1. Superman
Released 12/10/78
Still standing strong as the greatest superhero movie of all time, Superman is the granddaddy of comic book films. This classic still sets the bar for the genre with its perfect blend of action, camp, and characterization. The scale is epic, and director Richard Donner obviously cares about the material and the character. Christopher Reeve is Superman, and no other actor has represented a pop icon better. Gene Hackman has fun with the role of Lex Luthor. Margot Kidder's portrayal of Lois Lane may not be the most glamorous, but she succeeds at exuding no-nonsense reporter attitude. The effects do show their age, but the practicality of them allows the viewer to appreciate the efforts made by film makers before CGI. If I had to pick one weakness out, it would be the "Can You Read My Mind?" monologue, but it certainly doesn't ruin the film. We wouldn't have superhero movies without this one.
2. Superman II / Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
Released: 12/4/80, 11/28/06
Most of Superman II was filmed concurrently with the original, until director Richard Donner was fired and Richard Lester was hired and finished the film. For whatever reason, Lester decided to tip the scales a little too far on the side of camp, yet still offer a movie that is a superhero classic of its own. The tone is all over the map with the aforementioned camp on one end and harsh violence on the other (the astronaut scene comes to mind). Superman is up against three villains from Krypton, including General Zod, so he actually gets to fight someone this time, spectacularly so in the famous Coke sign scene.
In 2006, Richard Donner was able to see his version through and the result was perhaps a better movie than the original, with plenty of unseen footage. A treat for fans of this series, yet the original still manages to be more entertaining, maybe due to nostalgia, or maybe because the Donner Cut feels incomplete.
3. Man of Steel
Released: 6/14/13
After Superman Returns didn't quite live up to studio expectations ($391 million worldwide), it was time to follow in the footsteps of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy and reboot the franchise. Man of Steel acts as the first movie in the DC Comics "shared universe" series as they attempt to capitalize on the success that Marvel has had with the formula. Opinions regarding this film are mixed, but Man of Steel is a solid superhero film. It is epic in scale, packed with big action, and loud. The action here truly showcases Superman's (and the movies' antagonists') powers. Henry Cavill and Amy Adams shine in the lead roles, while Michael Shannon is menacing enough as General Zod. Shortcomings include an all-too-serious tone, too little time spent on the Clark/Lois relationship, and a lack of fun and humor.
4. Superman Returns
Released: 6/28/06
Upon initial release, Superman Returns was favorably received by critics and audiences alike, yet as time has passed many dismiss the film, citing a lack of action and poor pacing. Despite the backlash, Superman Returns indeed stands as a great superhero film and a nice entry in the series that hadn't seen a good movie in 26 years. The film is pure nostalgia for Superman movie fans, and maybe that's why general audiences didn't get it. This is a traditional comic book movie, a nod to the work of Richard Donner and Christopher Reeve. Watching Superman Returns is akin to seeing a cover band of your favorite music group. It's good, but not quite the same. Whatever the opinion on this one is, that plane crash sequence is one of the most mesmerizing moments put on film in the last ten years.
5. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
Released: 7/24/87
Superman IV is considered by most to be the worst in the series, and though it's certainly not good, it's not as bad as Superman III. This film is really a case study for the what-might-have-been. The budget for the film was slashed, resulting in a large amount of story and filmed scenes being cut, and special effects being terrible. This is a far cry from the first film. Even the reappearance by Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor can't give the film a boost. It's also a wonder as to why the villain is Nuclear Man, a character that has nothing to do with the DC hero of the same name. Did Warner Bros. not have the rights to any more villains? As a piece of '80s cheese, it's watchable but sad that this is how Christopher Reeve left the character. As a Superman movie, it's forgettable.
6. Superman III
Released: 6/17/83
Superman III was a mess. What should have been another epic adventure for the Man of Steel ended up being a goofy, dumbed down attempt at comedy that doesn't work on any level. Richard Pryor guest stars as the comic relief, but he simply didn't do anything for the film. The only redeeming quality for this movie is the fight between the "bad" Superman and Clark Kent, but it doesn't prevent Superman III from being one of the worst movies ever made.
So far, the current iteration of Superman has been a bit dark, brooding, and serious. Hopefully by the time Justice League rolls around, we'll get a taste of the hero that will inspire new generations of kids to tie a red sheet around their shoulders and leap off the furniture in a single bound.
