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Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Ned Beatty ... see more see more... , Jackie Cooper , Glenn Ford , Trevor Howard , Jack O'Halloran , Valerie Perrine , Maria Schell , Terence Stamp , Susannah York , Jeff East , Marc McClure , Sarah Douglas , Harry Andrews , Lee Quigley , Aaron Smolinski , Kirk Alyn , Vass Anderson , Bill Bailey , David Baxt , Phil Brown , Larry Hagman , David Calder , John Cording , Michael Ensign , Rex Everhart , Ben Feitelson , Michael Gover , Lise Hilboldt , John Hollis , Chuck Julian , Stephen Kahan , Larry Lamb , Penelope Lee , Vincent Marzello , Billy Mitchell , Noel Neill , Robert O'Neill , Brian Protheroe , John Ratzenberger , Rex Reed (II) , Bo Rucker , William Russell , Scott Antony , Diane Sherry , John Stuart , Phyllis Thaxter , Alan Tilvern , Lawrence Trimble , Burnell Tucker , Paul Tuerpé , Robert Whelan , Leueen Willoughby , Ray Evans , Robert Henderson , Randy Jurgensen , Colin Skeaping , David Yorston , Jayne Tottman , John Allen Cassady , Norwich Duff , Ray Hassett , Keith Alexander , Paul Avery , Robert Dahdah , Weston Gavin , Robert MacLeod , David Neal , Matt Russo , Mark Wynter , Norman Warwick , Roy Stevens , Graham McPherson , Antony Scott

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 Supe... read more read more...rman'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

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77% liked it

255,970 ratings

Critics

94% liked it

54 critics

PG, 2 hr. 22 min.

Directed by: Richard Donner, Jonathan Barry, David Tomblin

Release Date: December 15, 1978

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DVD Release Date: May 1, 2001

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Stats: 10,217 reviews

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Superman Jor-El Superman Superman Valerie Perrine Tom Welling Cristopher Reeve Christopher Reeve as Superman Superman!!! Superman: Christopher Reeve Super Man Superman Superman Superman Superman Jor-El and Kal-El Valerie Perrine as Eve Teschmacher Valerie Perrine
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Flixster Reviews (10,217)

  • jmanard52
    June 8, 2011
    jmanard52
    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. E... read moreVER.
  • TheDudeLebowski65
    March 30, 2012
    TheDudeLebowski65
    Revisiting this film a second time around, I loved it a lot more. Although I'm not that big on Superman, as I'm more a fan of Batman, this film was very much entertaining, and delivered good action, some good comedic elements and plenty of thrills. Christopher Reeve is effective ... read moreas Clark Kent/Superman and Gene Hackman is terrific as Lex Luthor. For its time Superman has impressive special effects that still hold up to this day. Richard Donner's directing is terrific, and he does a great job at crafting an exciting action adventure that is lots of fun. Superman is a true superhero classic Now, havi9ng watched it a second time around, I really understand the merit behind this picture. This is a great film that has stood the test of time, although many superhero films tend to fail in terms of delivering good action, effective thrills and at times comedy, this one is a near flawless film that really brings out those elements and doesn't make them irritating like Batman & Robin. With Superman you have one of the greatest superhero films only topped recently by The Dark Knight. Even with that said, this is a definite classic of which every superhero films are judged. With a brilliant cast of incredible talent, a great story and exhilarating special effects, Superman is a must see for superhero fans everywhere. This film has something for everyone. If you want an evening of good fun, and haven't watched this one, definitely do; it is worth your time. Though I'm still reserved on the whole Superman thing, I really thought this was a great film. A definite classic of the genre.
  • DreamExtractor
    October 9, 2011
    DreamExtractor
    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 learnin... read moreg 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.
  • TheGame90
    August 16, 2011
    TheGame90
    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
  • FilmFanatik
    February 9, 2011
    FilmFanatik
    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.
  • ajv2688
    January 5, 2011
    ajv2688
    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.
  • skeletonking101
    November 27, 2010
    skeletonking101
    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 MIL... read moreLISECOND! 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
  • CloudStrife84
    October 28, 2010
    CloudStrife84
    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, co... read moremposed 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.
  • fb733768972
    August 21, 2010
    fb733768972
    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 ... read morebefore 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!
  • ythelastman89
    May 27, 2010
    ythelastman89
    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... read more, 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.

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Critic Reviews

Judith Martin
July 14, 2010
Judith Martin, Washington Post

It's the simple, earth-bound quality of the film that makes this comic-book fantasy soar. Full Review

Dave Kehr
April 17, 2007
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. Full Review

Vincent Canby
May 9, 2005
Vincent Canby, New York Times

Superman is good, clean, simple-minded fun... Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Superman is a pure delight... Full Review

James Harwood
February 13, 2001
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. Full Review

James Berardinelli
January 1, 2000
James Berardinelli, ReelViews

Along with its 1980 sequel, no live-action version has so effectively captured the essence of the characters. Full Review

Matt Brunson
June 6, 2011
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. Full Review

Ed Grant
January 1, 2011
Ed Grant, Common Sense Media

Super-nostalgic adventure still soars. Full Review

Richard T. Jameson
September 18, 2010
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. Full Review

July 14, 2010
Empire Magazine

Manages to capture the pure heart and spirit of this comic book Americana. Full Review

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Facts

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    • Warden: This country is safe again Superman, thanks to you.
    • Clark Kent/Superman: No, sir. Don't thank me, Warden. We're all part of the same team. Good night.
    • Lois Lane: Easy, Miss. I've got you.
    • First Elder: You've got me, who's got you?
    • Clark Kent/Superman: I'm here to fight for truth, justice, and the American way.
    • Clark Kent/Superman: (a thug strikes Superman from behind with a crowbar, it vibrates his hand) Bad vibrations?
  • You'll believe a man can fly.
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  • In which film does Clark Kent reveal the fact that he's Superman to Lois Lane?  Answer »
  • Which Superman movie stars Richard Pryor?  Answer »
  • For what article did Lois Lane win the Pulitzer Prize in Superman Returns?  Answer »
  • in what superman film dose superman suffer from multiple personality disorder  Answer »
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