Superman Movie Watching Order

This watching order is designed to give an outline of major storylines featuring Superman throughout his film appearances. It highlights the different eras in Superman’s film history, explains the different continuities that exist, and looks at any connections that exist between them. This list does not focus on Superman’s television or animated film appearances but does note if/when they tie-in to a relevant continuity.

Jump to: 1940s – 1950s – 1970s – 1980s (Christopher Reeve era) – Superman Returns – DC Extended Universe (DCEU)

1940s – 1950s

The 1940s and 1950s saw Superman’s first live-action appearances. This era featured the release of two 15-part film serials and a the release of Superman’s first feature film.

Superman (1948) and Atom Man vs. Superman (1950) are 15-part film serials staring Kirk Alyn as Superman. The first serial is notable for being Superman’s first live action appearance and for being a tremendous success at the time.

The film serials were followed, in 1951, by Superman and the Mole Men, the first Superman movie. This movie had no connection to the serials and starred George Reeves as Superman. This movie was essentially a trial/pilot episode for the Adventures of Superman television series, which started airing in 1952. Later on, it was adapted for the TV show as the first season’s two part finale.

Notes

1. As mentioned above, this movie is less related to the other movies of this time and more related to the Adventures of Superman television series. It was later adapted to serve as a two-part finale for the show's first season, "The Unknown People: Part 1" and "The Unknown People: Part 2". Because of this, it can often be found in DVD or streaming collections of the show's first season.

1970s - 1980s (Christopher Reeve era)

In 1978, a new Superman film franchise began. The films released in this era have no direct ties to the previous era. However, there are a few moments within these films that pay homage to the Adventures of Superman television series.

This era in Superman's film history began with the release of Superman in 1978, followed shortly by Superman II in 1980. These films starred Christopher Reeve as Superman, released to great commercial success, and are generally still well-regarded by most. This era continued with the release of Superman III in 1983 and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace in 1987. These films still starred Christopher Reeve as Superman but were relatively unsuccessful and are generally regarded as far worse than the previous two films.

These four films all take place within the same continuity and take place in the order they were released. Though these films do not feature a ton of development over the course of the series, changes in the status quo definitely take place from movie to movie. This makes simply watching them in order the best viewing experience.

Superman Returns

Superman Returns is a bit unique in that it is somewhat standalone and somewhat a continuation of the films from the Christopher Reeve era. Specifically, it continues plotlines from Superman and Superman II while ignoring the events of all other movies. Superman Returns is meant to take place around five years after the events of Superman II.

Superman Returns is directed by Bryan Singer and stars Brandon Routh as Superman. Despite continuing plotlines from two of the Christopher Reeve era films, Superman Returns is a bit darker than its predecessors.

DC Extended Universe (DCEU)

The DC Extended Universe began with a Superman movie, Man of Steel (2013). This created a shared universe consisting of several DC Comics properties.  Superman's appearances across the DCEU have no relation to any of his other movie appearances.

Superman has three major films in the DCEU, all of which are directed by Zack Snyder and feature Henry Cavill as Superman. Superman is introduced and stars in Man of Steel (2013). This movie directly sets up Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016). This then directly sets up Justice League (2017), in which Superman is also a main character. Outside of these appearances, Superman makes a cameo appearance in Shazam! (2019) and is heavily referenced in Suicide Squad (2016).

Viewers interested in seeing Superman's role in this era should watch Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League. These movies should definitely viewed in order, as they significantly build on each other.

Notes

1. Superman does not actually appear in this movie. However, his presence in the previous two movies has a major impact on the plot in this one. It may be interesting for viewers who want to see how pieces of the world, especially government agencies, have reacted to Superman's appearance.
2. Superman only makes an extremely brief cameo in this movie.

All DC Comics Watching Orders