10 Superman Animated Movies That Will Make You Believe A Man Can Fly

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Summary

  • DC’s animated films showcase different qualities of Superman, appealing to both comic book fans and newcomers.
  • Movies like Superman: Red Son explore alternate concepts, adding unique twists to well-known characters.
  • Films like Superman/Batman: Public Enemies highlight the strong partnership and friendship between Superman and Batman.

For many years, Superman from DC Comics has left an indelible mark on live-action films and TV shows, with memorable performances by Christopher Reeve, Tyler Hoechlin, and soon David Corenswet. Yet, Superman’s influence extends beyond live action, as he’s played a substantial role in the animated realm of DC’s history too. This can be traced back to the original Max Fleischer animated series and continuing through numerous DC animated movies that feature him.

Animated movies frequently draw inspiration from comics or are adaptations themselves, making it possible for both long-time comic enthusiasts and newcomers alike to appreciate them. These films typically function as standalone productions, each one highlighting different aspects of characters like Superman, such as his commitment to life’s worth and his courage in facing powerful adversaries even when the odds are stacked against him.

10. Superman: Doomsday

Superman Fights Himself In This Adaptation Of An Iconic Story

For the first time on screen, DC transformed the renowned “Death of Superman” tale into a film through “Superman: Doomsday.” This movie was crafted by the masterminds behind the DC Animated Universe. Despite some abridged feel to it, the storyline shares many key plot points. In this version, Superman meets his untimely end at the hands of the malevolent villain, Doomsday, during combat.

In contrast to its theatrical counterparts, Superman: Doomsday carries a more somber atmosphere due to its direct-to-video release. This allows for a more intense battle between Superman and Doomsday, culminating in a dramatic showdown against a newly emergent menace. Instead of Cyborg Superman, the resurrected Superman faces off against an evil duplicate who aspires to assert tyrannical control over Metropolis.

9. Superman: Red Son

What If Superman Was Raised In Soviet Russia?

Rather than the main DC Universe, Elseworld stories offer an entertaining avenue to delve into unique ideas using familiar characters. For instance, “Superman: Red Son” is a noteworthy example based on its graphic novel counterpart. This story presents an alternate reality where Superman landed and grew up in Soviet Russia instead of small-town Kansas, ultimately becoming the nation’s personal guardian.

The idea gives rise to a tale that combines superhero action and Cold War political intrigue, deviating from the original novel in various ways, some of which could be considered improvements. For instance, this version portrays Superman’s complex dynamic with Joseph Stalin, while Batman is depicted as a fervent extremist seeking retribution. Ultimately, it stands out as a distinct Superman film among its counterparts.

8. Superman/Batman: Apocalypse

Darkseid Is Superman’s Greatest Enemies For A Reason

In a continuation of their iconic roles, Tim Daly and Kevin Conroy lend their voices once more as Superman and Batman in the animated film titled “Superman/Batman: Apocalypse“. With Supergirl making her arrival on our planet, these two superheroes must collaborate not just to acclimate her to Earth’s customs but also to assist her in mastering her freshly discovered abilities.

In this tale, Wonder Woman and Big Barda significantly contribute, particularly when Darkseid emerges as the primary antagonist. The narrative holds several unexpected turns that will leave viewers astonished. Batman gets some notable scenes, but primarily, it’s a Superman and Supergirl-centric story, culminating in an unforgettable showdown with Darkseid, making the film worth watching for this epic battle alone.

7. Superman: Unbound

Matt Bomer Proved To Be A Great Superman

Superman: Unbound is a frequently overlooked DC animated movie, strongly influenced by the “Superman: Brainiac” comic series. It offers a more somber narrative, yet Superman’s unwavering affection for Earth provides a contrasting lightness. Matt Bomer plays Superman, offering a glimpse of what he could have brought to the character in Man Of Steel, as he vied for the role against Henry Cavill.

In the movie “Superman: Unbound,” the plotline is quite simple: Brainiac is attacking Earth, and it’s down to Superman and Supergirl to thwart his plans of incorporating our planet into his personal collection. The action hardly lets up, with Brainiac emerging as one of Superman’s most formidable adversaries. This intensity is partly due to the chilling portrayal by John Noble.

6. Superman: Man Of Tomorrow

Superman Kickstarted A New DC Animated Universe

Following the conclusion of the DC Animated Movie Universe with Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, the fresh and contemporary Superman: Man Of Tomorrow was introduced, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the DC animated movie saga. This film offered an innovative take on Superman’s origins, incorporating subtle changes to the narrative while maintaining familiar elements that made for a compelling story suitable for audiences of all ages.

In “Superman: Man Of Tomorrow,” there’s a strong emphasis on exploring Superman’s human nature, portraying his deep desire to be accepted in a world that often harbors bigotry and prejudice. Scenes like Clark Kent shedding tears at alien movies or forming connections with Martian Manhunter add depth to Superman, making him more relatable while also maintaining his image as a symbol of hope. He battles villains such as Lobo and Parasite in this story.

5. Superman Vs. The Elite

Superman Is The Purest Hero And That’s A Good Thing

A movie that encapsulates all that Superman represents is titled “Superman Against The Elite“. Despite its third-act twist becoming more renowned than the film itself, it doesn’t lessen the movie’s value. In an era where Superman is often portrayed as a villain, this movie serves to highlight why Superman, with his inherent goodness, is indeed a positive figure.

The Elite is a fresh group of individuals with extraordinary abilities, showing themselves to be heroic figures, yet they ruthlessly eliminate anyone who opposes them without mercy. This behavior places them at odds with Superman, leading to a confrontation that underscores the extent of his power control and leaves viewers relieved that Superman doesn’t succumb to darkness like in the universe portrayed in Injustice.

4. Superman/Batman: Public Enemies

The Power Of Their Friendship Saves The World

The combination of two heroes might be superior to one, and the movie “Superman/Batman: Public Enemies” highlights their camaraderie and effective teamwork. When united, Superman and Batman can confront any adversary, ranging from supervillains to other Justice League members. At times, they even squabble like a pair of siblings.

In this revised scenario, Lex Luthor assumes the presidency of the United States, whereupon he manipulates events to brand both Superman and Batman as criminals. To clear their names and expose Luthor’s malevolence, these two iconic heroes are forced into an uneasy alliance. The on-screen partnership of Kevin Conroy (as Batman) and Tim Daly (as Superman) is a key highlight, imbuing the film with a buddy-cop movie vibe at certain points, as their camaraderie dominates much of the narrative.

3. The Death Of Superman

A World Without Superman Is A Sad One

As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve always appreciated the intricacies and depth that two-part films can offer, and the DC Animated Movie Universe truly capitalized on this with their adaptation of “The Death of Superman”. Instead of squeezing such an epic tale into a single movie, they wisely chose to break it down into two films. This approach allowed us to delve deeper into the darkness that enveloped a world without its beloved Superman.

From the outset, we were reminded of the immense love and admiration that the world held for this iconic hero, a sentiment shared even by his fellow Justice League members. The first film served as a poignant tribute to Superman’s years of heroism, setting the stage for the emotional turmoil that would follow in part two.

The atmosphere is thick with anticipation as viewers witness Doomsday demonstrating his immense power by battling the Justice League, leaving Aquaman and Wonder Woman seemingly powerless to make a difference. This sets up an emotional climax reminiscent of Avengers: Infinity War’s ending, where Superman ultimately perishes in the narrative. This tragic conclusion mirrors the impact felt by comic book readers decades ago when Superman met his demise.

2. Reign Of The Supermen

Superman Returns In The Most Climactic Way

In the shoes of an ardent admirer, I’d say: The sequel to The Death Of Superman is titled Reign Of The Supermen, where we delve into how people like Lois Lane and Bibbo Bibbowski grapple with a world devoid of the Man of Steel. The diverse responses from the Justice League to Superman’s demise can be heart-wrenchingly poignant.

The storyline introduces possible replacements for Superman, such as Cyborg Superman, Steel, and The Eradicator, gradually leading to the character’s eventual comeback. This change brings a sense of optimism and brightness back into a world that had grown cynical and dark. Interestingly, despite sporting a more somber suit, Superman himself remains a beacon of hope. The encounters between these Supermen are particularly intriguing, with the final confrontation between Superman and Cyborg Superman being a standout moment. This battle includes an unexpected twist that might catch some fans off guard.

1. All-Star Superman

The Final Days Of Superman Are Fun And Heartwarming

Rather than showing Superman fighting extraterrestrial beings and entities from other dimensions, All-Star Superman provides a contemplative perspective on the superhero, focusing on his last few months of life. With a fatal dose of solar radiation within him, Superman is now incurably ill. In an effort to achieve as much as possible before time runs out, he devotes his remaining days to Lois Lane.

The comic book “All-Star Superman” is highly esteemed by DC fans due to its portrayal of Superman as both incredibly powerful yet incredibly vulnerable at the same time. Essentially, Superman is depicted as a noble and humble character who aims to better the world for those living in it, which encapsulates the essence of “All-Star Superman” and is accurately translated in the movie adaptation.

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2025-04-13 17:36