10 Superman Movies Ranked from Worst to Best

Superman’s journey on the big screen has been anything but straightforward. From the timeless optimism of Christopher Reeve to the controversial grit of Henry Cavill, and now James Gunn’s fresh take in Superman (2025), every era has redefined what the Man of Steel means to the world. Some films soared with breathtaking vision, while others stumbled so hard they became cautionary tales. But through all of it, Superman remained a mirror of our hope. With that being said, here’s every major Superman movie ranked from worst to best, not just by numbers, but by how they live on in both fan memory and cultural impact.

Note: Since there is no universal metric to rank Superman movies, these rankings are based on popularity of the movies and my personal preference.

10. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)

There’s no nice way to say this, but The Quest for Peace is the lowest point of Superman on screen. On paper, the idea of Superman tackling nuclear disarmament could’ve been powerful, even ahead of its time. But Cannon Films’ budget cuts left the movie looking unfinished, with recycled flying shots and a villain called Nuclear Man, who fans couldn’t take seriously.

Christopher Reeve gave it everything he had, even co-writing the story, but he was fighting an uphill battle against a film that simply wasn’t ready to fly. This is the one most fans quietly skip on a rewatch marathon.

9. Superman III (1983)

If Superman II proved how high this franchise could soar, Superman III showed how quickly it could lose its way. The film leaned hard into slapstick comedy, with Richard Pryor’s comedic subplot overpowering what should’ve been Superman’s story.

Sure, there are flashes of brilliance, too, in some aspects, but overall, the tone felt off. Fans didn’t want a comedy; they wanted myth and a grand Superman movie. Today, people revisit it more for curiosity than admiration, which is why it sits near the bottom of this ranked list of Superman movies.

8. Justice League (2017)

This is the Superman movie fans wish they could forget. Rushed reshoots and a change in directors due to unforeseen circumstances led to a film that felt soulless and disjointed. And yes, the CGI-erased mustache became the most infamous part of Superman’s return, overshadowing everything else. Cavill deserved better, and fans knew it. While it has a few moments of charm, this Justice League is remembered less as a movie and more as a symbol of how not to handle beloved heroes.

7. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Few films have split audiences quite like this one. For some, it was the cinematic dream of seeing Batman and Superman share the screen, clashing ideologies and fists. For others, it was a messy, overly grim take that buried its promise under an overly depressing plot.

The infamous “Martha” moment became meme fuel, and critics were far from kind. Yet, Henry Cavill’s Superman still connected with fans who appreciated Snyder’s attempt to treat these characters as modern myths. It’s not a terrible film, but it’s a deeply flawed one.

6. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)

Then came the fan-driven redemption arc. The Snyder Cut isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural moment where fans proved their voices mattered. At four hours, it’s too long, but it finally gave Superman the gravitas he deserved.

Cavill in the black suit felt like a restoration of faith. Critics remained divided, but fans embraced it as the version they had been denied. It doesn’t climb higher because it’s still uneven, but in terms of passion and payoff, it was a win for the Superman legacy.

5. Man of Steel (2013)

This movie was a reset button, one that came with its fair share of controversy. Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel was darker and more destructive than audiences expected from Superman. The climactic battle’s citywide destruction left many uncomfortable, but Cavill’s performance grounded Clark in a way that resonated with younger fans.

It explored Superman as an outsider first and a hero second, which made it more relatable for some but did not resonate with others. Love it or hate it, Man of Steel dared to reimagine the character for a modern era, which is why it sits firmly in the middle.

4. Superman Returns (2006)

When Superman Returns was released, it felt too quiet for audiences hungry for superhero action. Looking back, though, it’s holding back is part of the movie’s charm. Brandon Routh’s performance is often praised for its uncanny resemblance to Christopher Reeve, and the film’s melancholic tone gave it a unique identity. It’s not perfect, but fans have grown to appreciate its heart and reverence. Today, it feels less like a failure and more like a misunderstood love letter to Superman.

3. Superman II (1980 / The Donner Cut)

Superman II gave us one of the most memorable villains in comic book cinema: General Zod. Between his demand that the world kneel and Superman’s own struggle to balance love with responsibility, the film gave audiences drama as big as its action. The Donner Cut, released years later, only deepened the respect for what this sequel could have been. Together, both versions stand as proof that Superman stories can be both thrilling and deeply human.

2. Superman (1978)

Before Superman (1978), superhero movies weren’t taken seriously. Richard Donner and Christopher Reeve changed that forever. Reeve embodied Superman with a sincerity that made you believe in him completely, while the film’s groundbreaking effects and sweeping score turned the impossible into magic. Even if it feels dated today, its charm is timeless. This film didn’t just define Superman, it defined the entire superhero genre.

1. Superman (2025)

And here we are. James Gunn’s Superman isn’t just another reboot; it’s the one that feels like it finally got everything right. Critics describe it as heartfelt, hopeful, and modern, yet it never loses sight of the optimism that defines the character.

For the first time in decades, both critics and fans seem aligned, proving to us that this is the Superman movie we’ve been waiting for. It captures the timeless magic of the past while looking to the future. Simply put, this isn’t just the best Superman movie; it’s a new cornerstone for the character’s cinematic legacy.

Now, I know, some of you might disagree with the rankings I have provided here, and if you have some inputs of your own, do let us know about them in the comments.