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    ‘Superman’ Movies, Ranked by Critics

    Press RoomBy No Comments5 Mins Read

    • James Gunn directed a new “Superman” film starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel.
    • Superman movies have been a moneymaker since Christopher Reeve starred in 1978’s “Superman: The Movie.”
    • Here are all the “Superman” movies, ranked by critics from worst to best.

    The son of Krypton is finally back in theaters.

    The beloved character, who first appeared in a 1938 comic, got his first big-screen depiction forty years later, when Christopher Reeve took on the role in 1978’s “Superman: The Movie,” cementing Superman’s place in pop culture lore.

    Since then, many more actors have played Superman, to varying degrees of critical acclaim.

    More recently, director Zack Snyder’s now-defunct DC Extended Universe era showcased a darker side of Superman through Henry Cavill’s performance.

    Now, “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise director James Gunn is trying his hand at a Man of Steel movie, with David Corenswet playing the character in the latest era. Gunn’s “Superman,” which also stars Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, harkens back to the lighter tone of the Reeve era, when Superman’s priorities were striving for truth, justice, and preserving the American way.

    How does the new movie compare to previous depictions of the comic-book icon? Here are all the “Superman” movies, ranked by critics’ scores on Rotten Tomatoes.

    Critics saw 1987’s “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace” as nothing more than a cash grab.


    superman 4 warner bros

    Superman faces off against Nuclear Man.


    Warner Bros.

    Marking the final time Christopher Reeve played the superhero, “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace” is an example of doing a movie for all the wrong reasons: namely, money.

    Though Reeve got a larger salary and more creative control, The Cannon Group’s takeover of the franchise led to corner-cutting, resulting in a film that lacked depth and production value. It was a dud.

    Rotten Tomatoes score: 14% 

    Zack Snyder couldn’t live up to the hype with 2016’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.”


    Batman v Superman

    Superman and Batman get close.


    Warner Bros. Pictures

    Three years after Henry Cavill came on the scene as Superman in “Man of Steel,” director Zack Snyder put together the ultimate faceoff: Superman versus Batman.

    Two comic-book icons finally sharing one screen meant the hype for the movie was through the roof. But ultimately, Snyder couldn’t deliver. Cavill plays a Superman who is too tortured, and though Ben Affleck is impressive as Batman, the corny connection between Superman and The Dark Knight (both their mothers are named Martha!) is unforgivable.

    Rotten Tomatoes score: 28%

    1983’s “Superman III” lacked the great storytelling of previous movies.


    superman iii worst sequels

    The franchise went a bit too far with putting Richard Pryor in the mix.


    Warner Bros.

    After the massive success of “Superman II,” a third movie was fast-tracked. Gene Hackman didn’t return as Lex Luthor, but Richard Pryor was added as a bumbling tech whiz who goes up against Superman, getting a $5 million paycheck for his efforts.

    It resulted in a flat story that lacked the high stakes of the previous films.

    Rotten Tomatoes score: 29%

    Critics were mixed on 2013’s “Man of Steel,” which marked Henry Cavill’s debut as Superman.


    superman man of steel henry cavill

    Henry Cavill certainly had the Superman look down.


    Warner Bros.

    For Henry Cavill’s first movie as Kal-El, he nailed the character’s look and physique, but his performance is more moody thanks to Zack Snyder’s direction.

    The interpretation polarized critics, setting the stage for how audiences would treat Cavill’s entire run as Superman.

    Rotten Tomatoes score: 57%

    2006’s “Superman Returns” is an impressive entry in the franchise.


    Brandon Routh in "Superman Returns."

    The brief era of Brandon Routh as Superman.


    Warner Bros.

    Between Reeve and Cavill was Brandon Routh’s time wearing the red cape.

    Though it was brief, audiences enjoyed his depiction of the superhero — quite the feat, given that Reeve’s portrayal was still highly regarded by fans.

    Rotten Tomatoes score: 73%

    2025’s “Superman” impressed critics.


    A man with slicked-back black hair looks above the camera while wearing a blue and red superhero costume. There is a bright light behind him as if he's flying through the sky.

    Behold the latest Superman, David Corenswet.


    Warner Bros. Pictures

    David Corenswet is perfectly cast as the Man of Steel in James Gunn’s take on Superman. The movie’s playful tone, which devotes screen time to Kal-El’s superpowered dog, Krypto, keeps it entertaining for both kids and adults.

    Rotten Tomatoes score: 82%

    Everything about 1978’s “Superman: The Movie” is perfection.


    Christopher Reeve Superman

    The OG Superman, Christopher Reeve.


    Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

    After decades of trying to get Superman to the big screen, director Richard Donner was the man to finally pull it off. He cleared the biggest hurdle by casting Superman right with the choice of Reeve, a physically impressive actor who also had the acting chops to land the emotional scenes.

    A cast filled out by heavyweights like Marlon Brando as Superman’s father, Jor-El; Glenn Ford as his Earth father, Jonathan Kent; Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, and Margot Kidder as Lois Lane helped cement the movie a beloved work decades later.

    Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

    1981’s “Superman II” pulls off the unthinkable: being better than the original.


    Superman II Warner Bros

    There’s a lot going on in this photo.


    Warner Bros.

    One of the rare sequels that’s better than the original, the dual storylines of Superman being willing to let go of his powers to be with Lois (Kidder), and General Zod (Terence Stamp) escaping exile to come to Earth to destroy Superman with the help of Luthor (Hackman) are perfectly crafted.

    Plus, the big showdown between Superman and Zod on the streets of New York City is a feat of 1980s practical effects.

    Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%

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