Superman II

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2:22

Superman II

PG

Released Jun 19, 1980

2h 7m

Adventure

Sci-Fi

Fantasy

Action

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

112 Reviews

76%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

Superman (Christopher Reeve) foils the plot of terrorists by hurtling their nuclear device into outer space, but the bomb's shock waves free the Kryptonian villain General Zod (Terence Stamp) and his henchmen Ursa (Sarah Douglas) and Non (Jack O'Halloran) from their imprisonment. Traveling to Earth, they threaten the planet with destruction at the same time that Superman decides to renounce his superpowers in order to live a normal life as Clark Kent with his new love, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder).

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Critics Consensus

The humor occasionally stumbles into slapstick territory, and the special effects are dated, but Superman II meets, if not exceeds, the standard set by its predecessor.

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Jay Scott

Globe and Mail

...[Christopher Reeve's] performance, Gene Hackman's performance and the performance of the special effects team are the three pressing reasons to see Superman II.

Jul 1, 2025

Full Review

Ron Base

Toronto Star

But what gives Superman a depth and believability lacking in other movies adapted from the comics, Popeye and Flash Gordon immediately come to mind, is the attention to character.

Jun 29, 2025

Full Review

Meaghan Morris

Sydney Morning Herald

The special effects are spare but spectacular, and the delightfully showy tricks are spaced out by comic ventures into romance, tourism and human drama.

Jun 28, 2025

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Brad Cook

Flickering Myth

I still regard the theatrical version of Superman II as a worthy follow-up to the original, even if there are those lingering "What if?" questions swirling around it.

Rated: 3/5

Jul 10, 2025

Full Review

Stephen A. Russell

Orion's Shoulder (Substack)

There is no Zod but Terence Stamp, in a magnificent sequel that flies far beyond its behind-the-scenes rankling.

Jul 9, 2025

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Kirk Honeycutt

Escondido Times-Advocate (CA)

Personally, I think the sequel is a marked improvement over the first edition. For one thing, this film is relieved of an obligation to establish Superman's credentials as in the opening chapter.

Jun 29, 2025

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FELIPE J

Esse Filme E mais Melhor Que O 1 Muito bom Filme Sensacional Com melhor Ator Superman O classico!!! ENTAO dou Nota 9,2/10

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

07/14/25

Full Review

Audience Member

There’s no two ways about it. If you make Superman, you have to try and beat the second installment. This is the Empire Strikes Back of the Superman movies. Hackman puts in more gusto and character in this movie than even the first movie. Reeves was fully invested, and besides some production troubles and behind the scenes mess, this movie played into the hearts of DC fans and superhero fans. Superman’s ultimate test is on full display and he needs to use those brains to win the day.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/14/25

Full Review

Xavier C

Still beats the new versions of superman to this day.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/14/25

Full Review

Scott B

Not bad effects for its time. Quite disturbing how he drugs Lois at the end though and then he goes to the diner to exact revenge.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

07/13/25

Full Review

Ajay M

This 2nd movie of Christopher Reeve as Superman is my 3rd favorite Superman movie of all time behind Superman 1978 and Man of Steel. Christopher Reeve is definitely perfect for role. This movie is amazing!!!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/13/25

Full Review

BRENDEN J

Superman 2 was a great sequel to the first film!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/10/25

Full Review

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Richard Lester

Director

Christopher Reeve

Clark Kent

Margot Kidder

Lois Lane

Gene Hackman

Lex Luthor

Ned Beatty

Otis

Jackie Cooper

Perry White

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Superman II: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Superman (Christopher Reeve) foils the plot of terrorists by hurtling their nuclear device into outer space, but the bomb's shock waves free the Kryptonian villain General Zod (Terence Stamp) and his henchmen Ursa (Sarah Douglas) and Non (Jack O'Halloran) from their imprisonment. Traveling to Earth, they threaten the planet with destruction at the same time that Superman decides to renounce his superpowers in order to live a normal life as Clark Kent with his new love, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder).

Director: Richard Lester
Producer: Pierre Spengler
Screenwriter: Mario Puzo, David Newman, Leslie Newman
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Production Co: Warner Brothers
Rating: PG
Genre: Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Action
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 19, 1980, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 15, 2008
Runtime: 2h 7m
Sound Mix: Surround

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