All Superman Movies Ranked From Worst To Best
Superman, a fictional superhero created by writer Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, debuted in "Action Comics" #1 in June 1938. He is one of the most iconic and enduring characters in comic book history, often regarded as the archetypal superhero.
The Superman character has been a mixed bag on the big screen, with some movies rating particularly well with fans and critics, and others not so much.
Here, we delve deep into the Superman movies old and new, and rank the 10 movies from worst to best...
10. Supergirl (1984)
"Supergirl" contributed to the broader Superman franchise and expanded the universe with a focus on a female superhero. This was relatively rare for its time and added a new dimension to the genre.
The movie received mixed to negative reviews upon release. Critics often cited the plot and pacing as weaknesses, though Helen Slater's performance as Supergirl received some praise.
9. Superman Returns (2006)
The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised Routh's performance and the film's respectful homage to the original series. However, some critics and fans found the plot and pacing lacking, while many describing this movie as the most "boring" of the franchise. Despite its mixed reception, "Superman Returns" was noted for its emotional depth and its ambitious attempt to revive the Superman franchise for a new generation.
8. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
"Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" was directed by Sidney J. Furie. It is the fourth and final instalment in the original Superman film series starring Christopher Reeve as Superman/Clark Kent. The film also stars Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, and introduces Mark Pillow as Nuclear Man.
The film received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics and audiences alike. It was criticized for its poor special effects, weak script, and lack of coherence in the plot. The production was plagued by budget cuts and various issues, resulting in a final product that fell short of expectations. Despite its ambitions to address important global issues, "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" is often regarded as the weakest entry in the original Superman film series.
7. Justice League (2017)
"Justice League" is a 2017 superhero film directed by Zack Snyder, with Joss Whedon stepping in to complete post-production and reshoots. It is part of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and follows the events of "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice."
"Justice League" received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While the performances, particularly Gadot's Wonder Woman and Miller's Flash, were praised, the film was criticized for its inconsistent tone, pacing issues, and underdeveloped villain. The influence of Joss Whedon, who lightened the tone with reshoots, created a noticeable shift from Snyder's darker, more serious style.
6. Superman III (1983)
"Superman III" is a 1983 superhero film directed by Richard Lester, serving as the third installment in the original Superman film series. The movie stars Christopher Reeve as Superman/Clark Kent, with notable performances from Richard Pryor as Gus Gorman, Annette O'Toole as Lana Lang, and Robert Vaughn as the villain Ross Webster.
"Superman III" received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While Christopher Reeve's performance was once again praised, the film was criticized for its uneven tone and departure from the more serious and epic nature of the previous two films. Richard Pryor's comedic role was a significant deviation, adding a lighter, more humorous element that was not universally appreciated. Despite these criticisms, the film found some success at the box office but did not achieve the acclaim of its predecessors.
5. Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
"Zack Snyder's Justice League," often referred to as the "Snyder Cut, is a reworked version of the 2017 film "Justice League," with Snyder's original vision restored after fan demand and a significant social media campaign. This version features extensive additional footage and a different tone from the theatrical release.
The Snyder Cut was generally well-received by fans and critics who preferred Snyder’s vision over the 2017 theatrical release. It was praised for its ambitious scope, visual style, and character development. The film's four-hour runtime allowed for a more comprehensive story and resolved many of the issues seen in the original release. It was seen as a significant improvement and a fulfilling conclusion to the story that was initially cut short.
4. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
"Batman v Superman" explores themes of power, responsibility, and the moral implications of heroism. It delves into the consequences of Superman’s actions and the fear they generate. The film also examines the complexities of justice and the personal vendettas that drive its characters.
The film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. It was praised for its visual style, performances, and ambitious scope, but criticized for its dark tone, complex plot, and pacing issues. Despite the divisive reception, it was a commercial success and set up future films in the DCEU. All-in-all, this is a very well made film that entertained, and it finally gave comic book fans what they'd been crying out for for years.
3. Superman: The Movie (1978)
The movie that finally made us believe that a man could fly! "Superman: The Movie" combines a classic superhero origin story with a blend of drama, romance, and action. It explores themes of heroism, identity, and responsibility, with a tone that balances earnestness and charm.
The film was widely acclaimed for its ground-breaking special effects, Christopher Reeve's iconic portrayal of Superman, and its faithful adaptation of the comic book character. It was a major box office success and is often credited with setting the standard for superhero films.
2. Man of Steel (2013)
"Man of Steel" (2013) is a reboot of the Superman franchise directed by Zack Snyder, starring Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent. The film explores the origins of Superman and his emergence as a hero. This visually stunning film delves into themes of identity, duty, and the conflict between personal desires and greater responsibility. The film features a darker, more realistic tone and intense action sequences, emphasizing the scale and impact of Superman's powers.
The film received generally positive reviews for its visuals, action sequences, and Cavill's portrayal of Superman, though some criticized its heavy use of destruction and darker tone. It was a commercial success and set the stage for the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). As far as entertainment and action go, this movie ticks every box that you'd expect from a Superman film.
1. Superman II (1980)
"Superman II" was directed by Richard Lester, though Richard Donner directed much of the film before being replaced. It stars Christopher Reeve as Superman/Clark Kent, Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, and Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor. The film also features Terence Stamp as General Zod, Sarah Douglas as Ursa, and Jack O'Halloran as Non.
"Superman II" explores themes of sacrifice, duty, and the personal cost of heroism. It combines action, romance, and humour, maintaining a balance between the epic and the personal aspects of Superman's life. The film was well-received for its action sequences, performances, particularly Reeve's portrayal of Superman, and its balance of drama and humour. It is often praised as a worthy successor to "Superman: The Movie" and remains a beloved part of the original Superman film series.
"Superman II" wasn't the first, and it wasn't the last, but we think it packs enough punch to be ranked as the finest Superman movie ever made.
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