Every Live‑Action Superman Movie Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes Critics — From Worst to Best
Discover how all live-action Superman films stack up according to Rotten Tomatoes critics—from the disappointing lows of Superman IV and III to the iconic heights of Superman (1978) and solid entries like Superman Returns and Man of Steel
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A new ranking of live-action Superman movies—based on Rotten Tomatoes critic scores—revealed a sharp contrast across the franchise’s history. Here's how the six major films measure up, from lowest to highest ratings:
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) – 10% on Rotten Tomatoes. Widely panned for its weak effects, flat action, and unengaged cast, it remains the franchise’s critical nadir.
Superman III (1983) – 29% approval. Critics lambasted the overreliance on slapstick and the Richard Pryor subplot, calling it a low point in the series.
Man of Steel (2013) – 57%. Zack Snyder’s reboot drew mixed reviews: praised for spectacular visuals but criticized for its tone and pacing.
Superman Returns (2006) – 74%. A reverent revival featuring Brandon Routh, it drew praise for its emotional resonance and visual elegance.
Superman II (1980) – 83%. Serving as a satisfying sequel to Christopher Reeve’s original, it balanced drama, romance, and heroics effectively.
Superman: The Movie (1978) – 93%. The iconic classic starring Reeve, directed by Richard Donner, remains the gold standard for superhero cinema.
This ranking underscores the stark quality divide within the Superman filmography: while the early Reeve era is widely celebrated, mid-series missteps dragged the franchise down—only to be partially redeemed by later reboots. For fans following critical reception, Superman: The Movie and II stand out as essential viewing.
