🦸‍♂️The Best and Highest-Grossing Superman Movies of All Time

Few superheroes have stood the test of time like Superman. Since his first flight onto the big screen, the Man of Steel has embodied hope, strength, and heroism — inspiring generations and defining the superhero genre itself. From Christopher Reeve’s classic charm to Henry Cavill’s modern grit, Superman’s cinematic legacy continues to soar across decades.

Let’s dive into the best and highest-grossing Superman movies ever made, ranked by worldwide box office success — and discover what makes each one super.

💥 10. Superman III (1983) – $80 Million

Director: Richard Lester

Stars: Christopher Reeve, Richard Pryor, Annette O’Toole

A lighter and more comedic take on the Man of Steel saga, Superman III introduced Richard Pryor’s computer genius, creating chaos in Metropolis. While not as beloved as its predecessors, it remains an entertaining slice of ’80s superhero cinema.

🎬 Where to Watch: Apple TV, Prime Video

Why It’s Loved: Classic Reeve charmCampy fun, and nostalgic 80s humor

⚡ 9. Superman Returns (2006) – $391 Million

Director: Bryan Singer

Stars: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey

A spiritual sequel to the original Reeve films, Superman Returns delivered a visually stunning and heartfelt comeback for the Man of Steel. Though divisive among fans, it performed well globally and reignited interest in Superman’s big-screen adventures.

🎬 Where to Watch: Max, Prime Video

Why It’s Loved: Emotional depthStunning visual effects

🌎 8. Superman II (1980) – $190 Million

Director: Richard Lester (and Richard Donner)

Stars: Christopher Reeve, Terence Stamp, Margot Kidder

Superman II raised the stakes — literally — with General Zod’s invasion. Packed with action, romance, and iconic lines (“Kneel before Zod!”), it’s a classic superhero sequel that defined its era.

🎬 Where to Watch: Max, Apple TV

Why It’s Loved: Iconic villain performancesPerfect mix of action and heart

🛡️ 7. Superman: The Movie (1978) – $300 Million

Director: Richard Donner

Stars: Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder

The original cinematic Superman remains one of the most influential superhero films ever made. With groundbreaking effects and Reeve’s heartfelt performance, it convinced audiences a man could truly fly.

🎬 Where to Watch: Max, Apple TV

Why It’s Loved:Legendary origin storyTimeless music and storytelling

🔥 6. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) – $873 Million

Director: Zack Snyder

Stars: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot

While technically a shared title, Batman v Superman remains one of the biggest Superman-led films ever. Cavill’s darker, conflicted take on Clark Kent matched perfectly against Affleck’s battle-hardened Batman, delivering visual spectacle and emotional heft.

🎬 Where to Watch: Max, Amazon Prime

Why It’s Loved: Epic hero showdownCinematic scale and ambition

🪐 5. Man of Steel (2013) – $668 Million

Director: Zack Snyder

Stars: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon

Man of Steel redefined Superman for a modern age — more introspective, powerful, and alien. With breathtaking visuals and Hans Zimmer’s soaring score, it became a box-office powerhouse and fan favorite.

🎬 Where to Watch: Max, Prime Video

Why It’s Loved: Epic origin rebootEmotional and cinematic storytelling

☄️ 4. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) – $36 Million

Director: Sidney J. Furie

Stars: Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Jon Cryer

Despite mixed reviews and a smaller budget, Superman IV remains a memorable entry in the franchise — with Reeve’s heartfelt return and an anti-nuclear message that resonated with fans worldwide.

🎬 Where to Watch: Apple TV, Prime Video

Why It’s Loved: Reeve’s enduring legacyMessage of hope and peace

🚀 3. Justice League (2017) – $657 Million (Superman’s Major Return)

Director: Zack Snyder

Stars: Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot

While technically an ensemble film, Superman’s return was the emotional centerpiece of Justice League. Cavill’s reborn hero reminded fans why Superman is the heart of the DC universe.

🎬 Where to Watch: Max

Why It’s Loved: Triumphant Superman comebackHeroic ensemble storytelling

🧩 2. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) – HBO Max Exclusive (Massive Streaming Hit)

Director: Zack Snyder

Stars: Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot

Though not released theatrically, Snyder’s definitive cut became a cultural moment — and a massive streaming success. It offered a deeper look at Superman’s sacrifice, resurrection, and destiny.

🎬 Where to Watch: Max

Why It’s Loved: Cinematic redemption Epic and emotional storytelling

🦸‍♂️ 1. Man of Steel (2013) – $668 Million (Highest-Grossing Solo Superman Film)

Director: Zack Snyder

Stars: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon

Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel stands as the highest-grossing solo Superman film ever made. It reshaped the superhero mythos with raw emotion, breathtaking visuals, and a bold new tone for DC’s cinematic universe.

🎬 Where to Watch: Max, Prime Video

Why It’s Loved: Modern epic for a timeless heroCavill’s defining performance as the Man of Steel

🏆 Final Thoughts

From Reeve’s timeless charm to Cavill’s powerful reinvention, Superman’s cinematic journey has been nothing short of legendary. With over four decades of box office dominance, the Man of Steel continues to inspire audiences and define heroism on screen.

As DC gears up for Superman: Legacy and beyond, one truth remains unshakable: Superman will always be the heart of the superhero genre.

📊 Superman Movies Ranked by Worldwide Box Office

Rank	Movie Title	Release Year	Worldwide Gross
1	Man of Steel	2013	$668 Million
2	Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice	2016	$873 Million (shared)
3	Superman Returns	2006	$391 Million
4	Superman: The Movie	1978	$300 Million
5	Superman II	1980	$190 Million
6	Justice League	2017	$657 Million (shared)
7	Superman III	1983	$80 Million
8	Superman IV: The Quest for Peace	1987	$36 Million
9	Zack Snyder’s Justice League	2021	Streaming Success
10	Superman & The Mole Men	1951	Classic Release

The legacy of Superman soars higher than ever — a testament to hope, courage, and the eternal belief that heroes will always rise.