Superman is the greatest superhero of them all, perhaps, but his box office record has been far from consistent. From Christopher Reeve’s classic interpretation, which set the benchmark, to polarizing contemporary reboots, to James Gunn’s fresh vision, the Man of Steel has soared high, crashed hard, and every combination in between.
And so, in good fan tradition, here’s a countdown of all the live-action Superman films—ranked from the ones that you may care to ignore, to the ones that serve as reminders why this hero continues to stick around.
8. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
If you want to know how fast a beloved franchise can tank, look no further. This low-budget attempt at sincerity, with its anti-nuclear message, fell flat due to botched storytelling, bargain-basement special effects, and a bad guy named Nuclear Man who constitutes a joke. Even the ever-reliable Christopher Reeve feels half-hearted. For die-hards alone.
7. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Dark, heavy, and joyless, Zack Snyder’s blockbuster is more of a Batman film with Superman jammed in an awkward fit. Henry Cavill is largely relegated to the sidelines, Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor masticates scenery in puzzling ways, and the “Death of Superman” story is squandered much too soon. Wonder Woman’s entry is enjoyable, but the rest is a slog through darkness.
6. Man of Steel (2013)
Henry Cavill’s introduction added a grittier, contemporary spin to Superman—but not everyone was sold on it. The quieter scenes of Clark’s beginnings are great, particularly with Jor-El brought to life by Russell Crowe, but the third act devolves into ceaseless destruction. Cavill certainly has the looks, but the warmth and optimism we expect of Superman get lost among all the debris.
5. Superman Returns (2006)
Brandon Routh performed with sincere charm in a film that was half homage and half rehash. Bryan Singer’s movie affectionately duplicates the Donner era but fails to ever establish its own identity in its story, complete with a whiny Superman and an uncomfortable kid subplot. Beautiful flight scenes and Kevin Spacey’s hammy Lex Luthor assist, but it’s more of a retro farewell than a new splash.
4. Superman III (1983)
A strange combination of slapstick humor and superhero spectacle, this movie is far from flawless but irresistibly watchable. Richard Pryor’s comedic subplot does not fit, but Christopher Reeve earns the film his keeping with ease. The junkyard battle of wits between a corrupted Superman and his better half is strange but indelible, and Reeve’s performance stays strong.
3. Superman (2025)
James Gunn’s reboot breathes new life into the character, with David Corenswet’s Clark Kent at the center. This Superman balances optimism, kindness, and vulnerability in a way modern audiences have been craving. With Rachel Brosnahan as a sharp, witty Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as a fresh take on Lex Luthor, the film feels both classic and new. Bright, hopeful, and deeply human, it’s the Superman movie we’ve been waiting for.
2. Superman: The Movie (1978)
Richard Donner’s original is cinema magic in its purest form. Christopher Reeve convinced us a man could fly through an acting turn that was part warmth, part humor, and all heroic gravitas. John Williams’ score is iconic, the casting is tremendous, and sure, the time-reversal wrap-up is a stretch, but the heart of the movie can’t be denied. It’s the standard against which all superhero movies are measured.
1. Superman II (1980)
The masterpiece of Superman films. With General Zod, played by Terrence Stamp, providing a worthy adversary for the hero, and Superman struggling with his mortality, this sequel combines action, emotion, and spectacle to near perfection. The Metropolis battle is exhilarating, and Reeve gives his most mature interpretation of the character. It’s the only sequel that surpasses the first—and the ultimate Superman movie.
Superman’s on-screen history has been patchy, but his abiding popularity hasn’t faltered. You are either a Reeve loyalist, a Cavill fan, or looking forward to Corenswet’s tomorrow, but there is no disputing this: Superman remains the hero we turn to for hope, valor, and the message that being good counts. And as long as there is someone who agrees to don the cape, the people will keep believing.