Superman in the Movies
Superman has thrilled audiences on the big screen for many years. Here are Reviews, Synopsis and Critiques of every incarnation of the Superman family of motion pictures. In this section you'll also find information for the Fleischer Superman animated shorts, plus interviews with famous Superman movie personalities.
CONTENTS:
Fleischer Superman Cartoons (1941-1943):
Fleischer Episode Guide - Information and Episode Guide for the 17 Fleischer Superman cartoons made between 1941 and 1943.
The Super Guide to the Fleischer Superman Cartoons - Ross May's detailed article on the Fleischer Superman cartoons.
Fleischer Superman Cartoon Reviews - Reviews of all 17 cartoons.
DVD Review - Max Fleischer's Superman: 1941-1942
Superman Serials (1948/1950):
Superman Serials - Starring Kirk Alyn - Detailed Chapter Synopsis and Cast Information for "Superman" (1948) and "Atom Man vs. Superman" (1950) Serials.
DVD Review - Superman: The 1948 & 1950 Theatrical Serials Collection
Christopher Reeve "Superman" Movies (1978-1987):
Superman: The Movie (1978)
Superman II (1980)
Superman III (1983)
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
Superman II: The Donner Cut (2006)
Superman II: Restored International Cut - an in-depth 6-part review of the fan-made "Restored International Cut" of Superman II.
Superman: The Music (1978-1988) - Review of the 8-disc CD Soundtrack Collection.
Superman Returns (2006):
Superman Returns - Information on the 2006 Superman movie.
"Superman Returns" Set Visit Report - Massive 12-part report from Steve Younis' "Superman Returns" set visit (May 2006).
Movie Review (with spoilers) by Steve Younis
HUGE Movie Review (with spoilers) by Neal Bailey
Movie Review (with spoilers) by Neal Bailey
Movie Review (with spoilers) by Jeffrey Bridges
Movie Review (spoiler free) by Barry Freiman
"Superman Ultimate Collector's Edition" DVD Reviews (2006):
Discs 1-4: "Superman: The Movie" Four-Disc Special Edition
Disc 5 & 7: "Superman II" Two-Disc Special Edition
Disc 6: "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut"
Disc 8: "Superman III" Deluxe Edition
Disc 9: "Superman IV: The Quest for Peace" Deluxe Edition
Disc 10-11: "Superman Returns" Two-Disc Special Edition
Disc 12: Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman
"Superman: Brainiac Attacks" Animated Movie (2006):
Superman: Brainiac Attacks - Information on the 2006 animated movie
"Superman: Doomsday" Animated Movie (2007):
Superman: Doomsday - Information on the 2007 animated movie.
Review of "Superman: Doomsday" by Neal Bailey (from the 2007 San Diego Comic Con premiere)
Review of "Superman: Doomsday" by Steve Younis
Review of "Superman: Doomsday" by Noah Runzo
Review of "Superman: Doomsday" by Jason Larouche (with indepth synopsis)
"Justice League: The New Frontier" Animated Movie (2008):
Justice League: The New Frontier - Information on the 2008 animated movie.
Review of "Justice League: The New Frontier" by Jeffrey Taylor (from the 2008 WonderCon premiere)
Review of "Justice League: The New Frontier" Soundtrack CD by Barry Freiman
"Superman/Batman: Public Enemies" Animated Movie (2009):
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies - Information on the 2009 animated movie.
Review of "Superman/Batman: Public Enemies" by Jeffrey Taylor
"Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths" Animated Movie (2010):
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths - Information on the 2010 animated movie.
Review of "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths" by Barry Freiman
"Superman/Batman: Apocalypse" Animated Movie (2010):
Superman/Batman: Apocalypse - Information on the 2010 animated movie.
Review of "Superman/Batman: Apocalypse" by Jeffrey Bridges
"Superman/Batman: Apocalypse" Comic Book Comparison by Jeffrey Taylor
"Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam" Animated Short (2010):
"All-Star Superman" Animated Movie (2011):
All-Star Superman - Information on the 2011 animated movie.
"The Superman Motion Picture Anthology" Blu-Ray Collection (2011):
Review of "The Superman Motion Picture Anthology" Blu-ray Collection by Steve Younis
"Justice League: Doom" Animated Movie (2012):
Justice League: Doom - Information on the 2012 animated movie.
"Superman vs. The Elite" Animated Movie (2012):
Superman vs. The Elite - Information on the 2012 animated movie.
"Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2" Animated Movie (2013):
Review of "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2" by Steve Younis
"Man of Steel" (2013):
Man of Steel - Information on the 2013 movie.
"Man of Steel" Trailer Review - Michael Bailey writes an indepth examination of the trailer released in December 2012.
Movie Review (spoiler-free) by Steve Younis
Movie Review (spoiler-free) by Shawn Morrissey
Movie Review (spoiler-free) by Scotty V
First Impressions by Marc Pritchard
Analysis and Review - With Spoilers by Scotty V
Movie Review (with spoilers) by Michael J. Petty
Movie Review - Superman Does Not Kill (with spoilers) by T.A. Ewart
Why the World Needs a "Relatable" Superman: Man of Steel Detailed Review by Marc Pritchard
"Man of Steel" Blu-ray/DVD Review by Steve Younis
"Man of Steel" Commentary (YouTube) - Scotty V and Steve Younis sat down to watch "Man of Steel" and commentate on the movie from beginning to end.
Exclusive interview with Costume Designer Michael Wilkinson
Exclusive interview with Allison Crowe
Exclusive interview with "Man of Steel" Novelization Author Greg Cox
"Justice League: War" Animated Movie (2014):
Justice League: War - Information on the 2014 animated movie.
"Justice League: Throne of Atlantis" Animated Movie (2015):
Justice League: Throne of Atlantis - Information on the 2015 animated movie.
Review of "Justice League: Throne of Atlantis" by Rennie Cowan
"LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League" Animated Movie (2015):
Review of "LEGO® DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League" by T.A. Ewart
"Justice League: Gods and Monsters" Animated Movie (2015):
Justice League: Gods and Monsters - Information on the 2015 animated movie.
"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" Movie (2016):
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - Information on the 2016 movie.
Superman Costume Tweaks - "Man of Steel" to "Batman v Superman" Superman Costume Comparison.
Movie Review by Stephen W. Wright
"Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" Ultimate Edition Blu-ray Review by Steve Younis
"Justice League vs. Teen Titans" Animated Movie (2016):
Justice League vs. Teen Titans - Information on the 2016 animated movie.
"The Death of Superman" Animated Movie (2018):
The Death of Superman - Information on the 2018 animated movie.
"The Death of Superman" Blu-ray Combo Pack Review by Michael Bailey
"Reign of the Supermen" Animated Movie (2019):
Reign of the Supermen - Information on the 2019 animated movie.
"Reign of the Supermen" Blu-ray Combo Pack Review by Steve Younis
"Justice League vs. The Fatal Five" Animated Movie (2019):
Justice League vs. The Fatal Five - Information on the 2019 animated movie.
"Superman: Red Son" Animated Movie (2020):
Superman: Red Son - Information on the 2020 animated movie.
"Justice League Dark: Apokolips War" Animated Movie (2020):
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War - Information on the 2020 animated movie.
"Superman: Man of Tomorrow" Animated Movie (2020):
Superman: Man of Tomorrow - Information on the 2020 animated movie.
"Zack Snyder's Justice League" Movie (2021):
Zack Snyder's Justice League - Information on the 2021 HBO Max movie release.
"Zack Snyder's Justice League" Spoiler-Free Review by Steve Younis
"DC League of Super-Pets" Animated Movie (2022):
DC League of Super-Pets - Information on the 2022 animated movie.
"Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons" Animated Movie (2022):
Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons - Information on the 2022 animated movie.
"Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons" Review by T.A. Ewart
"Legion of Super-Heroes" Animated Movie (2023):
Legion of Super-Heroes - Information on the 2023 animated movie.
"Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow" Movie (202?):
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow - Information on the upcoming live-action movie.
Other Movies:
Supergirl (1984)
"Look! Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman" (2006 documentary)
Hollywoodland (2006 George Reeves biopic)
Confessions of a Superhero (2007 documentary)
DC Super Hero Girls: Legends of Atlantis (2018 animated movie)
Exclusive Interviews with famous Superman movie personalities!
Christoper Reeve "Superman" Movies:
Interview with Jack O'Halloran - Talks about "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut" and ideas for "Smallville" (March 2009)
Interview with Michael Thau - Producer and Reconstructive Editor on "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut" (December 2006)
Interview with Ilya Salkind - Ilya Salkind talks about his career working on Superman, Supergirl and Superboy (February 2006)
Interview with Ilya Salkind - Ilya Salkind, co-producer on the first three "Superman" films talks about Special Edition DVDs (January 2006)
Interview with Sarah Douglas - Starred as Ursa in the "Superman" movies with Christopher Reeve (February 2005)
Interview with Jack O'Halloran - Starred as Non in the "Superman" movies with Christopher Reeve (February 2005)
Interview with Margot Kidder - Starred as Lois Lane in the "Superman" movies with Christopher Reeve, and also starred as Bridgette Crosby in the TV show "Smallville" (February 2005)
Interview with Jeff East - Starred as young Clark Kent in "Superman: The Movie" (November 2004)
Interview with Jack O'Halloran - Starred as the Kryptonian villain "Non" in Superman: The Movie and Superman II (October 2001)
AOL Online Chat with Christopher Reeve - Fans chat with Christopher Reeve online about the release of the Superman DVDs (May 2001)
Interview with Michael Thau - Producer and Editor on the Special Edition of "Superman: The Movie" (April 2001)
Interview with Richard Donner - Director of "Superman: The Movie" (March 2001)
Interview with Christopher Reeve - 1983 interview with Christopher Reeve on "Superman III" (March 1983)
Supergirl Interviews:
Interview with Helen Slater - Helen Slater talks about "Supergirl" and playing Lara on "Smallville" (July 2008)
Interview with Helen Slater - Helen Slater talks about "Supergirl", guest-starring on "Smallville", and her music (September 2007)
Superman Returns Interviews:
An Evening with Jack Larson - Steve Younis talks with Jack Larson about his role in "Superman Returns" (May 2005)
Interview with Bryan Singer - Director of "Superman Returns" (February 2005)
Superman Returns Interviews - Interviews conducted with cast and crew of "Superman Returns" after seeing the movie (June 2006):
Interview with Brandon Routh - Clark Kent/Superman
Interview with Bryan Singer - Director
Interview with Kevin Spacey - Lex Luthor
Interview with Kate Bosworth - Lois Lane
Interview with Parker Posey - Kitty Koslowski
Interview with Sam Huntington - Jimmy Olsen
Interview with Dan Harris and Michael Dougherty - Script Writers
Interview with Paul Levitz - Head of DC Comics
U.K. "Superman Returns" Interviews (May 2006) - Six U.K. based Superman fans were chosen by Warner Bros. to submit questions to various cast and crew on "Superman Returns", we're pleased to present their exclusive interviews here:
Interview with Brandon Routh - Clark Kent/Superman in "Superman Returns".
Interview with Mike Dougherty and Dan Harris - Script writers on "Superman Returns".
Interview with Louise Mingenbach - Costume Designer on "Superman Returns".
Interview with Neil Corbould - SFX Supervisor on "Superman Returns".
Interview with Guy Dyas - Production Designer on "Superman Returns".
Hollywoodland Interviews:
Interview with Noel Neill - Discussing her thoughts on the movie "Hollywoodland" (February 2007)
Other Interviews:
Interview with Fred Shay - Preserver of old radio shows, films, movie serials and television shows (August 2007)
Interview with Christopher Dennis - Christopher Reeve/Superman impersonator (March 2007)
Interview with Sandy Collora - Creator of the highly acclaimed fan film "Batman: Dead End" and "World's Finest" movie trailer (July 2004)
Interview with Ben Torres on "Superman Lives" Toy Concepts - Senior designer at Hasbro Toy Group opens up about Superman concept drawings created for the never-made movie (December 2012)
Cast & Crew Biographies:
Clayton "Bud" Collyer (Voice of Superman on Radio & Animation)
Articles:
How to make a Superman Movie - by Steve Younis (January 1999)
How to make a Superman Movie - Fan Reactions.
Regarding Jon Peters - by King Krypton.
Making a Superman Movie - by Dayspring.
The Death of the Super-Hero Film Franchise ... Again!
A Tribute to Christopher Reeve - by Neal Bailey (October 2004)
Scott Cranford on Auditioning for "Superman Returns" - Scott Cranford reports in on his experience auditioning for the new Superman movie (November 2004)
My Thoughts on the "Superman Returns" Costume - Steve Younis examines the "Superman Returns" costume in detail, with photos (2005/2006)
Phoning It In From 30 Years Ago - Barry Freiman speculates on Marlon Brando's Role in "Superman Returns" (May 2005)
Learning a Widescreen Lesson from Superman - Steve Younis explains some interesting lessons on Widescreen viewing using "Superman: The Movie" (May 2005)
Returns vs Lives vs Reborn - Steve Younis examines the differences between the costume and logo designs between "Superman Returns", "Superman Lives", and "Superman Reborn" (March 2006)
A Colorful Example - Steve Younis examines colors... you'll be surprised at the results (April 2006)
Comparing "Superman: The Movie" to Comics Books of the Time - Barry Freiman examines how "Superman: The Movie" compared to the established comics continuity of 1978 (June 2006)
Superman Returns: The Cutting Room Floor - Steve Younis examines scenes cut out of the theatrical release of the movie (June 2006)
Superman Returns: The FAQS - Steve Younis poses answers to questions fans have been asking about "Superman Returns" (July 2006)
Filming Locations for "Superman Returns" - Steve Younis examines various locations in and around Sydney Australia where scenes were filmed for "Superman Returns" (January 2007)
How to Make a Superman Movie Sequel - by Steve Younis (March 2008)
My Thoughts on the "Man of Steel" Costume - Steve Younis examines the "Man of Steel" costume in detail, with photos (2011/2013)
Comparing the Superman Movie "S" Shields - Steve Younis compares the various "S" shield designs across all the Superman movies (2012)
Superman Costume Comparisons - Steve Younis examines difference between various Superman costumes since 1938 (Update December 2012)
Fan Mail Addresses:
Movie Scripts:
Superman: The Movie (Original Screenplay - July 1976)
Superman: The Movie (Shooting Script - June 1977)
Superman: The Movie (Special Edition) - Unofficial Transcript
Superman II (Script Treatment - 1976)
Superman II (Draft Script - 1977)
Superman II (Shooting Script - 1979)
Superman III (Shooting Script - April 1982)
Aborted Movie Scripts:
"Superman Reborn" by Ilya Salkind, Mark Jones and Cary Bates [1992] (9.5mb PDF)
"Superman Reborn" by Jonathan Lemkin [March 24, 1995] (2.9mb PDF)
"Superman Reborn" by Gregory Poirier [December 12, 1995] and [December 20, 1995] (15.8mb PDF)
"Superman Lives" by Kevin Smith [January 31, 1997] (5.2mb PDF)
"Superman Lives" by Kevin Smith [March 27, 1997] (HTML)
"Superman" by Wesley Strick [July 7, 1997] (3.7mb PDF)
"Superman Lives" by Dan Gilroy [September 20, 1998] (2.6mb PDF)
"Superman: The Man of Steel" by Alex Ford [1998] (HTML)
"Superman Lives!" by William Wisher [February 3, 2000] (4.3mb PDF)
"Superman" by JJ Abrams [July 26, 2002] (4.6mb PDF)
Superman/Batman "Asylum" by Andrew Kevin Walker [2002] (3.9mb PDF)
"Justice League: Mortal" by Kieran and Michele Mulroney [2008] (2mb PDF)
"Superman Reborn" Ilya Salkind, Mark Jones and Cary Bates Script Review by Chad Farr
"Superman: The Man of Steel" Alex Ford Script Review by Neal Bailey
Did You Know?
Karol Krauser was Fleischer's Superman Model - Karol Krauser was used as the male model by the Fleischers to aid in their portrayal of Superman for the animated shorts.
Caped Wonder Stuns City - There was an actual article on the Daily Planet newspaper prop from "Superman: The Movie".