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Superman Returns

Play trailer 2:34 Poster for Superman Returns PG-13 Released Jun 28, 2006 2h 34m Adventure Action Sci-Fi Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
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72% Tomatometer 290 Reviews 60% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
While Lex Luthor plots to destroy him once and for all, the Man of Steel returns after a long absence to a much-changed world. Lois Lane has moved on with her life, and society has learned to survive without him. Superman must find a way to reconnect with her and find his place in a world that may no longer need him.
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Superman Returns

Superman Returns

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Critics Consensus

Bryan Singer's reverent and visually decadent adaptation gives the Man of Steel welcome emotional complexity. The result: a satisfying stick-to-your-ribs adaptation.

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Critics Reviews

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Cosmo Landesman The Times (UK) What this film has — and what is missing from most superhero films these days — is a real sense of the heroic. Rated: 4/5 Jul 8, 2025 Full Review Derek Malcolm London Evening Standard "Why The World Doesn't Need Superman" is the title of Lois Lane's Pulitzer Prize-winning essay in this...blockbuster. At times, during Bryan Singer's overlong reworking, one can only agree with her. It's all highly competent but pretty predictable stuff. Rated: 3/5 Jul 7, 2025 Full Review Anthony Quinn Independent (UK) Two cheers for Brandon Routh and his revitalizing of the role, though you will search in vain for any new angle on the square-jawed hero from Marvel Comics. Rated: 2/5 Jul 7, 2025 Full Review Bob Ross Tampa Tribune The effects are spectacular, the story's true to tradition and the guy in tights presents a perfect blend of superhuman strength and lovelorn vulnerability. Rated: A Jul 8, 2025 Full Review Michael D. Reid Victoria Times Colonist (B.C., Canada) ...[Superman Returns] isn't just an eye-popping, terrifically entertaining action fantasy with enough nostalgic poignancy to make a man-child cry. It's a cunningly inspired allegory in which Superman is akin to no less a saviour than Jesus Christ. Rated: 4.5/5 Jul 8, 2025 Full Review James Vance Tulsa World Graced with arresting visuals, intelligent writing and decent performances, "Superman Returns" is a soulful, wistful, not-quite-romance with all the action a summer movie crowd could want. Rated: 3/4 Jul 8, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Noah S. Maybe boring at times and I am not a fan of the muted red on the suit, but I can’t deny its hopefulness that Superman is supposed to inspire! Rated 3 out of 5 stars 09/03/25 Full Review Lex V A lot of people hate this movie. I don't. Although it lacks action, it has a good story and beautiful writing from Bryan Singer. Brandon Routh is underrated as Superman, this film was aimed at bringing women and teenagers into the comic book world which is why its more drama and less action. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/30/25 Full Review Zayden C. Superman Returns is an continuation of the Reeve movies. So the classic touches are still there but it’s just that Superman feels way more interested in lois lane and his love life rather than saving humanity. I get the fact that Superman has feelings but those feelings are shown very limited. As the story progresses, We see that Superman is having an conflict with himself and questioning his morals and ethics. This is a strong movie but not the best Superman movie. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/25/25 Full Review Matheus F One of the best sequels, and a brilliant work that would've made Christopher Reeve and Richard Donner very proud. Kevin Spacey did a Lex Luthor with much ferocity in the eyes and Kate Bosworth wasn't bad as Lois Lane. Frank Langella became my favorite Perry White,he is such a classic actor! Two superhero movies of 2006 that many people dislike but I really respect:' Superman Returns' and 'X-Men III - The Last Stand'. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 08/23/25 Full Review CaptainBoulder T The movie is fine its just nothing really happens Superman is a super pacifist in this movie Rated 3 out of 5 stars 08/22/25 Full Review Corey J A totally fine superhero movie with great, intense, and thrilling action scenes and a sense of drama. However, this movie was far longer than it needed to be. An hour into this 2:34 minute movie they were still setting the table and the end did drag on after the climax. This could have easily been 45 minutes shorter and it would have been better. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 08/05/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Superman Returns

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Movie Info

Synopsis While Lex Luthor plots to destroy him once and for all, the Man of Steel returns after a long absence to a much-changed world. Lois Lane has moved on with her life, and society has learned to survive without him. Superman must find a way to reconnect with her and find his place in a world that may no longer need him.
Director
Bryan Singer
Producer
Jon Peters, Bryan Singer, Gilbert Adler
Screenwriter
Michael Dougherty, Dan Harris
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co
Warner Bros.
Rating
PG-13 (Some Intense Action Violence)
Genre
Adventure, Action, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 28, 2006, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Aug 2, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA)
$200.1M
Runtime
2h 34m
Sound Mix
SDDS, DTS, Dolby Digital, Dolby SRD
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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