With the release of James Gunn’s Superman, we are taking a step back to rank the various actors who have played the Man of Steel on the big screen, to see which Superman was the most iconic.
Honorable Mention: Nicolas Cage
Okay, I know what you’re thinking… Nicolas Cage? He didn’t play Superman! Well, he almost did. Cage was cast as Superman in the canceled Tim Burton reboot “Superman Lives,” intended for the late ’90s. It would have been a darker take, in line with Burton’s style. Despite never starring in a full film, the idea of Cage as Superman became a long-running meme among fans, many of whom regret never seeing it happen.
Standout superhero moment:
In a nod to the what-if, DC finally cast Cage as Superman for a cameo in 2023’s The Flash, where he is briefly shown battling a giant spider in an alternate universe.
#3 Brandon Routh
Brandon Routh donned the cape for 2006’s Superman Returns, a direct sequel to 1980’s Superman II that ignored the critically panned Superman III and IV. Because it followed the classic films, Routh’s performance was intentionally reminiscent of Christopher Reeve’s. Despite existing in the shadow of the performance he honored, Routh made his portrayal stand out by exploring Superman’s loneliness as Earth’s protector and the last of his kind. Though respected by fans, the movie is generally seen as less successful, criticized for a slow pace, and failing to launch sequels as intended. That said, Routh’s performance was consistently praised for its warmth and likability.
Standout superhero moment:
The film’s most iconic scene features Superman saving a crashing plane, then reassuring panicked passengers in his trademark friendly fashion.
#2 Henry Cavill
Although polarizing, Henry Cavill’s Superman remains one of the most daring takes on the character. The good intentions remain, but this Superman is less likely to crack a grin, with the role of Earth’s protector coming off as a tortured burden.
Like many darker superhero portrayals that followed Christian Bale’s raspy-voiced Batman, Cavill’s Superman is shown as alienated from the world he protects. In one scene, a young Clark is beaten up by bullies and lets it happen despite his powers. Cavill’s Superman grapples with his dual identity and questions if being Superman is even worth it.
The action scope increased during the Cavill era, with city-destroying CGI battles. These films also marked the first time Superman crossed over with other heroes like Batman and Wonder Woman, in what many saw as the DCEU’s attempt to replicate Marvel’s Avengers franchise. Physically, Cavill had the perfect superhero physique, closely resembling Superman’s comic book appearance. Costume-wise, Superman wore a darker version of the classic suit to match the tone.
This Superman remains controversial. While Cavill’s acting is widely respected, some felt his solemn portrayal lacked the charm of the traditional, cheerful Superman. Others appreciated the grounded realism of a man burdened with immense power. What’s undeniable is that this was a bold take on a beloved character, made possible by a skilled actor.
Standout superhero moment:
In this fight scene, Superman takes on the equally powerful General Zod in a battle that ripples through the city around them.
#1 Christopher Reeve
For the number one slot, we have to go with Christopher Reeve, whose groundbreaking performance set the framework: a powerful yet sensitive man who feels an unshakable obligation to help others. In simple terms, Reeve brought star power and acting chops to the role of Superman that hadn’t been seen in superhero movies before, elevating the character and genre in the eyes of the public.
The performance struck a balance between highlighting the human side of the character and featuring groundbreaking special effects and action sequences. Moviegoers were just as invested in Superman’s date with Lois Lane as they were in his showdowns with Lex Luthor.
Reeve was also notable for changing his posture and vocal pitch when switching between Clark Kent and Superman. This made Clark feel more nuanced and made the disguise more believable, pushing back against the classic “Why can’t people realize Clark’s just Superman with glasses?” critique.
Reeve’s physical presence was influential—he was one of the earliest actors to work with bodybuilders to stay in peak shape for a superhero role, a trend still popular today.
He played Superman in four films. Superman: The Movie is arguably the most influential superhero movie of all time. Superman II was a well-received fan favorite. The other two? Not so much. Regardless, Reeve’s performance stayed consistently strong, serving as the standard against which all other Supermen are judged.
Standout superhero moment:
After the death of Lois Lane at the hands of an earthquake, a heartbroken Superman flies into space, reversing the Earth’s rotation and managing to save her life by turning back time.
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