The Hero's Journey is THE screenwriting and story structure template. By utilising this structure, screenwriters can quickly build effective and quality stories. There are more than 188 stages to the Hero's Journey.
Lets look at Spiderman 2 (2004) – which has receipts of more than $373,000,000. The clever thing about this movie is that the antagonist (Doc Ock) is merely the B-story.
Spiderman 2 (2004) Summary
Call to Adventure: Harry tells Peter Parker he should go for it – MJ is crazy about him, he should tell her how he feels.
Refusal of the Call: Peter can't tell MJ how he feels – he is Spiderman and if his enemies found out his feelings for her, she'd be in danger.
Supernatural Aid: Aunt May is Peter's spiritual guide. Supernatural Aids usually give a magical gift, among other things. Here, Peter is broke and Aunt May simply gives him money. Later she will set him back on the right path.
Crossing the First Threshold: Peter consciously decides to accept the challenge – he will reveal his feelings for MJ and he will go and see her play. As normal, Threshold Guardians block the way – the Usher and the Policeman.
Physical Separation from the Old World (Belly of the Whale): May Jane says No. She is with someone else. Peter's too late. He didn't make the play.
Transformation (Road of Trials): Peter becomes disillusioned with his powers; begins to lose his Spider powers; frustration increases at his inability to win over MJ. Doc Ock is born and his threat increases. A fifty-fifty weighting of transformation and trials.
The Ideal, Seizing the Sword (Meeting with the Goddess): A visit to the Doctor and Peter realises he has a choice. Peter decides to relinquish being Spiderman – contrary to the advice of Uncle Ben (Mentor). His reward is MJ – Peter finally gets to the play and MJ grows closer to him again.
Rebirth through Death (Woman as Temptress): Peter saves only one child from the burning building; he realises that his decision not to act (as Spiderman) has cost lives.
Atonement: Aunt May and Henry (her boy helper) convince Peter that being Spiderman is a valuable gift.
Apotheosis: “Everybody loves a hero.” By being Spiderman, he may actually be able to win MJ's love.
Ultimate Boon: Peter's Spider powers return.
Refusal of the Return: Now Peter cannot tell MJ he loves her.
Magic Flight: Doc Ock kidnaps MJ; Spiderman battles Doc Ock and saves the train and the people inside from death.
Rescue from Without: Spiderman confronts Harry and finds out what Doc Ock is up to.
Crossing the Return Threshold: Spiderman travels to Doc Ock's lair in an attempt to stop him. Protagonist and antagonist battle.
Master of the Two Worlds: Spiderman convinces Doc Ock to do the right thing.
Freedom to Live: MJ finds out Peter is Spiderman; she decides to be with him; she'll make the choice.