Ranking All 8 Superman Movies from Least to Most Impressive

      Here are all eight Superman films ranked from worst to best, featuring the new James Gunn version with David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.

      A few notes: Animated films and Justice League are not included for reasons that will be explained.

      Now, let's rank the eight Superman films from worst to best.

      **Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)**

      Warner Bros. – Credit: Warner Bros.

      While Henry Cavill gives a strong performance as Superman, he was unfortunately let down by the scripts of the films he starred in. The weakest entry is undoubtedly Batman v Superman, an excessively loud and chaotic film that pits him against Ben Affleck’s similarly undermined Batman, who ultimately gets overshadowed by Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman.

      The lowest point of Cavill’s portrayal as Superman was in Justice League, where digital effects awkwardly erased his mustache, which he had for Mission: Impossible — Fallout. However, Justice League is excluded from this list since Superman is dead for much of the film.

      **Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)**

      Warner Bros.

      No one argues that Superman IV is a good film; it suffered from a reduced budget, an unimpressive villain in Nuclear Man (Mark Pillow), and a preachy storyline about nuclear weapons. The special effects were subpar at times. The film's disappointing box office results effectively ended the Christopher Reeve-led Superman franchise.

      Nonetheless, Superman IV has its own appeal. Reeve remains the best actor to play Superman, and we do get brief appearances from the late Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor and Margot Kidder as Lois Lane. There’s also a quirky charm in Jon Cryer appearing as Lex's nephew, Lenny Luthor.

      Interestingly, this movie indirectly helped Morgan Freeman gain fame, as Reeve agreed to star in Superman IV in exchange for support for the drama Street Smart, where Freeman gave a standout performance.

      **Superman Returns (2006)**

      Warner Bros.

      This attempt to reboot the Superman franchise compared unfavorably to two major benchmarks: the challenge of following Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder, and the timely release of Batman Begins by Christopher Nolan, which successfully reimagined Batman.

      Despite that, we find enjoyment in Superman Returns. Kevin Spacey was a suitable choice for Lex Luthor, and the film acts as a direct sequel to Superman II, disregarding Superman III and IV.

      **Man of Steel (2013)**

      Warner Bros.

      Director Zack Snyder aimed to make Man of Steel as grand as possible, succeeding in many respects. Henry Cavill was excellently cast as Superman, with Amy Adams portraying a strong modern Lois Lane. The ensemble cast also included Kevin Costner and Diane Lane as Clark’s adoptive parents, alongside Russell Crowe and Ayelet Zurer as his biological parents, Jor-El and Lara Lor-van. The fathers had more substantial roles than the mothers.

      The film's primary flaw was Snyder’s preference for a darker tone, highlighted by the controversial decision to have Superman kill Michael Shannon’s General Zod, an act that doesn’t align with Superman’s character.

      **Superman III (1987)**

      Warner Bros.

      This film showcases Superman in his goofiest light. He confronts the forgettable industrialist Ross Webster (Robert Vaughn), who is overshadowed by the film's true star, Gus Gorman, a desperate but gifted computer programmer portrayed by Richard Pryor.

      There's a nostalgic appeal in seeing the straight-laced Reeve alongside the unpredictable Pryor, a significant comedic talent. The film captures Gus's computing genius in a way that remains memorable. The subplot involving Superman splitting into good and evil versions adds a quirky touch.

      However, it loses points for lacking Gene Hackman and relegating Margot Kidder’s character to a lesser role, as she was upset with the producers’ decision to replace director Richard Donner for Superman II. We prefer Superman films where Lois is more prominent.

      **Superman II (1980)**

      Warner Bros.

      This film presents the most engaging plot, exploring the core question of Superman's desire to be human versus being an alien hero. It stands out as the most romantic superhero movie.

      Clark Kent decides to give up being Superman to be with Lois, but he must reclaim his powers when three Kryptonian villains—General Zod (Terence Stamp), Ursa (Sarah Douglas), and Non (Jack O'Halloran)—arrive on Earth.

      Superman II is both thrilling and tragic, and for those who experienced its release as children, it was genuinely frightening to contemplate a world without Superman.

      **Superman (1978)**

      Warner Bros.

      This film established the modern superhero genre—an impressive, heartwarming epic that takes its time living up to its tagline, "You’ll believe a man can fly."

      While it may feel slow by today's standards, the world it