This article was amended one day after its republication to delete negative personal attacks against an actor. We apologize for the personal political opinions of a writer having slipped into a published article.

Superman has been a worldwide icon since his comic debut in Action Comics #1 back in 1938. The man has everything: laser vision, super strength, the power of flight, great hair, and a full-time job with benefits. It’s no wonder he remains a fan favorite all these decades later. As such, Superman has been reimagined for the big screen dozens of times, and a wide variety of Superman actors have filled his famous red boots. In 2023, it was announced that David Corenswet had been cast as the character in Superman: Legacy, which will be directed by James Gunn and is set for release in 2025.

Updated September 22, 2023: In honor of the recent casting of David Corenswet in Superman: Legacy and the conclusion of My Adventures with Superman season 1, this list has been updated with even more great Superman performances.

Some actors who played Superman brought this namesake hero to life in amazing ways, but others weren’t able to fulfill the high expectations set by fans. From his days in black and white to his latest adventures in the DC Extended Universe, here’s a comprehensive ranking of the most notable Superman actors.

16 Kirk Alyn (Superman, 1948-1950)

Kirk Alyn Superman 1948 Columbia
Columbia Pictures

Most people might be disappointed to see the original Superman actor at the bottom of this list, but his ranking here does not suggest he did a bad job. As an early pioneer of silver screen heroes, Kirk Alyn had to use what technology was available and follow instructions given to him by the directors; he did the best with what he could, and that's admirable. What Alyn struggles with are his stiff, deliberate demeanor and forceful movements. Every single motion he makes is rigid and purposeful, so he looks more like a marionette puppet than a human being.

Even his dialogue feels forced, as the inflection in his words comes off as extremely scripted. It's almost like he was so worried about playing Superman well that his performance suffered for it. That being said, as the first Superman actor, he looked great in the suit and had a bewitching old Hollywood voice that was perfect for the role. On top of all this, his iconic jump launch into flight was absolutely lovable!

15 Dean Cain (Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, 1993-1997)

hatcher cain lois clark superman 1993 wb
Warner Bros. Television 

While Lois & Clark doesn't quite hold up to the believability of Smallville, Dean Cain added a lovely sense of humor to the character in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Out of his Superman costume, he feels a bit like a sitcom dad. His body language, speech, and wardrobe all give off a very casual vibe, and he's pretty wholesome without being overly saccharine.

Related: Why Superman Is a Great Immigrant Story

Cain's take is easily the friendliest of all the Supermen yet, and it's heartwarming to see the way he interacts with people in dire situations. His loving relationship with Lois makes him feel very approachable, and he has some serious moments that contrast well with his more lighthearted personality. He's not as mature and worldly as some other entries on this list, and he sometimes seems less like a hero and more like 'one of the guys', but the character's youthful outlook is still very enjoyable.

14 Justin Hartley (Injustice, 2021)

MOV_Injustice Superman
Warner Bros. Animation.

Justin Hartley, who is best known for playing Oliver Queen, aka Green Arrow, on Smallville, voices Superman in the animated feature Injustice, released in 2021. Based on the popular video game of the same name, the film explores what would happen if Superman was driven off to the deep end by someone who really wanted to hurt him. The Superman actor infuses his performance with much nuance and the incredible pain he feels for failing his beloved and losing his city.

Tired of being beaten by Batman repeatedly, the Joker pulls the ultimate stunt in Metropolis by making Superman kill Lois Lane and blowing up his city in a single swoop. A broken Superman kills the Joker and imposes himself as the absolute ruler of Earth, with Batman being the only one capable of standing up to him. Harley does a good job with the darker Superman, but sadly, the script leaves him doesn't do much to support him.

13 Jason Isaacs (Superman Red Son, 2020)

Superman Red Son
Warner Bros. Animation

In 2020, Jason Isaacs, better known as Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter franchise, got a crack at Superman by playing the character in an Elseworlds story. Known for having intense Western European traits and accent, out of all Superman actors, Isaacs stands out for playing a Russian version of the Man of Steel in Superman Red Son.

Related: Every Superman Movie & TV Show, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes Score

In the story, Superman lands in Russia's collective fields instead of Smallville's green pastures. He grows up to become the ultimate state asset, bringing down the rest of the world's powers during the Cold War. Superman quickly realizes that he's being sold a bag of goods and decides to take over the world to rule everyone under a socialist utopia.

12 Darren Criss (Superman: Man of Tomorrow, 2020)

MOV_SupermanMOT
Warner Bros. Animation.

After the DCAU was rebooted with Justice League Dark: The Apokolips War, we got a brand new interconnected animated universe with a revamped art style and a new cast of characters. Darren Criss became the new voice of Kal-El for Superman: Man of Tomorrow. This Emmy and Golden Globe-awarded actor made his bones in Glee from 2010 to 2015 and has reprised the role in Justice Society: World War II, Legion of Super-Heroes, and Justice League: Warworld.

The new Superman star brings the expected nuance required to play Superman. Criss plays him as a fabled man with genuine empathy and much humanity, which is needed to play someone as powerful as the Man of Steel. The film explores the early years of Superman's career, as he confronts Lex Luthor, The Parasite, and Lobo for the first time while trying to balance his personal life and work at the Daily Planet as an investigative reporter.

11 Nicolas Cage (The Flash, 2023)

Nicolas Cage as Clark Kent in the scrapped Tim Burton movie Superman Lives
Warner Bros. Pictures

A surprising addition to this list we never thought would happen is Nicolas Cage's version of The Last Son of Krypton. This original Superman was meant to star in the scrapped 1998 movie Superman Lives. Cage even got as far as a costume fitting before the Tim Burton-helmed project was canceled. Written by Kevin Smith, it was mandated that the movie didn't have Superman flying and that he had to fight a giant spider in the third act. After two years of development, $30 million down the drain, and both Smith & Burton leaving the project, it was put on hold to where it would never see the light of day. Or so it seemed for the next 25 years.

Appearing towards the end of 2023's The Flash, Cage finally had the chance to don the blue and red spandex as the multiverse was imploding upon itself. For a brief cameo, he appears exactly as depicted in that test footage, fighting a giant robotic spider. He doesn't say a word, so it isn't exactly the best portrayal of the character, but it acts as a fun easter egg for hardcore fans and finally lets Cage play Superman in live action.

10 Bud Collyer (The New Adventures of Superman, (1966-1970)

Bud Collyer as Superman
Warner Bros. Television 

Radio actor and voice star Bud Collyer first took on the famous role of the beloved superhero for a popular 1940 radio serial before later reprising the character in the 1966 animated series The New Adventures of Superman, which follows the legendary figure as he fights to protect Metropolis from wicked foes. The program was the first time that Superman/Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and Perry White appeared in animated form since the Fleischer Superman shorts from the 1940s, and it went on to have a successful four-season run.

Collyer truly made the legendary character his own. The Superman actor delivered a distinct vocal performance by altering his voice for the two on-screen personas; he spoke as Clark Kent as a tenor and significantly dropped his tone into a commanding baritone when he became Superman to differentiate the crime-fighting pair.

9 Brandon Routh (Superman Returns, 2006)

Brandon Routh as Superman Returns
Warner Bros.

In terms of action sequences, Brandon Routh is spot-on for his character in Superman Returns. Each scene of flying, fighting, or falling is vivid and immersive, almost dreamlike in some cases. He's imposing and certainly looks like Superman, but his attitude sets him apart from the others in a less flattering way. The issue is Routh's attempts at making the character darker and edgier; these changes make sense in theory (given the film's context), but it comes off as brooding and moody most of the time.

Of all the actors who have played Superman, his version is the least respectful, invading Lois' privacy by investigating her desk and listening in on her home without her consent. His attitude leaves a lot to be desired, but he does do a few things well. When it comes to his Clark Kent disguise, Routh genuinely looks like a different person. Routh did get a great farewell to Superman, reprising his version of the character in the Arrowverse crossover Crisis on Infinite Earths. That version wore the Kingdom Come Superman-style outfit and showed that after all this time, Routh could easily step into the role of Superman.

8 George Reeves (Adventures of Superman, 1952-1958)

george reeves adventures of superman 1952 wb
Warner Bros. Television

George Reeves is the classic Superman star. The actor did a lovely job capturing the suave, noir side of the people's hero in Adventures of Superman. Film of this era was still adapting from the overacting needed to convey emotion on stage, and Reeves' interpretation feels wonderfully natural. He's smooth, charming, and incredibly poised, but what he's lacking is a connection with those around him—this Superman comes off more like a 'charming hero at a distance' rather than a man of the people. He feels just a little standoffish at times, with Clark Kent's more serious, business-minded attitude constantly shining through. The few times he does open up a little, it's a sweet, endearing treat.

Related: The Superman Scandal: How George Reeves’ Death Rocked Hollywood

The Superman actor mysteriously died in 1959 from a single gunshot wound. In the fictional plot of 2006's Hollywoodland, a private investigation is launched surrounding Reeves' death. Ben Affleck plays Reeves in this acclaimed neo-noir, so one could argue Affleck has played both Batman and Superman in his lifetime.

7 Tim Daly (Superman: The Animated Series, 1996 - 2000)

MOV_SupermanAnimated
Kids' WB

The widely beloved animated series introduced many young fans to the titular character and has become the definitive version for them. With three seasons consisting of 54 episodes in total, the series had a lot of time to flesh out both Clark Kent and Superman, perhaps more than any other interpretation. The show tackles a lot of massive Superman stories, from the destruction of Krypton to a battle with Darkseid and even a crossover with Kevin Conroy's Batman.

Tim Daly is still regarded as one of the best actors who played Superman. In this show, he gives a fantastic performance voicing the Man of Steel, bringing a lot of compassion and humanity to the role that helps ground a character with so many fantastical abilities. There are subtle distinctions between his Clark Kent and Superman that he uses to differentiate them and sell the double identity. This version of the character is incredibly accurate and easily one of the best interpretations of the character.

6 George Newbern (Justice League, Justice League Unlimited, 2001 - 2006)

MOV_Justice League
Cartoon Network

After the success of both Batman and Superman's animated series, it was a no-brainer to officially bring the Justice League together in their own show for the first time in 16 years. While Superman might not be the sole focus of the series, he certainly makes an impact as the team's leader. Since the show is set in the same continuity as Superman: The Animated Series, there are a lot of elements that made the transition to this new offering.

With Daly unable to reprise his role, George Newbern takes over in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited. The Superman actor was immediately able to make the character his own. His Superman has a more powerful presence to him with a commanding voice while still having that comforting warmth the character is known for. No matter the given circumstance, Newbern is able to deliver a complex and versatile performance as Superman that stands out among the rest.

5 Tom Welling (Smallville, 2001-2011)

Tom Welling Superman Smallville 2011 Tollin Robbins
Warner Bros.

The best part about Smallville is how much time it took to flesh Clark Kent out, and the series is still adored to this day for how it redefined Superman for the 21st century. Superman actor Tom Welling showed us the younger, human side of Superman as he learns what he is and how to use his powers; he's humble and a little naive, and we see bits of self-doubt, confusion, jealousy, and anger at times.

As the story progresses, he builds on deep connections with friends, family, and Lois Lane, and it's refreshing to see him surrounded by people who build him up. The series finale did a wonderful job of capturing the old Hollywood feel of the original Superman shows, and the ending is often revered as one of the most satisfying in TV history.

4 Henry Cavill (Man of Steel, Batman v Superman, Justice League, Black Adam, 2013-2022)

Henry Cavill as Superman in Black Adam
Warner Bros.

Certainly, a fan favorite, Henry Cavill, is the Superman star of the 2010s. His attitude is just the right blend of humble, kind, and innately driven to help, and this is all balanced out with a sort of world-weariness. He's just a little grittier than we normally see Superman, and he doles out hard justice when it's necessary. Cavill's Superman openly expresses that no government controls him, but that doesn't mean he isn't an ally to mankind.

Related: Every Superman Movie, Ranked

While Cavil certainly looks the part of Superman and is doing his best, the biggest issue is the DCEU never knew what to do with him. The scripts always felt like they never got Superman, making him grittier and more cynical than the character is traditionally portrayed. After the promise of Man of Steel, the character just seemed wasted. While audiences were excited about his return in Black Adam, it was quickly made clear Cavill would not continue in the part. Cavill might be the best Superman that nobody quite knew what to do with.

3 Jack Quaid (My Adventures with Superman, 2023 to Present)

Superman (Jack Quaid) and Lois Lane (Alice Lee) in My Adventures with Superman (2023)
Warner Bros. Television Distribution

After many years of dark takes on Superman, it was time for the character to return to his roots as a lighthearted symbol of hope. Jack Quaid, best known for his role on The Boys and Star Trek: Lower Decks, steps into the role of voicing Superman in the recently released My Adventures with Superman. This new animated show recently wrapped up its first season with overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Quaid's Superman takes the character back to his roots as an encompassing force for good mixed with modern aesthetics closely resembling an anime production. The series really emphasis Clark's vulnerability, and Quaid's voice works at making him just a young man who wants to do good. It also helps to play up the romantic angle between Superman and Lois Lane, with Quaid coming off as a dreamy nerd who wants to be a good boyfriend. We hope he stays in the role for a long time!

2 Tyler Hoechlin (Supergirl, Superman & Lois, 2016-Present)

Best TV Series Coming to Max in July 2023
CW Network

First appearing in Supergirl, Tyler Hoeclin wowed audiences with his version of Superman and was given his own spin-off series, Superman & Lois. Along with Elizabeth Tulloch as Lois Lane, the series follows the legendary superhero and the Daily Planet’s best reporter as they return to Smallville with their sons Jonathan and Jordan. The series has redefined the Superman story for the 21st century and has been a beckon of hope for fans of the character who may have been disappointed by his big-screen outings. Superman & Lois is one of The CW's highest-rating series and was renewed for a fourth season.

1 Christopher Reeve (Superman, Superman II, Superman III, Superman IV: The Quest for Peace 1978-1987)

reeve-superman-1978-wb
Warner Bros. Pictures

Who else could it be? 1978's Superman is arguably the most wholesome version of our hero thus far, and Christopher Reeve sells the part flawlessly. The Superman actor offers the ultimate take on the character: he is sweet, considerate, and undeniably helpful, using x-ray vision to screen Lois Lane for lung cancer, informing us that he doesn't drink when he flies — Reeve does a wonderful job of showing us a hero who's a man of the people. He's both humble and self-assured when performing heroic feats.

On top of all this, his exterior seems a bit deadpan; this makes his scenes even more enjoyable when he opens up and makes a joke or flirts with Lois. Of all Superman actors, Reeve embodies purity and wholesomeness as the core of his character, and a subdued sense of humor rounds him out nicely. Christopher Reeve played Superman in three follow-up films and recently was brought back using questionable CGI in The Flash. Reeve Superman is the Superman to which every version in film, television, and even the comics will forever be compared forever. He made audiences believe a man can fly.