Superman’s adventures on the big screen span serialized cliffhangers, golden-age classics, modern reboots, and universe-spanning team-ups. Here’s a clear look at how to watch every Superman movie, whether you’re interested in following the release history or the story’s internal chronology.

Complete List of Superman Movies (Release Order)

Movie Title	Year	Franchise / Universe
Superman	1948	Film Serial
Atom Man vs. Superman	1950	Film Serial
Superman and the Mole Men	1951	Film Serial
Superman: The Movie	1978	Original Warner Bros. Series
Superman II	1981	Original Warner Bros. Series
Superman III	1983	Original Warner Bros. Series
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace	1987	Original Warner Bros. Series
Superman Returns	2006	Modern Revival
Man of Steel	2013	DCEU (Snyderverse)
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice	2016	DCEU (Snyderverse)
Justice League	2017	DCEU (Snyderverse)
Zack Snyder’s Justice League	2021	DCEU (Snyderverse)
Superman (Upcoming)	2025	DCU (James Gunn/soft reboot)

(Note: The above order is also generally the chronological viewing order, with each franchise forming its own self-contained continuity, except for reboots and alternate versions.)

All Superman Movies in Release Order: Theatrical Guide to Every Superman Film

1. Superman (1948)

The Man of Steel made his live-action debut in this black-and-white 15-part serial. Kirk Alyn stars as Superman, battling The Spider Lady in a thrilling, episodic adventure that introduced audiences to Superman’s origin and built a foundation for superhero storytelling in cinema.

2. Atom Man vs. Superman (1950)

Kirk Alyn returns in the second adventure serial, pitting Superman against his arch-nemesis Lex Luthor— this time under the guise of Atom Man. Like its predecessor, this serial told its story in multiple dramatic chapters, helping cement Superman’s place in film history.

3. Superman and the Mole Men (1951)

Marking the first feature film for the character, George Reeves dons the cape to protect a group of misunderstood underground creatures from fearful townsfolk. This film set up Reeves as a Superman icon and led to the famous Adventures of Superman TV series.

4. Superman: The Movie (1978)

Christopher Reeve takes flight in a film that defined the superhero genre for generations. With iconic performances, thrilling effects, and John Williams’ unforgettable score, this movie set a new standard for hero films and remains beloved by fans around the world.

5. Superman II (1980)

The story continues as Superman faces three powerful Kryptonian villains: General Zod, Ursa, and Non—while grappling with his own humanity and love for Lois Lane. Widely praised, the film is often considered one of the best superhero sequels ever made.

6. Superman III (1983)

Turning towards campy comedy and high-tech hijinks, this entry sees Superman battling a corrupted version of himself, as well as new faces like comedy icon Richard Pryor. While divisive, it adds unique flavor to the franchise.

7. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)

Superman vows to rid the Earth of nuclear weapons, but faces off against the villainous Nuclear Man and Lex Luthor in this critically panned but notable final film for Christopher Reeve’s Superman.

8. Superman Returns (2006)

Brandon Routh steps into the iconic role with a story that revisits and pays tribute to the classic films. As Superman returns to Earth after years away, he finds the world changed and Lex Luthor plotting once again. It’s a heartfelt continuation for new and old fans alike.

9. Man of Steel (2013)

A fresh modern reboot, Man of Steel stars Henry Cavill as a reimagined Superman, facing the threat of General Zod as he struggles to reconcile his Kryptonian roots and humanity. It launched the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).

10. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Superman and Batman face off in a blockbuster showdown that questions the nature of heroism—while setting the stage for the Justice League and introducing Wonder Woman.

11. Justice League (2017)

Superman joins Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg to save the Earth from an alien invasion, marking his return from the dead and the unification of DC’s greatest heroes on screen.

12. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)

A new, extended director’s cut of the Justice League story, offering a deeper, more epic version of the team’s battle against Steppenwolf and Darkseid, with vital scenes for Superman’s arc.

13. Superman (2025)

The franchise is set for a fresh start with James Gunn’s new film, introducing David Corenswet as Superman and launching a new DC Universe for the next generation of audiences.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just starting your Superman journey, watching these films in their original release order provides a fascinating look at how the character—and superhero cinema—have evolved over time.