It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s the premiere of Superman (2025), and fans everywhere are donning their capes, humming John Williams’ theme, and debating the greatest Superman movies ever made. With James Gunn’s reboot flying into theaters, it’s the perfect time to revisit the Man of Steel’s cinematic legacy. Whether you’re a die-hard Kryptonian or just curious about which Superman flicks are worth your Fortress of Solitude movie night, we’ve ranked the live-action Superman movies from worst to best.
The Ground Rules
For this ranking, we’re focusing on major live-action Superman solo movies—no animated adventures or TV crossovers. We’re also skipping ensemble movies like Justice League to keep the spotlight on the Last Son of Krypton himself. Ready? Up, up, and away!
8. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
Let’s start at the bottom. Even the most devoted fans admit that Superman IV is the cinematic equivalent of a Kryptonite meteor. Despite Christopher Reeve’s earnest return and a noble anti-nuclear message, this film was plagued by a slashed budget, bargain-bin special effects, and a villain (Nuclear Man) who’s more meme than menace. The heart was there, but the execution was cartoonish, and the story fizzled faster than a lead-lined safe in a sunbeam.
Geeky Take: Worth a watch only for completists and those who enjoy so-bad-it’s-good movie nights.
7. Superman III (1983)
Richard Pryor as a computer genius? Synthetic Kryptonite turning Superman into a moody jerk? Superman III is a wild, weird ride. While it has its defenders (and a few genuinely fun moments), the tonal whiplash and slapstick comedy make it feel like a far cry from the soaring spirit of the original films. Still, Christopher Reeve gives it his all, and the evil Superman vs. Clark Kent junkyard fight is a bonkers highlight.
Geeky Take: A cult oddity that’s better than its reputation, but not by much.
6. Supergirl (1984)
Okay, technically not a Superman movie, but Kara Zor-El’s solo outing is part of the same cinematic universe. Helen Slater is charming as Supergirl, and there’s a certain retro charm to the film’s campy magic and villainous witch. But the plot is pure Silver Age silliness, and Superman himself is only mentioned in passing. Still, for fans of all things Kryptonian, it’s a fun, if flawed, time capsule.
Geeky Take: For completists and nostalgia seekers only.
5. Superman Returns (2006)
Bryan Singer’s tribute to the Reeve era is a soulful, visually stunning love letter to the original films. Brandon Routh channels Reeve’s earnestness, and the movie’s emotional beats—Superman’s loneliness, his longing for Lois—hit surprisingly hard. But the plot is oddly subdued, and the action never quite soars to the heights fans hoped for. Still, it’s a sensitive and gorgeously crafted homecoming for the Man of Steel.
Geeky Take: A beautiful, melancholy ode to Superman’s legacy—just don’t expect many punch-ups.
4. Man of Steel (2013)
Zack Snyder’s reboot was divisive, but it’s undeniably ambitious. Henry Cavill’s Superman is brooding and powerful, the action is epic (sometimes too epic—sorry, Metropolis), and Hans Zimmer’s score is thunderous. While purists bristled at the darker tone and controversial choices (yes, that ending), the film digs deep into Superman’s alienation and heroism. Amy Adams’ Lois Lane is a smart, proactive partner, and the movie lays the groundwork for a new era.
Geeky Take: A bold, modern take that’s as polarizing as a red sun, but never boring.
3. Superman II (1980)
Now we’re getting to the classics. Superman II ups the ante with three Kryptonian villains, high-stakes action, and a love story between Clark and Lois that’s genuinely sweet. Terence Stamp’s General Zod is iconic (“Kneel before Zod!”), and the film balances humor, romance, and superhero spectacle. There’s debate over the theatrical cut vs. the Richard Donner Cut, but both versions capture the magic of Superman at his best.
Geeky Take: A gold standard for superhero sequels—action-packed, heartfelt, and endlessly quotable.
2. Superman (2025)
James Gunn’s much-anticipated reboot lands with a bang—and a whole lot of heart. David Corenswet’s Superman brings warmth, wit, and emotional depth, while Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane is sharp, fearless, and refreshingly modern. Critics are raving about the film’s optimism, humor, and return to the wonder that made Superman a symbol of hope in the first place. Gunn’s direction balances action, social commentary, and genuine geeky reverence for the source material, making this a Superman for all ages.
Geeky Take: A triumphant, heartfelt reboot that reminds us why Superman endures—and why kindness is always a superpower.
1. Superman: The Movie (1978)
“You’ll believe a man can fly.” Richard Donner’s original is still the gold standard. Christopher Reeve’s performance is legendary—effortlessly switching between bumbling Clark Kent and noble Superman. The film’s blend of heart, humor, and heroism set the template for every superhero movie that followed. John Williams’ score is iconic, the effects were groundbreaking, and the story captures everything that makes Superman, well, super.
Geeky Take: Timeless, iconic, and utterly joyful. If you only watch one Superman movie, make it this one.
Why Superman Endures
From the earnest optimism of 1978 to the bold new vision of 2025, Superman’s cinematic journey is a testament to the enduring power of hope, kindness, and heroism. Every era brings something new, and every fan has their favorite. But whether you love the nostalgia, the action, or the ideals, there’s a Superman movie for you.