4. Man of Steel (2013)
Superman: Henry Cavill
Rating: 56%
Verdict: Henry Cavill dons the red cape for the first time and receives a lukewarm review. It reboots the entire series, retelling Superman’s origin as the first naturally-born Kryptonian child in centuries and growing up in Kansas. Despite its special effects, critics said that the movie “can’t fully overcome its detours into generic blockbuster territory.”
3. Superman Returns (2006)
Superman: Brandon Routh
Rating: 76%
Verdict: Superman comes back to the big screen after 19 years with a strong entrance. Here, Clark has already adjusted to Earth life, but decides to look for the remains of Krypton. Many noted that it was a “satisfying stick-to-your-ribs adaptation” and a “reverent and visually decadent adaptation.”
2. Superman II (1981)
Superman: Christopher Reeve
Rating: 89%
Verdict: Superman must fight three intergalactic criminals who are freed from prison after he foils a terrorist plot in Paris. Despite the story stumbling into slapstick territory, critics believed it met or exceeded the “standard set by its predecessor.” Even Reeve himself claimed that it was the best in the series.
1. Superman (1978)
Superman: Christopher Reeve
Rating: 93%
Verdict: Many have tried but all subsequent movies failed to meet the acclaim of the first Superman movie. The movie revolves around the hero’s origin, and it was praised for being a loving nostalgic tribute to an American pop culture icon, and for deftly blending humor and gravitas.
Do you agree with the list? Share your thoughts below!
