Superman Movies in Order: Follow the Man of Steel’s Journey Through Time

Superman has been an iconic symbol of heroism long before the modern superhero craze took over Hollywood. Decades ago, while other heroes were still finding their footing, Superman was already soaring through the skies, representing hope, strength, and the fight for justice.

If you’re looking for a list of Superman movies and planning to watch them, get ready for a thrilling journey through iconic classics and modern blockbusters. It doesn’t end here; you get to witness how the character has evolved over time. Each movie portrays a different side of what it means to be Superman and why he continues to connect with fans across generations. So, are you ready to take off with the Man of Steel? Let’s start exploring the order of the Superman movies!

The Ultimate Superman Movie Watch Order

1. Superman (1948 serial)

Though we’re exploring the list of Superman movies, it would be incomplete without starting with the first time Superman appeared in live action. Superman was played by Kirk Alyn in this 15-part black-and-white serial. The effects are simple by today’s standards, but for its time, it was exciting and brought the superhero to life for the early movie audiences.


2. Atom Man vs. Superman (1950 serial)

This sequel stars Kirk Alyn again as Superman. It's a face-off against Lex Luthor, who’s calling himself Atom Man and carrying out evil plans. The story is simple, and the effects are old-fashioned, but the serial has the charm of early superhero stories and shows how Superman was first brought to life on screen.

3. Superman and the Mole Men (1951)

This is the first-ever Superman movie, starring George Reeves. Clark Kent arrives in a small town where strange underground creatures spark fear and chaos. It’s a simple story with a clear message. Although it was a low-budget film, it laid the groundwork for what Superman represented.

4. Superman: The Movie (1978)

Superman: The Movie stars Christopher Reeve as Superman. It’s a warm, hopeful
plot as Superman traces his journey from Krypton to Smallville to Metropolis, with Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, and Margot Kidder in memorable turns. Its sincerity, awe-inspiring effects, and John Williams’ iconic score still make this original saga unforgettable.

5. Superman II (1980)

Superman II throws Superman against three ruthless Kryptonian villains who escape the Phantom Zone and threaten Earth. At the same time, Clark tries to live a normal life with Lois. Packed with thrilling action and heartfelt moments, it’s a powerful sequel that explores the tough choice between love and duty.

6. Superman III (1983)

Superman III gets a little strange with Richard Pryor as a quirky tech genius and Superman facing off against a darker, evil version of himself. The movie leans more into comedy, which didn’t sit well with everyone, but the internal battle between Clark and dark Superman is a standout.

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

Superman IV follows Superman’s idealistic mission to save the world from nuclear war, but things get complicated when Lex Luthor creates the powerful Nuclear Man to stop him. Despite its noble message, the film struggles with low-budget effects and a shaky script, making it one of the flawed but earnest entries in the series.

8. Superman Returns (2006)

Superman Returns is about Superman’s comeback after years away, only to find Lois and the world have moved on. Brandon Routh captures that lonely, “out of place” feeling perfectly. Lex Luthor’s up to his usual tricks, but this film’s really a slow, nostalgic tribute to the classic Superman and it's more about mood than fireworks.

9. Man of Steel (2013)

Man of Steel reinvents Superman as a young hero wrestling with his identity and the weight of his origins. Henry Cavill brings a fresh, serious take as Krypton’s last son faces off against General Zod in epic, high-stakes battles. It sparked mixed feelings, as some fans loved the change, while others missed the classic warmth. Either way, it definitely shook up the Superman story.

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

Batman v Superman is all about the tension when Batman starts seeing Superman as a threat after all the chaos in Man of Steel. With Lex Luthor pulling strings, they face off in a gritty, intense showdown. It’s dark and heavy, not for everyone, but it sets up the bigger DC story ahead.

11. Justice League (2017)

Justice League (2017) brings together iconic heroes such as Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Flash, and Cyborg to face a powerful new threat after Superman’s return. It is packed with action and teamwork. The film explores their efforts to unite and protect Earth from Steppenwolf and his invading forces. Though ambitious, it faced mixed reviews for its tone and execution.

12. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)

A four-hour re-cut that gives the Justice League the depth it was missing. Superman returns from the dead to help stop Steppenwolf and hint at an even bigger threat to Darkseid. It’s more epic, emotional, and coherent than the 2017 version. Definitely a must-watch for fans of this darker DC world.

13. Superman (2025) – The DCU Reboot

James Gunn’s Superman (2025) is the first live‑action instalment of the DC Universe reboot, starring David Corenswet as Superman and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The film balances earnest heroism and quirky sci‑fi with the super‑dog Krypto and supervillain Lex Luthor offering a heartfelt reimagining of the Man of Steel.

Where to Watch the Superman Movies?

Sometimes the toughest mission isn’t saving the world; it’s figuring out where to stream Superman movies in order. That’s where we step in! With Vi mobile plans, you can get access to top entertainment platforms like JioHotstar, Amazon Prime, Zee5, Sony Liv and more, along with the Vi Movies & TV app, all at no extra cost. Here are some of our prepaid and postpaid plans that include access to Vi Movies & TV and other OTT subscriptions:

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Now that you have the complete Superman movie list, you will understand that watching them is about more than just a guy in a cape fighting villains. It’s about decades of storytelling and exploring the complexities of human nature through the lens of a powerful hero. Each film offers a unique perspective on themes of hope, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. With Vi’s OTT-loaded prepaid plans with Unlimited Data, most of these gems are just a tap away. So buckle up! Superman’s about to take you on a thrilling ride through time.

Loved this guide? You might also enjoy exploring other fan-favorites—whether it’s diving into the magic with The Wizardry Awaits: Here’s How to Watch Harry Potter Movies in Order, journeying through the MCU with How to Watch Every Marvel Movie in Order, traveling galaxies in How to watch Star Wars movies in correct order, or following every epic arc in How to Watch Naruto in the Right Order.