Supermanhas been a worldwide icon since his comic debut inAction Comics#1 back in 1938. The man has everything: laser vision, super strength, the power of flight, great hair,anda full-time job with benefits. It’s no wonder he remains a fan favorite all these decades later. As such, Superman has been reimagined for the big screen numerous times, and a wide variety of actors have filled his famous red boots.
Some actors who played Superman brought this namesake hero to life in amazing ways, but others weren’t able to fulfill the high expectations set by fans. From his days in black and white to his latest adventuresin the DC Extended Universe, here’s a comprehensive ranking of the most notable Superman actors.
With James Gunn’sSupermanwell and truly kicking off the new DCU in theaters, let’s take a look at every actor who’s ever donned the cape and the “S,” both in live action and animation.
17Nicolas Cage
‘The Flash’ (2023)
A surprising addition to this list, one we never thought would happen, isNicolas Cage’s version of The Last Son of Krypton.This original Superman was meant to star in the scrapped 1998 movieSuperman Lives. Cage even got as far as a costume fitting before the Tim Burton-helmed project was canceled. Written by Kevin Smith, it was stipulated that the movie would not feature Superman flying and that he would have to fight a giant spider in the third act.After two years of development, $30 million down the drain, and both Smith and Burton leaving the project, it was put on hold, never to see the light of day.Or so it seemed for the next 25 years.
Appearing towards the end of 2023’sThe Flash, Cage finally had the chance to don the blue and red spandex as the multiverse was imploding upon itself. For a brief cameo, he appears exactly as depicted in that test footage, fighting a giant robotic spider. He doesn’t say a word, so it isn’t precisely the best portrayal of the character, but it serves as a fun Easter egg for hardcore fans and finally lets Cage play Superman in live-action.
Here’s Where You Can Find Every Live Action Superman Movie Ever Made Online
Superman is always on the move but isn’t that hard to find. Here is where you can see him on streaming.
16Kirk Alyn
‘Superman’ (1948)
Most people might be disappointed to see the original Superman actor low on the list, but his ranking here does not suggest he did a bad job. As anearly pioneer of silver screen heroes,Kirk Alynhad to utilize the available technology and follow the instructions given to him by the directors; he did the best with what he had, and that’s admirable. What Alyn struggles with are his stiff, deliberate demeanor and forceful movements. Every single motion he makes is rigid and purposeful, so he looks more like a marionette puppet than a human being.
Even his dialogue feels forced, as the inflection in his words comes off as extremely scripted.It’s almost as if he was so worried about playing Superman well that his performance suffered as a result. That being said, as the first actor to portray Superman, he looked great in the suit and had a bewitching old Hollywood voice that was perfect for the role. On top of all this, his iconic jump launch into flight was absolutely lovable!
15Justin Hartley
‘Injustice’ (2021)
Read our Review
Justin Hartley, who is best known for playing Oliver Queen, aka Green Arrow, onSmallville, voices Superman in the animated featureInjustice, released in 2021. Based on the popular video game of the same name, the film explores what would happen if Superman was driven off to the deep end by someone who really wanted to hurt him. The Superman actor infuses his performance with much nuance and the incredible pain he feels for failing his beloved and losing his city.
Tired of being beaten by Batman repeatedly, the Joker pulls the ultimate stunt in Metropolis by making Superman kill Lois Lane and blowing up his city in a single swoop. A broken Superman kills the Joker and imposes himself as the absolute ruler of Earth, with Batman being the only one capable of standing up to him. Harley does a good job with the darker Superman, but sadly, the script leaves him and doesn’t do much to support him.
14Jason Isaacs
‘Superman: Red Son’ (2020)
Superman: Red Son
In 2020,Jason Isaacs, better known as Lucius Malfoy in theHarry Potterfranchise, got a crack at Superman by playing the character in an Elseworlds story. Known for having an intense Western European accent, out of all Superman actors, Isaacs stands out for playing a Russian version of the Man of Steel in Superman:Red Son.
In the story, Superman lands in Russia’s collective fields instead of Smallville’s green pastures. He grows up to become the ultimate state asset, bringing down the rest of the world’s powers during the Cold War. Superman quickly realizes that he’s being sold a bag of goods and decides to take over the world to rule everyone under a socialist utopia.
13Darren Criss
‘Superman: Man of Tomorrow’ (2020)
Superman: Man of Tomorrow
Following the reboot of the DCAU withJustice League Dark: The Apokolips War, we were introduced to a brand-new, interconnected animated universe featuring a revamped art style and a new cast of characters.Darren Crissbecame the new voice of Kal-El forSuperman: Man of Tomorrow. This Emmy and Golden Globe-awarded actor made his bones inGleefrom 2010 to 2015 and has reprised the role inJustice Society: World War II,Legion of Super-Heroes, andJustice League: Warworld.
The new Superman star brings the expected nuance required to play Superman. Criss plays him as a fabled man with genuine empathy and much humanity, which is needed to play someone as powerful as the Man of Steel. The film explores the early years of Superman’s career, as he confronts Lex Luthor, The Parasite, and Lobo for the first time while trying to balance his personal life and work at the Daily Planet as an investigative reporter.
12Bud Collyer
‘The New Adventures of Superman’ (1966 – 1970)
The New Adventures of Superman
Radio actor and voice starBud Collyerfirst took on the famous role of the beloved superhero for a popular 1940s radio serial before later reprising the character in the 1966 animated seriesThe New Adventures of Superman,which follows the legendary figure as he fights to protect Metropolis from wicked foes. The program was the first time that Superman/Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Perry White appeared in animated form since the Fleischer Superman shorts from the 1940s, and it went on to have a successful four-season run.
Collyer truly made the legendary character his own.The Superman actor delivered a distinct vocal performance by altering his voice for the two on-screen personas; he spoke as Clark Kent in a tenor range and significantly dropped his tone into a commanding baritone when he became Superman, thereby differentiating the crime-fighting pair.
Superman Movies in Order: How to Watch Chronologically and by Release Date
The Man of Steel has had a prolific history. Here are all of the Superman theatrical movies in order of release.
11Dean Cain
‘Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman’ (1993 – 1997)
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
WhileLois & Clarkdoesn’t quite hold up to the believability ofSmallville,Dean Cainadded a lovely sense of humor to the character inLois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Outside of his Superman costume, he feels a bit like a sitcom dad. His body language, speech, and wardrobe all convey a very casual vibe, and he’s quite wholesome without being overly saccharine.
Cain’s take is easily the friendliest of all the Supermen yet, and it’s heartwarming to see the way he interacts with people in dire situations. His loving relationship with Lois makes him feel very approachable, and he has some serious moments that contrast nicely with his more lighthearted personality. He’s not as mature and worldly as some other entries on this list, and he sometimes seems less like a hero and more like ‘one of the guys’, but the character’s youthful outlook is still very enjoyable.
10Brandon Routh
‘Superman Returns’ (2006)
Superman Returns
In terms of action sequences,Brandon Routhis spot-on for his character inSuperman Returns. Each scene of flying, fighting, or falling is vivid and immersive, often evoking a dreamlike quality. He’s imposing and certainly looks like Superman, but his attitude sets him apart from the others in a less flattering way. The issue is Routh’s attempts to make the character darker and edgier; these changes make sense in theory (given the film’s context), but they often come across as brooding and moody.
Of all the actors who have played Superman, his version is the least respectful, as he invades Lois' privacy by investigating her desk and listening in on her home without her consent. His attitude leaves a lot to be desired, but he does do a few things well. When it comes to his Clark Kent disguise, Routh genuinely appears to be a different person. Routh received a great farewell to Superman, reprising his version of the character in the Arrowverse crossover, Crisis on Infinite Earths. That version wore theKingdom ComeSuperman-style outfit and showed that, after all this time, Routh could easily step into the role of Superman.
9George Reeves
‘Adventures of Superman’ (1952 – 1958)
Adventures of Superman
George Reevesis the classic Superman star. The actor did a lovely job capturing the suave, noir side of the people’s hero inAdventures of Superman. Films of this era were still adapting from the overacting needed to convey emotion on stage, and Reeves' interpretation feels wonderfully natural. He’s smooth, charming, and incredibly poised, but what he’s lacking is a connection with those around him—this Superman comes off more like a ‘charming hero at a distance’ rather than a man of the people.
He sometimes feels a little standoffish, with Clark Kent’s more serious, business-minded attitude constantly shining through. The few times he does open up a little, it’s a sweet, endearing treat. The Superman actor mysteriously died in 1959 from a single gunshot wound. In the fictional plot of 2006’sHollywoodland, a private investigation is launched surrounding Reeves' death. Ben Affleck plays Reeves in thisacclaimed neo-noir, so one could argue Affleck has played both BatmanandSuperman in his lifetime.
8Jack Quaid
‘My Adventures with Superman’ (2023 – Present)
My Adventures With Superman
After many years of dark takes on Superman, it was time for the character to return to his roots as a lighthearted symbol of hope.Jack Quaid, best known for his role onThe BoysandStar Trek: Lower Decks, steps into the role of voicing Superman in the recently releasedMy Adventures with Superman.
Quaid’s Superman returns the character to his roots as an encompassing force for good, blending modern aesthetics with a style closely resembling an anime production. The series emphasizes Clark’s vulnerability, and Quaid’s voice effectively portrays him as a young man who wants to do good. It also helps to play up the romantic angle between Superman and Lois Lane, with Quaid coming off as a dreamy nerd who wants to be a good boyfriend. We hope he stays in the role for a long time!
