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Superman: The Movie

Superman: The Movie

1978
Drama
Sci-fi
2h 23m
An adventure re-told, spanning the Man of Steel's life from his Krypton infancy and Midwest boyhood to his career as Daily Planet reporter Clark Kent (Reeve) and through his titanic struggle with archnemesis Lex Luthor (Hackman). (Warner Bros.)
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Superman: The Movie

1978
Drama
Sci-fi
2h 23m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 52.53% from 5823 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(5823)
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Rated 14 Aug 2007
93
98th
Superman was the first great comic book movie and stands alone as a classic piece of cinema history. You watch it and not only believe a man can fly but you actually believe Christopher Reeve is a superhero. Christopher Reeve IS Superman.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
95
97th
Though dated and campy, this still is the best Superman movie. Christopher Reeve IS Superman, and this movie still makes you believe it. Gene Hackman plays a more humorous than nefarious Lex Luthor, and the plot is silly, but the movie is still very good. And when you want to yell out, "That wouldn't work!" when Superman turns back time by flying super fast around the Earth, just remember, he's Superman, you're not. Who are you to decide what he can and can't do? Awesome!
Rated 28 Dec 2013
91
98th
I don't know how it holds up to a younger audience and coincidentally I don't care. Christopher Reeves is absolutely perfect as Superman and somehow even better than that as Clark Kent. There's nothing I can add to the discussion so I'm just going to mention the scene that sticks with me always. When he finds Lois dead the scream he lets out seems to go world wide. Even though the aftermath of that scene is ridiculous and a half, I appreciate the motivation. If that was a spoiler, kill yourself.
Rated 10 Nov 2011
85
84th
This seems to me to be the most complete and well-told superhero story the medium of film has yet to express. It's daringly romantic and utterly entertaining. It truly nails what's great about Superman without being handcuffed to the myth. Reeve's dichotomous performance is masterful; the way his physical posture and demeanor shift between Kent and Superman is a good show by a great actor. For being so introspective and gradual in its development, it's incredible how quickly the film flies by.
Rated 23 Jun 2010
59
39th
Defined the super hero genre, but has major flaws. Aside from being badly dated, the plot has many loose ends and holes. Everyone knows the ending is ridiculous. The pacing has problems because there are a number of scenes that should have been cut. Reeve is good, though.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
100
99th
The model for all comic book adaptations, now and forver. Christopher Reeve made this roll his for all-time. Gene Hackman was gleefully wicked and for as short of screen time as they got, Marlon Brando and Glenn Ford were top-notch. The John Williams theme song is the best ever (and got screwed by the AFI) and it sets up perfectly for the outstanding (first) sequel.
Rated 02 Jan 2007
86
83rd
Richard Donner's take on the Superman story is still the finest adaption of the man of steel committed to film. Christopher Reeve's is superb as Kal-El & the films special effects have (almost) stood the test of time.
Rated 18 May 2011
86
91st
The Man of Steel's first big-screen adventure since the '50s was this $50-million-plus super production directed by Donner, who had just scored a big hit with _The Omen_. An unknown Reeve is great as both Superman and Clark Kent (for the first time you can actually accept the fact that those around him really think that Supe and Clark are two different people). This too often veers unevenly between parody and sincerity, but the high spirits of the cast and John Williams's soaring score make this
Rated 18 Jul 2012
75
77th
Flawed, but mostly underrated. Reeve's leading performance is still the one to beat in the genre, Williams' score still rangs amongst the most epic ever written and the visual effects still make you believe a man can really fly.
Rated 30 Jun 2007
95
92nd
Not only the greatest comic-book superhero movie ever, but a great American movie in its own right (though technically a British production), telling the true sweeping great American story -- the one about dreams and aspirations -- from the heartland to the city. Donner's best movie by a mile.
Rated 30 Jun 2007
95
89th
Still the very best superhero ever put to screen. The pains taken to anchor the character in a realistic world pay off mightily by the end of the movie. Reeve is absolutely perfect, and Williams' score is one of the best ever composed. The time travel ending doesn't work as well as it ought to (somebody wasn't paying attention), but it's a small complaint. Just a phenomenal film.
Rated 05 Dec 2006
10
3rd
The part where superman files around the earth to go back in time can suck my cock.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
86
77th
A wonderful film. Christopher Reeve will forever own this role because of the quality of his performance here. Gene Hackman is a very good Luthor (although he is surpassed by Kevin Spacey in Superman Returns). Margot Kidder is perfect as a firecracker version of Lois. Go see this movie, then go see Superman II, it's even better.
Rated 24 Sep 2010
73
88th
It's dated and cheesey and great. A defining movie of my childhood. Ovbiously there isn't much on story (because Superman is an incredibly boring comic book character) but Reeves and Kidder are so endearing they will forever be assocated with the roles (which is why I think every relaunch will fail).
Rated 11 Sep 2013
8
76th
Superman set the standard for superhero films and still holds its own as one of the best. Christopher Reeve is arguably the best cast superhero ever and carries the film effortlessly with his light hearted humour. The supporting cast is strong also with a memorable performance from Marlon Brando. John Williams score is a timeless classic that still wows. Director Richard Donner crafts the perfect supehero film for its time and despite its dated special effects, nostalgically it still entertains.
Rated 13 Mar 2017
80
75th
What an utter delight this movie is. I had to take off a few points for the absurd ending, but honestly the fact that the movie somehow hadn't jumped the shark by that point is staggering in itself. Christopher Reeve is wonderful in every scene.
Rated 27 Jul 2015
75
71st
Although the film's style and effects are noticeably dated, it's great fun despite an overlong runtime. The opening is laborious, but the film comes to life with the introduction of Reeve, who nails both roles as Superman and Clark Kent. Though Hackman's hammy performance is enjoyable, sadly the character of Luthor is done a disservice by barely coming across as a genius at all, and Beatty's moronic lackey is just dreadful.
Rated 27 May 2017
85
89th
The O.G. superhero pop-culture icon, "Superman" altered the course of human history with this film. However unlike saving "Louis Lane", he didn't have to reverse time to become the trail-blazing hero we know him as today. Richard Donner's film set the cinematic standard for the entire superhero genre with this blockbuster smash. Despite the dated special effects and cheesy nature of the film, it remains one of best representations of the core themes and feelings behind the iconic "Superman".
Rated 22 Jun 2020
80
65th
It isn't as much "dated" as it is indebted to the Golden Age of Comics storytelling--as evident in the Depression era opening. From there, Donner does an amazing job of adapting the tone of a funnybook into a motion picture. His approach obviously influenced Batman Begins--especially with the hero's upbringing & quest to inspire people. Still, the film loses a couple of points for a hokey poem section, and questionable science in the ending. But otherwise it is solid & groundbreaking cinema.
Rated 31 May 2008
75
65th
This is one of the films that reminds you just why you love hollywood despite all it's crap. Very good film.
Rated 03 Apr 2010
20
44th
Out of a desire to be definitive, this lavish Superman adventure allows itself to become bogged in biography. It presumes a familiarity with Superman mythology, and often plays on that familiarity, but it is still willing to bore the audience with elementary information about life on Krypton (where the culture is proven to be advanced by having the inhabitants speak in British accents) and about Superman's rural upbringing on Earth.
Rated 22 Sep 2017
100
98th
Marlon Brando saying "Krypton"
Rated 03 Jul 2009
80
70th
A bit dated, but still touching and fun, with a great performance by Christopher Reeve.
Rated 04 Dec 2009
80
66th
The birth of the comic book movie genre. What a good start it was.
Rated 08 Jun 2013
90
97th
Superman is a very enjoyable movie that works on pretty much all levels. It has some good drama, some intense action scenes, great visuals, a lot of wit and charm, and some good acting, particularly on the part of the two fighting enemies. It's paced almost perfectly; even though it runs for almost two and a half hours, it plays shorter than that and I only felt like it was dragging in one scene. Superman is a great movie, and I definitely recommend checking it out.
Rated 21 Oct 2018
55
47th
Surprisingly good fun, especially with the naturally charged chemistry between Reeves - what a great Superman he makes - and Margot Kidder with their tongue-in-cheek and alluding comedic interactions. The supporting cast of Brando (wow), Gene Hackman and Terence Stamp only serve the film well. Having said that, what drags it down is the dated special effects for their bigger part, coupled with the long run time and the 2018-abundance of superhero films making it very predictable.
Rated 11 Sep 2007
92
90th
Still one of the most stirring themes in movie history, and everyone forgets how funny Chistopher Reeve really was.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
77
80th
If you're a fan, or even if you've never heard of Superman before (it's hard to imagine!), this is a terrific epic film that seems to get better with age -- probably because it is about the characters and not the special effects, like so many blockbusters are today.
Rated 01 Jun 2019
92
50th
Issue with unrealistic Deux-Machina moment of reversing back time
Rated 18 Apr 2010
74
40th
At times it's really good, at others it really cheesy, but for most of its running time it's an enjoyable well paced superhero film. That ending though, ugh, really brings it down a notch.
Rated 19 Jul 2018
90
57th
Somehow more movie-like than today's superhero outings. Lovely performances and it looks amazing.
Rated 11 Feb 2014
79
60th
Very much dated, but the story and the actors meld to create a time honored classic.
Rated 29 May 2012
68
37th
"The Man of Steel" has to battle dated special effects and a fair chump of 70s camp. Despite those flaws, and the Supe-character being a bit of a bore, it's supringsly fun; mainly thanks to a charming cast and a playful tone.
Rated 30 Jun 2017
75
84th
Donner and co practically invented the cinematic vocabulary for comic book films with Superman, especially for scenes where heroes demonstrate their powers, but unlike most of their successors they make it work because they believe in the material, and Reeves really was perfect in the role of the likeable adonis with super stength. It's cheesy and dumb at times and perhaps overlong, but it has scope and an impressively uncluttered use of widescreen that modern directors could learn from.
Rated 14 Feb 2016
42
31st
Grossly overrated, but still by far the best of the old superman franchise
Rated 28 Apr 2007
75
44th
Weird movie. It's like a bunch of different genres combined: the sci-fi epic, the press room screwball comedy, the disaster movie...minus points for that fucking VO poem Lois thinks.
Rated 24 Nov 2008
79
70th
Although the plot is completely idiotic, it's as if a four year old wrote it, everything else is pretty well done. Christopher Reeves makes a better Superman than Superman would if he were real, and it one of those superhero movies that stands for something that is much better than the film could ever be (the idea of Superman).
Rated 03 Mar 2010
68
31st
"Haven't I told you to stop telling lies?"...Smack
Rated 14 May 2020
95
80th
This film is really something else.
Rated 25 Nov 2018
80
77th
Superman is the beacon of hope that it promises to be in dark times. While overplaying the good vs evil bit, it does manage to provide a good deal of romanticism and excitement. With the help of a wonderful score and a few great performances, its place as a classic superhero movie is well-deserved.
Rated 22 Apr 2019
50
10th
Lois Lane: "You - you've got me? Who's got you?"
Rated 28 Feb 2019
91
88th
I saw many renditions of Superman before I saw this one. Chris Reeves defined this character. I have never seen someone match that humanly-perfect, not-quite-human charm. The story itself is pretty corny, but it is based on a comic book.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
85
50th
Great acting and believable special effects.
Rated 18 Nov 2008
10
9th
You should be watching Batman instead.
Rated 11 Nov 2009
80
83rd
Though it is a bit dated, this is still a very fun movie to watch. I thought that Christopher Reeve was nothing short of amazing in this film. This also had quite a punch with the rest of the cast as well. You had Brando, Hackman, Kidder, Beatty, Gleen Ford. At times this did get a little slow for me, but it really didn't bother my enjoyment of the film. You can see how this ties right into the second movie right away, but I guess I don't want to get to far ahead of myself.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
8
93rd
It's dated and the ending is a ridiuclous cop-out. But despite all that, Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder both permanently defined their roles, making Brandon Routh and Kate Bosworth look like weak knock-offs, and it established the framework for the superhero film that stands immortal.
Rated 23 May 2020
65
29th
Top badass moment? 'That' theme tune; should be included with all alarm clocks. He's got the knowledge from dozens of worlds spanning 28 galaxies, yet he’s still a do-gooding show-off Batman can both out-think and out-cool. Then again, the height of fashion on Krypton is walking about with a big S on your chest; I grew out of that when I was 6. But it’s hard not to like him, as CR makes him sooo... nice. Hideously dated and not in a good way. 1 (ugly) cat, no chainsaws or decapitations.
Rated 06 Feb 2010
60
34th
poor christopher...
Rated 20 Jan 2011
86
66th
Ah, the good old days. When a superhero didn't have to be dark and gritty to be enjoyed. "Superman: The Movie" is a delightful adventure for all ages. Christopher Reeve was, of course, perfect for the role. "Superman: The Movie" is a whole lot of fun; I challenge you not to enjoy it. This movie sparks the imagination of its viewers. As the tagline says, "You'll believe a man can fly!"
Rated 16 Aug 2016
75
64th
The first notable product of the post-Star Wars filmscape, with effects just as wonderful and a Williams score as exciting. After a perfect prologue, depicting Superman's origins with Wagnerian beauty and bombast, the film succumbs to comedy pitfalls with the introduction of Luthor and the dopey Kent act. Ultimately its success is in its great effects, in proudly being a fantasy dressed in familiar surroundings, and in giving us Reeve, the only actor yet to do the role justice.
Rated 01 Mar 2007
50
35th
Dated.
Rated 12 Jan 2013
76
56th
Superman is kind of square and very wholesome compared to a lot of heroes in modern day comic book movies. This movie is still a lot of fun and Christopher Reeve is very good in his most famous role. There are a few odd choices such as Lex Luther wearing wigs and some of the lines are corny. There are many fun action scenes and overall I recommend this super hero movie.
Rated 03 Aug 2017
69
66th
It hasn't aged kindly, it feels goofy and the effects are dated. Still, the performances make it worthwhile and its influence is felt to this day.
Rated 19 Jul 2011
1
17th
you can be super. not relavant sorry.
Rated 21 Feb 2007
90
97th
One of the best superhero film of all time with Christoper Reeve's amazing performance..
Rated 29 Oct 2016
55
40th
Some good ideas and certainly some iconic scenes, but overall too long and too messy. The plot meanders and there's no chemistry between Lois and Clark (she totally ignores his advances) or between Lois and Superman (she making mooncalf eyes at him from the first moment). Lex Luthor and his henchman and henchwoman as combined villains and comic relief are just a mistake. If I wanted to see a megalomaniac get twarted by his sidekick I'd have watched Pinky and the Brain instead.
Rated 28 Apr 2014
79
75th
I want to give this a higher rating, but I really wasn't into this until it got to Metropolis. It's charming in a way superheroes are too afraid to be now. Also, the ending is cool.
Rated 18 Aug 2011
80
77th
Good entertaining superhero flick. Reeve is great, hackman is fun in his only turn at luthor where he doesn't go totally off the rails camp. Good setpieces, though i could have done with more action. A good origin story without being a bore.
Rated 06 Dec 2012
33
23rd
In a way, it's refreshing to revisit a superhero movie where the title character isn't some calculated version of "dark & disturbed antihero," but he is a bit dweeby. This is a pretty fun, nostalgic movie, but the pacing & excessive length must be an obstacle for kids & adults alike. Margot Kidder launches into a little Terrence Malick parody around the middle of the movie which doesn't help, either. By the way, people, it's Reeve, not "Reeves." It's never been "Reeves." Just stop that.
Rated 17 Jul 2018
80
21st
Very entertaining.
Rated 18 Oct 2018
85
91st
This movie really manages to capture the superhero mythos in a way that has been rarely seen, even in modern superhero movies. It blends its humor, plot, and strong characters to make something that is above the sum of its parts.
Rated 07 Jan 2018
100
95th
You'll believe a man can fly. Even today. Superman was a film ahead of its time. There is a distinct lack of real action, which is made up for by great performances and a hard hitting story line. Despite some minor story issues and a thoroughly unlikable Margot Kidder. Superman is a terrific and colorful adventure which will stand the test of time for decades.
Rated 12 Mar 2012
81
73rd
This is the 21st century, right?! Spielberg can replace rifles with walkie-talkies, Lucas can put Banthas on Tatooine thirty years after it was filmed. Can someone please put some digital pants on baby Clark? Dang!
Rated 11 Dec 2015
90
73rd
Much as I love Gene Hackman, his unfunny Lex Luthor, abetted by incompetent slapstick sidekick Ned Beatty, knock ten points off this film. And it still manages to be the best live action superhero movie ever made.
Rated 10 Jul 2012
86
81st
Superman deftly blends humor and gravitas, taking advantage of the perfectly cast Christopher Reeve to craft a loving, nostalgic tribute to an American pop culture icon.
Rated 04 Jun 2015
6
32nd
"Superman" lays it on a bit thick at times, its effects haven't aged the best, and there's no defending its infamous ending, but Reeves is near perfect as the Man of Steel, and the film has its genuine moments of wonder.
Rated 08 Feb 2007
90
94th
kesinlikle ilk superman i tanıdıgımız oyunun kurallarının belirlendigi filim cizgi roman seven herkesin cocuklugunda superman adı gecmis herkesin izlemesi gereken görselligi zengin bir film
Rated 26 Oct 2008
75
59th
the film score is moving.
Rated 12 Feb 2009
78
57th
It made me believe a man could fly.
Rated 11 Jul 2020
8
73rd
Christopher Reeve makes a wonderful believable Superman, but the stars were Brando and Gene Hackman, who do fine. I enjoyed this as a kid, and it's a kids movie.
Rated 26 Apr 2009
70
51st
An awesome movie.
Rated 28 May 2013
82
64th
The second act is the best, some of the greatest superhero film moments ever. The first act is a little slow if only because we've heard the story told so many times before. The third act drags, not spectacular action filmmaking.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
81
26th
Can't say it's the best movie I've seen, not by a long shot, but it was good. Special effects from old movies always kind of bug me, though, and the ending was just... painful.
Rated 20 Aug 2008
78
51st
Some beautiful moments, some great action but way too long and too many dull stretches. Never good when you're just waiting around for the guy w the cape to show up. (And this isn't Iron Man or Batman Begins - Supes' hero-less first hour can be quite slow and dull at times.) Still it's hard to hate an origin story crafted this well. And w/ Reeve and Magot Kidder perfectly embodying their roles, and that GLORIOUS John Williams score, when Supes IS on screen the movie soars.
Rated 08 Feb 2007
94
94th
So much fun. One of the best superhero movies of all time. Christopher Reeve is a perfect Superman. Dated, but still great.
Rated 22 Sep 2009
100
50th
This film brought my childhood hero to the big screen in a way that it had never been done before (or since).
Rated 27 Oct 2012
60
46th
A lot of the beginning of this movie actually is meant to set up the sequel. The best action is saved to the end. A great action movie if you don't like to over-think things. Of course, Christoper Reeve is the pinnacle of "Superman". What woman wouldn't want to be Lois Lane staring into THOSE baby blues. Gene Hackman is good as Lex Luther but could have been great without the toupees.
Rated 26 Jun 2012
4
55th
Great beginning. I've always remembered the back story most of all. The rest of it (and some of the Smallville sections) rivals Footloose as the corniest flick I've ever experienced. Superman's most authentic cinematic outing.
Rated 12 Sep 2023
80
62nd
I'm waffling on this score. I like the faux futuristic clothing in the first part of the movie that just uses a black light but the problem is that all of the actors' faces and the backgrounds look all washed out because of this decision. On one hand, I love Christopher Reeve as Superman/Clark Kent in this movie. He is handsome, buff, and has the perfect amount of midwestern charm. Hackman as Luthor is perfect which probably puts me over the top. Kidder wouldn't be my top choice but she's cool.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
86th
The way comic book movies are supposed to be made.
Rated 08 Jul 2011
100
99th
The first "comic-book movie" and still the best; created in the mould of an old-fashioned Hollywood biopic, film works better once Clark arrives in Metropolis, but amusing bit by Stamp, a bemused performance from Brando, and Ford and Thaxter's genuinely touching portrayals of Pa and Ma Kent help sustain interest. Second half of film is anchored by Reeve's wonderful, iconic performance and Hackman's gleefully nasty Luther. Repartee between Cooper, Kidder and McClure also a highlight.
Rated 23 Aug 2015
65
39th
I did really like this a while back. Now, not so much
Rated 01 Jul 2008
87
83rd
It's the man of Steel what more can I say.
Rated 09 Jun 2010
85
36th
dream for me of 80's..could i fly one day like him :)
Rated 25 Feb 2010
86
49th
A classic Superman movie, netheless to say more.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
58th
Superman movies are about on par with the Batman movies. Classics, so you might as well watch them to see what all the hype was about 30 years ago.
Rated 05 Dec 2006
70
63rd
Kinda goofy but not bad as a superhero origin story. Reeves plays a better Clark Kent than Superman, though.
Rated 15 Oct 2008
94
95th
This is a wonderful way to start off the superman series on the big screen. (I strongly suggest the expanded version.)
Rated 11 Jun 2021
20
4th
Let's start with the fact that I think Superman is the most boring superhero ever. This was part of my movie randomizer challenge and this movie made bored as hell. It features the most inadept helicopter pilot ever, shallow woman who falls in love with someone in two minutes because they are SUPER, a comedic Lex Luthor and his totally fucking useless henchmen and the ridiculous fact about Superman on nobody recognizing him without the glasses on, just wtf.
Rated 21 Jan 2008
95
75th
Extremely well done for its time - made superman more 'human' and told his beginning.
Rated 13 Jun 2007
0
1st
i hate the superman movies
Rated 30 Sep 2009
100
85th
Hackman and Reeves simply fits great to their rolls. Brando is acting deluxe !
Rated 15 May 2008
85
72nd
Nice tights dude.
Rated 19 Jul 2009
30
17th
Did not like the movie at all......
Rated 21 Nov 2013
80
37th
This is a REALLY WEIRD movie. Like, you wouldn't think it because it is such a classic and all, but this thing is so bizarre. Especially the humor, which is very lame but in a refreshing way. Also, Marlon Brando, what the fuuuuuuuuuck.
Rated 10 Jul 2016
70
69th
"Superman" can get rather cheesy at times and some of the effects have aged poorly but remains to this day a classic superhero film. Christopher Reeve is charming in the titular role, Margot Kidder is having a ball as Lois Lane and Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor is very enjoyable. The film includes some very spectacular scenes, especially the ones at the San Andreas fault. In between the tense action and the understated romance, the few comedic moments give "Superman" some extra points.
Rated 12 Jun 2014
75
60th
Goofy, but Reeves really is fantastic. Marlon Brando is sparkly as hell.
Rated 12 Mar 2009
3
74th
You will believe this holds up pretty well.
Rated 12 Jan 2013
80
70th
Christopher Reeves IS Superman. No performance has come close since, and it's a joy to watch him here. Sure, there's some bad choices (Lois Lane's poem is particularly grating), but none of it ruins the film, and Kidder's take on Lane is the only time I've ever believed the Clark Kent/Superman conceit. Make sure you see Richard Donner's cut of the sequel, too!
Rated 10 Sep 2012
95
18th
Very good version of Superman. Christopher Reeve will be my reference for Superman for the rest of my life. My only grudge with the film is the ending. I never understood how everything went back to before the effects of the bomb damaged everything but once Superman shifts the time forward again the bomb's shockwaves don't start once more.

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