Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) lands at rock bottom. Heavy budget cuts and clunky effects made this nuclear‑disarmament tale a flop, earning only a 14 % Rotten Tomatoes score and prompting a 19‑year franchise hiatus.

Superman III (1983) ranks just above. Richard Pryor’s comedic turn derailed the tone, making it feel more buddy‑comedy than heroic saga .

Superman Returns (2006) lands in the middle. Brandon Routh's earnest performance was praised, but the film feels overly nostalgic and emotionally bleak. It garnered a 73 % critics rating .

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) delivered ambition and spectacle with Cavill and Affleck, though its dark tone and divisive reception kept it ranked moderately .

Man of Steel (2013) sits near the top. Henry Cavill’s intense, character-driven reboot rejuvenated the franchise and introduced a richer mythology .

Topping the list is Superman: The Movie (1978). Christopher Reeve’s iconic turn, John Williams’s soaring score, and Richard Donner’s classic vision make it the definitive Superman film.