Where to Stream Every Live Action Superman Movie Ever Made

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As a long-time fan of DC comics, I must say that my journey through their cinematic universe has been a rollercoaster ride filled with highs and lows. Each film seems to promise an exciting adventure, but often falls short due to plot inconsistencies or character mismanagement.

However, when it comes to the Superman saga, I must admit that Zack Snyder’s Justice League was a breath of fresh air for me. As a man who has seen more than a few sunsets, I appreciate the depth and complexity that the extended version brought to the characters, particularly Cyborg and the Flash. It was like watching a well-aged wine, improving with time and revealing layers previously unseen.

Now, let’s not forget the Knightmare sequence featuring Jared Leto’s Joker. It was a stark reminder of why we fell in love with this character in the first place – a psychotic clown prince of crime who makes us laugh while cringing at his antics.

So, if you’re looking for a DC film that doesn’t disappoint, I’d say give Zack Snyder’s Justice League a try. Just make sure you’ve got a full bladder and a stash of snacks because this is no quick popcorn flick! And remember, with great power comes great responsibility… or something like that.

From his first appearance in Action Comics #1 (1938) by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman has garnered a significant amount of interest both on DC comic book pages and on screen. Known as the world’s most beloved superhero, albeit Batman fans might argue differently, Superman has been featured in more adaptations than any other DC character. His journey from comics to screen began with a series of animated shorts starting in 1941, and he was the main character in serials in 1948 and 1950.

In 1951, independent studio Lippert Pictures debuted the initial Superman film titled “Superman and the Mole Men“, with George Reeves in the lead role. Later, in 1973, Ilya Salkind, Alexander Salkind, and Pierre Spengler acquired the rights to the character, leading to the creation of “Richard Donner’s Superman: The Movie“, featuring Christopher Reeves. Since then, a variety of Superman-related projects have been produced. If you aim to watch all Superman movies online, here are some streaming platforms where you can find them.

10
‘‘Superman and the Mole Men’ (1951)

In the story, Superman and his fellow Mole Men encounter reporters Clark Kent (portrayed by George Reeves) and Lois Lane (Phyllis Coates) in the quiet town of Silsby. The town is on the brink of drilling the world’s deepest oil well. Equipped with their journalistic gear, they are ready to cover the event when an unexpected discovery arises.

As the drill progresses, it accidentally uncovers an underground residence of tiny, bald humanoids who mysteriously emerge to the surface at night. Although harmless, the townspeople grow fearful and contemplate taking violent action against them. This situation prompts Superman to step in.

A Simple Superhero Movie Bearing Political Discourse

As a devoted film fan, I can’t help but marvel at the groundbreaking production of the initial Superman feature, which was magically brought to life in just 14 days on an incredibly modest budget. Each actor delivers a compelling, genuine performance, with Coates truly shining among them. On a broader note, this film serves as a subtle commentary on The Red Scare, cleverly disguised within the genre of a superhero movie. The apprehension and fear the characters have towards the mole men mirrors the anxiety people had towards alleged communists post-World War II. Fast-forward to today, has it stood the test of time? Absolutely! The storyline was straightforward enough to avoid any significant visual updates. No scene seems out of place or forced.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m sorry to say that “Superman and the Mole Men” isn’t available for streaming right now. However, if you’re keen on watching it, you can rent or purchase it from Flix Fling, Apple TV+, Fandango at Home, or Amazon. Enjoy your movie time!

9
‘Superman: The Movie’ (1978)

Alexander Salkind made a grand move with the film “Superman: The Movie”, assembling renowned actors such as Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman, and enlisting Mario Puzo, author of “The Godfather”, to create the script. This collaboration led to an outstanding outcome. Viewers were treated to a captivating backstory, a sophisticated business-oriented narrative, and finally, a superhero tale that featured Superman confronting Lex Luthor, a missile-fixated antagonist who lacked honor and any semblance of morality.

Heralded the Big Budget Superhero Movie Craze

The film masterfully crafted by Richard Donner, was the costliest at its release time, exuding opulence in every scene; the striking sets and lavish attire are truly breathtaking. Marvel Studios’ head, Kevin Feige, confessed that it serves as a significant inspiration for him and his team, admitting they often revisit it prior to working on any new franchise addition.

Watch or rent “Stream Superman: The Movie” on Max, or find it for rental on Amazon, Apple TV+, Google Play, Spectrum, Plex, or Fandango Now.

8
‘Superman II’ (1980)

It’s frustrating when superheroes like Superman express a desire for a normal life instead of saving the world, as seen in “Superman II.” However, it turns out that living peacefully with Lois is not an option because Zod and his crew have come to Earth from the Phantom Zone. To make matters worse, Lex Luthor is still at large.

No Time to Love

The captivating dance routine in the skies and the powerful duo of Reeves-Hackman are amplified by Terence Stamp’s vibrant, contagious portrayal as General Zod, who commands attention throughout his character. Despite the film’s quality, there was a Snyder-esque tumult behind the curtains. Richard Donner was let go after completing 75% of the production, leading many cast members to slow down work. Fortunately, most of these problems were swiftly addressed.

You can either watch Superman II on the streaming platform Max, or you can rent it on Amazon, Apple TV+, Google Play, Spectrum, Plex, or Fandango Now.

7
‘Superman III’ (1983)

Viewers witnessed a corrupted version of Superman in “Superman III”, due to an ill-fated experiment conducted by tycoon Ross Webster (played by Robert Vaughn). After Superman thwarted his scheme to dominate the coffee industry, Webster retaliated by attempting to eliminate Superman using kryptonite. Unfortunately for him, this action instead caused split personalities in the Kryptonian.

Not the Most Memorable Superman Film

Regardless of securing comedy legend Richard Pryor for the part of a computer programmer, Superman III fell flat due to behind-the-scenes issues. Gene Hackman declined to reprise his role as a protest against how Director Donner was treated, and Margot Kidder’s role as Lois Lane was diminished following similar complaints, resulting in less screen time for the character. Without Lois Lane, a Superman movie just isn’t the same. Consequently, it flopped at the box office, and critics gave it a harsh review, much like how Superman handles his villains.

You can watch Superman III on Max, or alternatively, rent it from Amazon, Apple TV+, Google Play, Spectrum, Plex, or Fandango Now.

6
‘Superman IV: The Quest for Peace’ (1987)

Instead of fans already enduring enough agony, the movie “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace” arguably showcased one of the most disappointing Superman villains. In this film, Superman chooses to eliminate all nuclear weapons, which infuriates Lex Luthor. As retaliation, Luthor constructs the peculiar-looking Nuclear Man to serve as his attacker.

A Poor Conclusion to a Once-Great Film Series

In a straightforward and engaging manner: The unadorned sincerity of “Superman IV” lends it a powerful, eloquent stance against nuclear weapons, one of the strongest such statements ever captured on celluloid. Additionally, this film provides an early sneak peek at John Cryer in his role as Lex Luthor’s nephew, well before he became the nemesis of Superman in the Arrowverse.

Regrettably, the movie falls short in almost every aspect. Despite Gene Hackman’s return, he finds it challenging to leave a mark due to a weak screenplay. The special effects appear low-budget, and the action lacks excitement. As per Mark Rosenthal’s commentary on the 2006 DVD, things might have been even more disastrous. The test viewing was so poorly appreciated that forty-five minutes had to be trimmed.

You can either watch Superman IV on Max, or you can rent it from platforms such as Amazon, Apple TV+, Google Play, Spectrum, Plex, and Fandango Now.

5
‘Superman Returns‘ (2006)

Following numerous attempts to revive Superman following the flop of “The Quest for Peace“, Warner Bros. Pictures enlisted Bryan Singer to helm “Superman Returns” in 2004. This move proved successful, as the film garnered praise from both critics and viewers. During this time, Superman endeavors to reclaim Lois Lane’s affection after she becomes involved with another man. Furthermore, Lex Luthor remains a persistent headache in the storyline.

A Return to Form

Known for its compelling plot and iconic moments (like when Superman saves a plane from hitting a stadium), Singer’s movie remains the top Superman cinematic tale of the 21st century. Additionally, the visuals are breathtaking. It’s said that there were a whopping 1,400 visual effects shots crafted, and the film certainly showcases this impressive work.

Watch “Superman Returns” on Max, or rent it from Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, Spectrum, Plex, and FandangoNow.

4
‘Man of Steel’ (2013)

Let’s examine DC’s habit of launching every new universe with a Superman film. After the acclaimed success of Watchmen, Zack Snyder was appointed to direct the initial installment of the DCEU, Man of Steel. Essentially, it’s a typical Superman origin tale, intertwined with a conflict against General Zod.

One of the Best-Looking Supermen

In terms of appearance, the film “Man of Steel” truly excels. Notably, the costume design outshines anything previously shown in a Superman movie. Unfortunately, like Ridley Scott, Zack Snyder struggles with maintaining consistency in storytelling compared to his visual spectacle. Nevertheless, this movie offers an impressive introduction to Superman for a new era, and Henry Cavill embodies the role exceptionally well.

I’ve been a big fan of Superman for as long as I can remember, so when it comes to watching “Man of Steel,” I always look for the best options to enjoy this classic superhero movie. If you’re like me and prefer streaming, Max is a great choice – their service offers a wide variety of movies, including Man of Steel. However, if you want more flexibility and own the film forever, you can buy or rent it on platforms like Amazon, Apple TV+, Google Play, Spectrum, Plex, and Fandango at Home. Each platform has its pros and cons depending on your preferences, so I’d recommend checking them out to find the one that suits you best. Happy viewing!

3
‘Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice’ (2016)

Fans of DC comics had long hoped for a battle between Batman and Superman, and that’s exactly what they got in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”. Following the Man of Steel’s confrontation with Zod which caused significant damage, the Caped Crusader stepped in to challenge him, leading to a fierce duel between the two. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor embarked on a campaign against Superman.

A Clash for the Ages… Almost

In a stunning visual display, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is a film that, despite its flaws in plot development, should have been successful. However, these shortcomings managed to mar the experience. Nonetheless, you’ll find it engaging. The movie is rich with gritty moral undertones and skillfully angled lighting, stimulating your thought process. Ben Affleck delivers a powerful performance as the rugged, vengeful Bruce Wayne, while Gal Gadot offers a long-anticipated introduction to Wonder Woman that does not disappoint.

Watch or purchase the movie “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” on Max, or get it from Amazon, Vudu, Apple TV+, Google Play, Spectrum, Plex, or Fandango Now.

2
‘Justice League’ (2017)

The backstage tales of DC warrant a film. A situation reminiscent of Donner unfolded during the production of Justice League, as Snyder departed before finishing the movie, leaving Warner Bros to bring in Joss Whedon and task him with replicating his success in the MCU. The process wasn’t smooth sailing, but it resulted in a film where Batman assembled several superheroes into the Justice League, united to thwart Steppenwolf.

Too Many Cooks

Moving from Henry Cavill’s digitally created mustache to light-hearted, youthful exchanges, there were numerous amusing aspects of Justice League. Given that few seemed satisfied with the movie, diehard fans clamored for a Snyder Cut, arguing it surpassed what Joss Whedon had offered globally. Warner Bros hesitated for quite some time but eventually gave in to the clamor.

As a long-time comic book fan who grew up watching the Justice League cartoons, I can confidently recommend that you watch this iconic team of superheroes in action! If you have Amazon Prime or Max subscription, streaming the Justice League is an easy and convenient option for you. However, if you don’t have either of those subscriptions, don’t worry! You can still catch the movie by purchasing or renting it on platforms like Amazon, Vudu, Apple TV+, Google Play, Spectrum, Plex, and Fandango at Home. I personally prefer buying movies so that I can watch them anytime I want without any restrictions. Whatever method you choose, make sure to enjoy this fantastic adventure with the Justice League!

1
‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ (2021)

Following Snyder’s preferences, he tweaked Whedon’s movie somewhat, yet the fundamental structure stayed consistent. For instance, Silas Stone perishes in the original release but lives on in Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Additionally, there is a striking Knightmare sequence that includes Jared Leto’s portrayal of the Joker.

Writing the Wrongs

In the Snyder Cut of Superman, there aren’t significant alterations to the Man of Steel himself, yet the other characters undergo substantial improvements due to these modifications. The backstories for characters like Cyborg and the Flash are more fully developed, making them seem more intelligent and purposeful compared to their portrayal in the initial movie. Furthermore, the film is considerably extended, offering fans a lengthy viewing experience that may test their bladder endurance but delivers intellectual stimulation.

You can watch Zack Snyder’s Justice League on Max, or alternatively, you can purchase or rent it on platforms such as Amazon, Vudu, Apple TV+, Google Play, Spectrum, Plex, and Fandango Now.

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2024-12-29 07:08