How to watch

Superman Movie Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the Superman movies in order

Last updated: June 29 2026

Written by: ChronoAlice

Superman has been flying across the big screen since 1978, and the Man of Steel has starred in multiple film franchises across different continuities. From Christopher Reeve's definitive classic portrayal to the modern DCEU chapters and James Gunn's fresh reboot, here's how to watch every Superman film.

No cape has cast a longer shadow in superhero cinema than Superman's. The Richard Donner-directed original set the template for every superhero film that followed, and subsequent decades have seen the character reimagined multiple times. Unlike a single continuous saga, Superman's film history spans three distinct continuities — the Reeve era, the DCEU era, and the brand-new James Gunn DCU — each with its own tone, mythology, and cast.

🕐 Release Order

Watching all Superman films in release order traces the full evolution of the character across Hollywood history, from the hopeful heroism of the 1970s through the gritty modern era and into the current DCU relaunch.

  1. Superman (1978)
  2. Superman II (1980)
  3. Superman III (1983)
  4. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
  5. Superman Returns (2006)
  6. Man of Steel (2013)
  7. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
  8. Justice League (2017) / Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
  9. Superman (2025)

Note that Superman Returns (2006) is a soft sequel to the Reeve films, set in a different continuity from the DCEU. Man of Steel (2013) onwards is a completely separate continuity. Superman (2025) begins a new DC Universe under James Gunn's direction.

📖 Story Chronology

Within each continuity, films run chronologically in the same order they were released. Here is the breakdown by franchise era:

  1. Reeve Era: Superman (1978) → Superman II (1980) → Superman III (1983) → Superman IV (1987)
  2. Reeve Continuation: Superman Returns (2006)
  3. DCEU: Man of Steel (2013) → Batman v Superman (2016) → Justice League (2017)
  4. New DCU: Superman (2025)

Which Order Should You Choose?

For new viewers, start with Christopher Reeve's Superman (1978) — it remains a landmark film and one of the greatest superhero movies ever made. The first two Reeve films are essential classics; Superman III and IV are lighter fare but fun for completionists. Superman Returns is a loving homage best appreciated after the Reeve films. For the modern era, Man of Steel is a bold, cinematic take on the character's origin — follow it with Batman v Superman and Justice League if you want the full DCEU arc. Superman (2025) is a clean starting point for the brand-new James Gunn DCU and requires no prior viewing.

🔗 Related Guides

  • DC Extended Universe Watch OrderGuide
  • Batman: The Dark Knight Watch OrderGuide
  • Marvel Cinematic Universe Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!