The DCEU is back, and what better way to usher in the new James Gunn Era of movies than to start with the original superhero blockbuster icon?
The Man Of Steel, faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, Jerry Seinfeld’s favorite—it’s Superman! Despite being an all-time great character, it hasn’t always been easy for actors to properly don the red cape. Some have succeeded, some have failed, and some have absolutely soared.
In celebration of the new Superman film, here’s a ranking of the 10 best Superman portrayals in live action and animated form. (Note: this list was created before the release of the new film, so the 2025 film was not eligible for the ranking.)
10.Kirk Alyn ('The Superman Serial Series')
Year: 1948
This is by no means a bad portrayal whatsoever, but let’s just say Superman’s live action portrayals had to walk before they could fly. Being the first time we saw Superman in live action (except every time he flew, he was replaced by an animated double) there were some good moments, but a lot of growing pains were shown in this portrayal. What Alyn lacked in muscle tone, he made up for in heart, though, as he gave it his all to be the supe- powered boy scout we all knew and loved.
9.Dean Cain ('Lois & Clark: The New Adventures Of Superman')
Years: 1993-97
Dean Cain may have had the look, but this Superman was a more campy portrayal (with a dash of naivety thrown in). Cain had one note that he kept the entire run of the series and maybe that’s ok—since after all, this wasn’t a series that was meant to be taken seriously. A cictim of many 90’s syndicated comedy stereotypes, this show was a moment in time that hasn’t aged well by today’s standards.
8.Bud Collyer ('Superman By Fleischer Studios')
Years: 1941-42
The Fleischer Superman series in the 1940s was a very monumental iteration of the comic book hero. Ripped seemingly off the pages of the golden age of Superman comics—with ahead of its time animation style—this Superman was a standard-setting portrayal. Clark Kent was innocent and unassuming while Superman had an air of authority and self assurance to him. He was an unwavering voice for truth, justice, and the American way—a Superman you could set your watch to.
7.George Reeves ('The Adventures of Superman Television Series')
Years: 1952–58
Kirk Alyn flew so George Reeves could soar. Reeves was widely considered to be the benchmark for a lot of the future Superman portrayals. He looked the part and mastered the portrayal of an American hero that many children looked up to during the 1950s. While Reeves’ story may have ended in tragedy, his mark on the genre is everlasting.
6.Tyler Hoechlin ('Superman & Lois')
Year: 2021-24
One of the more recent portrayals, this Superman has spent many seasons fighting the evils that threaten earth. Married and with children, this Superman was a more gruff and imperfect version of the American hero. Not super buff, and not as clean cut handsome as previous iterations, this Superman was more grounded in his delivery. Not exactly a Superman that one would see as the head of, say, The Justice League, but a more flawed take for this generation.
5.Brandon Routh ('Superman Returns')
Year: 2006
Superman Returns was meant to be a sequel to the Christopher Reeve movies, and boy did Brandon Routh have some large boots to fill. Routh did a good job portraying Reeve’s Superman. But maybe that was the problem. He was too good—mostly doing an imitation of Reeve. (It’s hard copying the best.) Routh gave a solid performance for a solid movie. He should be lauded as one of the better performances in the blue and red tights.
4.Tom Welling ('Smallville')
Years: 2001-06
Smallville was an opportunity for us to get a closer look at an emerging Superman. Taking place while Clark Kent was still a teenager in high school, Smallville gave us an insecure future super hero who had trouble handling his newfound powers as well as the issues most kids have growing up. Welling gave a great performance as a struggling young man eventually realizing his purpose and in turn gave us a hit series.
3.Henry Cavill ('Superman: Man of Steel')
Year: 2013
After some great portrayals, Henry Cavill took the ball and ran into the end zone. He had the look, he had the muscles and he had the line delivery down. He was a more stern Superman—still the all American boy at first—but his tenure as the Man of Steel was no laughing matter. This is a tale of what could have been had Cavill been given reigns by a different director as most of the creative choices went against what made Superman the hero he is (excessive collateral damage and even killing, for example.)
2.George Newbern ('Superman: The Animated Series')
Years: 1996-00
Newbern wasn’t the first person to portray Superman in the hit Kid’s WB animated series but he gave a more stoic, seasoned feel to the iconic character. This Superman needed to have the gravitas of a leader as he led the Justice League on numerous occasions to save the world. Newbern was kind and honest in his delivery but was ready to get down to business and throw hands if needed. This was a Superman that flew right out of the comics.
1.Christopher Reeve ('Superman: The Movie')
Year: 1978
As if it would be anyone else. Christopher Reeve WAS Superman. Reeve made us believe a man could fly back in 1978 and since then set the bar many have tried and all have failed to measure up to. Reeve not only gave us a living comic book interpretation but he also made us feel for the character. This Superman had an immense amount of heart. His actions penetrated the soul of all who watched and he was able to get ideas and emotions across—often times without saying a word. He had an impeccable way of discerning the characters of Clark Kent and Superman which is one of the many reasons why this performance is still to this day undefeated.