While there has been conjecture over the years about the infamous "Superman curse" among actors struggling to find work in different roles, these films are among the best featuring a Superman actor, as well being worth a watch. With the upcoming theatrical release James Gunn's SUPERMAN (2025) nearing, let's look back through the film reels of history to uncover the best films featuring Superman actors without their cape.
Honorable Mention: Street Smart
This 1987 film stars famous Superman actor, Christopher Reeve, alongside Morgan Freeman, Kathy Baker, and Mimi Rogers. The IMDB synopsis states: "A New York journalist lies when his fake story about a pimp describes a real pimp up for murder."
While the film was only green lit and funded due to Reeve's deal with Canon Films to return for Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, it's most notable for Freeman's Best Actor in a Supporting Role nomination at the 1988 Academy Awards. Plus, Reeve portrays another journalist here, except this time without the glasses or bumbling persona.
5. Mission: Impossible - Fallout
Back in 2018, the sixth installment in the Mission: Impossible film franchise debuted with Superman actor Henry Cavill starring alongside the franchise's leading man, Tom Cruise. The action spy thriller garnered the highest box office total of any other film in the franchise at that point and received rave reviews from audiences and critics alike.
Interestingly, this was the film production that Cavill was filming when WB decided to work around his schedule to bring him back for the Justice League reshoots under new director, Joss Whedon. When Paramount chose not to let Cavill shave his mustache since his character in Mission: Impossible - Fallout sported facial hair, Cavill had to film his new Justice League scenes with a mustache. Hence, the mustache-gate was born.
4. Road to Perdition
Next, a young, pre-Superman Tyler Hoechlin joined Tom Hanks and Paul Newman in this 2002 R-rated crime drama/thriller by acclaimed director, Sam Mendes. The film takes place during the Great Depression and sees a mobster seek revenge for a family tragedy with his son along for the ride. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards in 2003, winning Best Cinematography. Road to Perdition became a launching pad for Hoechlin's career, leading to future roles in 7th Heaven and Teen Wolf.
3. Remains of the Day
This period piece drama is mainly set in pre-World War II Britain and stars Anthony Hopkins as a butler and Emma Thompson as a housekeeper under the direction of James Ivory. The film delves into theme of sacrifice in the vain of loyalty, especially when it comes to love. The most notable supporting actor in the film is Christopher Reeve. The Merchant Ivory production was nominated for Best Picture at the 1994 Academy Awards, along with four other nominations.
2. Gone with the Wind
This next entry dates all the way back to 1939 and stars Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh, directed by Victor Fleming. It features a young George Reeves before his Adventures of Superman days over a decade later. In fact, it was his first film role. The nearly four-hour motion picture about a turbulent romance in the Civil War era went on to become a box office legend. It was easily the highest grossing film of the year and is still the #1 box office film of all-time when adjusted for inflation. It was also the Best Picture winner at the 12th Academy Awards.
1. Somewhere in Time
This 1980 romantic time-travel film stars Christopher Reeve, Jane Seymour, and Christopher Plummer. It was filmed in between Superman: The Movie and Superman II, leading to a lawsuit against Reeve from the Salkinds, the executive producers of the Superman films at the time. The film's director, Jeannot Szwarc, is also known for directing Supergirl, Jaws 2, and a plethora of television shows, including 14 episodes of Smallville. Lots of Superman connections there!
While the film was initially a box office failure due to the actors strike at the time preventing them from promoting the film, it became a cult-classic after airing on TV. Every year, the International Network of Somewhere in Time Enthusiasts (INSITE) hosts a weekend celebration at Mackinac Island, the movie's filming location. The event often features members of the cast and crew, like their own version of Comic Con.
The Verdict
What do you think? Do you agree with the list? Is there one we left out? Let us know your rankings!