James Gunn’s Superman: How Its Rotten Tomatoes Score Compares to Modern DC Films?
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Superman’s Rotten Tomatoes Score has fans buzzing as James Gunn’s Superman (2025) launches the new DC Universe with a bang. Starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, this vibrant reboot has earned strong critical and audience praise, but how does it stack up against other modern DC films released by Warner Bros.?
From The Dark Knight to Joker: Folie à Deux, we analyze the Rotten Tomatoes critics’ and audience scores to see where Gunn’s Superman ranks in the DC cinematic landscape.A Bright Start for the DC Universe
Released on July 11, 2025, Superman has soared with an 84% critics’ score (Certified Fresh) and a remarkable 96% audience score (Verified Hot) on Rotten Tomatoes, based on over 100 reviews and 1,000+ verified ratings, respectively.
Critics applaud its colorful visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and Corenswet’s charismatic performance, though some note a cluttered plot.
Audiences love its hopeful tone and comic-book fidelity, making it a standout.
Let’s compare its performance to other modern DC films from Warner Bros.
Highlights of Superman’s Rotten Tomatoes Performance:
Superman (2025) holds the highest audience score (96%) among modern Warner Bros. DC films.
Its 84% critics’ score outshines most DC films, including Man of Steel (57%) and Justice League (40%), but trails The Dark Knight (94%) and Wonder Woman (93%).
The film is Certified Fresh, reflecting strong critical approval and a vibrant, optimistic tone.
Audience enthusiasm surpasses even The Dark Knight (94%) and The Dark Knight Rises (87%).
Critics praise Gunn’s balance of humor and heart, though some cite narrative overcrowding.
Rotten Tomatoes Scores for Modern Warner Bros. DC Films
Below is a comprehensive table comparing the Rotten Tomatoes critics’ and audience scores for major live-action DC films released by Warner Bros., based on verified data from Rotten Tomatoes and related sources.
Film Title | Release Year | Critics’ Score | Audience Score | Certified Fresh? |
Catwoman | 2004 | 9% | 18% | No |
Constantine | 2005 | 46% | 72% | No |
Superman Returns | 2006 | 72% | 61% | Yes |
The Dark Knight | 2008 | 94% | 94% | Yes |
Watchmen | 2009 | 65% | 71% | No |
Jonah Hex | 2010 | 12% | 20% | No |
Green Lantern | 2011 | 26% | 45% | No |
The Dark Knight Rises | 2012 | 87% | 87% | Yes |
Man of Steel | 2013 | 57% | 75% | No |
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice | 2016 | 28% | 63% | No |
Suicide Squad | 2016 | 26% | 58% | No |
Wonder Woman | 2017 | 93% | 83% | Yes |
Justice League | 2017 | 40% | 68% | No |
Aquaman | 2018 | 65% | 72% | No |
Shazam! | 2019 | 90% | 82% | Yes |
Joker | 2019 | 68% | 88% | Yes |
Birds of Prey | 2020 | 78% | 78% | Yes |
Wonder Woman 1984 | 2020 | 58% | 73% | Yes |
The Suicide Squad | 2021 | 90% | 82% | Yes |
The Batman | 2022 | 85% | 87% | Yes |
Black Adam | 2022 | 38% | 88% | No |
Shazam! Fury of the Gods | 2023 | 49% | 86% | No |
The Flash | 2023 | 64% | 83% | No |
Blue Beetle | 2023 | 78% | 92% | Yes |
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom | 2023 | 34% | 76% | No |
Joker: Folie à Deux | 2024 | 33% | 31% | No |
Superman | 2025 | 84% | 96% | Yes |
Breaking Down the Scores
The Dark Knight (2008): The critical benchmark at 94% (critics) and 94% (audience), celebrated for Heath Ledger’s Joker and Christopher Nolan’s direction.
Wonder Woman (2017): A standout with 93% (critics) and 83% (audience), praised for Gal Gadot’s performance and empowering narrative.
The Suicide Squad (2021): Gunn’s earlier DC film scored 90% (critics) and 82% (audience), lauded for its bold humor and ensemble cast.
Superman (2025): At 84% (critics) and 96% (audience), it ranks among the top, surpassing Man of Steel (57%) and Batman v Superman (28%) but trailing The Dark Knight and Wonder Woman.
Catwoman (2004) and Jonah Hex (2010): The lowest performers, with 9% and 12% critics’ scores, panned for weak execution.
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024): A recent low point at 33% (critics) and 31% (audience), criticized for its musical approach.
Why Does Superman (2025) Stand Out?
Gunn’s Superman excels by embracing the character’s hopeful essence, drawing from All-Star Superman and Superman: The Animated Series.
Critics, like David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter, praise its “warm human heart” and the chemistry between Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane, though some, like Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian, call it “cluttered” and give it a 2/5.
The 96% audience score, the highest among modern DC films, reflects its broad appeal, surpassing The Dark Knight’s 94%. Posts on X note its status as the best-reviewed DC film since The Suicide Squad (2021), with fans praising Corenswet’s “perfect” Superman.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its success, Superman faces criticism for an overstuffed narrative. Forbes’ Scott Phillips calls it “a generic, dull, overwritten disaster,” though this is a minority view.
Others, like Richard Roeper, note a “cinematic fast-food vibe,” suggesting it lacks the depth of The Dark Knight. Still, its Certified Fresh status and audience enthusiasm signal a strong DCU launch.
What’s Next for the DC Universe?
Superman kicks off the DCU’s “Gods and Monsters” chapter, paving the way for Supergirl (2026), Lanterns, and Clayface.
Its projected $110-$170 million opening weekend suggests commercial promise.
By balancing humor, heart, and spectacle, Gunn has delivered a film that rivals the best modern DC offerings, even if it doesn’t topple Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy.
Some Closing Thoughts:
James Gunn’s Superman (2025) shines with an 84% critics’ score and a record-breaking 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, placing it among the top modern Warner Bros. DC films.
While it trails The Dark Knight (94%) and Wonder Woman (93%) critically, its audience score surpasses all, marking a triumphant return for the Man of Steel.
This vibrant reboot offers hope for the DCU’s future and a must-see experience for fans.
