My Top 5 Superman Films (Now That the New Guy Has Landed)

 

Before Christopher Reeve soared across the big screen, my Superman journey started on the small one — watching the black-and-white TV series from the '50s and '60s. George Reeves in those grainy episodes was my first Man of Steel. Then came the Saturday morning cartoons, which added colour, capes, and plenty of “Up, up and away!” to my weekends.

So when the new Superman by James Gunn landed, it felt like another chapter in a lifelong fandom — one that’s evolved through decades of tights, types, and tones. And this latest version? It genuinely surprised me. Bold, fresh, and yes, kind of punk rock. I bought into the new Superman from the start. Everything felt seamless and grounded (well, as grounded as a flying alien with superpowers can be). My only gripe? I wish we got more of Clark Kent just being... Clark. You know — awkward, dorky, navigating the office coffee machine.

Anyway, here’s how I rank my personal Top 5 Superman films:


5. Superman III (1983)

Look, I know this one's not a critical darling, but Richard Pryor brought in the kind of comedy no one expected in a Superman film. Sure, it’s campy. Yes, there’s a supercomputer and a weird evil Superman subplot. But it was fun. And for a kid watching it in the '80s, it was pure popcorn joy.


4. Man of Steel (2013)

Henry Cavill gave us a brooding, burdened Superman — and he carried it well. Zack Snyder’s vision was darker, more epic, and the action scenes were insane. It wasn’t always warm and fuzzy, but it asked big questions about identity and sacrifice. Also, that Hans Zimmer score? Instant goosebumps.


3. Superman (2025, James Gunn)

The newest addition to the list — and what a bold reinvention. I loved how it broke away from tradition yet still honoured the heart of Superman. It didn’t feel like a reboot or a retread. It felt alive. And yes, Superman as punk rock? I didn’t know I needed that… but I did. Just give us more of Clark's everyday life in the sequel, please.


2. Superman: The Movie (1978)

The original. The classic. The blueprint. Christopher Reeve made us believe in a hero who was both powerful and endearingly human. That John Williams score alone deserves its own place in the Hall of Fame. It introduced Superman not just as a character, but as a timeless symbol of hope.


1. Superman II (1980)

Three words: Zod. Ursa. Non. This sequel amped up everything — the action, the emotion, the stakes. I loved the idea of Superman giving up his powers for love, only to realise that the world still needed him. It was romantic, heartbreaking, and heroic all at once. And that diner scene payback? Iconic.


Superman has meant many things to many generations — hope, strength, kindness, sometimes just a guy trying to do the right thing. And every era brings a new lens. But for me, these five films capture different pieces of the myth — from slapstick to soul-searching, from tights to trench coats.

Here’s to more capes, more Clark, and more reasons to look up!


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Dapatkan buku 'Kisah Hidup & Budaya Pop Anak Gen-X' di SINI

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