Superman (1978)
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94% of critics liked it
(54 reviews) -
77% of users liked it
(255,970 ratings)
Richard Donner's big-budget blockbuster Superman: The Movie is an immensely entertaining recounting of the origin of the famous comic book character. Opening on Krypton (where Marlon Brando plays Superman's father), the film follows the Man of Steel (Christopher Reeve) as he's sent to Earth where he… More Richard Donner's big-budget blockbuster Superman: The Movie is an immensely entertaining recounting of the origin of the famous comic book character. Opening on Krypton (where Marlon Brando plays Superman's father), the film follows the Man of Steel (Christopher Reeve) as he's sent to Earth where he develops his alter-ego Clark Kent and is raised by a Midwestern family. In no time, the movie has run through his teenage years, and Clark gets a job at the Daily Planet, where he is a news reporter. It's there that he falls in love with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder), who is already in love with Superman. But the love story is quickly sidetracked once the villainous Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) launches a diabolical plan to conquer the world and kill Superman. Superman: The Movie is filled with action, special effects and a surprising amount of humor. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- PG, 2 hr. 22 min.
- Directed By
- Richard Donner, Jonathan Barry
- Written By
- Mario Puzo, David Newman, Leslie Newman, Robert Benton
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Romance, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Dec 15, 1978 Wide
- Studio
- Warner Bros. Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Judith Martin, Washington Post
It's the simple, earth-bound quality of the film that makes this comic-book fantasy soar.
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Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
The film is best when it takes itself seriously, worst when it takes the easy way out in giggly camp -- as it does, finally and fatally, when Lex Luthor enters the action.
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Vincent Canby, New York Times
Superman is good, clean, simple-minded fun...
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Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Superman is a pure delight...
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James Harwood, Variety
Magnify James Bond's extraordinary physical powers while curbing his sex drive and you have the essence of Superman, a wonderful, chuckling, preposterously exciting fantasy.
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James Berardinelli, ReelViews
Along with its 1980 sequel, no live-action version has so effectively captured the essence of the characters.
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Matt Brunson, Creative Loafing
Superman still remains the best superhero movie ever made, full of humor, heart, and an iconic performance by Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel.
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Ed Grant, Common Sense Media
Super-nostalgic adventure still soars.
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Richard T. Jameson, Parallax View
... a lot of fun, and the lot of talented people involved have managed to get a lot of their talent very enjoyably on view.
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, Empire Magazine
Manages to capture the pure heart and spirit of this comic book Americana.
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, Film4
With a triumphant score by John Williams, the searing sincerity of Christopher Reeve and a preposterous grand finale, it is impossible not to root for Superman in this most enjoyable of feel-good movies.
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Garth Franklin, Dark Horizons
Arguably still the most solid 'origin' and emotion-churning superhero story on the big screen.
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Tim Brayton, Antagony & Ecstasy
The only time in five tries that a Superman movie actually managed to capture the essence of what makes the Man of Steel such a potent, classic symbol of American optimism.
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Felix Gonzalez Jr., DVD Review
One of the most attractive releases in this fantabulous celebration ....
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Felix Gonzalez Jr., DVD Review
The film ranks among the greatest crowd pleasers in cinema history, an achievement it will surely hold for a long time.
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John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
The movie is frivolous but fun, and the many new extras add to one's appreciation of it as a true cinematic event. (Four-Disc Special Edition)
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John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
In Christopher Reeve, the casting department found someone with just the right charisma to pull it off.
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Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Vem envelhecendo bem justamente por compreender que, mais do que respeitar o espectador (e respeita), é fundamental respeitar seu próprio universo.
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David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...the film has aged incredibly poorly in the years since its 1978 debut.
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Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews
Donner keeps his film briskly funny and exciting, with smart and spectacular action....The greatest effect of all, however, is Reeve's miraculous performance.
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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John M
I just recently re-watched this movie in all its remastered blu ray goodness and I have to say I smiled a lot and just enjoyed it for so much of what it was. Cheesy goodness!! Christopher Reeve as Superman will always be that character. No other reboot will ever fill his shoes. EVER. -
Brad W
Superman is a incredible and exciting superhero film and started one of the most famous genres in film. The story is a incredible telling of who is considered the greatest superhero ever, and although i'm more of a Batman guy, this movie tells a great story and I enjoyed… More
Superman is a incredible and exciting superhero film and started one of the most famous genres in film. The story is a incredible telling of who is considered the greatest superhero ever, and although i'm more of a Batman guy, this movie tells a great story and I enjoyed learning his past and the movie gives us interesting characters and adds humor, I loved the story. The cast was great, Christopher Reeve was truly born to play Superman and gene Hackman played a very evil role as well. The special effects are amazing, they were some of the most groundbreaking visuals ever at the time, and I loved them. Superman is a film that lives on through many people, and it may not be the best superhero film ever, but its certainly one of the best. -
Jeff "
I've never been a big fan of Superman, but I heard plenty of good things about this classic Christopher Reeve film, so I decided to give it a shot. I somewhat enjoyed this film, but I felt it was one of the weakest superhero films. I'm more a fan of Batman. The films special… More
I've never been a big fan of Superman, but I heard plenty of good things about this classic Christopher Reeve film, so I decided to give it a shot. I somewhat enjoyed this film, but I felt it was one of the weakest superhero films. I'm more a fan of Batman. The films special effects look dated by today's standards, nonetheless they still look impressive. Richard Donner was able to craft a good film with Superman, but in any case I never was a fan of Superman. I can at least acknowledge that the film was very well made and that the cast did a fine job at delivering good performances. For me thought the best performance was Gene Hackman as Lex Luther. This is a decent action to watch, and it does have its moments. The film is entertaining, but I felt that there was something missing to make this film really a timeless classic. As far as superhero films are concerned, Superman is a decent film, and is quite entertaining; however I felt that considering the amount of superhero films out there, there are far better crafted films to enjoy. But Superman does boast a strong cast a good plot, and is lots of fun to watch. Even If I wasn't a big fan of the film, I did like it, but I don't think it's one of the best superhero films ever made. That honor belongs to Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight. A decent superhero film with a good cast, Superman is entertaining, but is never anything really spectacular. -
Martin S
This was a good classic...Some scenes are really epic...That was cool. Gene Hackman is a cool guy. Everybody knows I'm not a fan of Superman...But this was a good show -
Tim S
The original comic book movie...this is an all-time favorite. I thoroughly enjoy both versions of the film and can't imagine it being made at any other time with any other crew. -
AJ V
I've never been a huge fan of Superman comics, but this is a good movie with an all star cast and it's become a classic. It does start out boring, but it gains speed, and it's very entertaining. If you like Superman, you should see this movie. -
Michael E
more bad than good. The scenes in the film go way to crazy or over the top like the two nuclear missiles, tell me this IF HE CAN FLY AROUND THE WHOLE FREAKING WORLD AND REVERSE THE POLARITY OF THE EARTHS TIME THAN WHY CANT HE CATCH BOTH MISSILES, HE WOULDV'E PASSED THEM IN A… More
more bad than good. The scenes in the film go way to crazy or over the top like the two nuclear missiles, tell me this IF HE CAN FLY AROUND THE WHOLE FREAKING WORLD AND REVERSE THE POLARITY OF THE EARTHS TIME THAN WHY CANT HE CATCH BOTH MISSILES, HE WOULDV'E PASSED THEM IN A MILLISECOND! SPEAKING OF WHICH THAT MAKES NO SENSE WHAT SO EVER, GOING BACK IN TIME TO CHANGE TIME EVEN TO A 3 YEAR OLD KID THAT MAKES NO SENSE -
Mike S
Wow, it's been ages since I saw this film. I think last time wasn't even on this side of the millenium. It's still good after all these years, even if I don't love as much now as when I was younger. One thing that will never fade with time though, is the fantastic… More
Wow, it's been ages since I saw this film. I think last time wasn't even on this side of the millenium. It's still good after all these years, even if I don't love as much now as when I was younger. One thing that will never fade with time though, is the fantastic music theme, composed by no other than the eminent John Williams. The action scenes remain brilliant as well, and are even up to par excitement-wise with today's superhero movies (albeit the special effects obviously have a lower "wow" factor). So when all is said and done, this still keeps its status as a charming and lustrous classic. -
KJ P
Superman is one of the greatest superhero films I was ever able to lay my eyes upon. Filled with superb dialogue and a heart wrenching story that triumphs over any hero out there, Superman delivers on everything possible in the movie world. I couldn't believe what I was watching… More
Superman is one of the greatest superhero films I was ever able to lay my eyes upon. Filled with superb dialogue and a heart wrenching story that triumphs over any hero out there, Superman delivers on everything possible in the movie world. I couldn't believe what I was watching before my eyes. The only complaint is that it took a little long to kick into gear at the beginning, however, that serves as no problem. This film is a masterpiece! -
Conner R
The first great superhero movie that paved the way for all future adaptions. Richard Donner and Mario Puzo made superheros realistically fit into the world as much as they could and made comic books more than just something for kids. While it it wasn't a perfect movie at the… More
The first great superhero movie that paved the way for all future adaptions. Richard Donner and Mario Puzo made superheros realistically fit into the world as much as they could and made comic books more than just something for kids. While it it wasn't a perfect movie at the time, the extended cut really shapes it into one. The performance of Christopher Reeves is great and captures Superman perfectly. However, it's Gene Hackman that completely steals the show and make Lex Luthor even more kooky and diabolical. -
Anthony L
Superman is by far the best Superhero movie of all time. Sure the new Batman films are excellent but they're not a touch on Donner's classic. Reeve is the quintessential Superman, even though he the 3rd (or is it 4th?) person to play him. I just can't express how much I… More
Superman is by far the best Superhero movie of all time. Sure the new Batman films are excellent but they're not a touch on Donner's classic. Reeve is the quintessential Superman, even though he the 3rd (or is it 4th?) person to play him. I just can't express how much I adore this film, it has been my favourite since childhood and I must have watched it over 100 times. I love everything about it and can find no faults with it. Brilliant! -
Jason O
In my opinion, this is the best "Superman" movie out of any of them. All of them are great, but none of the others have the thrills, wonder, and excitement that this one has. Superman (Christopher Reeve) is sent to earth to keep people out of danger the best he can. However,… More
In my opinion, this is the best "Superman" movie out of any of them. All of them are great, but none of the others have the thrills, wonder, and excitement that this one has. Superman (Christopher Reeve) is sent to earth to keep people out of danger the best he can. However, it might be harder than he might had anticipated after he meets with Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) and learns of his plan to destroy parts of the United States by means of huge bombs. "Superman - The Movie" had some of the best special effects ever seen at the time and it also had a great plot. Not only is Superman a superhero, he also has a life. When nobody's in trouble, he turns into Clark Kent and works at a local newspaper company. He is also interested in Lois Lane (Margot Kidder). Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, and Gene Hackman all put on great performances to make this movie a classic. If you like movies about superheroes who always come to the rescue, I would recommend getting "Superman - The Movie." The first time you see it, it will take you by surprise as you watch it in awe at what Superman can do. Even after you see it a few times, it doesn't get old. NOTE: That was my Amazon review written in the year 2000. I lied, the best Superman movie is Superman II, but this one's great also. -
Thomas B
set the benchmark for superhero movies -
Chris G
You know how we have comic book adaptation films every summer. This is the granddaddy of them all (even though it would be another decade for Batman to get his film and yet another decade for the genre to truly take off). Everyone knows the story of Superman, so I won't even… More
You know how we have comic book adaptation films every summer. This is the granddaddy of them all (even though it would be another decade for Batman to get his film and yet another decade for the genre to truly take off). Everyone knows the story of Superman, so I won't even waste the time on the plot or the storyline. If you don't know who Superman is you might as well stop right here. Directed by Richard Donner, Superman is a film that could have been an over the top romp ala the late 1960's Batman television series. But what Donner delivered is a film anchored in reality. This being from another world has dropped on the everyday lives of the people of Metropolis (or Manhattan if we want to get technical). When the name Mario Puzo is thrown into the screenwriting process you know this isn't going to be a campy affair. The cast is great. Christopher Reeve IS Superman for the entire generation that grew up with these films and the way it's going the next two generations will also look to Reeve as the big blue guy with the "S" on his chest. Can you imagine anyone else in that role? James Caan?? Brando turns in a nice 15 minutes as Kal-El, almost appearing to be in something written by Shakespeare and Margot Kidder shall forever be Lois Lane. Finally Gene Hackman gets the honor of playing one of the biggest baddies in modern mythology in Lex Luthor and he does it perfectly. Richard Donner has said that he had two goals in making this film. The first was making you believe a man could fly. The second was that the audience cared about what happened to Superman and Lois, making it a pseudo love story. He accomplished both and created a film that dozens of producers and comic book geeks have tried to emulate ever since. -
Chris W
This is a classic 70's film, but it hasn't aged well. It's still a lot of fun though, and the music is great, so it's still worth seeing. -
Ken S
Because Superman isn't powerful enough? He has to be able to turn back time too? Such a crap ending...it was so close to being good -
Mark H
Most perfect superhero movie ever made. Case closed. -
Pierluigi P
The greatest cinematic transition of a comic book ever done. Richard Donner's vigorous narrative pulse, Christopher Reeve's perfect incarnation and John Williams' majestic score made this movie an instant everlasting classic. Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman and the… More
The greatest cinematic transition of a comic book ever done. Richard Donner's vigorous narrative pulse, Christopher Reeve's perfect incarnation and John Williams' majestic score made this movie an instant everlasting classic. Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman and the legendary Marlon Brando are some of the other additions to a perfect equation. An epic and exhilarating tale about the themes we the mere mortals constantly love to revive. The one and only superhero movie. -
Aaron N
Warden: This country is safe again, Superman, thanks to you. Superman: No, sir. Don't thank me, warden. We're all part of the same team. Good night. I don't like the character of Superman that much, but he made a couple of some damn good movies. This movie is one of… More
Warden: This country is safe again, Superman, thanks to you. Superman: No, sir. Don't thank me, warden. We're all part of the same team. Good night. I don't like the character of Superman that much, but he made a couple of some damn good movies. This movie is one of the best examples of how to make a great comic book superhero movie. This combines almost every aspect to make a near flawless movie about an already popular established character. It combines the right actors including some major A-list talent, amazing production design and effects, a brilliant and memorable score by John Williams, a story written by none other than Godfather author Mario Puzo, and great direction from Richard Donner to form a perfectly entertaining film for all audiences. Starting from the very beginning, on the planet of Krypton, Jor-El, played by none other than Marlon Brando, alerts the people that the planet will explode soon. No one believes him, but he sends his new born son away from the planet, only to have it arrive at earth thousands of years later. Of course, now on Earth, the child ages like a regular person, but has some wonderful tricks up his sleeve. He is adopted by the Kents, Pa Kent played wonderfully by Glenn Ford in an effective small role. The boy grows up to be Clark Kent, played by newbie at the time Christopher Reeve, and after a little soul searching, leading to the creation of his Fortress of Solitude and his knowledge of the past. He is then tasked to become a hero for the people, a super being who can do his best to make a difference for the good of the people. Co Pilot: [Superman has arrived to carry the damaged Air Force One plane] What the hell happened? Did we get the whole engine back? Air Force One Pilot: [after noticing Superman] Fly. Just fly. We got... something. I ain't saying what it is. Just... trust me. Clark moves to the city of Metropolis, using his Clark person to get a job at the Daily Planet, acting as clumsily as possible, meeting the spunky Lois Lane and innocent Jimmy Olsen. Clark soon delves into his Superman role, saving anyone in need, keeping people out of harms way, and doing other good deeds. Problems arise when the villainous Lex Luthor seeks to challenge Superman through his self-proclaimed superior intellect, hoping to become a dominant force in the world. Superman must now deal with Luthor's dastardly deeds, his feelings for Lois, and fighting for truth, justice, and the American way. As mentioned, everything is expertly done. Only in a movie as well done as this, given the subject matter, could I handle the idea of someone spinning the globe backwards. Its a wonderfully entertaining film that maintains the spirit of the comic, proving to be one the best representations of the adaptation of this medium. Clark Kent: Really, Lois, supposing that man had shot you? Is it worth risking your life over ten dollars, two credit cards, a hairbrush, and a lipstick? Lois Lane: How did you know that? Clark Kent: Know what? Lois Lane: You just described the exact contents of my purse. Clark Kent: Hmm. Wild guess. -
Lenny M
Classic, extremely influential, RIP Reeve.
Cast
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Marlon Brandoas Jor-El -
Gene Hackmanas Lex Luthor -
Christopher Reeveas Clark Kent/Superman
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Margot Kidderas Lois Lane -
Ned Beattyas Otis -
Jackie Cooperas Perry White
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Glenn Fordas Jonathan Kent -
Trevor Howardas First Elder -
Jack O'Halloranas Non
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Valerie Perrineas Eve Teschmacher -
Maria Schellas Vond-Ah -
Terence Stampas Gen. Zod
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Susannah Yorkas Lara -
Jeff Eastas Young Clark Kent -
Marc McClureas Jimmy Olsen
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Sarah Douglasas Ursa -
Harry Andrewsas Second Elder -
Lee Quigleyas Baby Kal-El
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Aaron Smolinskias Baby Clark Kent -
Kirk Alynas Young Lois Lane's father (on train) -
Vass Andersonas 3rd Elder
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Bill Baileyas State Senator -
David Baxtas Burglar -
Phil Brownas State Senator
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Larry Hagmanas Major -
David Calderas 3rd Crewman -
John Cordingas 2nd Hood
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Michael Ensignas Newscaster -
Rex Everhartas Desk Sergeant -
Ben Feitelson
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Michael Gover -
Lise Hilboldtas 1st Secretary -
John Hollisas 4th Elder
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Chuck Julianas Assistant -
Stephen Kahanas Officer 1 -
Larry Lambas 1st Reporter
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Penelope Leeas 9th Elder -
Vincent Marzelloas 1st Copy Boy -
Billy Mitchellas 1st Editor
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Noel Neillas Couple on Train -
Robert O'Neillas Admiral -
Brian Protheroeas Co-Pilot
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John Ratzenbergeras 1st Controller -
Rex Reed (II)as Himself -
Bo Ruckeras Pimp
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William Russellas 8th Elder -
Scott Antonyas 5th Reporter -
Diane Sherryas Lana Lang
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John Stuartas 10th Elder -
Phyllis Thaxteras Maftha Kent -
Alan Tilvernas 2nd Controller
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Lawrence Trimbleas 1st Crewman -
Burnell Tuckeras Agent -
Paul Tuerpéas Sgt. Hayley
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Robert Whelanas 2nd Crewman -
Leueen Willoughby -
Ray Evansas 6th Reporter
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Robert Hendersonas 2nd Editor -
Randy Jurgensenas Officer -
Colin Skeapingas Pilot
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David Yorstonas Petty Officer -
Jayne Tottmanas Little Girl -
John Allen Cassadyas 3rd Reporter
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Norwich Duffas Newscaster -
Ray Hassettas Officer 2 -
Keith Alexander
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Paul Avery -
Robert Dahdahas Newspaper Customer -
Weston Gavinas Mugger
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Robert MacLeodas General -
David Nealas 7th Elder -
Matt Russoas News Vendor
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Mark Wynter -
Norman Warwickas Superchief Driver -
Roy Stevensas Warden
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Graham McPhersonas Lieutenant -
Antony Scott



