There have been 11 theatrically released Superman films featuring the iconic Kryptonian. This count excludes animated features, direct-to-video releases, short films, and those where Superman has only a cameo appearance.
The Cinematic Legacy of the Man of Steel
Superman, the quintessential superhero, has graced the silver screen in numerous iterations since the late 1970s. Understanding the full scope of his cinematic journey requires careful consideration of what constitutes a “Superman movie.” We’re focusing here on major theatrical releases where Superman is the central protagonist. Let’s delve into the list, the controversies, and the future of the Man of Steel on film.
The Core Superman Films: A Detailed Breakdown
To clarify our count, we’re including films where Superman is undeniably the main character and driving force behind the narrative, released in cinemas. This includes reboots, continuations, and standalone interpretations.
- Superman (1978): Starring Christopher Reeve, this film is the quintessential origin story and set the standard for superhero movies to come.
- Superman II (1980): Picking up where the first left off, Superman faces off against General Zod and his Kryptonian cohorts.
- Superman III (1983): This entry introduced a more comedic tone, alongside a corrupted version of Superman, and starred Richard Pryor.
- Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987): Often considered the weakest of the original series, this film sees Superman addressing the global threat of nuclear weapons.
- Superman Returns (2006): Brandon Routh takes on the mantle in this sequel, following the events of Superman II and ignoring Superman III and IV. It focuses on Superman’s return after a five-year absence.
- Man of Steel (2013): A complete reboot of the franchise, starring Henry Cavill and directed by Zack Snyder, offering a darker and more grounded take on the Superman mythos.
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016): While featuring Batman as prominently, Superman’s role is crucial, and his character arc is central to the plot. We include this due to Superman being a main character in the movie.
- Justice League (2017): Superman returns after his apparent death in Batman v Superman to aid the Justice League in their fight against Steppenwolf. Again, we consider this a Superman film given his role as one of the two main characters.
- Justice League: The Snyder Cut (2021): This is a different cut of the Justice League film released in 2017, giving a different plot and story to the characters. We consider the same reasons to be valid to put this as a Superman film.
- Superman & Lois: Legacy (2025): A new reboot of the superman films with David Corenswet taking on the main character role.
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2025): While not technically a Superman film, Supergirl is still the main character of the film and with the DCU bringing her in, it is essentially a Superman movie.
Why Some Films Aren’t Included in the Count
It’s important to clarify why certain titles are excluded. Animated films like Superman: Doomsday and All-Star Superman, direct-to-video releases, and appearances in ensemble films like Suicide Squad (where Superman has a very minor cameo) are not considered part of this main count of theatrical Superman films. These entries, while often enjoyable and significant in their own right, don’t feature Superman as the primary focus of a wide theatrical release. The focus of this article is to specifically state the number of the main films.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section aims to address common questions and provide further clarification on Superman’s cinematic history.
1. Does Supergirl (1984) Count as a Superman Movie?
While related to Superman, Supergirl (1984) is considered a separate entity. It features Supergirl as the protagonist and doesn’t directly involve Superman. Therefore, we do not consider it a direct Superman movie, however that might change with the new Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow film being released.
2. What is the Chronological Order of the Christopher Reeve Superman Films?
The chronological order of the Christopher Reeve Superman films is: Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983), and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987).
3. Why is Superman Returns Considered a Sequel to Superman II and not Superman III or IV?
Superman Returns was designed to be a direct continuation of Superman II, ignoring the events of Superman III and Superman IV. The creative team felt that the latter films strayed too far from the core elements of the Superman mythos established in the first two movies.
4. What is the Difference Between the Theatrical Cut of Justice League and Zack Snyder’s Justice League?
The theatrical cut of Justice League (2017) was heavily altered after Zack Snyder stepped down from the project. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) is Snyder’s original vision, featuring a significantly different storyline, character development, and overall tone.
5. Will Henry Cavill Return as Superman?
As of now, Henry Cavill will not be returning as Superman in the new DCU films. David Corenswet has been cast as the character in the new films.
6. Who Has Played Superman on Film?
The actors who have portrayed Superman in the theatrically released films include: Christopher Reeve, Brandon Routh, and Henry Cavill. David Corenswet is cast for the newest Superman movie.
7. What is the General Consensus on the Best Superman Movie?
While subjective, Superman (1978) starring Christopher Reeve is widely considered the best Superman movie, praised for its groundbreaking special effects, heartfelt storytelling, and iconic portrayal of the Man of Steel.
8. What is the General Consensus on the Worst Superman Movie?
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) is generally regarded as the weakest Superman film due to its low budget, poor special effects, and preachy storyline.
9. Are There Any Planned Superman Films in the Near Future?
Yes, David Corenswet is cast to play the Man of Steel in a new Superman movie called “Superman & Lois: Legacy” which is coming out in 2025. This starts a new reboot of the DCU films which is directed by James Gunn.
10. Why Was the Christopher Reeve Superman Series Cancelled?
The Christopher Reeve series ended due to a combination of factors, including declining box office returns with Superman III and Superman IV, creative differences, and the bankruptcy of the studio, Cannon Films, involved with Superman IV.
11. Does Superman Appear in Any Other DC Films Where He Isn’t the Main Character?
Superman has cameo appearances in films like Shazam! and Suicide Squad, but these are very brief and don’t significantly contribute to his overall cinematic narrative.
12. Will the New DC Universe Continue Any Storylines from Previous Superman Films?
James Gunn has stated that the new DC Universe will be a fresh start and will not continue any storylines from the previous DCEU films. This means that the new Superman movie will be a brand-new origin story.