a way to make things right again and give it time. Since this is their final scene together for the trilogy, it also serves as a TearJerker moment.

* When Harry, in his hospital bed, is told he has good friends, and he answers, "My ''best'' friends." He says it with all the earnestness of a contented 8-year-old, and it's just so ''cute''.
* Harry's arrival just in time to help Peter take on the Sandman and Venom. Peter's no longer fighting alone and is now part of a superhero duo. And then afterwards, his and Peter's conversation just before his death, which also counts as a TearJerker.

* ''Spider-Man 3'' may be a fairly polarizing film, but damn if everyone didn't well up a bit at the "Birth Of Sandman" scene, watching Sandman at one moment barely able to stand up to forming a full body with steely determination after just one look at his daughter. The beautiful [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGOgzmatsgA musical score]] and jaw-dropping visuals (When you can get a pile of sand to be on both the verge of tears and have a look of absolute determination, you're doing something right) only adds to it.
* After Peter has shed himself of the alien symbiote and sits alone depressed in his apartment, Aunt May visits Peter to see how things have gone between her nephew and his fiance and asks if he's proposed to her yet. Peter tells his aunt that he's not ready for marriage because he had hurt Mary Jane badly and returns the proposal ring Aunt May gave him earlier in the movie, much to Aunt May's shock. In response, Aunt May replies by saying that Peter should forgive himself and that Aunt May believes Peter will do the right thing because she knows he's a good person and she knows he will find a way to make things right again and to give it time. Given that this is their final scene together for the trilogy, it also serves as a TearJerker moment.

* The ending, where Peter and Mary Jane get back together again. Ever since his childhood, Peter wanted to be with Mary Jane, and being Spider-Man meant that it was all but impossible. Yet, Peter has finally managed to balance his personal life and his life as a superhero, conquered his dark side, made peace with his past by forgiving Sandman, and finally, after all he's gone through, he can spend his life with the woman he loves. The series began with him wanting to be with Mary Jane, and it ends with the two of them together.

** The scene is done [[SilenceIsGolden without much fanfare]], notwithstanding MJ's singing (which stops when she notices Peter). The two lock eyes, reach for each other's hands, and hug. No declaration of love[[note]] They have done it multiple times before[[/note]], no apology[[note]] Both of them had wronged each other for different reasons, and as far as we know, have not apologized for them[[/note]], no [[TheBigDamnKiss Big Damn Kiss]][[note]] the previous two films ended with it[[/note]]. There is something beautiful in its simplicity.
** It's even better meta-wise: in the [[WhatCouldHaveBeen planned]] fourth film, Peter and MJ would have been married for several years, before separating at the end, [[ExecutiveMeddling as per the demands of studio executives]]. With the cancellation of ''Spider-Man 4'', Raimi (who hated the planned draft for the fourth film) just saved the couple a '''lot''' of trouble, closing out the trilogy with their reconciliation.
* [[AllThereInTheManual The novelization]] features the original ending for the film. Harry and Peter are trying to defeat Sandman and Venom and even with the added help are having trouble. Then Sandman's daughter and ex-wife show up and beg Flint to stop, with his daughter telling him that he isn't a bad person. Flint returns to his human form but Venom begins to go on a rampage. Peter tells Flint to run and get his family out of there and the three leave.
* Mr. Ditkovich, Peter's landlord, brushing off the angry outburst Peter (who was under the symbiote's influence) just dealt on him, assuring his daughter that Peter is a good boy, and then quickly forgiving Peter later on when the latter comes to apologize. Furthermore, Mr. Ditkovich lends Peter some romantic advice upon learning that Peter plans to propose to Mary Jane. Heartwarming in retrospect, when one considers his portrayal from the previous films as a bullying asshole.

** Also, despite her own crush on Peter, Ursula still [[ShipperOnDeck supports Peter and Mary Jane together full-stop]], urging him to call her earlier in the movie, and later being giddy when Mary Jane calls him because she thinks it means that the two of them are about to get engaged to each other. In the novelization, it's Ursula who actually helps get Mary Jane the singing waitress job after her acting career falls through.
* Gwen Stacy, who is shown throughout the film to be nothing more than a beautiful person on the outside and inside. She is smarter, richer, and generally portrayed as a better partner for Peter than MJ, but she respects their relationship and makes a point to ask whether Peter wants to avoid MJ after their messy breakup during their date ([[{{Jerkass}} he intentionally refuses]]). And when she realizes [[OperationJealousy the real reason why Peter asked her out]], she apologizes to MJ in person and leaves Peter in disgust.
* Bruce Campbell's cameo is both funny ''and'' heartwarming, in contrast to his other characters who either mock or impede Peter he is instead ''thrilled'' at the idea of Peter proposing to MJ at his restaurant and deeply honored to be asked for his help in the matter.
* In perhaps the best of Creator/StanLee's cameos (and Stan the Man's personal favourite), when Peter stops to read a marquee declaring that Spider-Man will be given the key to the city, Stan walks up next to him and briefly muses on the impact that Spidey has had. It's easy to interpret it as Stan talking about the greatest lesson comic book superheroes (particularly Spider-Man) try to teach their readers:

* Peter finally forgiving Flint after learning that his shooting of Uncle Ben was an accident (caused by Carradine, so Peter still shares blame for not stopping him when he had the chance), and that Flint actually didn't flee with Carradine in Uncle Ben's car because he stayed behind at Uncle Ben's side and ''he'' was the one who called for help, explaining the crowd of people around the dying Uncle Ben when Peter arrived on the scene. Especially so since he's carried the weight of his death throughout the entire trilogy, and he finally managed to find closure.
** Also, before he was shot, Uncle Ben could see right away that Flint was just desperate and scared and tried to talk him down.
* The scene added to the Editor's Cut where after reforming, Sandman forms into a sand castle near Penny is a touching scene that helps to humanize Flint.
* Aunt May's reaction to Peter telling her that he plans to marry MJ counts.

** This leads to a whole scene about the subject, in which May tells Peter the very sweet story of Ben's proposal to her, then gives Peter the same ring Ben used.
--->'''Aunt May:''' It was a beautiful day and he said, "Let's swim to the island". And at the island, we found a perfect spot by an old tree. And we laid down, and looked up at the sky. And then he said, "Close your eyes, May", and I did, and then he said "Open them!" and I did. And he was holding this ring ''[shows her ring]'' dazzling in front of me. I thought it was the sun.
* Robbie standing up for Peter and reminding Jameson how long Peter's been working with the Bugle when Jameson floats the staff photographer job.
* In the game, there is a part where Jameson almost thanks Spiderman for saving him. Even though he stops himself from saying it half-way through, Spiderman still tells him "You're welcome".