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Superman II

Play trailer 2:22 Poster for Superman II PG Released Jun 19, 1980 2h 7m Adventure Sci-Fi Fantasy Action Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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Superman II

Superman II

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Zayden C. The classic and OG Superman 2 but it’s the theatre cut. Donner Cut is overall structured and better told than this in my opinion. But i still enjoyed this from time to time. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/25/25 Full Review Matthew D The Definitive Version of Superman II. This review is specifically for Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut. God bless Richard Donner for undergoing all the painstaking effect to restore Superman II to how it was originally intended to be seen. This edition is the only version of Superman II you will want to watch. It is restored in all its glory as Donner initially conceived for audiences to see. Superman II is at his best under the wonderful direction of Richard Donner. Donner's work on Superman is immaculate and so caring. It only makes sense that when Donner released his cut of Superman II it is nearly as good as the first film. Donner's Cut is also vastly superior to the theatrical release of Superman II. This is the version you will want to watch. Donner cuts out the campy elements of Superman II's theatrical cut and adds in his own more serious scenes. It is as beautifully shot, well written, visually charming, competently acted, with creative practical effects like the original movie. You must understand that Donner was not allowed to finish all of the special effects so some of them look incomplete, but you still believe you are watching these events happen. You should ignore their incompleteness because Donner's version is so much more compelling and complex than the childish theatrical release. Christopher Reeve again is Superman incarnate as he shows goodwill towards men in his heroic actions to save lives. You will love him as the iconic hero all over again like the first movie. He strives to live in love with Lois Lane, but he must take up the challenge of the villainous General Zod. It's a brilliant tale of self sacrifice and demonstrates why we must do what is right. Reeve's acting is so sincere and endearing as Superman, you are always rooting for him. The supporting cast is as delightful as the star. Margot Kidder is even more lovable and fun as Lois Lane. Her clever reaction and intuition in finding out Clark Kent is Superman is a blast to witness. Gene Hackman returns as the greedy Lex Luthor in all his vanity and deception. His joyous revelry in being conniving is a pleasure to see. Terence Stamp is magnificent as General Zod with his booming deep voice and commanding presence. Director Richard Donner even managed to get new footage from the legendary Marlon Brando to reprise his role as Superman's loving father Jor-El. Superman II boasts an excellent ensemble. John Williams' score for Superman II is as superb as Superman: The Movie's musical accompaniment. When the main theme swells, so does your heart. It is as captivating as when you first heard these notes reverberate into your memory. In conclusion, Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut is a must see superhero film just like Donner's debut Superman movie. He improves the terrible theatrical release in every way. I will always love this film. Thank you for the experience Richard Donner. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/20/25 Full Review Richard P. A rare case where the sequel is as good as the original. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/05/25 Full Review Matheus F An emotional third act, packed with action and hope. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 08/04/25 Full Review Corey J Not as good as the first but it's still very enjoyable. As sequels do they had to raise the stakes and they do it very well all while giving Superman an additional struggle to figure out. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 08/05/25 Full Review . Wasn’t as good as the first one but definitely still one of the best Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/01/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Superman II

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Movie Info

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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