Superman
1978 · Movie · PG · 144 min · ★ 7.2 · 85% critics
A quiet reporter hides extraordinary abilities while building a life in a big city and falling for a co-worker. When a ruthless criminal mastermind threatens the world with a sweeping scheme, the hero must step forward, balancing everyday identity, romance, and the responsibility to protect others.
Based on Superman
Also known as Superman: The Movie · Superman: The Movie - Special Edition · Superman: The Movie - Extended Cut
Where to watch
Streaming on HBO Max and Cinemax — or rent from $2.99.
2 hours to watch.
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Details
- Years
- 1978
- Release date
- 1978-12-14
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
- Runtime
- 144 min
- Max quality
- UHD
- Critic score
- 85/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.2/10 (4,281 votes)
- Box office
- $300,478,449
- Budget
- $55,000,000
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a classic, upbeat superhero origin with romance, humor, and big set pieces, especially if you like Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut; Not for you if you need nonstop action or modern realism.
Pros: iconic hero origin; warm, hopeful tone; memorable villain fun | Cons: dated effects at times; uneven pacing; some corny humor
Themes
- galaxy
- journalist
- saving the world
- secret identity
- crime fighter
- superhero
- nuclear missile
- based on comic
- destruction of planet
- criminal
- sabotage
- super power
- +8 more
Awards & recognition
- Hugo Award — Best Dramatic Presentation · 1979
- Saturn Award — Best Science Fiction Film · 1979
- Saturn Award — Best Set Decoration · 1979
- National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
- Academy Award — Best Sound · 1979 · nominated
Show all 7 awards →
- Academy Award — Best Film Editing · 1979 · nominated
- Academy Award — Best Original Score · 1979 · nominated
Cast & crew
Christopher Reeve
as Clark Kent / Superman
Margot Kidder
as Lois Lane
Gene Hackman
as Lex Luthor
Marlon Brando
as Jor-El
Ned Beatty
as Otis
Jackie Cooper
as Perry White
Glenn Ford
as Pa Kent
Trevor Howard
as 1st Elder
Jack O'Halloran
as Non
Valerie Perrine
as Eve Teschmacher
Directed by Richard Donner