Updated
Superman films in order: every movie by release date
Every Superman film in order, from the 1948 serials and Christopher Reeve to Henry Cavill, David Corenswet's Superman (2025) and Man of Tomorrow.
The short answer
Watch Superman in release order: Superman (1978), Superman II (1980), Superman III (1983), Superman IV (1987), Superman Returns (2006), Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman (2016), Justice League (2017/2021), Superman (2025), Supergirl (2026), then Man of Tomorrow (July 2027). They belong to four separate continuities.
The quick list (release order)
| # | Film | Year | Superman | Continuity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Superman (serial) | 1948 | Kirk Alyn | Serials |
| 2 | Atom Man vs. Superman (serial) | 1950 | Kirk Alyn | Serials |
| 3 | Superman and the Mole Men | 1951 | George Reeves | Adventures of Superman |
| 4 | Superman | 1978 | Christopher Reeve | Reeve films |
| 5 | Superman II | 1980 | Christopher Reeve | Reeve films |
| 6 | Superman III | 1983 | Christopher Reeve | Reeve films |
| 7 | Superman IV: The Quest for Peace | 1987 | Christopher Reeve | Reeve films |
| 8 | Superman Returns | 2006 | Brandon Routh | Follows Superman II |
| 9 | Man of Steel | 2013 | Henry Cavill | DCEU |
| 10 | Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice | 2016 | Henry Cavill | DCEU |
| 11 | Justice League / Zack Snyder’s Justice League | 2017 / 2021 | Henry Cavill | DCEU |
| 12 | Superman | 2025 | David Corenswet | DCU |
| 13 | Supergirl | 2026 | Spin-off; Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El | DCU |
| 14 | Man of Tomorrow | 2027 | David Corenswet | DCU |
Supergirl (1984), starring Helen Slater, is a spin-off from the Reeve films. Henry Cavill also makes brief appearances in Black Adam (2022) and The Flash (2023). For the TV series, see every Superman TV show and where to watch it in the UK.
The Christopher Reeve era (1978–1987)
Richard Donner’s Superman (1978), made at Pinewood and Shepperton in England, set the template for the modern superhero film and gave the character his most famous theme, by John Williams. Superman II was finished by Richard Lester after Donner left; an alternative version, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, followed in 2006. The series ended with Superman IV in 1987.
Superman Returns (2006)
Bryan Singer’s film is a deliberate homage that continues the story after Superman II, with Brandon Routh as a returning Superman and Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor.
The DCEU (2013–2023)
Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel rebooted the character, with Henry Cavill. The story continued into Batman v Superman and Justice League, with the 2021 Snyder Cut restoring the director’s original vision.
The DCU (2025–)
James Gunn’s Superman (2025) introduced David Corenswet’s Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor. The story continues in Man of Tomorrow on 9 July 2027.
Questions
In what order should I watch the Superman films?
Release order works best: Superman (1978), II, III, IV, Superman Returns (2006), Man of Steel (2013), Batman v Superman (2016), Justice League (2017), then the DCU's Superman (2025), Supergirl (2026) and Man of Tomorrow (2027). Returns follows II, skipping III and IV.
How many Superman films are there?
Counting live-action theatrical films where Superman is a lead, there are 11 up to 2026, plus the 1948 and 1950 serials and the upcoming Man of Tomorrow (2027).
Is Superman Returns a sequel?
Yes, loosely. Superman Returns (2006) is a sequel to Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980), and it ignores Superman III and IV.
Is Superman (2025) connected to Man of Steel?
No. Superman (2025) starts a new continuity, the DCU, under DC Studios heads James Gunn and Peter Safran. Henry Cavill's films belong to the earlier DCEU.