Every (Live-Action) Superman Movie, Ranked

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For almost 90 years, Superman has been the quintessential superhero, characterized by extraordinary abilities, an appealing appearance, and a costume reminiscent of a powerful strongman. He possesses the fundamental and admirable superpowers such as flight, superstrength, superspeed, X-ray vision, and an ordinary disguise that leaves people doubting their unassuming newsroom peer could be an alien from another planet. Since Superman first appeared in Action Comics No. 1 (the brainchild of writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster), numerous other superheroes have been born, inspired by the influence of Superman both within the fictional universe and in real-world culture. What makes Superman unique is that he transcends being merely a character – Kal-el, the Last Son of Krypton, secretly raised by Kansas farmers – to serve as an archetype and benchmark for what a superhero represents. This widespread cultural presence and familiarity has led to the rise of lesser-known, specialized comic book characters who can boast uniqueness and specificity that Superman cannot – at least not in the eyes of the general movie audience.

revitalizing DC’s struggling cinematic universe and winning over an audience who may be tired of too many comic book movies. However, one might question if Superman himself isn’t also suffering from oversaturation, given that there have been 13 previous films featuring the Man of Steel. Each film represents a distinct milestone in the history of superhero cinema: turning comic book stories into cheap, episodic entertainment, creating the first blockbuster comic book movie with classic Hollywood flair, and using Superman as the catalyst for a connected superhero universe. So which Superman prevails? We’ve ranked every live-action Superman film (excluding animated productions) to see how Gunn’s version compares.

14.
Superman and the Mole Men (1951)

Although “Superman and the Mole Men” was the first full-length movie about Superman, it wasn’t particularly groundbreaking since he had already appeared in two serials and 17 animated shorts before this. This film, lasting just over an hour and with a production quality similar to a cheap TV show, is more of a footnote in Superman’s cinematic history. The movie serves as a prelude to the “Adventures of Superman” series starring George Reeves. In the story, Clark Kent (played by Phyllis Coates as Lois Lane) and Clark Kent (who is secretly Superman) travel to a small town where an oil well hides subterranean creatures. The movie lacks the excitement and action one would expect from a Superman adventure because the focus is too narrow, suggesting that perhaps another hero could have handled it more effectively.

13.
Superman (1948)

In 1948, perhaps the 15-chapter movie serial featuring Superman’s first fight against evil had a greater impact. However, considering that it can no longer be viewed in weekly, 15-minute installments at the same cinema for four months consecutively, we have to rank it somewhat lower. The initial segment of this four-hour serial is quite captivating: it offers a cheesy yet compelling portrayal of Kal-el arriving on Earth, growing up with kind rural parents, and fighting crime while working alongside a dynamic Lois Lane (Noel Neill) in the most filmically depicted Los Angeles-like Metropolis. By the middle, when the non-comic villainess Spider Lady (Carol Forman) assumes control of the storyline, it becomes monotonous, and the desire to skip the following Saturday screenings becomes almost irresistible.

12.
Justice League (2017)

I can’t help but express my admiration for the intense passion and dedication shown by fans who tirelessly advocated for the release of Zack Snyder’s original cut of “Justice League.” This fervor, which started as a desire to protect the artistic vision, somehow transformed into a vigorous online campaign that felt more like fanaticism than genuine support. The Snyder brothers were an unavoidable symbol of internet fandom during this time.

The theatrical version of “Justice League,” part of the DC Extended Universe (a cinematic universe encompassing films from Man of Steel to Aquaman 2, distinct from Gunn’s DCU), left me underwhelmed. It was a disappointing compromise of Snyder’s distinctive style, now marred by unsightly visuals, a stale atmosphere, and an overabundance of flippant dialogues. The first Justice League movie should have been a masterpiece; even if the reimagined Superman didn’t bother me, the digitally removed mustache was still a glaring flaw.

11.
Atom Man vs. Superman (1950)

In comparison to its predecessor, the second serial featuring Kirk Alyn as Superman presents an improvement, despite sharing similar patterns of storytelling and sometimes recycling footage. This upgrade is primarily due to the introduction of Lex Luthor, making his debut on screen, coinciding with Nicholas Hoult’s assumption of the role 75 years later. Lyle Talbot delivers a stern and brooding portrayal of Lex, devoid of the quirks seen in Jesse Eisenberg’s interpretation, providing a fitting counterpart to Alyn’s Superman – rough around the edges yet maintaining a likable and mischievous Boy Scout spirit.

Given the constraints of these serials, Superman’s superpowers are depicted in a creative manner, with an animated version of Superman being combined with shots of the sky, using transitions between exterior and interior scenes to depict X-ray vision, and accelerating footage to showcase his speed and strength. These visual effects are endearing for their resourceful approach to the production’s limited resources, but they can grow tiresome when repeated frequently throughout the serial.

10.
Superman III (1983)

The Superman film starring Christopher Reeve that is most regrettable isn’t the cheesy Cannon Films production, but rather the one featuring a renowned comedian, a woman transforming into a computer, and an intense junkyard fight between Clark Kent and his annoying doppelganger. In truth, Superman III begins promisingly with Superman’s return to Smallville and the introduction of Gus Gorman (Richard Pryor), a computer-savvy crook. However, the film struggles to sustain its appeal throughout its lengthy two-hour runtime due to its overtly comedic and obnoxious elements. Director Richard Lester, known for his work with The Beatles and The Musketeers, attempts to inject broader humor and action into his first straightforward Superman project. While some of the humor works, the film lacks the genuine affection for Superman that one would expect. This is exacerbated by the absence of Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor and Margot Kidder’s Lois Lane appearing only in brief introductory and concluding scenes. Ultimately, Superman III falls short of the standard set by previous Reeve films, providing merely mediocre superhero action.

9.
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)

It’s possible to find Superman IV: The Quest for Peace both disappointing and entertaining at the same time. This film, with its over-the-top performances and low-budget production values, was considered one of the least impressive superhero movies ever made. Yet it had a unique appeal due to the return of Gene Hackman and Margot Kidder. The storyline involved Lois Lane becoming embroiled in a preposterous plot about the Daily Planet being controlled by a character resembling Rupert Murdoch, with his daughter (Mariel Hemingway) developing feelings for Clark Kent. This leads to an awkward double date scenario involving Lois Lane and Superman. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor and his nephew Lenny (Jon Cryer) create Nuclear Man (Mark Pillow), a villain reminiscent of a professional wrestler, who engages in some of the most perplexing and feeble comic book action ever imagined. The producers at Cannon Films Group may have hoped to capitalize on an original villain character, but the final product was so financially compromised that studios and audiences shunned Superman for years.

8.
Superman Returns (2006)

In essence, creating a somber spin-off of the Donner films on paper might seem reasonable, but “Superman Returns” struggles to move beyond the oddity of recreating a triumphant yet sorrowful series that the original director and cast were not involved in. The cast delivers commendable performances, particularly Brandon Routh as Superman who exhibits a certain sweetness and weightiness, albeit falling short of Reeve’s charm and physical versatility. The Daily Planet team, consisting of Kate Bosworth, Frank Langella, Sam Huntington, and James Marsden, skillfully portray the turmoil within a newsroom following Superman’s return to the city he left in search of his origins in space.

Notably, “Superman Returns” boasts a larger contingent of disgraced leading talent than most superhero films, with Kevin Spacey under Bryan Singer’s direction. The film is also remarkable for being a leisurely, nostalgia-driven superhero movie at a time when the genre was on the verge of evolving with more innovative and intelligent spectacle. It’s intriguing to consider whether the “Superman Returns” team may have felt intimidated by “Batman Begins,” which was released a year prior.

7.
Superman (2025)

James Gunn’s version of Superman presents a complex narrative: it aims to refresh the confusing cinematic history of the Man of Steel while simultaneously introducing multiple other comic book characters. This film offers an exhilarating space adventure filled with monsters and metaphysical elements, yet it strives to maintain relevance by emphasizing why Superman is significant to everyday people. Gunn appears keen on delving into Superman’s character development through his core relationships, but the movie is overflowing with characters that it spends minimal time developing meaningful interactions with key figures like Lois Lane or his Kansas family. David Corenswet delivers an outstanding performance as Superman, making him one of the best portrayals on film. The character of Kal-el is vibrant, compassionate, and emotional but also conflicted, often finding himself in reactive positions, struggling to express the values of his superpowered persona. While Gunn deserves recognition for his ambitious blockbuster endeavors, the challenges of creating five superhero films consecutively, not to mention launching an entire franchise, have impacted the quality of his work. The movie relies heavily on dramatic and emotional shortcuts to convey its grandiose pathos.

6.
Superman II (1980)

In 1980, the release of Superman II was met with massive success, yet it’s as famous for its contentious production process as it is for Terence Stamp’s spectacular portrayal of the antagonist. Even in scenes seemingly directed by the returning director Lester following the initial shoot (75% of the film was shot simultaneously with Donner’s first Superman), there’s a sense of disjointedness that makes parts of the movie feel underdeveloped. Additionally, it’s clear that voice doubles and actor substitutions were used due to Hackman and Brando not participating in the reshoots. However, despite these production challenges, Superman II remains an enjoyable spectacle, boosted by the natural charm of Reeve, Kidder, and Hackman, some nostalgic city-destruction action, a timeless Superman one-liner that encapsulates the allure of this dreamy, paternalistic superhero on screen.

5.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)

In Zack Snyder’s DCEU movies, Justice League has less screen time for Superman compared to others, yet his absence is significant in fulfilling Snyder’s original vision. His death at the end of Batman v Superman triggers three Mother Boxes, drawing the antagonist Steppenwolf back to Earth. The impact of Superman’s demise reflects the existing vulnerability and discord among Justice League members.

When Superman is revived, he uses his limited screen time effectively. Without a costume, he engages in a fierce battle with his allies, symbolizing his acceptance of his unusual role in this universe. Wearing a black suit, he represents peace, and delivers an unbothered thrashing to Steppenwolf. This portrayal is more like a compilation of key moments rather than a comprehensive character development from the first two movies, but it effectively captures the essential aspects of Superman’s character.

4.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that Zack Snyder’s “Batman v Superman,” released in 2016, has aged exceptionally well compared to other big comic book hits from the same year, like “Deadpool” and “Captain America: Civil War.” While some may argue that it was criticized upon release, I find it a unique gem in today’s oversaturated superhero market.

In this film, Superman, burdened by the legacy of a planet he never knew, and Batman, grappling with the uncertainties of their new world, are portrayed as characters tormented by fears of self-preservation and cruelty. The movie doesn’t shy away from referencing real-world issues like “War on Terror” absolutism and billionaire anarchism, creating a gritty, unsettling atmosphere that mirrors the discomfort felt by both Superman and Batman in their respective roles.

The film may start with a less clear structure, but it’s this complex narrative that gives “Batman v Superman” its haunting, cursed quality – a vision of superheroes grappling with their darkest fears. Even in its theatrical cut, the movie feels like a profound exploration of these characters, rather than just another action-packed superhero flick.

3.
Superman II: The Donner Cut (2006)

In this adaptation of “Superman II”, Lois Lane tries to unmask Clark Kent as Superman by shooting him point-blank, which was her second attempt after she jumped out of the Daily Planet building at the beginning of the movie. Michael Thau, the editor, rebuilt Donner’s vision for the film using the available footage and it was approved by Donner himself, releasing in the same year as “Superman Returns”. Since it was only released on home video, the rough visual effects and sometimes awkward transitions are easier to overlook due to the improved flow and pacing of the movie. Fortunately, the enhanced pace and energy outweighs its lack of refined visual spectacle compared to the theatrical cut.

2.
Man of Steel (2013)

Man of Steel offers an innovative and visually captivating portrayal of Superman throughout his screen journey, with its dedication to reimagining the character’s cinematic origins adding depth to his mystique. Director Zack Snyder presents Kal-el as the lone survivor of Krypton’s destruction, led by the aggressive General Zod (played powerfully by Michael Shannon). This film explores Superman’s identity, blurring the lines between his three personas, portraying him as someone constantly evolving. With memories of his alien and human fathers (Russell Crowe and Kevin Costner) to guide him, Superman comes to understand that Krypton was not noble and its future lay not in conquering less dominant worlds but in protecting another species. Man of Steel stands out as an exceptionally anti-IP superhero film, boasting a unique visual style and a strong thematic emphasis on the profound influence of a single superhero. Consequently, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the DCEU eventually faced difficulties. On its own merits, it is a grand and emotionally resonant production.

1.
Superman (1978)

Instead of focusing on old movie series, cartoons, or the ‘Batman ’66’ film, let’s talk about Richard Donner’s ‘Superman’. This film was a groundbreaking stride for superheroes on the big screen, offering an epic and timeless atmosphere. It blends a fantastical origin story, witty romantic dynamics, and contemporary disaster-movie flair, creating a movie that feels like a refreshing contrast to the grittiest ’70s films. As the film progresses from Kal-el to Clark Kent and finally Superman, it does so with finesse and charm. When Christopher Reeve appears as the awkward Daily Planet reporter and later reveals his stunningly handsome and caped alter ego (Lois Lane, it’s time to focus!), you can tell that the movie is in capable hands. Kudos to Margot Kidder and Gene Hackman for breathing life into their characters with modern charm and depth. Their portrayals of Lois Lane and Lex Luthor are marked by human flaws that make these bold comic book characters feel real and vibrant.

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2025-07-11 23:56