Superman: The Movie
by Robbo
Posted on 28 March 2025
Rating -
The Superhero Film That Started It All
Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe dominated cinemas, there was Superman (1978) on IMDb. This classic made audiences believe a man could fly. Directed by Richard Donner and starring Christopher Reeve, it paved the way for superhero cinema.
In this Superman film review, we revisit the film that didn’t just raise the bar for comic book adaptations—it flew right over it.
A Super Start to the Superhero Genre
Released in 1978, Superman: The Movie became the first true superhero blockbuster. Its $55 million budget made it the most expensive film at the time. The story favoured sincerity over snark, and spectacle over cynicism. That choice paid off.
The plot follows baby Kal-El’s escape from Krypton. He lands in Smallville and grows up as Clark Kent. Eventually, he embraces his destiny as Superman.
For anyone exploring the origins of superhero cinema, Superman: The Movie on Rotten Tomatoes is essential viewing. This film helped the genre take flight.
Christopher Reeve: The Ultimate Superman
Christopher Reeve is Superman. His performance balances the awkward charm of Clark Kent with the heroic confidence of the Man of Steel. Even today, Reeve’s version remains the gold standard.
Reeve was not a big name at the time. Producers had considered actors like Robert Redford, Paul Newman, and even Sylvester Stallone. Instead, Reeve got the role and trained with David Prowse, Darth Vader’s body double. The result? He became the definitive Superman.
Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman & Some Super Wigs
Marlon Brando played Superman’s father, Jor-El. He earned $3.7 million for less than 15 minutes of screen time. His behaviour on set was famously eccentric. At one point, he suggested Jor-El should be a talking bagel. He refused to learn his lines but still managed to deliver gravitas.
Gene Hackman played Lex Luthor. His villainous turn was equal parts clever, egotistical, and offbeat. Hackman refused to shave his head, so the filmmakers gave him a collection of bizarre wigs. It added a quirky flair that made Luthor unforgettable.
Behind-the-Scenes Turbulence
The film’s production was nearly as dramatic as its plot. Mario Puzo, author of The Godfather, wrote the screenplay. Donner began filming Superman and Superman II back-to-back. That ambitious plan fell apart after conflicts with the producers.
Writer Tom Mankiewicz stepped in as a creative consultant. His rewrites gave the script warmth and a mythic tone. Although most of Superman II had already been shot, Donner was removed. Fans finally saw his version years later in The Richard Donner Cut.
To learn more about the early days of DC movies, visit The Evolution of DC Films.
Visual Effects, Soundtrack, and Legacy
The film’s effects stunned audiences in 1978. Superman received a Special Achievement Academy Award for its visual work and earned three other Oscar nominations. John Williams’ score gave Superman his heroic sound—those opening notes still inspire awe.
The tagline “You’ll believe a man can fly” wasn’t just a slogan. It was true. The film grossed over $300 million worldwide. Today, it’s preserved in the U.S. National Film Registry as a cultural landmark.
Final Thoughts – Still Super After All These Years
Over four decades later, Superman (1978) holds its place among the greatest superhero films. It’s heartfelt, confident, and timeless. In an era of multiverses and CGI overload, this film reminds us that sincerity still works.
If you’ve never seen it, now is the time. If you have? Rewatch it. It still soars.
A super start to the superhero film genre—and still one of its finest.
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