Let’s get real—when you hear “superhero,” there’s a good bet that Superman is among the first names that pop into your head. He’s the original, the benchmark, the fellow who’s been flying through comic book pages and onto screens since before many of us were even born. We’ve had so many different versions of the Man of Steel over the years—some classics, some more. let’s call them “adventures.”. So, which did they get right? From silver screen blockbusters to heartwarming TV interpretations, here’s our countdown of the top 10 Superman movies and shows that got it just right. We’re beginning at number 10—because it’s more fun to build suspense.
10. Man of Steel (2013)
Did you ever wonder what Superman would be like in a modern, grounded universe? Man of Steel provided the answer. With Henry Cavill slipping into the suit, we received a Superman who was slightly more severe, slightly more conflicted, but significantly more buffed than we were accustomed to. The movie took chances—some enjoyed the dark tone, while others were nostalgic for the happier Superman of old—but it’s difficult to forget those enormous action sequences or the eerie loveliness of the Krypton sequences. Whether you believed it was a bold reboot or too heavy-handed, there’s no denying it created buzz—and provided Supes with a brand new generation of devotees.
9. Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993–1997)
Long before superhero television became de rigueur, this delightful series introduced us to a different take on Superman. Fewer alien invasions, more newsroom wisecracks and romantic sparks, Lois & Clark centered on the central relationship of the myth. Dean Cain was an endearing Clark Kent, and Teri Hatcher’s Lois was sharp and sensitive. It went for humor and sentiment over super-hero theatrics—but that’s precisely why individuals continue to reminisce about it with so much warmth. It had style, it had chemistry, and for a lot of people, it was the first Superman they actually bonded with.
8. Superman III (1983)
This one is a bit of a surprise. Superman III tends to get rolled in the corner of eye-rollers pretty much because it went campy with Richard Pryor and some downright bizarre plot twists. But beneath the offbeat humor is one of the best concepts the series ever tackled: Superman turning against himself. That junkyard battle between good Clark and twisted Superman is far more intense than it has any business being. It’s a weird ride, no question—but in its own goofy way, it’s kind of indelible.
7. Superman Returns (2006)
Brandon Routh had the daunting task of filling Christopher Reeve’s cape, and he did it with humble elegance. Superman Returns attempted to regain the tone of the original movies, especially the first two, and though it was not a blockbuster, it had its moments. The emotional center—the notion of Superman returning to a world that had gotten along without him—resonated with many. The plane rescue sequence alone was worth the viewing. It might not have turned the wheel, but it did remind us that even at his best, Superman still gets us to feel something.
6. Smallville (2001–2011)
It’s hard to imagine being raised with Superman, not as an abstract icon of hope, but as a lost teenager trying to figure everything out. That’s what Smallville offered, and it succeeded for ten complete seasons. Tom Welling played a Clark Kent who was just trying to be a good son, a loyal friend, and yeah, occasionally save the world in secret. The show took time to build up his journey, and by the end, the payoff felt well-earned. Add in a complex Lex Luthor, played brilliantly by Michael Rosenbaum, and a mix of sci-fi and coming-of-age drama, and you’ve got something special.
5. Superman II (1980)
This follow-up did what sequels are supposed to do—went bigger and deeper. Not only were we treated to grand battles against fellow Kryptonians (starring the scene-stealing General Zod), but we were also treated to Superman’s greatest personal sacrifice: relinquishing his powers for love. The movie balanced romance, action, and introspection in a manner that still resonates years later. Behind the scenes, it was somewhat of a disaster with two directors and clashing visions, but somehow the finished product still managed to present one of the most iconic bookends in Superman’s history.
4. Superman & Lois (2021–2024)
When this show was initially announced, some people groaned—another Superman reboot? But it ended up being one of the most emotional interpretations of the character in years. By concentrating on Clark and Lois as parents, the show broke new ground: what it means to be a hero at home. Tyler Hoechlin infused the character with warmth and relatability, and the mix of superhero action and family drama was surprisingly pitch-perfect. It could manage to be grounded and still deliver all that we crave from a Superman tale—heart, hope, and a whole lot of sky-soaring moments.
3. Superman: The Animated Series (1996-2000)
To a lot of fans, this animated series is the one that got Superman right. With clean animation, well-thought-out storytelling, and a voice acting job by Tim Daly that was just perfect, the show provided us with a Superman who was both powerful and extremely human. It brought a new generation on board for characters such as Darkseid and Brainiac and delved into moral issues with unexpected depth for a Saturday morning series. It may not be as loved as Batman: The Animated Series, but from a standpoint of comprehending who Superman truly is, this one does it right.
2. Superman (1978)
This marked the beginning of things for contemporary superhero films. Written and directed by Richard Donner and featuring Christopher Reeve in an acting performance that still reads definitive, Superman didn’t merely bring the character to the screen—it made him real. The movie is an enchanting one, assisted in no small measure by that incredible John Williams theme and the genuine, near-mythic tone. Reeve’s skill at playing charming, gangling Clark Kent alongside more astonishing Superman is still a masterclass in dichotomy. This movie didn’t merely inform us that a man could fly—it convinced us.
1. Superman (2025)
It’s not every day that a reboot manages to capture the essence of a character so thoroughly, but James Gunn’s Superman somehow manages to do just that. David Corenswet provides a new spin that feels at once familiar and yet new again—genuine without being trite, heroic without being aloof. Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is brainy and quick, and Nicholas Hoult’s performance as Lex Luthor is every bit as clever as it is creepy. The film takes the essence of the comics and gives it all a cinematic sheen that’s impossible to ignore. From the big set pieces to the quieter, more intimate moments, everything just works. Oh, and yes—Krypto the Superdog makes an appearance, and it works way better than you’d expect.
Whether you came of age with Christopher Reeve or discovered your Superman on the CW, there’s something that keeps pulling people in about this character. Hopeful, powerful, and remarkably human, Superman continues to change, but still always remains the same. No matter which version you like best, one thing is evident: the Man of Steel is not going anywhere.