All 14 Major Adaptations of Green Lantern, Ranked

Green Lantern, the DC Comics hero with a power ring fueled by willpower, has appeared in many adaptations. From live-action films to animated series, the character’s cosmic adventures have thrilled fans, but not every version has shined as brightly as the emerald ring.

Some adaptations capture the essence of Green Lantern’s vast universe, while others struggle with weak stories or poor visuals. Below, we rank all live-action and animated adaptations, starting with the weakest and ending with the best, including the latest appearance in Superman (2025).

14. Legends of the Superheroes (1979)

This live-action TV special was a low-budget attempt to bring DC heroes to life. Green Lantern, played by Howard Murphy, appeared alongside other Justice League members in two episodes, facing goofy villains and enduring a bizarre roast segment.

The special’s cheap effects couldn’t showcase Green Lantern’s ring powers, reducing him to a background character with lame jokes. With a dated feel and little connection to the comics, this adaptation is a forgettable curiosity for die-hard fans only.

13. Justice League of America (1997)

This live-action TV pilot featured Matthew Settle as Guy Gardner, a lesser-known Green Lantern. The show aimed to introduce a quirky Justice League team but was hampered by a low budget and a weak plot about a villainous weatherman.

Green Lantern’s powers were barely explored due to poor special effects, and the costume looked more silly than heroic. Never picked up as a series, this pilot is a clunky relic that fails to do justice to the character.

12. Green Lantern (2011)

Ryan Reynolds starred as Hal Jordan in this live-action film, which promised a grand cosmic adventure. The story followed Jordan’s journey to master his power ring while facing the fear entity Parallax.

Despite a big budget, the film suffered from rushed storytelling, weak CGI, and a lack of creative ring constructs. It disappointed fans and critics, earning a poor reputation that still lingers, though Reynolds’ charm offered some redeeming moments.

11. Superman (2025)

Nathan Fillion plays Guy Gardner in this live-action DC Universe film, where Green Lantern joins the Justice Gang alongside Superman. Gardner’s role involves fighting a kaiju and aiding in a global conflict.

While Fillion’s cocky portrayal and creative constructs, like a giant hand, are highlights, Green Lantern is a supporting character with limited screen time. The film redeems the hero after past flops but doesn’t fully explore his potential.

10. The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure (1967-1968)

This animated series included short Green Lantern segments with Hal Jordan, voiced by Gerald Mohr. Each episode showed quick adventures against space threats, often alongside other DC heroes.

The animation was basic, and the stories were simple, aimed at young viewers. While charming for its time, the short runtime and lack of depth make it a minor entry in Green Lantern’s animated history.

9. Green Lantern: Beware My Power (2022)

This animated film focused on John Stewart, voiced by Aldis Hodge, as he became a Green Lantern and teamed up with Green Arrow to stop a galactic war. The story explored Stewart’s military background and growth as a hero.

The animation was solid, but the plot felt rushed, and some character arcs were underdeveloped. It’s a decent watch for fans of Stewart, but it doesn’t stand out among other DC animated films.

8. Green Lantern: First Flight (2009)

This animated movie followed Hal Jordan, voiced by Christopher Meloni, as he trained under Sinestro to become a Green Lantern. The story built to a betrayal that tested Jordan’s willpower.

With strong voice acting and a tight focus on the Green Lantern Corps, it delivered a solid origin tale. However, the animation quality and action scenes were average, keeping it from being a top-tier adaptation.

7. Green Lantern: Emerald Knights (2011)

This animated anthology, featuring Nathan Fillion as Hal Jordan, told multiple stories about the Green Lantern Corps. Each segment highlighted different Lanterns, with a framing narrative about an impending battle.

The variety of tales and vibrant animation made it engaging, though some stories were stronger than others. It’s a great showcase of the Corps’ diversity but lacks a single, cohesive plot.

6. Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League (2015)

In this animated Lego film, Guy Gardner, voiced by Diedrich Bader, joined the Justice League to battle Bizarro’s clones. The story leaned into humor, with Gardner’s brash personality shining through.

The playful tone and colorful animation suited the Lego style, making it fun for all ages. While not deep, it captured Gardner’s charm and offered entertaining ring constructs.

5. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)

This animated film featured Nathan Fillion voicing Hal Jordan in a dark, alternate timeline. Green Lantern played a key role in the story, which explored the consequences of time travel.

The intense plot and high-quality animation made it gripping, with Jordan’s heroism standing out. Its focus on the broader Justice League keeps it from being a pure Green Lantern story, but it’s still impactful.

4. Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (2015)

Nathan Fillion returned as Hal Jordan in this animated film, where Green Lantern helped the Justice League face an Atlantean threat. The story balanced action with Aquaman’s origin.

The animation was polished, and Jordan’s witty banter added levity. Though not centered on Green Lantern, the film used his powers creatively and showcased his role in the team.

3. The Death of Superman (2018)

In this animated film, Nathan Fillion voiced Hal Jordan as part of the Justice League battling Doomsday. Green Lantern’s constructs, like shields and weapons, were key in the brutal fight.

The emotional weight of the story and strong animation elevated it, with Jordan’s heroism shining. While Superman was the focus, Green Lantern’s contributions made it a memorable adaptation.

2. Green Lantern: The Animated Series (2011-2013)

This CGI animated series starred Josh Keaton as Hal Jordan, exploring his adventures with Kilowog and a new character, Razer, against the Red Lanterns. The show skipped Jordan’s origin to dive into cosmic battles.

With rich storytelling, mature themes, and unique characters like Aya, it built a vibrant universe. Cancelled too soon due to the live-action film’s flop, it remains a fan favorite.

1. Justice League (2001-2004)

This animated series featured Phil LaMarr as John Stewart, the Green Lantern of the Justice League. Stewart’s military discipline and creative ring constructs shone in battles against cosmic and earthly threats.

The show’s deep character development, epic action, and iconic voice acting made Stewart a standout. It’s the gold standard for Green Lantern adaptations, beloved for its balance of heart and heroics.

What’s your favorite Green Lantern adaptation, and which version of the hero do you love most? Share your thoughts in the comments!