10 Awe-Inspiring Superman Moments That Prove He's DC's Greatest Hero

Superhero movies had never done anything like Superman II before. Superman: The Movie redefined what a superhero film could be. It was lovingly crafted by a cast & crew of high pedigree with a mantra of verisimilitude. It was a great film, but if it had one flaw, it was the villain.

Gene Hackman's Lex Luthor, while beloved by those who grew up with the film, was played for laughs. As diabolical as his plan to sink California into the ocean was, it wasn't really played off as serious as it could have been. Despite the high level of destruction involved, in the end it was still a real estate scheme.

Come the sequel, no less than the fate of the whole world hangs in the balance, and Superman is no more. Clark Kent willingly renounced his birthright powers in order to live a normal life with his love Lois Lane. To his great regret he soon discovers the folly of his actions. Clark has to travel to the Fortress of Solitude on foot to try and sacrifice the life he wanted for the one he is destined for. Just when Zod has Lois, and all hope seems lost... then it happens.

First the rush of wind, then the familiar music cue, and there he is... Superman in all his glory, perched atop the US flag. He levels his gaze at Zod, and says "General, would you care to step outside?" The battle that follows was an epic battle unlike anything cinema had ever realized before.