Superman (2025) Opening Weekend Box Office Figures: How It Stacks Up Against Solo Superman Films

A New Dawn for the Man of Steel

James Gunn’s Superman blasted into theaters with a colossal $217 million global debut, including $122 million domestically, according to Box Office Mojo. The Superman (2025) opening weekend box office figures mark a historic moment for DC Studios, but how does this reboot compare to the opening weekends of previous solo Superman films?

From Christopher Reeve’s iconic 1978 classic to Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, let’s dive into the numbers, fan reactions, and what this means for the DC Universe!

Box Office Highlights:

• Superman (2025): $122 million domestic, $217 million worldwide, third-biggest opening of 2025.

• Man of Steel (2013): $116.6 million domestic, $200.3 million worldwide (unadjusted).

• Superman Returns (2006): $52.5 million domestic, $83.7 million adjusted for 2025 inflation.

• Superman (1978): $7.5 million domestic, $36.8 million adjusted for 2025 inflation.

• Audience Reception: 95% Popcornmeter score, A- CinemaScore for Superman (2025).

A Record-Breaking Launch for 2025

The Superman reboot, starring David Corenswet and directed by James Gunn, soared to $122 million domestically across 4,135 theaters, outpacing all previous solo Superman films in raw dollars.

Its $56.5 million opening day, including $22.5 million in Thursday previews, set a record as the biggest for a solo Superman film and the second-biggest of 2025, trailing only A Minecraft Movie ($57.11 million).

With a global haul of $217 million, including $95 million from 78 international markets, it’s a strong start for DC’s new era.

Beating Man of Steel’s Modern Benchmark

Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013), starring Henry Cavill, held the previous record for a solo Superman opening with $116.6 million domestically and $200.3 million worldwide. Adjusted for 2025 inflation, that’s roughly $160.5 million domestic and $276 million global.

Gunn’s Superman edged out Man of Steel in raw domestic dollars by $5.4 million, though it falls short when adjusted for inflation. Fans on X are buzzing, with posts like “Gunn’s Superman is the hero we needed!” highlighting its lighter tone compared to Snyder’s darker vision.

Man of Steel earned an A- CinemaScore, matching Superman (2025), but its 56% Rotten Tomatoes score pales against the reboot’s 82% Certified Fresh.

Outshining Superman Returns’ Nostalgic Effort

Bryan Singer’s Superman Returns (2006), a quasi-sequel to the Reeve era with Brandon Routh, opened to $52.5 million domestically, or $83.7 million adjusted for 2025 inflation.

Its global debut isn’t well-documented, but the film ended with $391 million worldwide ($623 million adjusted).

Superman (2025) more than doubled its unadjusted opening, benefiting from IMAX and premium formats, which added $19.1 million domestically.

With a B+ CinemaScore, Superman Returns lagged behind the A- grades of both Man of Steel and Superman (2025), and its 75% Rotten Tomatoes score is slightly below the reboot’s.

X posts note Superman Returns felt “too safe,” while Gunn’s film is praised for its “heart and humor.”

Soaring Past the Reeve Era Classics

The Christopher Reeve Superman films, starting with 1978’s Superman, set the gold standard but reflect a different era. The 1978 film opened to $7.5 million domestically ($36.8 million adjusted) and Superman II (1981) to $14.1 million ($49.8 million adjusted).

Superman III (1983) debuted at $13.3 million ($43 million adjusted), and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) managed $5.7 million ($16 million adjusted).

Gunn’s Superman dwarfs these figures, even adjusted for inflation, thanks to modern blockbuster marketing and 50,000+ global screens.

Fans on X call the 1978 film “untouchable” for nostalgia but admit 2025’s scale is “next-level.”

Why Superman (2025) Stands Tall

With a $225 million budget, Superman (2025) needs around $500 million globally to break even, a target its $217 million debut puts within reach.

Its 95% Popcornmeter score and strong word-of-mouth suggest staying power, unlike Superman Returns, which fizzled despite a $270 million budget.

The reboot’s success is a win for Warner Bros., marking their sixth No. 1 opening of 2025, though it trails A Minecraft Movie ($162.8 million) and Lilo & Stitch ($146 million). Competition from Jurassic World Rebirth ($40 million in its second weekend) didn’t slow it down.

What’s Next for DC’s Hero?

Superman (2025) has set a new bar for solo Superman films, blending nostalgia with Gunn’s optimistic vision.

Will it surpass Man of Steel’s $670 million global total? With Fantastic Four looming on July 25, its legs will be tested. Grab your popcorn and join the Man of Steel’s return!

What’s your take on this reboot? Share below and let’s geek out over DC’s big win!