Superman Movies Watch Order (September 2025)

Regardless of any ups and downs in Superman’s portrayal on the big screen, this enduring icon continues to captivate audiences, ensuring his return in new adaptations. Even if you didn’t find the latest portrayal of the Man of Steel to your liking, there’s still much to look forward to with James Gunn’s interpretation. If you’re considering a complete rewatch, here is an order for watching Superman movies that will provide the best viewing experience.

What is the best order to watch the Superman movies?

Typically, it’s best to watch a movie series in the sequence of its releases. This list maintains that structure, but for easier navigation, we’ve categorized it according to different periods of Superman stories.

Here’s a more casual and engaging way to present the information:

By the way, if you’re a die-hard Superman fan, be sure to check out the extensive list of animated series! While we won’t delve too deeply into it here, I thought you might appreciate having this list handy. Enjoy!

Superman: Brainiac Attacks (2006)
Superman: Doomsday (2007)
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009)
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010)
All-Star Superman (2011)
Superman vs. The Elite (2012)
Superman: Unbound (2013)
The Death of Superman (2018)
Reign of the Supermen (2019)
Superman: Red Son (2020)
Superman: Man of Tomorrow (2020)
Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons (2022)

Christopher Reeve Era

Superman: The Movie (1978)

Referring to the original and widely acclaimed Superman film released in 1978, it established the iconic character of Superman. Admittedly, certain aspects such as Marlon Brando’s wig and gold Rolex while sending baby Kal-El into space may appear over-the-top. However, the movie effectively combines grandeur and warmth, and features Christopher Reeve’s exceptional comedic delivery that adds a perfect touch to the movie.

Under the guidance of director Richard Donner, this movie unfolds the definitive account of Superman’s beginnings: A child from a dying planet, Clark Kent, is reared in Kansas by his loving adoptive parents who can’t help but notice their son possesses exceptional abilities. As Clark uncovers his roots, he must accept his fate and transform into the superhero known as Superman.

Superman II (1981)

Despite disagreements between the director and the studio that resulted in Richard Donner being let go before finishing production (with both Superman: The Movie and Superman II being filmed concurrently), another director, Richard Lester, took over to complete the film. Notably, Superman II remains one of the more impressive installments during Christopher Reeve’s era.

Following the occurrences in the initial movie, Superman encounters a fresh peril when General Zod, Ursa, and Non – three criminal Kryptonians confined in the Phantom Zone – are unintentionally liberated and materialize on Earth. Equipped with powers identical to Superman’s, they promptly aim to dominate the planet, compelling mankind to bow down before Zod. However, Superman’s bond with Lois Lane adds complexity, as he struggles between his role as a hero and the longing for a normal existence.

Superman III (1983)

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve got to say that things start taking an unusual turn in Superman III. The tone switches dramatically, sometimes veering into over-the-top comedy and physical humor that feels a bit disjointed. It’s not like the film is deliberately blending comedy with seriousness; rather, it seems to be grappling with finding the right equilibrium. But if you’re a fan of campy and slapstick elements, this movie could be just what you’re looking for.

In this retelling, Richard Lester once more takes the director’s chair for the movie, where comedian Richard Pryor joins the cast as Gus Gorman – a somewhat inept yet incredibly intelligent computer whiz. Employed by affluent magnate Ross Webster, Gus is given a challenging mission to employ his abilities in an attempt to influence global economies, initially targeting Colombia’s coffee production with a far-fetched scheme. Superman thwarts this endeavor, but complications arise when Webster commands Gus to manufacture Kryptonite. The narrative takes a turn for the unusual as the modified Kryptonite doesn’t eliminate Superman, instead causing a split in his personality.

Supergirl (1983)

In the Superman film franchise, the fourth movie titled Supergirl ended up costing $21 million at the box office, a loss that’s hard to ignore. Despite wishing we could brush it off like a bad dream, unfortunately, it did occur and we must acknowledge it for our records.

In this rephrased version: Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin and a resident of a Kryptonian settlement named Argo City, finds herself on a mission when the villainous sorceress Selena steals the crucial Omegahedron. This artifact is vital for maintaining Argo City’s life support system, so Kara must travel to Earth to recover it. Adopting the alias “Linda Lee,” she enrolls in an exclusive girls’ school and befriends a new companion named Lucy Lane. A budding romance develops between Kara and the school caretaker, Ethan, who unfortunately is also desired by Selena. As Kara learns to harness her abilities, she aims to thwart Selena from misusing the Omegahedron for obtaining supreme power.

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)

Christopher Reeve’s last portrayal of Superman, titled “The Quest for Peace”, aimed to make a memorable exit but ended up falling flat instead, leaving the era more with a whimper than a bang. The originality and excellence that once characterized the storytelling seems to have vanished in the face of weak scripting, mediocre acting, and underwhelming special effects. Watching it is truly a disheartening experience.

The tale features Superman tackling the escalating danger of a nuclear conflict by embarking on an immense undertaking to eliminate all nuclear weapons worldwide. While not a simple task, he plans to achieve this by launching them towards the sun. However, Superman’s mission becomes challenging when Lex Luthor resurfaces, developing a formidable new enemy: Nuclear Man, a being constructed using Superman’s own genetic material and fueled by solar energy.

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (2024)

This documentary isn’t about Superman in the traditional sense, but it’s such an engaging watch that we felt compelled to include it. It delves deeply into the life and enduring influence of Christopher Reeve, transforming from obscurity to embody the iconic Man of Steel. The film also explores the heart-wrenching equestrian accident that caused his paralysis, highlighting an inspiring tale of resilience. Post-accident, Reeve dedicated his remaining years to championing spinal cord injury research, thereby solidifying himself as a real-life hero, both on and off screen.

Bryan Singer Era: Superman Returns (2006)

In terms of the movie from Bryan Singer’s tenure, let’s call it a single film for now – using “era” might be a bit generous with only one production – Superman Returns did well, receiving positive feedback from both viewers and critics. Kudos to Brandon Routh, who skillfully filled the cape, bringing the same endearing charisma and courageous valor that made Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Superman a legend. While Routh injected his unique flair into the character, it’s evident he was also tipping his hat to the original Superman.

After The Quest for Peace failed to launch successfully, it was almost twenty years before another Superman film graced the silver screen. Superman Returns aimed to rejuvenate a waning franchise that had lost public interest. Picking up immediately after the storyline of Superman II, the movie finds Superman returning to Earth following a five-year absence spent seeking remains of his home planet, Krypton. Upon his return, he learns that Lois Lane is engaged and has a young son. And as usual, Lex Luthor is hatching a new plot behind the scenes.

DC Extended Universe

Man of Steel (2013)

Zack Snyder assumes control and begins directing the Superman film series, starting with the movie “Man of Steel.” This production features extensive visual effects and offers a fresh interpretation of Superman’s beginnings. Although the narrative retains key elements such as the destroyed planet, space-sent superbaby, and the like, Snyder presents these events in a unique manner. The atmosphere in “Man of Steel” significantly deviates from that seen during the Christopher Reeve era. Henry Cavill does not aim to emulate the original Kal-El character; instead, he brings his own distinct portrayal to life.

Although we recognize the somber undertones of this superhero film (as it’s produced by Christopher Nolan, who has that distinctive style), it can’t help but remind us of the zest and appeal of the initial ones.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

In case you found yourself questioning Ben Affleck’s portrayal as Batman, well, so did many others initially. However, he delivers a strong performance in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. This film offers an intense clash between Batman and Superman, with Batman giving Superman quite a beating. The narrative is inspired by Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns, featuring Lex Luthor orchestrating and driving a wedge between the two superheroes.

The movie was a hit at the ticket counters, but it garnered varying opinions from both viewers and experts. Yet, Zack Snyder had laid the foundation for his creative ideas with both Man of Steel and Batman v Superman. And in this 2016 superhero collaboration (Wonder Woman is included as well), we have all the elements in place for the Justice League.

Justice League (2017)

Following Superman’s selfless act in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Batman and Wonder Woman, now known as Diana, band together to safeguard the planet from an impending danger. They enlist the assistance of The Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg to thwart Steppenwolf, a formidable alien conqueror, who intends to seize the Mother Boxes. His ultimate goal: to alter the world’s structure and subject mankind to slavery.

Despite an intriguing plotline that, while original, had some familiar elements, the studio’s decision to limit the movie to less than two hours might have doomed it from the start, given Zack Snyder’s involvement. Regrettably, following the passing of his daughter, Snyder left the project, allowing Joss Whedon to step in. This change resulted in numerous reshoots and the incorporation of Whedon’s signature humor (often characterized by witty banter and jokes more fitting for Buffy the Vampire Slayer or The Avengers than for Justice League). Remarkably, despite the numerous hurdles, the film still managed to deliver a respectable superhero movie experience.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)

In this almost four-hour long production on HBO Max, Zack Snyder finally got the chance to portray his unique take on Justice League. Following the fragmented 2017 film, fans ardently advocated for years under #ReleaseTheSnyderCut, compelling Warner Bros. to allow Snyder to realize his original plan. Fortunately, this version rectifies the shortcomings of the initial release. This grittier, more consistent movie enhances individual character journeys and strengthens the team dynamics – something the original lacked significantly. Ultimately, Snyder’s cut provides a much more authentic Justice League adaptation that aligns better with the comics.

DC Universe

Superman (2025)

In the latest addition to the DC Universe, titled “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters,” Superman’s cinema debut was met with a mix of reactions, yet consistently received a “fresh” rating from both critics and viewers. If you ask someone who watched it, responses might span from “just okay” to “outstanding.” No matter your personal opinion, the movie undeniably offers a fresh perspective on the character and narrative.

Despite audiences being well-acquainted with the timeless battle – the internal conflict between Smallville’s ordinary boy and the extraordinary Kryptonian hero, Superman – and the predictable challenges he often encounters, James Gunn skillfully infuses freshness into this movie. With Gunn’s unique direction in Visio and David Corenswet’s captivating portrayal of our lead character, who masterfully blends charisma, humor, and authenticity – much like Christopher Reeve did – we are confident that future installments will be equally compelling.

2025-09-09 02:42