Superman Christopher Reeve era in order Superman Marathon
Page Last Modified:
27 December 2025
Most Recent Release:
Superman Returns - 2006
Total Runtime:
640 Minutes
Total Items:
5
Average User Score:
(6.2)Watching orders for Superman
Superman Christopher Reeve era in order
Do you ever miss those superhero movies from back in the day? The ones with the hero in a red cape? Wouldn't it be great to have a movie night just like that? If you're looking to unwind, a Superman movie marathon is just the thing. From the epic flying scenes in the original Superman movie in 1978 to the emotional return in Superman Returns, this marathon is a classic superhero cinema experience. It's really important to watch the films in the right order. With changes in directors, alternate cuts, and new actors in familiar roles, it's important to follow Superman's journey closely. Grab some popcorn, crank up the John Williams theme (you can hear it already, right?), and check out how one guy in a cape keeps trying to save the world.
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1
Superman Movie 144 min. 1978Mild-mannered Clark Kent works as a reporter at the Daily Planet alongside his crush, Lois Lane. Clark must summon his superhero alter-ego when the nefarious Lex Luthor launches a plan to take over the world.USER SCORE 7 -
2
Superman II Movie 127 min. 1980Three Kryptonian criminals led by General Zod team up with Lex Luthor to conquer Earth, forcing a depowered Superman to regain his strength and stop them.USER SCORE 7 -
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Superman III Movie 125 min. 1983Aiming to defeat the Man of Steel, wealthy executive Ross Webster hires bumbling but brilliant Gus Gorman to develop synthetic kryptonite, which yields some unexpected psychological effects. Between rekindling romance with his high school sweetheart and saving himself, Superman must contend with a powerful supercomputer.USER SCORE 6 -
4
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Movie 90 min. 1987With global superpowers engaged in an increasingly hostile arms race, Superman leads a crusade to rid the world of nuclear weapons. But Lex Luthor, recently sprung from jail, is declaring war on the Man of Steel and his quest to save the planet. Using a strand of Superman's hair, Luthor synthesizes a powerful ally known as Nuclear Man and ignites an epic battle spanning Earth and space.USER SCORE 5 -
5
Superman Returns Movie 154 min. 2006Superman returns to discover his 5-year absence has allowed Lex Luthor to walk free, and that those he was closest to felt abandoned and have moved on. Luthor plots his ultimate revenge that could see millions killed and change the face of the planet forever, as well as ridding himself of the Man of Steel.USER SCORE 6
Superman (1978)
We're kicking things off with the film that started it all: Superman 1978, directed by Richard Donner. This movie set the tone for DC Comics superhero films and for the whole superhero genre we have today. Christopher Reeve is basically the ultimate Superman and Clark Kent — with the nerdy glasses, the charming clumsiness, and that iconic smile. With Margot Kidder as the sharp Lois Lane, Gene Hackman as a delightfully theatrical Lex Luthor, and the unforgettable John Williams Superman theme, this film is pure cinematic history. The scenes on Krypton, growing up in Smallville, and his arrival in Metropolis provide the perfect origin story. Even now, the flying scenes with groundbreaking VFX remain magical.
Superman II (1980)
The story continues directly in Superman II, where the threat shifts from Lex Luthor to three escaped criminals from the Phantom Zone: General Zod (a chilling Terence Stamp), Ursa (Sarah Douglas), and Non (Jack O'Halloran). The battle between Superman and Zod's team is one of the most iconic showdowns in the classic Superman series. But the film is more than just action; it deepens the relationship between Lois and Clark and shows Superman at his most vulnerable. Here's something interesting: there's a Superman II Donner Cut that's more in line with Richard Donner's original vision. You really should watch both versions, but the Donner Cut is especially for die-hard fans.
Superman III (1983)
With Richard Lester at the helm, Superman III takes on a much lighter tone. Robert Vaughn plays tech billionaire Ross Webster, and a young Annette O'Toole plays Lana Lang, Clark's old love from Smallville. The film is known for its experimental vibe, with bizarre computer villains and a split Superman literally fighting his own dark side. It's a bit unusual, but it has some memorable scenes. Some people aren't into the slapstick humor, but if you're looking for a fun, lighthearted way to spend an evening, this is a great option.
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
Now, this is where the movie might not be for everyone, but it's still a part of the journey. Superman, who was co-conceived by Christopher Reeve himself, takes on nuclear weapons in a clear anti-disarmament plot. The big bad guy is Nuclear Man, played by Mark Pillow, who seems to embody pure 80s energy. The budget cuts are pretty obvious, but the film's morals and heart are genuine. And let's be real here: if you're planning a full-on Superman movie binge-watch, you can't possibly pass on this one. Even if it's just to see Reeve's final appearance as the Man of Steel in his classic form, or to see Superman return after nearly 20 years in Superman Returns, directed by Bryan Singer. This movie is basically a spiritual follow-up to the first two movies, but it's ignoring III and IV. Brandon Routh plays Clark Kent/Superman, Kate Bosworth plays Lois Lane, and Kevin Spacey plays a more sinister Lex Luthor. The mood is somber, and it's clear that they have a lot of respect for Christopher Reeve's legacy. The plane rescue scene is one of the best Superman moments ever, and the climax with Superman lifting a kryptonite island into space is pure blockbuster mythology. For a lot of fans, this is the perfect ending to the classic Superman era.
Why This Order Works
Watching these movies in order shows how Superman as a character grows and how superhero movies change over time. From the hopeful, heroic vibe of the golden age of Warner Bros. Pictures to the more introspective approach in Superman Returns, you can feel how the world around Superman changes. From the classic Daily Planet and Fortress of Solitude to the influence of contemporary themes like identity, responsibility, and loss, there's a lot to consider.
Tips for Your Superman Movie Marathon
Plan your marathon well. You can easily watch the first two films back-to-back because they're inseparably linked in tone and story. III and IV are lighter and shorter, which is great if you want a few more snack and break moments. End with Superman Returns for a more emotional, mature finale. Make sure you have plenty of snacks (my personal favorite, Kryptonite green M&M's, are always a hit), turn down the lights a bit, and crank up that heroic soundtrack to get your living room ready for the big game. And who knows, maybe after it's over, you'll see the classic good vs. evil hero story in a different light. Superman is more than just a man in a cape. He's a symbol of hope, no matter what timeline you're in.
Ready to Fly?
Whether you're diving into the Superman timeline for the first time or reliving the films for the hundredth time, this marathon is a tribute to one of the most iconic heroes ever. Superman's got super strength, heat vision, freeze breath, and bulletproof invulnerability, he's a force to be reckoned with. But it's his heart that really makes him stand out. So, wrap your blanket around you like a cape, straighten your glasses, and fly through decades of film history. You're in good hands with this order. Trust us, you'll feel like you're flying too!