I Watched Every Superman Movie Since 1948 and Picked the Best One

Over nearly 80 years, Superman has been portrayed by six different actors. But only one film, in my opinion, managed to capture who Superman should be — and why audiences need him at all.

And no, my favorite isn't Henry Cavill or David Corenswet, but the main superhero of the '70s - Christopher Reeve. Why? Let me tell you.

Kirk Alyn and George Reeves: when Superman was a fairy tale

The first films of the '40s and '50s - "Superman" (1948), "Atom Man vs. Superman" (1950), "Superman and the Mole Men" (1951) - now feel like archival rarities.

Actors Kirk Alyn and George Reeves in superhero costumes with the letter S on their chests — Frames from "Superman and the Mole Men" (1951) and "Superman" (1948)

This is honest propaganda for good and the American spirit, where the hero is as naive as the comics of that time. Sure, it's hard to watch now - but without them, there wouldn't be the rest.

The Christopher Reeve era: superhero as icon

Reeve played Superman in four films (1978-1987), and he's the one who gave the hero a face for an entire generation.

The first film from 1978 is still called the gold standard: the best opening credits, humor, tenderness, and John Williams' ear-caressing orchestral soundtrack.

Actor Christopher Reeve stands in a blue and red superhero costume with the letter S on his chest — Posters from "Superman" (1978)

The second part is a bit darker and more dramatic. But the third and fourth? Complete disasters, with bad special effects, plot holes, and pure absurdity.

The 2000s: trying to bring back the magic

"Superman Returns" (2006) tried to seem like a continuation of the Reeve films. But it turned out to be not a continuation, but a fanboy "tribute." Brandon Routh plays it restrained, even too much so. The film is beautiful - but empty.

Actor Brandon Routh in a blue and red superhero costume with the letter S on his chest climbs up the stairs — Frame from "Superman Returns" (2006)

It has little action, barely develops the main villain - Lex Luthor. Though the scene with the bullet and Clark's eye still impresses.

Henry Cavill: Superman for adults

"Man of Steel" (2013), "Batman v Superman" (2016), and "Zack Snyder's Justice League" (2021) showed a completely different hero - dark, internally broken, sometimes ruthless and introspective.

This was Superman who grew up in an era of total distrust toward saviors. Who is he - God or threat? Cavill is good physically, but this Snyder pretentiousness running through all three films didn't do any favors.

Actor Henry Cavill in a blue and red superhero costume with the letter S on his chest — Frame from "Man of Steel" (2013)

My favorite moment - the scene from the first part when Clark punishes an obnoxious trucker by destroying his truck.

Corenswet: New, But Not Necessarily Better

The 2025 film starring David Corenswet promised a reboot and a return to classic spirit. So far we've got a solid Superman suit, a charming character in super-dog Krypto, and quality graphics.

Actor David Corenswet in a blue and red superhero costume stands by large gates — Still from "Superman" (2025)

But there are plenty of downsides: every other character's costume looks like it was printed on a home printer or bought from Amazon; the main antagonist (Lex Luthor) generates zero emotional response. Clark Kent himself has become a saccharine "nice guy" who somehow manages to stay sweet even during the final battles.

The Best Superman Movie

That's obviously "Superman" from 1978. Reeve's Superman is kind, vulnerable, humble. He's not of this world, but he's the most relatable of all.

A man unbuttoned his shirt and reveals a superhero costume with the letter S on his chest — Poster for "Superman" (1978)

In this version, characters actually interact with each other. There's an engaging plot that kept you hooked even without fancy graphics. Plus you get quality humor (especially during Lex's interactions with his right-hand man, Otis).

I agree with IMDb user xxdisintegrationxx, who wrote in his review: "The film has an uplifting effect on you, and after watching it you feel genuinely happy, which I think is the purpose of cinema." Earlier on zoomboola.com, we covered how critics and audiences rated the 2025 "Superman" film.