Clark Kent (a.k.a. Superman) will return to the big screen in 2025 in James Gunn’s Superman, which will also kickstart the new cinematic DC Universe (DCU) after the closure of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). However, the Kryptonian hero has been appearing in films for over 82 years now. For viewers looking to catch up with his entire cinematic history before the start of the new Superman era, here’s where to watch every Superman movie in order.
DC Comics created Superman in 1938. He hails from the planet Krypton and boasts powers like super strength, laser beam eyes, and flight. The hero made his big screen debut in 1941 when he appeared in 17 theatrical animated shorts from Paramount Pictures.
By 1948, he appeared in live-action for the first time in the serial Superman, which became the most profitable movie serial at the time. In the original serial and sequel, Atom Man vs. Superman, Superman’s actor, Kirk Alwyn, was credited only as Superman to allow young viewers to believe he was real.
However, these early movies were limited significantly by the technology at the time. Hence, many feel the first film to come close to capturing the scale of this hero was when Warner Bros. took over the film rights and made Superman (1978). Christopher Reeve portrayed Kent and, to this day, is considered the best Superman actor. The movie was one of the first to create a realistic illusion of flight through wind machines, blue screens, and wiring work. The film received three direct sequels, each introducing iconic Superman characters like Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, Lana Lang, and General Zod.
Unfortunately, Superman IV: The Quest for Peace was such a financial and critical failure that another Superman movie wouldn’t be made until Superman Returns in 2006, when Brandon Routh took over as the titular hero. While it was an improvement over Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, Warner Bros. still wasn’t pleased with its box office performance.
Hence, the most recent iteration of Superman, portrayed by Henry Cavill, was born with Man of Steel. The movie also marked the first time Superman joined a cinematic universe as it kickstarted the DCEU. The next film Cavill appeared in was Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, which saw the hero crossover with Ben Affleck’s Batman. Superman would go on to appear in Justice League and Zack Snyder’s Justice League, but the DCEU quickly became plagued with critical and commercial flops and a lack of connectivity, leading to the universe closing out with Aquaman and the Last Kingdom.
Soon, David Corenswet’s Superman will kick off a new DCU in 2025. Before then, here’s where to watch every Superman movie in release date order from oldest to newest.