With the newest Superman film now in theaters we thought about all the ones that came before. We ranked every Superman movie from worst to best.
With Superman once again soaring back into theaters in a big-budget reboot, it’s the perfect time to revisit every major Superman film and see how they stack up. From iconic classics to less-than-super misfires, here’s our definitive ranking of every Superman movie—from worst to best—based solely on their impact, performances, and place in the legacy of the Man of Steel.
11. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
Christopher Reeve returned, but the budget didn’t. This film, plagued by cheap effects and a muddled script, saw Superman fight a solar-powered villain named Nuclear Man. Despite Christopher Reeve’s continued charm, the film fell flat and nearly ended the franchise.
10. Superman III (1983)
The odd blend of superhero drama and slapstick Richard Pryor comedy never quite worked. A weird subplot involving synthetic kryptonite and an evil Superman added to the confusion, making this a tonal mess.
9. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Henry Cavill‘s brooding Superman clashed (literally) with Ben Affleck’s Batman in this visually dark and emotionally heavy blockbuster. While ambitious, it struggled with pacing and tone, and Superman often felt sidelined in his own movie.
8. Man of Steel (2013)
Zack Snyder’s reboot gave us a grounded, gritty origin with strong performances from Henry Cavill and Michael Shannon. However, the massive destruction in the finale divided fans and critics alike. Still, it helped launch the modern DC cinematic universe.
7. Superman and the Mole Men (1951)
George Reeves made his feature debut as Superman in this black-and-white film that served as a precursor to the TV series. While dated by today’s standards, it holds historical significance and set the stage for future portrayals.
6. Superman Returns (2006)
Bryan Singer’s love letter to the Donner films brought back the classic tone, with Brandon Routh channeling Christopher Reeve admirably. Its emotional beats worked, but a lack of action and a meandering plot left some audiences wanting more.
5. Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (2006)
This alternate version of the 1980 sequel restored much of director Richard Donner’s original vision, including more emotional depth and coherence. Fans finally got the version many felt they were denied decades earlier.
4. Superman II (1980)
With General Zod, Ursa, and Non as the villains, this sequel delivered big on action and character stakes. Superman’s internal struggle between love and duty made it resonate, even with its troubled production.
3. Superman: The Movie (1978)
The gold standard. Richard Donner’s original film remains one of the most beloved superhero movies of all time. Christopher Reeve’s performance defined Superman for generations, and John Williams’ iconic score is still unmatched.
2. Superman ’78 (2021)
A surprise standout, this animated adaptation of the Christopher Reeve-era world felt like a warm, nostalgic hug for fans. The retro style, clever writing, and authentic voice work made it a true celebration of the character’s cinematic roots.
1. Superman (2025)
The newest entry soars higher than expected. With fresh direction, emotional storytelling, and a powerful performance from David Corenswet, this reboot balances heart and spectacle. It respects the character’s past while carving out a bold new future.
