Rank all the Superman films

[The Joker]

I like the guy, but I would like to assume this post is simply being a provocateur, rather than anything remotely sincere.

#ASnyderBroChucklingAtBrightburn

As far as rankings go:

1: Superman The Movie / Man of Steel

I am another one that's ranking them at the very top. Pretty much depends on my mood on which I prefer to watch. If I am in a more classic Pre-Crisis Superman mood, SM:TM hits the spot. If I'm in a Post-Crisis mood, MOS wins.

2: Batman v Superman

A great direct follow-up to MOS. Snyder really knocked it out of the park with the casting (save for Eisenberg's Lex, which I never liked, and still don't). Comparing MOS and BvS, I would put MOS slightly above BvS, but both are aces.

3. Superman II

Probably in the minority, but I consider Lester's SMII to be the definitive cut, with Donner's being a simply nice companion piece. Gets extra points for presenting fans Reeve's Superman taking the fight to Zod and crew within Metropolis in live action. I can only imagine being a long time reader of the comics, and seeing that on the silver screen back in 1980.

4. Superman III

Quality drop off for sure. However, some of the comedy was funny, the Smallville scenes with Lana certainly helped, and of course, the Evil Superman subplot was entertaining as hell. I still remember my initial viewing as a kid, which was about at the halfway point, and thinking the super computer taking over the girl, WAS the cinematic version Brainiac. Especially since my only exposure to Brainiac was the cyborg version introduced in the early 1980s, and was featured in the Super Powers toy line.

5. Mole Men

I guess I'll place this movie here. Similar to the original Twilight Zone seasons 1,2,3, and 5, I like my George Reeves Superman adventures at 22-24 minute episodes.

6. Superman IV: Quest for Peace

Nearing the bottom of the barrel. The special effects were looking pretty cheap, and the lack of any sort of enthusiasm was evident. Atleast Christopher Reeve gave a decent performance, and we got Gene Hackman back. Mariel Hemingway was nice to look at, and her character's interest in Clark was comparable to Cat Grant who debuted in the comics the very same year. Interesting coincidence.

7. Superman Returns

I watched this in 2006 as being the equivalent to seeing a sequel to Batman Returns with Burton not attached, someone else pretending to be Keaton's Batman/Bruce Wayne. Someone else pretending to be Michelle Pfeiffer's Catwoman. Someone else pretending to be Michael Gough's Alfred. Someone else pretending to be Pat Hingle's Gordon, ect. Unexceptional all around, and clearly over infatuated. 

[The Laughing Fish]

I like the guy, but I would like to assume this post is simply being a provocateur, rather than anything remotely sincere.

#ASnyderBroChucklingAtBrightburn

I'm not so sure about that. This was what he wrote in this response video to that MOS tweet (it's the third reply after the first message he posted under the video's comments section):

Your point about my praising of violence in Brightburn is a bit out of context to my point. That wasn't about the "Superman aspect" of the film, it was simply about Brightburn. I made no mention of that having anything to do with Superman specifically but it was placed in between me making points of nods to Superman so I get why you thought that.

Also my criticism about Superman not saving people on Man of Steel is specifically when he's doing that ultimate cringe-worthy make out scene with Lois. This is the same seen that they retconned into BVS to show Bruce Wayne saving people. Meanwhile, "Superman" is busy making out with a chick he has no chemistry with while people are dying. It's an all-time terrible moment for "Superman" and it perfectly sums up why Man of Steel is an awful representation of Supes.

I didn't have a problem with Supes killing Zod in MOS but watching Jonathan Kent die is Jake Skywalker level of disrespect to the character

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUZC5osm2_o&ab_channel=LeftFootMedia

Never mind the fact he failed to consider a certain period of time had passed between Bruce witnessing the Black Zero sinking into the Phantom Zone and seeing Zod's heat vision destroying the Wayne Financial building that doomed Jack. I bet you every money that I have the putz doesn't have the same outrage when the Avengers do exactly the same thing he complains about Superman.

I've seen this idiot's content before, and I'm not impressed. He complains about The Last Jedi, Kathleen Kennedy and identity politics - big deal. We all do that. He also seems to enjoy a lot of overrated trash MCU Phase 3 is putting out, but still complaining about Captain Marvel for being an SJW character. Well I got you news Jeremy, if you hate the identity politics so much then stop supporting the MCU. It's a bit counterproductive to complain about identity politics, but then still support those movies associated with such propaganda.

[The Dark Knight]

1. Man of Steel
2. BvS: Dawn of Justice
3. Superman: The Movie
4. Superman II
5. Superman III
6. Superman IV
7. Superman Returns

I haven't seen The Mole Men, so I can't comment.

I like my first four films, but after that I don't really care. Snyder's run is what interested me in the character again, so his films get top billing. Man of Steel gets first place for being a pure Superman outing where he's not sharing the screen time with another hero. Superman: TAS is where it's at for me overall, though.

I've made an addition to my list:

1. Man of Steel
2. BvS: Dawn of Justice
3. Superman v The Elite
4. Superman: The Movie
5. Superman II
6. Superman III
7. Superman IV
8. Superman Returns

I watched Superman v The Elite for the first time this week. I think it's the best Superman animated movie, or at least the best I've seen, and is a good adaption of the source material.

The best villains have merit in their argument, and these do. To the point I agree with them, but strangely that still doesn't make them right. The arc of friend to foe is interesting to watch play out, and the fact these villains are stronger than Superman, especially Manchester's mental powers, undercuts the usual 'Superman is overpowered' complaint.

Superman v The Elite works for me because the story is essentially a character study from a contemporary point of view. I'm all about showing Superman's place in the modern world rather than him being a relic. I see this Superman as more seasoned version of what Cavill could become - the unwavering example civilized people should aspire to.

For me it ticks more boxes than not.

Superman will physically engage opponents and damage will be caused.
But he doesn't see it to be his place to interfere too much.

But here's the big one: he isn't worried about being unpopular, he's more worried about losing himself. After watching this movie, and mixed in with the events of 2020, I see this is the single biggest true strength of Superman, and what he's all about for me.

We can agree or disagree about the taking of criminal life. It's more about doing the right thing from your perspective EVEN WHEN IT IS UNPOPULAR is true leadership. If polling suggested the sheep public didn't support deploying countermeasures to stop an asteroid destroying Earth, would our 'leaders' go along with it? Based on current events, probably. Because they care more about being liked – not doing the right thing. Speaking up against the mob is real courage, going along with it is cowardice. It's all about providing that alternative viewpoint, and hopefully people start to wake up.

Superheroes with huge power could become dictators, which is what drove Batman's paranoia in BvS. It could be a slippery slope, and it's what Superman v The Elite demonstrates, and allows this version of Superman the moral victory. It's only when Manchester Black loses his power does he care about mercy, and I think that's the key moment of the film. 

All in all, solid movie.

Looking forward to adding ZSJL to my top three somewhere.

[thecolorsblend]

I watched Superman v The Elite for the first time this week. I think it's the best Superman animated movie, or at least the best I've seen, and is a good adaption of the source material.

The best villains have merit in their argument, and these do. To the point I agree with them, but strangely that still doesn't make them right. The arc of friend to foe is interesting to watch play out, and the fact these villains are stronger than Superman, especially Manchester's mental powers, undercuts the usual 'Superman is overpowered' complaint.

Superman v The Elite works for me because the story is essentially a character study from a contemporary point of view. I'm all about showing Superman's place in the modern world rather than him being a relic. I see this Superman as more seasoned version of what Cavill could become - the unwavering example civilized people should aspire to.

For me it ticks more boxes than not.

Superman will physically engage opponents and damage will be caused.
But he doesn't see it to be his place to interfere too much.

But here's the big one: he isn't worried about being unpopular, he's more worried about losing himself. After watching this movie, and mixed in with the events of 2020, I see this is the single biggest true strength of Superman, and what he's all about for me.

We can agree or disagree about the taking of criminal life. It's more about doing the right thing from your perspective EVEN WHEN IT IS UNPOPULAR is true leadership. If polling suggested the sheep public didn't support deploying countermeasures to stop an asteroid destroying Earth, would our 'leaders' go along with it? Based on current events, probably. Because they care more about being liked – not doing the right thing. Speaking up against the mob is real courage, going along with it is cowardice. It's all about providing that alternative viewpoint, and hopefully people start to wake up.

Superheroes with huge power could become dictators, which is what drove Batman's paranoia in BvS. It could be a slippery slope, and it's what Superman v The Elite demonstrates, and allows this version of Superman the moral victory. It's only when Manchester Black loses his power does he care about mercy, and I think that's the key moment of the film. 

All in all, solid movie.

Looking forward to adding ZSJL to my top three somewhere.

When people say that Superman is overpowered, what I think they really mean is he's too morally perfect.

For comparison, Captain America has a perfect will. The issue is that he has limited power. Yeah, he's several notches higher up the totem pole than the average guy. But he's still pretty low on the pole overall. So his perfect will is often undercut by his limited abilities. That makes him an interesting character.

On the other side of the spectrum, you've got The Sentry. He has basically unlimited power. The issue is that he's mentally unstable. There are days when he can't even get himself out of bed. But even when he can get out of bed, his instability actually make him kind of terrifying. For example, there's what he did to Carnage. No fuss, no muss, no trial, no nothing. Just GONE. His imperfections make him an interesting (and kind of scary) character.

But Superman has basically unlimited power and basically a perfect will. He wants to save the world and he has the means to do it. And a lot of hack writers see that and think "Um, so why doesn't he?" I suspect this is one reason why Peter David, for example, has never written Superman to any significant degree. I don't think Peter David gets what makes Superman work.

I watched Superman Vs. The Elite ages ago. I don't remember too much about it. My hazy recollection is that it utilizes something comparable to a Frank Quitely art style. Which is good since What's So Funny About Truth, Justice And The American Way was drawn by Doug Mahnke and his gritty, scratchy style just isn't right for Superman at all.

I'm not overly fond of Joe Casey's run on Superman. But WSFATJATAW is a well written story that gets to the heart of what makes Superman tick. I'm familiar with the arguments that the story was probably published about ten years too late. The character types that the story seems to be commenting on saw their heyday closer to the early 90s. But whatever, at least it's out there now and it goes a long way toward explaining why Superman is special and he shouldn't be "done more like Batman".

[BatmanFurst]

1. Superman: The Movie
2. Superman Returns
3. Man of Steel
4. Superman 2
GAP
5. Batman v Superman (Mainly the theatrical cut)
6. Superman 3
7. Superman 4

[thecolorsblend]

01- Superman- The Movie
02- Man Of Steel
03- Batman v Superman
04- Superman III
05- Mole Men
06- Superman IV
07- Superman II
08- Superman Returns

I usually take a lot of crap for ranking Superman II so low on the list. But honestly, that's how little regard I have for the movie. It's just plain BAD, I don't care what anybody says.

My justification for ranking STM as #1 comes down to Reeve, Hackman and Williams. When it comes to Reeve and Williams, it's all been said. What can I possibly add to that? But Hackman gets overall less praise. Still, he does this marvelous slow burn through the movie where he starts off a little silly and light-hearted. But the worm turns in a big way when Superman opens the trunk of Kryptonite. It's that moment that Hackman stops being all fun and games and starts being a legitimate threat, not just to the millions of people on both coasts but now to Superman directly. It never goes over the top but he's not playing around anymore once Superman opens that box. He's deadly.

Man Of Steel is a VERY close second to STM.

Superman Returns will always be the one that HURTS. It hurts less these days. But when that movie came out, it was such a gut-punch. I usually tell people that SR is to me what The Phantom Menace was to a lot of Star Wars fans. I seriously doubt I would've even bothered watch a sequel to SR if one had ever been made.

Superman III is another movie that I take a lot of grief for ranking so highly on my list. But it's a pretty conventional Bronze Age Superman story. Anybody who doesn't think so knows precisely jack nothing about the Bronze Age Superman. Stories like Superman III were quite common back then, especially in the early 80's. Ilya Salkind may very well go to his grave never receiving the credit he deserves for being a truly honorable custodian of the Superman myth. And that's a real shame too because I shudder to think how the character might have suffered under somebody else's control.

Trust me, people, we dodged a bullet.

Something I should probably clarify is the fact that the top three spots could vary from one time to another. They're all very close together for the top position in my book. Any given Sunday, one of the other two might be at the top of the list.

The older I get, the more tempting it becomes to swap places between Superman II and Superman Returns. Some day, it may come to that. I really hate Superman II. I hate how Superman gives up his powers. I hate how Superman gives up his powers specifically to knock boots with Margot f***ing Kidder. I hate how Superman tortures and then kills Zod at the end of the movie. I hate how Lois discovers Superman's secret identity in both cuts (altho the Donner cut is overall less annoying). I hate how Lois magically forgets Superman's secret identity just in time for the credits to roll, which is a big copout. I hate this Richard Donner'ish "protector" BS thing where Superman never trades real punches with the Phantom Zone criminals. You ever read Bronze Age Superman comics? Trust me, it meant nothing to him to beat your ass to the floor and make you say "Thank you, sir, may I have another?"

I'm not saying Superman II is all bad. Ursa is smoking hot (and is probably why I have a thing for goth chicks even now), Terrence Stamp is a truly believable and truly terrifying tyrant, Hackman is charming as ever, Reeve is giving it his all. The core ideas behind Superman II, however, are just plain BAD. I never relate when people say it's their favorite of the bunch.

For everything I could say about Superman Returns (and there's a lot) (much of which isn't very good) but Superman in that movie never gives up his abilities, never tortures and kills Zod (or anybody else) and is basically the victim of his own dumb decisions. But he owns them and I guess that counts for something.

One other thing. Whedon's Justice League didn't seem appropriate to add to my list. There's just not enough Superman in it to justify including it. But if I were to include it, honestly, it'd probably be between Superman IV and Superman II on the above list.

Seriously, THAT'S how much I hate Superman II.

[Gotham Knight]

1. Superman Returns is the best thing DC has done in nearly 15 years. I don't think modern (post-2000s) superhero films get better than this, and DC hasn't been near (not even on the same planet) these heights ever again. It's a badly misunderstood film, that takes on the nostalgia rather than leans on it. It brilliantly uses the images of the past to differentiate itself, not copy, and allowed the Superman of old to transition into the new world, rather than be scrapped for a new model. They don't make 'em like they used to, that's for sure.

2. Superman The Movie: Not enough space to gush. An expertly crafted piece of cinema that screams out of the past now more than ever.

3. Superman II (Donner Version): Despite having inherent problems that it cannot overcome due to the circumstances, it is handled better than the theatrical version. Editorially, it contrasts itself from the theatrical version drastically. Even when it is using footage shot after Donner's departure (the conflict in Metropolis), it can convey the point better. I also think the pacing is helped by the film having been shot originally with the intent to be serialized, a return from a cliff hanger styled ending (Superman The Movie PART II). Even screen test footage, with its substance alone, raises the bar this early in superhero movie making. Lois tricking Clark is probably the best Superman scene ever and it never saw a proper staging.

4. Superman II (Theatrical): Richard Lester was a good director and sometimes the hostility felt by the jilted Donner spills into the fandom conscience when it should not. That's not to say the experience is perfect or that Richard Donner's (and Tom Mankiewicz, who gets all too little credit for making the first two films shine) ghost is essentially what makes the story function (see Superman III), but Lester could direct, and the chemistry between Kidder and Reeve is electric. Breaking them up spoiled the franchise. I've already mentioned the pacing/editing issues, which to be fair were done so that Lester could get the directing credit, but it turns great scenes like the final confrontation into a gimmick fest, which dilutes the scene's tension and intent. The city battle is the same way. The movie is always looking for the next bit, instead of telling a story.

That's it for films that I think are good. Everything else that follows are various levels of bad.

5. Man of Steel is next. It's only this high because it has a lot of interesting and worthwhile ideas, none of which it ever accomplishes. That's always been my issue with Zack Snyder and everything he directs. Lots of good and even great deconstructionist ideas, but it dances with pretension because execution is awful. In construction, the narrative seems nonexistent, more like a collection of scenes. Purpose, rather than being baked into the characterization and story-line are expositioned at you, borrowing the worst of what Christopher Nolan did.  Snyder seems to lack any cinematic voice, choosing to pointedly plug in his points rather than focusing on the actual presentation of those ideas over the course of a story. In fact, boiled down, that has been the chief issue with the DCEU thus far, save for Shazam. Lack of storytelling.

6. Superman IV is a crap movie that has its heart in the right place.

7. Batman V Superman is Man of Steel but amplified and add an over seasoning of we-have-to-catch-up-with-Marvel-itis. One of the worst at this level of production, only salvaged by the ghost of the ideas it fails to implement into a good story.

8. Superman III is a crap movie that is very well made, but doesn't have its heart in the right place.

[The Dark Knight]

But Superman has basically unlimited power and basically a perfect will. He wants to save the world and he has the means to do it. And a lot of hack writers see that and think "Um, so why doesn't he?" I suspect this is one reason why Peter David, for example, has never written Superman to any significant degree. I don't think Peter David gets what makes Superman work.

I watched Superman Vs. The Elite ages ago. I don't remember too much about it. My hazy recollection is that it utilizes something comparable to a Frank Quitely art style. Which is good since What's So Funny About Truth, Justice And The American Way was drawn by Doug Mahnke and his gritty, scratchy style just isn't right for Superman at all.

I'm not overly fond of Joe Casey's run on Superman. But WSFATJATAW is a well written story that gets to the heart of what makes Superman tick. I'm familiar with the arguments that the story was probably published about ten years too late. The character types that the story seems to be commenting on saw their heyday closer to the early 90s. But whatever, at least it's out there now and it goes a long way toward explaining why Superman is special and he shouldn't be "done more like Batman".

It's a good point well made, and goes to the saying 'teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime'.

Superman is incredibly strong but as the modern world shows more than ever, the battlefield is your mind. There's an abundance of information demanding your attention. Most people either don't care or are easily led, accepting what they're told. Life is fast paced and people don't slow down to focus on what really matters. That's where Superman comes in, always being steadfast in his philosophies.

I don't believe anyone could save the world in comic book terms without seriously aggravating the powers that be. There's too much money involved, be it pharmaceuticals or military, and the players are intertwined. Even if there was peace, rage and jealousy would still exist. Becoming a ruthless dictator can't change that, and it would set his cause back forever perception wise. So as a long term strategy, standing firm as a symbol is his best bet. It makes even more sense coming from Superman than Batman.

[BatmanFurst]

1. Superman Returns is the best thing DC has done in nearly 15 years. I don't think modern (post-2000s) superhero films get better than this, and DC hasn't been near (not even on the same planet) these heights ever again. It's a badly misunderstood film, that takes on the nostalgia rather than leans on it. It brilliantly uses the images of the past to differentiate itself, not copy, and allowed the Superman of old to transition into the new world, rather than be scrapped for a new model. They don't make 'em like they used to, that's for sure.

2. Superman The Movie: Not enough space to gush. An expertly crafted piece of cinema that screams out of the past now more than ever.

3. Superman II (Donner Version): Despite having inherent problems that it cannot overcome due to the circumstances, it is handled better than the theatrical version. Editorially, it contrasts itself from the theatrical version drastically. Even when it is using footage shot after Donner's departure (the conflict in Metropolis), it can convey the point better. I also think the pacing is helped by the film having been shot originally with the intent to be serialized, a return from a cliff hanger styled ending (Superman The Movie PART II). Even screen test footage, with its substance alone, raises the bar this early in superhero movie making. Lois tricking Clark is probably the best Superman scene ever and it never saw a proper staging.

4. Superman II (Theatrical): Richard Lester was a good director and sometimes the hostility felt by the jilted Donner spills into the fandom conscience when it should not. That's not to say the experience is perfect or that Richard Donner's (and Tom Mankiewicz, who gets all too little credit for making the first two films shine) ghost is essentially what makes the story function (see Superman III), but Lester could direct, and the chemistry between Kidder and Reeve is electric. Breaking them up spoiled the franchise. I've already mentioned the pacing/editing issues, which to be fair were done so that Lester could get the directing credit, but it turns great scenes like the final confrontation into a gimmick fest, which dilutes the scene's tension and intent. The city battle is the same way. The movie is always looking for the next bit, instead of telling a story.

That's it for films that I think are good. Everything else that follows are various levels of bad.

5. Man of Steel is next. It's only this high because it has a lot of interesting and worthwhile ideas, none of which it ever accomplishes. That's always been my issue with Zack Snyder and everything he directs. Lots of good and even great deconstructionist ideas, but it dances with pretension because execution is awful. In construction, the narrative seems nonexistent, more like a collection of scenes. Purpose, rather than being baked into the characterization and story-line are expositioned at you, borrowing the worst of what Christopher Nolan did.  Snyder seems to lack any cinematic voice, choosing to pointedly plug in his points rather than focusing on the actual presentation of those ideas over the course of a story. In fact, boiled down, that has been the chief issue with the DCEU thus far, save for Shazam. Lack of storytelling.

6. Superman IV is a crap movie that has its heart in the right place.

7. Batman V Superman is Man of Steel but amplified and add an over seasoning of we-have-to-catch-up-with-Marvel-itis. One of the worst at this level of production, only salvaged by the ghost of the ideas it fails to implement into a good story.

8. Superman III is a crap movie that is very well made, but doesn't have its heart in the right place.

For my money Superman Returns is the most underrated superhero film. I loved it back in 2006 and I still love it now. I view Superman The Movie, Superman 2, and Returns as a trilogy. Taken as that I think Returns is a great finale to those 3 films. I've watched them back to back and they flow together very well.

[The Dark Knight]

I think Superman III and IV absolutely suck, to put it bluntly. But Singer will always be rock bottom for me. His film is called SUPERMAN RETURNS and Singer bungled Superman's return in an unforgivable way. He cemented Superman's reputation as an outdated Reeve caricature with a blaring John Williams theme. He set the character back, not forward. That's a gross act of sabotage that lingers strongly to this day. It's all the zombies still want as they're closed off to anything else. Snyder set things right and that's reflected in my ranking. We didn't need a transition, we needed a complete overhaul.