Be Spider-Man Every Christmas | A Cutscene Collective Video Essay

If Die Hard is a Christmas movie, Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a Christmas video game. We discuss why Miles, with his resilience and optimism, is the perfect superhero to embody the holiday spirit.

The holiday season is a time for reflection, togetherness, and hope. At Cutscene Collective, we’re celebrating this time of year by revisiting one video game cutscene that feels like the perfect Christmas tradition. And for us, that moment comes from Spider-Man: Miles Morales.

Now, what better time to be a little cheesy than during Christmastime, but it needs to be said - there’s something undeniably special about Miles Morales as a character. He’s a beacon of optimism, resilience, and heart—qualities that make him a great Spider-man, and the perfect character to experience the holidays through. Whether he’s standing up for his community, connecting with family, or embracing his role as Spider-Man, Miles reminds us that no matter the challenges we face, there’s always room for a brighter tomorrow.

Community

The scene we’re revisiting today happens at the end of Miles’ journey. After saving Harlem from disaster, Miles isn’t just the other Spider-Man—he’s Harlem’s Spider-Man. In this moment, he’s not a distant figure swinging from the rooftops—he’s part of the neighbourhood. The people are his friends, business owners he’s helped time and time again and they embrace him as one of their own. It’s a simple but powerful celebration of community, reminding us that being a hero isn’t about fortune and glory; it’s about lifting others up. And what better time than during Christmas?

Family

At the heart of this moment is family. Leading up to the final scene, Miles has been put through the wringer—he has saved his neighbourhood, but at the cost of his friend Phinn, turned enemy by circumstance. Miles’ mom, Rio, pulls him into a warm embrace, proud of the young man—and the hero—he’s become. It’s a reminder that behind every superhero is the love and support of family, friends and now, the community. This, too, is the essence of the holidays: celebrating the people who help us rise and become the potential that they see in us.

Friendship

And then, there’s Peter Parker. Mentor, big brother, the O.G. Spider-man. When Peter returns, it’s not just to congratulate Miles—it’s to acknowledge him as an equal. For Miles, this is more than validation; it’s a passing of the torch. Peter’s words confirm what we already know: Miles has stepped out of the web of shadows and become his own Spider-Man.

The final swing is pure magic. Miles soars through the snow-covered streets of Harlem, surrounded by festive lights and the energy of a neighbourhood that he loves and protects. The upbeat music, the crisp winter air, and the final shot of the game—with Miles leading the charge, behind him Peter who has got his back. 

Strength

But this entire cutscene is more than just a feel-good moment. It reminds us that to be strong and rise above our potential truly, we must acknowledge that we are the collective sum of the people who came before us, those who guide us, and those who stand beside us. Miles’ journey celebrates the strength we find in those we hold close. It’s a reminder that the holidays aren’t just about where we’re going—they’re about the people who help us get there. So this holiday season, let’s take a page from Miles’ story and carry that hope forward.

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