DC has announced its new face for its upcoming Superman Movie and it only makes sense to think that now is the right time for ranking Superman movies. David Corenswet is carrying the expectations of all the superhero fans across the globe on his shoulders. To play such an iconic character that has been reinvented time and again is no small feat. And with each new announcement regarding Superman: Legacy, DC is only adding to the hype.
However, there are many who are sceptical and those who are unhappy with the production giant for removing Henry Cavill from the role. For the time being, let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best. Many actors have played the part in not just movies but shows as well. However, since we have a new movie and not a show in the pipeline, our list will rank movies only.
Ranking Superman Movies
Man of Steel (2013)
The reason why I put this movie as number 1 in this list is that it is the only movie headlined by this superhero that makes me ask myself what if the guy really existed? Despite the almost incomprehensible level of destruction shown in the movie, there was something tangible in it and in its characterisation.
Director Zack Snyder took a different and serious approach to the character that made more sense to me. Clark didn’t have the courage to interact with humans more than need be and it took a human, Louis Lane, to do that for him. And as far as the masculine perspective is concerned, I don’t mind it. He is one of the strongest beings in the universe so the least he can have is biceps. And finally, Henry Cavill was a great casting choice.
Superman (1978)
Richard Donner’s brainchild is what made the character take centre stage in pop culture and sparked the flame of superhero movies as we see them today. From the music to the direction, the drama and the characterisation, everything is perfect in the movie. Donner expertly brings out the thrill of flying, and the tone of humour as well as adventure that the comics carried. And needless to say, none of it would have been possible without the great Christopher Reeve who put life into the character in such a way that we all did believe that a man can fly.
Superman Returns (2006)
I liked this one a lot because I found it to be a tribute to the 1978’s film other than the fact that his progeny was revealed only at the end of the movie. Directed by the great Bryan Singer, I found an apt Clark Kent in Brandon Routh. The attractive suit and the better graphics also had a strong effect on me. M being a millennial, this was the Superman of my time.
What struck me the most were the character’s pain and melancholy, which were made evident in the movie. He is very powerful but he is alone and craves for love too. A great depiction of the character; one that makes this one worthy of its position in our ranking list.
Also Read: The Witcher Season 3 Volume 2 Trailer: Henry Cavill Threatens to Unleash Hell in Cirilla’s Name
Superman II (1980)
With this we are coming to the worst of the lot in our list. It’s with this movie that things went wrong. The producers removed Richard Donner midway and brought Richard Lester on board as the director. However, thanks to the footage shot by Donner that Lester used, this movie is somewhat reminiscent of its predecessor. But it has its share of Lester’s unfunny humour. The Donner Cut released in 2006 was much better and proved to be a true sequel to the first part.
So when I place this movie at this position, I am considering Richard Donner’s cut and not Lester’s. I would suggest that you watch the former and not the latter to give yourself a true taste of the franchise after which it saw its downfall.
Superman III (1983)
Superman III is no less than a prank played on the character’s live-action version and does a disservice to the beloved character. With funny dialogues, and a sloppy storyline, this movie, directed again by Richard Lester, loses all sense of the direction in which it is headed. It just becomes a concoction of scenes until Superman faces his villainous twin, which is the only enjoyable thing about the whole movie if at all. But it’s no saving grace. The deed is done. I have to say that Richard Lester singlehandedly ruined the franchise.
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
I didn’t want to add Superman IV: The Quest for Peace to this list, but I had to. The movie is just outright bad. To see Reeve trying to give it all in an otherwise disastrous Superman movie, hurts a lot. The villain, Nuclear Man, despite symbolising or rather aiming to symbolise the threat that nuclear weapons pose, is funny for some and cringeworthily for others. One can only stare in disbelief at how bland it is compared to the first part that came out 9 years before it i.e. Superman (1978). It proved long back that one shouldn’t stretch a franchise more than needed.
Which of these Superman movies did you like the most? What is your ranking? And what are your thoughts about the upcoming movie led by the titular superhero? Do let us know in the comments below.
Also Read: What are the SAG-AFTRA Strike Demands? Here’s All About the Collective Movie and TV Industry’s Rally for Change
