Superman is one of the world’s most recognizable superheroes of all time so it’s easy to see why there are so many comics, television shows, and movies. Superman has had adaptations in both live action and animated, some good, some bad.

(1) Man of Steel (2013)

Zack Snyder reinvents the origin and story of Superman and boy is it great. This movie is best known for its action scenes and rightfully. This is perhaps the best incarnation of Kryptonian abilities we’ve ever seen on film. It definitely feels like gods are battling each other and the world is their playground. But it’s not just the action. Henry Cahill plays a convincing Superman trying to find his place in the world and it’s a dilemma most people face. Not to mention the film has the best flight sequence in film history.

(2) The Death of Superman

It’s hard to imagine the Man of Steel being able to die. He’s tussled with some of the baddest hombres the universe has ever produced and survived. But very few are as ruthless and unrelenting as Doomsday. This movie is the ultimate movie in terms of Doomsday kicking ass because he kicks ass the entire time he’s in the movie. But behind the action Clark and Lois share a great underlining romance that provides emotional depth and even shifts the stakes.

(3) Superman II (1980)

I’ll always appreciate Christopher Reeve’s Superman, even more in this sequel. Its got a lot of heart and the action is ramped up especially since the Man of Steel has to deal with not only an annoying Lex Luthor but also three criminal Kryptonians who make it their business to rule the planet. The emotional story of Clark giving up his powers for Lois gives the film depth while Superman’s battle against Zod (played brilliantly by Terrence Stamp) provides tension and action. Not only a good Superman movie but also one of the best comic book movies of all time.

(4) Superman: Red Son (2020)

Red Son tells the story of Superman who is raised in Russia rather than in America. The film’s greatest strength lies in the rich story and interesting portrayals of familiar characters. Superman’s running the Soviet Union and is on a quest for world peace. What he sees as paradise others see tyranny. It’s an interesting double edged sword the fine line of being a strong leader without becoming a dictator and that’s what’s the underlining theme of the film. It’s great that Superman’s not necessarily evil (unlike his Injustice Regime counterpart). There’s good action, good voice performances, and great animation.

(5) Superman/Batman: Apocalypse

I was on the fence about adding this movie to the list because of the title and because of Supergirl but then I realized that this movie is as much about Clark as it is about Kara. There’s an interesting involving Kara and how her presence puts Superman and Batman at odds but it isn’t until Darkseid appears that the stakes become apparent. Not to mention this has an epic fight between Diana and Big Barda against the Furies as well as Clark and Kara against Darkseid. It’s a good movie.

Thanks for checking out the post and in the comment section below let us know what your favorite Superman movies are.