Superman films span several separate continuities. Release order is the easiest way to explore them, but you do not need to treat Christopher Reeve, Brandon Routh, Henry Cavill and David Corenswet as one continuous story.
Main modern live-action films in release order
| Release | Film | Superman | Continuity note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Superman | Christopher Reeve | Start of the Reeve series. |
| 1980 | Superman II | Christopher Reeve | Continues the first film. |
| 1983 | Superman III | Christopher Reeve | Third Reeve film. |
| 1987 | Superman IV: The Quest for Peace | Christopher Reeve | Fourth Reeve film. |
| 2006 | Superman Returns | Brandon Routh | Draws on the earlier films rather than following III and IV. |
| 2013 | Man of Steel | Henry Cavill | A fresh origin and continuity. |
| 2016 | Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice | Henry Cavill | Follows Man of Steel. |
| 2017 | Justice League | Henry Cavill | The theatrical team-up version. |
| 2021 | Zack Snyder’s Justice League | Henry Cavill | An alternative version of the team-up story. |
| 2025 | Superman | David Corenswet | A new DC Studios continuity. |
This table covers the main modern live-action films centered on Superman or his principal team-up storyline. It does not claim to list every cameo, animated film, television episode or serial chapter.
Choose a viewing path
- The Reeve series: Superman → Superman II → Superman III → Superman IV.
- The Returns branch: start with Superman and Superman II, then watch Superman Returns.
- The Cavill storyline: Man of Steel → Batman v Superman → a Justice League version. Watch both team-up cuts if you want to compare them; the 2021 cut is not simply a sequel to the 2017 film.
- The newer DC Studios films: begin with Superman (2025). DC lists David Corenswet as Superman and James Gunn as director.
Where does Supergirl fit?
Supergirl (2026) is a companion film in the newer DC Studios setting, starring Milly Alcock, with David Corenswet also listed in the cast. It is separate from Supergirl (1984), which belongs to the earlier film era. Choose the version by year when searching a catalogue.
Superman was on screen before 1978
The 1978 film did not mark the character’s first big-screen appearance. Earlier live-action works include the 1948 Superman serial, Atom Man vs. Superman (1950) and Superman and the Mole Men (1951). Watch these separately if you are exploring screen history.
Alternate cuts and streaming availability
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut is an alternative cut, not another numbered sequel. Streaming catalogues can also list different cuts of Batman v Superman or Justice League. Check the year, title and version before renting, and check which service has it in your country rather than assuming the films stay on the same service forever.
For another DC screen-history guide, see Alfred Pennyworth’s live-action actors.
Reviewed October 12, 2026, using the sources linked above.