Top 10 Superman Actors of All Time Voted by Fans

Superman, one of the most iconic superheroes, has been portrayed by various actors across TV shows, movies, and animated media. From classic renditions that shaped a generation to modern interpretations that introduced the character to new audiences, Superman remains a cherished symbol of hope, justice, and strength.

With such a rich history, fans recently gathered on Ranker to rank Superman actors from worst to best. Among over 10 thousand votes, we’ve compiled the top picks for you.

10. Nolan North (824 Votes)

Although he hasn’t played Superman in live-action, North has showcased his talent by voicing the Man of Steel in numerous animated projects. His portrayal of Superman is characterized by his ability to embody the iconic strength, integrity, and sense of duty associated with the character.

9. Dean Cain (1100 Votes)

Dean Cain brought Superman to life in ‘Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman’ (1993-1997). His charismatic and charming portrayal of the Man of Steel resonated with audiences worldwide, earning him a high placement on this list.

8. George Newbern (1186 Votes)

For over two decades now, George Newbern has been the voice behind Superman. His portrayal imbues the character with gravitas and authority, flawlessly encapsulating Superman’s steadfast commitment to truth, justice, and safeguarding the innocent.

7. George Reeves (1472 Votes)

George Reeves is celebrated as one of the pioneers to wear the iconic red and blue Superman suit in the 1950s television series ‘Adventures of Superman.’ His portrayal of the Man of Steel captivated audiences of that era and continues to resonate as a defining representation of the character. Reeves remains synonymous with Superman, leaving an indelible mark on the superhero’s legacy.

6. Brandon Routh (2092 Votes)

Brandon Routh assumed the role of Superman in ‘Superman Returns’ and made a cameo appearance in ‘Batwoman’ (“Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Two,” 2019). His portrayal paid homage to Christopher Reeve’s Superman and is fondly remembered by fans, despite his relatively brief tenure as the iconic hero.

5. Tim Daly (2455 Votes)

Tim Daly is celebrated for his portrayal of Superman in the beloved animated series “Superman: The Animated Series.” Despite his excellence as a voice actor, Daly himself confessed that he didn’t fully appreciate voicing Superman at the time.

4. Tom Welling (2556 Votes)

Although Tom Welling spent the shortest amount of time as Superman, he portrayed Clark Kent for 11 years on the beloved show ‘Smallville.’ Despite this limited screen time as the Man of Steel, he remains one of the most recognizable Superman actors, having influenced a generation of fans.

3. Tyler Hoechlin (2870 Votes)

Tyler Hoechlin is a highly controversial choice for the third spot, as many “fans” don’t consider him a true Superman due to his role in CW’s ‘Superman & Lois.’ However, over time, the majority of fans have come to appreciate Hoechlin’s portrayal of the character. He exudes coolness, and wholesomeness, and embodies core values such as family, love, courage, and heroism in the face of adversity. Personally, I can’t wait to see what he brings in season 4.

2. Henry Cavill (3690 Votes)

Henry Cavill portrayed Superman in the now-rebooted DCEU, with director Zack Snyder opting for a darker take on the character, deviating from some of his core qualities. While Snyder’s DCEU faced numerous issues, Cavill’s performance was not one of them. Fans were deeply disappointed when James Gunn decided to recast the role with a younger actor, David Corenswet. Despite this, Cavill’s initial portrayal of Superman received mixed reviews.

1. Christopher Reeve (3778 Votes)

You probably expected him to be at the number one spot. Christopher Reeve is widely regarded as one of the most iconic actors to have portrayed Superman. His portrayal of the Man of Steel in the classic Superman films of the late 1970s and early 1980s remains legendary and beloved by audiences worldwide. Reeve struck a perfect balance of charisma, charm, and heroism, embodying the quintessential qualities of the iconic superhero. Following his accident, he continued to inspire many around the world with his off-screen heroism.

What are your thoughts on the list? Let us know in the comments below!