All 13 Superman Movies and TV Shows, Ranked

Superman, the ultimate superhero, has been saving the day on screens for over 70 years. From black-and-white serials to modern blockbusters, his story of strength, hope, and humanity has evolved with each new take.

I’m diving into every live-action Superman movie and TV show, ranking them from the least impressive to the absolute best, based on their impact, storytelling, and how well they capture the Man of Steel’s spirit.

13. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)

Reeve returns to tackle nuclear disarmament, facing off against Lex Luthor’s creation, Nuclear Man. The film’s heart is in the right place, but budget cuts led to poor effects and a rushed story.

It’s a noble effort with a strong message, yet the execution falters. Reeve’s passion keeps it watchable, but it’s a shadow of his earlier Superman films.

12. Superman and the Mole Men (1951)

This low-budget film kicked off Superman’s live-action journey with George Reeves as the hero. It’s a simple tale of Clark Kent and Lois Lane uncovering strange creatures from an oil well, but its dated effects and thin plot make it more of a historical curiosity.

Despite its charm as a time capsule of 1950s sci-fi, the film feels slow and lacks the grandeur of later entries. Reeves is solid, but the short runtime limits any deep character work.

11. Superboy (1988-1992)

‘Superboy’ followed a young Clark Kent at college, with John Haymes Newton in season one and Gerard Christopher taking over later. The show leaned into cheesy 80s vibes, mixing teen drama with superhero antics.

Its low production values and campy tone don’t always hold up, but it has a nostalgic charm for fans of simpler superhero stories. The shift in actors kept things fresh, though the writing could be uneven.

10. Superman III (1983)

This third outing for Christopher Reeve’s Superman pits him against a scheming businessman and a supercomputer. Richard Pryor’s comedic role as a hacker adds some laughs, but the story feels disjointed.

The film struggles to balance humor with Superman’s heroic core, making it a step down from earlier entries. Reeve still shines, but the goofy plot doesn’t do him justice.

9. Superman Returns (2006)

Brandon Routh steps into Superman’s boots as a sequel to the Reeve films, with Clark returning after years away to face Lex Luthor again. The visuals are stunning, and Routh channels Reeve’s charm well.

However, the slow pace and lack of action left some fans cold. It’s a heartfelt tribute but doesn’t quite capture the excitement of Superman’s best adventures.

8. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Henry Cavill’s Superman faces off against Ben Affleck’s Batman in this gritty DC Extended Universe entry. The dark tone and epic clash are ambitious, but the crowded plot can feel overwhelming.

Cavill’s stoic Man of Steel is compelling, and the action delivers. Yet, the film’s divisive tone keeps it from fully embracing Superman’s hopeful spirit.

7. Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993-1997)

Dean Cain’s Superman teams up with Teri Hatcher’s Lois Lane in this romantic, lighthearted series. It focuses more on their chemistry and Daily Planet antics than world-saving missions.

The sitcom vibe is fun but can feel dated. Cain’s everyman charm and Hatcher’s spunky Lois make it a cozy, nostalgic favorite for 90s fans.

6. Superman & Lois (2021-2025)

Tyler Hoechlin’s Superman balances heroics with family life alongside Elizabeth Tulloch’s Lois Lane. The show grounds Superman in Smallville, focusing on his role as a father and husband.

Strong writing and chemistry make it a standout, though some episodes lean too heavily on family drama over action. It’s a fresh, emotional take on the icon.

5. Man of Steel (2013)

Zack Snyder’s reboot casts Henry Cavill as a modern Superman, exploring his Kryptonian roots and battle against General Zod. The grand visuals and intense action set a new standard for superhero films.

Cavill’s introspective Clark is a bold take, though the dark tone divides fans. It’s a powerful, if somber, reimagining of Superman’s origin.

4. Adventures of Superman (1952-1958)

George Reeves brings Superman to TV in this iconic series, fighting crime with Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen. Its black-and-white roots and patriotic vibe capture the 1950s perfectly.

Reeves’ commanding presence makes him a timeless Superman. The show’s simplicity is its strength, delivering straightforward heroics that still resonate.

3. Superman II (1980)

Christopher Reeve faces General Zod and his Kryptonian villains in this thrilling sequel. The mix of romance, action, and Clark’s struggle to choose love or duty keeps it engaging.

Reeve’s chemistry with Margot Kidder’s Lois Lane is electric, and the Donner Cut elevates the story further. It’s a near-perfect blend of heart and spectacle.

2. Smallville (2001-2011)

Tom Welling’s Clark Kent grows from a teen to a hero in this 10-season epic. The show dives deep into his Smallville years, blending teen drama with superhero origins.

Welling’s grounded performance and the show’s fresh take on Clark’s journey make it a fan favorite. Its long run builds a rich, emotional world.

1. Superman (1978)

Christopher Reeve soars as the definitive Superman in Richard Donner’s classic. With Marlon Brando as Jor-El and Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, it’s a landmark superhero film.

The effects, score, and Reeve’s heartfelt performance make it timeless. It captures Superman’s hope and heroism like no other.

Which Superman movie or show is your top pick, or did I miss a hidden gem? Drop your thoughts in the comments!