Contemplating how rapturously the unique Superman (or Superman: The Film) was acquired, it’s fascinating to notice how divisive most of the different movies have been. Clearly, the unique franchise of 4 movies declined in high quality, however whether or not you’re Bryan Singer‘s Superman Returns or Zack Snyder‘s Man of Metal, you’ll discover people passionately defending them, whereas others eviscerate them. So, with James Gunn‘s imaginative and prescient now in theaters, I needed to go forward and rank all of them, which is precisely what I did at present.
In my rave assessment right here, I stated the next about Gunn’s tackle Superman:
A Superman film is more durable to drag off than it would seem at first look. While you look again on all the movies which have featured the character, solely a small quantity have really showcased Kal-El/Superman/Clark Kent in his greatest gentle. Now, it’s truthful to say that “fact, justice, and the American manner” is an antiquated time period, however James Gunn positive is aware of characteristic the beliefs that make this superhero considered one of our perfect and brightest. Superman is all about hope, with a way of pleasure that enables the clear political themes to go down simple. There’s loads occurring right here, as that is additionally launching a brand new DC Universe theatrically, however whenever you get proper all the way down to it, what we’ve got on this flick is a love for comedian e-book characters, superheroes, and blockbuster cinema. I completely adored it and located it to be among the many greatest works of 2025 up to now.
Superman is a busy blockbuster, when it comes to precise occasions and plotting, nevertheless it by no means feels overstuffed. A number of that is because of Gunn and firm making the themes quite simple. Superman is an alien, so, sure…he’s an immigrant. He seems at Earth and sees the perfect in us, understanding all of the whereas that we’ve got a capability for the worst, however nonetheless desires to save lots of us anyway. That that is occurring whereas America is actually sending folks to overseas prisons will not be misplaced on anybody, however the pleasure for the character permits this to nonetheless be an extremely enjoyable expertise. Superman works as a personality due to his earnestness, not regardless of it, which too few works hav understood.
Under, you possibly can see the place I stand on (almost) all the Superman motion pictures. I selected to go from Christopher Reeves‘ look and past, primarily since I haven’t seen Superman and the Mole Males. That also leaves ten complete, since I’m together with each Justice League and Zack Snyder’s Justice League. For me, it’s the unique and the most recent one neck and neck. I think that would be the case for a lot of others as nicely. Which one got here out on high? Discover out subsequent.
Right here now’s my rating of the Superman movies. Behold:
10. Justice League
9. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
8. Batman vs Superman: Daybreak of Justice
7. Superman III
6. Zack Snyder’s Justice League
5. Man of Metal
4. Superman Returns
3. Superman II
2. Superman: The Film
1. Superman
What’s your Superman film rating? Tell us!