Superman Christopher Reeve era in order Superman Marathon
Page Last Modified:
9 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
Craving a nostalgic movie night with a superhero in an iconic red cape? A Superman movie marathon is just what you need. From the legendary flying scenes in Superman 1978 to the emotional return in Superman Returns, this marathon is a classic superhero cinema experience. Watching the films in the correct order is crucial. With changes in directors, alternate cuts, and new actors in familiar roles, following Superman's journey closely is essential.
Whether you're meeting Christopher Reeve's Clark Kent for the first time or rekindling your love for the hero from Metropolis, this chronological order ensures you experience the adventure as it was meant to be. Grab some popcorn, turn up the John Williams theme (you can hear it already, right?), and discover how one man with a cape continually strives 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 -
3
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 begin with the film that started it all: Superman 1978, directed by Richard Donner. This movie not only set the tone for DC Comics superhero films but also for the entire superhero genre as we know it today. Christopher Reeve became the definitive Superman and Clark Kent, complete with nerdy glasses, 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 a 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 confrontation between Superman and Zod's team is one of the most iconic battles in the classic Superman franchise. But the film is more than just action; it deepens the relationship between Lois and Clark and shows Superman at his most vulnerable. Fun fact: there is a Superman II Donner Cut that aligns more closely with Richard Donner's original vision. Both versions are worth watching, though 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. Enter Robert Vaughn as tech billionaire Ross Webster and a young Annette O'Toole as Lana Lang, Clark's old love from Smallville. Known for its experimental vibe, the film features bizarre computer villains and a split Superman literally fighting his own dark side. It's a bit of an oddball, but it delivers memorable scenes. Not everyone is a fan of the slapstick approach, but for a more lighthearted binge night, this is an entertaining stop.
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
This is where it stings a bit, but Superman IV: The Quest for Peace is part of the journey. Co-conceived by Christopher Reeve himself, Superman takes on nuclear weapons in a pronounced disarmament plot. The big bad guy is Nuclear Man, played by Mark Pillow, who seems to embody pure 80s energy. The budget cuts are painfully visible, but the film's morals and heart are sincere. And let's be honest: if you're doing a complete Superman movie marathon, you can't skip this one. Even if it's just to see Reeve's final appearance as the Man of Steel in his classic form.
Superman Returns (2006)
After nearly 20 years, Superman returns literally in Superman Returns, directed by Bryan Singer. This film is a direct spiritual successor to the first two films, ignoring III and IV. Brandon Routh dons the cape as Clark Kent/Superman, with Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane and Kevin Spacey as a more sinister Lex Luthor. The atmosphere is more melancholic, with great respect for Christopher Reeve's legacy. The plane rescue scene remains one of the best Superman moments ever, and the climax with Superman lifting a kryptonite island into space is pure blockbuster mythology. For many fans, this is the fitting conclusion to the classic Superman era.
Why This Order Works
Watching these films in chronological order not only shows how Superman as a character grows but also how the tone of superhero films evolves. From the hopeful, heroic vibe of the golden age of Warner Bros Pictures to the more introspective approach in Superman Returns, you 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.
Tips for Your Superman Movie Marathon
Plan your marathon well. You can easily watch the first two films back-to-back they are inseparably linked in tone and story. III and IV are lighter and shorter, perfect if you want a few more snack and break moments. Finish with Superman Returns for a more emotional, mature finale. Have enough snacks (kryptonite green M&M's, anyone?), dim the lights a bit, and let that heroic soundtrack fill your living room. 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 is a symbol of hope, in every timeline.
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. With his super strength, heat vision, freeze breath, and bulletproof invulnerability, Superman is a force to be reckoned with. But it's his heart that truly sets him apart. 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. And believe us: you'll feel like you're flying a little yourself.