James Gunn’s Superman: How Its Rotten Tomatoes Score Stacks Up Against Other Superman Films

Superman’s Rotten Tomatoes Score has fans buzzing as James Gunn’s Superman (2025) soars into theaters, marking a bold new chapter for the DC Universe.

Directed by Gunn and starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, this reboot has earned strong praise, but how does it compare to other live-action Superman films?

Below, we dive into the critics’ and audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes, offering a clear comparison with past Superman cinematic outings, backed by verifiable data.

What Is Superman’s Rotten Tomatoes Score?

As of July 10, 2025, Superman (2025) holds a Certified Fresh 84% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on over 100 reviews, and an impressive 96% audience score (Popcornmeter) from over 1,000 verified ratings.

Critics praise its vibrant visuals, emotional depth, and the chemistry between Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane, though some note pacing issues and an overcrowded plot.

Audiences, especially early viewers from Amazon Prime screenings, have lauded its hopeful tone and comic-book fidelity, making it a standout in the franchise’s history.

Comparing Superman Films: A Historical Look

To understand where Gunn’s Superman stands, let’s examine the Rotten Tomatoes scores of other live-action Superman films. The franchise began with Superman: The Movie (1978), starring Christopher Reeve, which set the gold standard for superhero cinema.

Subsequent films, like Superman Returns (2006) and Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013), have had mixed receptions, while earlier sequels like Superman III and IV struggled critically.

Highlights of Superman’s Rotten Tomatoes Performance  

• Superman (2025) boasts the highest audience score (96%) among all live-action Superman films.

• Its 84% critics’ score surpasses Man of Steel (57%) and Superman Returns (72%), but trails Superman: The Movie (94%) and Superman II (88%).

• The film is Certified Fresh, reflecting strong critical approval and a vibrant, hopeful tone.

• Audience enthusiasm, driven by early screenings, positions it as a fan-favorite, outpacing even Superman II’s 92% audience score.

• Critics note Gunn’s balance of humor and heart, though some cite a cluttered narrative as a drawback.

Rotten Tomatoes Scores for Live-Action Superman Films

Below is a comprehensive table comparing the Rotten Tomatoes critics’ and audience scores for all major live-action Superman films, based on verified data from Rotten Tomatoes and related sources.

Breaking Down the Scores:

• Superman: The Movie (1978): With a 94% critics’ score, it remains the critical pinnacle, praised for Christopher Reeve’s iconic performance and groundbreaking effects. Its 86% audience score reflects enduring love.

• Superman II (1980): At 88% (critics) and 92% (audience), it’s a fan favorite, lauded for its action and romance, though some prefer the Richard Donner Cut.

• Superman III (1983): A sharp drop to 29% (critics) and 24% (audience) due to its comedic shift and weak plot.

• Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987): Critically panned at 11% (critics) and 16% (audience), hampered by budget cuts and a disjointed story.

• Superman Returns (2006): Earned 72% (critics) but only 61% (audience), criticized for its slow pace despite Brandon Routh’s solid performance.

• Man of Steel (2013): Zack Snyder’s darker take scored 57% (critics) and 75% (audience), divisive for its gritty tone but appreciated by some fans.

• Superman (2025): Gunn’s film shines with an 84% critics’ score and a record-breaking 96% audience score, blending Silver Age charm with modern spectacle.

Why Does Superman (2025) Stand Out?

Gunn’s Superman succeeds by embracing the character’s core values; truth, justice, and hope, while avoiding another origin story. Critics highlight its colorful visuals, inspired by All-Star Superman and Superman: The Animated Series, and the standout performances of Corenswet, Brosnahan, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.

The film’s 96% audience score, the highest ever for a Superman film, reflects its appeal to both comic fans and families, though some critics note its 129-minute runtime feels bloated.

Compared to Snyder’s Man of Steel, Gunn’s lighter tone and focus on Clark Kent’s humanity resonate more broadly.Challenges and Criticisms

While Superman (2025) excels, it’s not flawless. Some critics, like Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian, argue it’s weighed down by a cluttered backstory and familiar superhero tropes, giving it a 2/5 rating.

Others, like Forbes’ Scott Phillips, feel it doesn’t fully rekindle the genre’s spark. However, these are outliers in a sea of praise, with most reviews celebrating its emotional core and comic-book fidelity.

What’s Next for Superman and the DCU?

With Superman kicking off the DC Universe’s “Gods and Monsters” chapter, its strong Rotten Tomatoes performance sets a promising tone. Upcoming projects like Supergirl (2026) and Lanterns will build on this foundation.

The film’s box office, projected at $110-$170 million for its opening weekend, will further shape the DCU’s trajectory.

For now, Superman (2025) proves the Man of Steel still has the power to inspire.

Some Closing Thoughts:

James Gunn’s Superman (2025) has soared to new heights, earning an 84% critics’ score and a record-breaking 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, outpacing most live-action Superman films.

While it doesn’t top the critical acclaim of Superman: The Movie (94%), its audience enthusiasm is unmatched, signaling a triumphant return for the iconic hero.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer, this vibrant reboot offers a hopeful, heartfelt take on the Man of Steel that’s worth watching.