(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)
The new Superman movie hits theatres nationwide on July 11, but holds a special place in the hearts of Ohioans.
Many scenes from the film, directed by James Gunn, took place in several parts of the Buckeye State, including Cleveland, Mentor and the Lytle Tunnel and Union terminal in Cincinnati. Ohio representatives have even petitioned to make Superman Ohio’s official superhero.
The beloved superhero has been on the silver screen since 1978, but which Superman movie earned the most at the global box office? Here’s where each Superman theatrical release ranks, from lowest to highest when adjusted for inflation.
7. ‘Superman IV: The Quest for Peace’ (1987)
Even when adjusted for inflation ($83.7 million worldwide according to Screen Rant), “Superman IV” remains the lowest-grossing theatrical release in the Superman franchise, earning just over $30 million.
The 1987 film, Christopher Reeve’s fourth turn in Superman’s costume, scores a scathing 14% on Rotten Tomatoes by critics, and 16% by audiences. One top critic called the movie a “sloppy, low-budget echo of the original.”
6. ‘Superman III’ (1983)
The third installment of the Superman film series earned $80.2 million globally, or $253.1 million when adjusted for inflation, per Screen Rant. While “Superman III” fared slightly better than “Superman IV,” the film was still poorly received by audiences, earning a score of 29% by critics and 23% by audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.
5. ‘Superman Returns’ (2006)
Starring Brandon Routh as Superman, box office returns amounted to just over $391 million for the 2006 film, or $609.4 million when adjusted for inflation. Critical reception of 73% was more favorable toward the 2006 film, which came out nearly 20 years after its predecessor, “Superman IV.”
4. ‘Superman II’ (1980)
The sequel to the original film yielded both critical and financial success, having earned $216.3 million at the box office in 1980, or just over $825 million with inflation factored in.
“Superman II” also received a positive reception with an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics, and a 76% from audience reviews.
3. ‘Man of Steel’ (2013)
Fans embraced Henry Cavill as Superman, and “Man of Steel” earned $670.1 million at the worldwide box office in 2013, or $903.7 million when adjusted for inflation.
While critical reception of the Zack Snyder-directed film left something to be desired (57% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences gave a more favorable review at 75%. “Man of Steel” is one of the highest-earning Superman films in the franchise.
2. ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ (2016)
“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” stars Henry Cavill as Superman and Ben Affleck as Batman. Having earned $874.3 million at the worldwide box office, that number balloons to more than $1 billion when adjusted for inflation. Despite a critics’ score of 28% on Rotten Tomatoes, it received a 63% audience score.
1. ‘Superman’ (1978)
The original “Superman” starring Christopher Reeve as Superman, Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, and Margot Kidder as Lois Lane skyrocketed in popularity, earning $300.4 million in 1978, or a whopping $1.44 billion when adjusted for inflation.
According to Screen Rant, the 1978 movie is the highest-grossing film out of all of the Superman theatrical releases when considering inflation.
When does ‘Superman’ (2025) hit theatres?
Want to see the new Superman movie on the big screen? “Superman” hits theatres July 11, 2025. The James Gunn movie has a 2:09 runtime. It’s rated PG-13. Tickets can be found at your local theater or through ticketing services like Regal, Fandango, Cinemark, IMAX, or AMC.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: ‘Superman’ flying into theaters. What’s the highest-grossing Superman movie? See the full list
Reporting by Alex Perry, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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