What is the Best to Worst Superman Movie Ranking?
Superman, one of the most iconic superheroes in DC Universe, has graced the silver screen in various iterations. Let’s delve into a detailed ranking of the best to worst Superman movies, exploring each film’s strengths and weaknesses.
Superman Movie Ranking
| Rank | Movie Title | Main Cast | Villain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Superman: The Movie (1978) | Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman | Lex Luthor |
| 2 | Superman II (1981) | Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman | General Zod |
| 3 | Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) | Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa | Steppenwolf |
| 4 | Man of Steel (2013) | Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon | General Zod |
| 5 | Superman Returns (2006) | Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey | Lex Luthor |
| 6 | Batman v Superman (2016): Dawn of Justice – Ultimate Edition | Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jesse Eisenberg | Lex Luthor (Doomsday) |
| 7 | Justice League (2017) | Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa | Steppenwolf |
| 8 | Superman III (1983) | Christopher Reeve, Richard Pryor, Annette O’Toole | Ross Webster |
| 9 | Superman IV (1987): The Quest For Peace | Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman | Nuclear Man (voiced by Gene Hackman) |
1. Superman: The Movie (1978)
Main Cast:
- Christopher Reeve as Superman/Clark Kent
- Margot Kidder as Lois Lane
- Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor
Villain: Lex Luthor
Synopsis: Directed by Richard Donner, “Superman: The Movie” marked the cinematic debut of the Man of Steel. Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Superman, along with his charming Clark Kent, became iconic. The film traces Superman’s journey from the doomed planet Krypton to his life as a reporter at the Daily Planet in Metropolis. Lex Luthor’s nefarious plot to cause a catastrophic earthquake for financial gain challenges Superman’s dedication to protecting humanity. Despite the dated visual effects, the film’s blend of action, romance, and heroism laid the foundation for superhero movies to come. This movie stands tall as the best in the Superman Movie Ranking.
2. Superman II (1981)
Main Cast:
- Christopher Reeve as Superman/Clark Kent
- Margot Kidder as Lois Lane
- Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor
- Terence Stamp as General Zod
Villain: General Zod
Synopsis: “Superman II” continues Superman’s journey as General Zod and his accomplices, imprisoned in the Phantom Zone, are inadvertently released. Superman faces a dilemma when he chooses to give up his powers to be with Lois Lane, unaware of the impending threat. Zod, seeking world domination, challenges Superman, who must reclaim his powers to protect humanity. The film explores the consequences of Superman’s choices and introduces a more personal and emotional dimension to the character.
3. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Main Cast:
- Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent
- Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne
- Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince
- Jason Momoa as Aquaman/Arthur Curry
- Ezra Miller as The Flash/Barry Allen
- Ray Fisher as Cyborg/Victor Stone
Villain: Steppenwolf (with Darkseid looming)
Synopsis: Zack Snyder’s cut of “Justice League” offers a comprehensive and coherent narrative. Superman’s resurrection is a pivotal moment as he joins the Justice League to combat the impending threat of Steppenwolf and Darkseid. The film delves into each hero’s backstory, providing a more nuanced understanding of their motivations. Superman’s return is not just a physical one but a symbolic resurgence, embodying hope and inspiration for Earth’s defenders.
4. Man of Steel (2013)
Main Cast:
- Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent
- Amy Adams as Lois Lane
- Michael Shannon as General Zod
Villain: General Zod
Synopsis: “Man of Steel” reimagines Superman’s origin story, portraying a more conflicted and introspective hero. Henry Cavill’s Superman grapples with the fear and distrust of humanity as General Zod, a fellow Kryptonian, seeks to reshape Earth into a new Krypton. The film explores Superman’s struggle with identity and acceptance, presenting a darker and more realistic take on the character. The intense action sequences and emotional depth set it apart in the superhero genre.
5. Superman Returns (2006)
Main Cast:
- Brandon Routh as Superman/Clark Kent
- Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane
- Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor
Villain: Lex Luthor
Synopsis: “Superman Returns” is a direct sequel to the Christopher Reeve films, with Brandon Routh taking on the role of Superman. The film sees Superman returning to Earth after a five-year absence to find Lois Lane has moved on with her life. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor hatches a plan involving advanced Kryptonian technology. The film, while criticized for its long runtime and lack of action, contributes to the Superman legacy by reintroducing the character for modern audiences.
6. Batman v Superman (2016) : Dawn of Justice – Ultimate Edition
Main Cast:
- Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent
- Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne
- Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince
- Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor
Villain: Lex Luthor (with Doomsday as a secondary threat)
Synopsis: In “Batman v Superman,” the ideological conflict between Batman and Superman takes center stage. Batman sees Superman as a potential threat, manipulated by Lex Luthor, who seeks to eliminate the Kryptonian. This Batman v Superman film explores themes of power, responsibility, and heroism. The “Ultimate Edition” restores crucial scenes, addressing criticisms, and lays the groundwork for the formation of the Justice League.
7. Justice League (2017)
Main Cast:
- Henry Cavill as Superman/Clark Kent
- Ben Affleck as Batman/Bruce Wayne
- Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince
- Jason Momoa as Aquaman/Arthur Curry
- Ezra Miller as The Flash/Barry Allen
- Ray Fisher as Cyborg/Victor Stone
Villain: Steppenwolf
Synopsis: Following Superman’s sacrifice in “Batman v Superman,” Batman assembles a team to counter the impending threat of Steppenwolf. The film suffered from a tumultuous production, with Joss Whedon taking over. Superman’s resurrection, though pivotal, faced criticism for inconsistent CGI and forced character development. Despite its flaws, it marked a significant chapter in the DC Extended Universe.
8. Superman III (1983)
Main Cast:
- Christopher Reeve as Superman/Clark Kent
- Richard Pryor as Gus Gorman
- Annette O’Toole as Lana Lang
Villain: Ross Webster (Played by Robert Vaughn)
Synopsis: “Superman III” introduces a more comedic and campy tone. Evil industrialist Ross Webster, aided by computer programmer Gus Gorman, aims to eliminate Superman and control the world’s oil supply. A synthetic form of Kryptonite splits Superman into two, leading to a battle with his darker alter ego. While Christopher Reeve’s dedication shines, the film’s overall tone and plot fall short compared to its predecessors.
9. Superman IV (1987): The Quest For Peace
Main Cast:
- Christopher Reeve as Superman/Clark Kent
- Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor
Villain: Nuclear Man (voiced by Gene Hackman)
Synopsis: In Christopher Reeve’s final outing as Superman, “The Quest For Peace” sees the Man of Steel facing a new threat, Nuclear Man, created by Lex Luthor. The film’s plot revolves around Superman’s efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, the film is plagued by a weak storyline, glaring plot holes, and subpar special effects, leading to a lackluster conclusion to Reeve’s tenure as Superman. This movie has disappointed us to such an extent that it holds the last position in the Superman Movie Ranking.
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Conclusion
As we’ve explored the ranking from best to worst Superman movies, now it’s time to indulge in the joy of watching your favorite Superman movie. Whether it’s the classic allure of “Superman: The Movie” or the intense clashes in “Man of Steel,” each film offers a unique take on the iconic superhero. So, sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the world of Superman. Whether you prefer the timeless charm of Christopher Reeve or the modern grit of Henry Cavill, there’s a Superman movie for every fan. Enjoy the cinematic journey and have fun watching your beloved Man of Steel in action.
FAQ About Superman Movies Ranked Best to Worst
What is considered the best Superman movie till now?
Superman: The Movie” (1978) directed by Richard Donner is often regarded as the best Superman movie. It introduced Christopher Reeve as Superman and set the standard for superhero blockbusters, making audiences believe that a man can fly.
What is the best selling Superman movie of all time?
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016) directed by Zack Snyder holds the distinction of being one of the top-performing Superman movies at the box office. As of 2023, the box office earnings for “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016) stand at approximately $330.36 million.
Which Superman movie received the best critical acclaim?
“Zack Snyder’s Justice League” (2021), the director’s cut of “Justice League,” has gained significant critical acclaim. With a four-hour runtime, it provided a more comprehensive and well-received portrayal of Superman and the entire Justice League.
What is considered the worst Superman movie?
“Superman IV: The Quest For Peace” (1987) is often considered the weakest entry in the Superman film series. Christopher Reeve’s final outing as Superman faced challenges with a lackluster plot, poor special effects, and overall negative reception.
Who is considered the best ranked actor to portray Superman till now?
Christopher Reeve is widely regarded as the quintessential Superman actor. His portrayal in “Superman: The Movie” (1978) and its sequels left an indelible mark, making him an iconic and beloved representation of the Man of Steel.
Who is considered the best villain in a Superman movie?
General Zod in “Superman II” is often hailed as one of the best villains in a Superman movie. Terence Stamp’s portrayal and the character’s formidable threat to Superman contribute to this recognition.
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