Superman is one of cinema’s most iconic superheroes.
From Christopher Reeve’s classic portrayal to Henry Cavill’s modern take and David Corenswet’s upcoming reboot under James Gunn, the character has constantly evolved with each era.
Here’s a complete look at every Superman movie released so far, in order of their release, with key details, cast, and summaries.
All Superman Movies in Release Order
| No. | Superman Movie | Release Date | Main Actor | Director | Runtime | IMDb | Rotten Tomatoes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Superman | December 15, 1978 | Christopher Reeve | Richard Donner | 2h 23m | 7.4 | 94% |
| 2 | Superman II | June 19, 1981 | Christopher Reeve | Richard Lester | 1h 56m | 6.8 | 87% |
| 3 | Superman III | June 17, 1983 | Christopher Reeve | Richard Lester | 2h 5m | 5.0 | 29% |
| 4 | Superman IV: The Quest for Peace | July 24, 1987 | Christopher Reeve | Sidney J. Furie | 1h 29m | 3.7 | 10% |
| 5 | Superman Returns | June 28, 2006 | Brandon Routh | Bryan Singer | 2h 34m | 6.1 | 74% |
| 6 | Man of Steel | June 14, 2013 | Henry Cavill | Zack Snyder | 2h 23m | 7.1 | 56% |
| 7 | Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice | March 25, 2016 | Henry Cavill | Zack Snyder | 3h 3m | 6.4 | 29% |
| 8 | Justice League | November 17, 2017 | Henry Cavill | Zack Snyder, Joss Whedon | 1h 59m | 6.1 | 39% |
| 9 | Zack Snyder’s Justice League | March 18, 2021 | Henry Cavill | Zack Snyder | 4h 2m | 7.9 | 72% |
| 10 | Superman (2025) | July 11, 2025 | David Corenswet | James Gunn | 2h 9m | 7.2 | 83% |
| 11 | Man of Tomorrow (2027) | July 9, 2027 | David Corenswet | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
All Superman Movies in Order (1978–2027): Every Film Explained
1. Superman (1978)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | December 15, 1978 |
| Cast | Christopher Reeve, Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder |
| Director | Richard Donner |
| Runtime | 2h 23m |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 7.4 / 94% |
The film that started it all. Christopher Reeve became the definitive Superman with his charismatic and hopeful portrayal.
The story follows Clark Kent’s transformation from a humble journalist to the savior of Earth.
Lex Luthor, played by Gene Hackman, plots a scheme involving California’s destruction, while Superman fights to save humanity.
2. Superman II (1981)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 19, 1981 |
| Cast | Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Terence Stamp, Margot Kidder |
| Director | Richard Lester |
| Runtime | 1h 56m |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 6.8 / 87% |
A direct sequel to the 1978 classic, Superman II continues Clark Kent’s story as he faces the vengeful General Zod.
The film also deepens Superman’s relationship with Lois Lane while testing his identity and moral choices.
Terence Stamp’s commanding presence as Zod remains a fan favorite.
3. Superman III (1983)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 17, 1983 |
| Cast | Christopher Reeve, Richard Pryor, Annette O’Toole, Robert Vaughn |
| Director | Richard Lester |
| Runtime | 2h 5m |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 5.0 / 29% |
Superman III takes a more comedic route with Richard Pryor as Gus Gorman, a computer genius manipulated by a corrupt businessman.
When synthetic kryptonite creates an evil version of Superman, the hero faces his inner darkness. While not critically acclaimed, it showcased Reeve’s acting range.
4. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 24, 1987 |
| Cast | Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Mark Pillow, Margot Kidder |
| Director | Sidney J. Furie |
| Runtime | 1h 29m |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 3.7 / 10% |
Christopher Reeve’s final outing as Superman focuses on his attempt to rid Earth of nuclear weapons. Lex Luthor returns, creating Nuclear Man to destroy Superman.
Despite its good intentions, poor production and writing made it the weakest of the original films.
5. Superman Returns (2006)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 28, 2006 |
| Cast | Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden |
| Director | Bryan Singer |
| Runtime | 2h 34m |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 6.1 / 74% |
Serving as a continuation of the Reeve era, Superman Returns finds the hero returning to Earth after years in space.
Brandon Routh takes the mantle, capturing the nostalgic charm of the classic films.
The story reintroduces Lex Luthor and explores Superman’s struggle to reconnect with humanity.
6. Man of Steel (2013)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 14, 2013 |
| Cast | Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane, Russell Crowe |
| Director | Zack Snyder |
| Runtime | 2h 23m |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 7.1 / 56% |
Zack Snyder rebooted the franchise with Man of Steel, giving Superman a darker, more realistic tone. Henry Cavill’s portrayal highlights Clark’s internal conflict and alien heritage.
The film reimagines his first battle against General Zod, delivering visually striking action and emotional depth.
7. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | March 25, 2016 |
| Cast | Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jesse Eisenberg |
| Director | Zack Snyder |
| Runtime | 3h 3m (Ultimate Cut) |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 6.4 / 29% |
A massive crossover event where Superman and Batman collide over differing ideologies. Manipulated by Lex Luthor, their feud leads to the rise of Doomsday.
Despite mixed reviews, the movie laid the groundwork for the Justice League and introduced Wonder Woman to the big screen.
8. Justice League (2017)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | November 17, 2017 |
| Cast | Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller |
| Director | Zack Snyder, Joss Whedon |
| Runtime | 1h 59m |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 6.1 / 39% |
After Superman’s death, Batman and Wonder Woman unite a team to face Steppenwolf. Due to behind-the-scenes turmoil and a change in directors, the final product disappointed fans.
It remains one of DC’s most debated releases due to tone inconsistencies and CGI issues.
9. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | March 18, 2021 |
| Cast | Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller |
| Director | Zack Snyder |
| Runtime | 4h 2m |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 7.9 / 72% |
The long-awaited “Snyder Cut” restored Zack Snyder’s original vision.
It expands the storylines of each Justice League member and gives Superman a powerful resurrection arc.
Fans praised it for richer storytelling, improved visuals, and emotional weight missing in the 2017 version.
10. Superman (2025)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 11, 2025 |
| Cast | David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Nathan Fillion |
| Director | James Gunn |
| Runtime | 2h 9m |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | 7.2 / 83% |
James Gunn’s Superman reboots the franchise under the new DC Universe.
David Corenswet steps in as a younger, optimistic version of Clark Kent.
The story focuses on Superman balancing his Kryptonian heritage and human upbringing while facing new threats. It’s both a fresh start and a love letter to the character’s hopeful roots.
11. Man of Tomorrow (2027)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 9, 2027 |
| Cast | David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult |
| Director | TBA |
| Runtime | TBA |
| IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes | TBA |
Set after Superman (2025), this upcoming film continues James Gunn’s “Superman Saga.” Man of Tomorrow won’t be a direct sequel but part of a shared DCU storyline where Superman plays a key role.
Plot details are limited, but early reports confirm appearances by Lex Luthor and Hawkgirl.
SEE ALSO:
- (Watch Order) Marvel Movies in Order | Chronological & Release Date
- (11) All Harry Potter Movies in Order: Chronological (With Release Dates)
- (13) Fast & Furious Movies in Order: Chronological (2001–2023)
- Jesse Stone Movies in Order | Chronological & Release Date
Final Thoughts
Superman’s cinematic journey mirrors the evolution of superhero storytelling itself.
From the idealistic hero of the late ’70s to the conflicted warrior of the modern age and now a hopeful reboot for a new generation, each film adds something unique to his legacy.
Whether you’re revisiting Christopher Reeve’s timeless charm or waiting for David Corenswet’s next chapter, the Man of Steel remains the world’s enduring symbol of hope.
Neha is a writer and a graduate of Philosophy Honors. She is an ardent follower of the fiction entertainment industry and loves to read and follow comics, anime, and TV series. Here, at Otakus’ Notes, she is responsible for planning and managing the team and content. Apart from working for Otakus’ Notes, she loves to invest her time in sketching and designing.
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