Every Superhero Movie Franchise Ranked Worst To Best
9. Christopher Reeve's Superman Series (1978-1987)
Films: Superman, Superman II, Superman III and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
This is arguably the franchise that convinced studios and moviegoers that comic books and superheroes had cinematic potential. The first Superman film is a reverent and well balanced tale of heroism that is lifted up by Christopher Reeve’s towering yet gentle performance, John Williams’ iconic score and then-cutting edge visual effects. The next film expanded the mythos by bringing in Kryptonian despot General Zod and gave the Man of Steel a physical and ideological threat not seen in the original film.
The next two films are disappointing falls from grace due to drastically inferior production values, phoned in performances and an odd campy style that didn’t match the more whimsical yet grounded sensibilities of the first two films.