The
Superman film series consists of five
superhero films based on the
DC Comics character of the same name. The films contain storylines such as Superman's
origin story, growing up in
Smallville, fighting
Kryptonian supervillains and
Lex Luthor, romancing with
Lois Lane, and returning to Earth after a long visit to
Krypton.
Warner Bros. has served as main distributor of all films.
Ilya and
Alexander Salkind and
Pierre Spengler purchased the Superman
film rights in 1973. After numerous scripts,
Richard Donner was hired to direct, filming
Superman (1978) and
Superman II (1980) simultaneously. Donner had already shot 80% of
Superman II before it was decided to finish shooting the first film.
Richard Lester finished with
II and returned for
Superman III (1983).
Cannon Films acquired the film rights, resulting in
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987). With over 15 years of development for a fifth Superman film,
Superman Returns (2006) was released, directed by
Bryan Singer.
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut was released the same year.
Critics have given positive reviews for
Superman,
Superman II,
Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut and
Superman Returns, while
Superman III and
Superman IV have been met with negative feedback. Since Warner Bros. was not impressed with the financial reception of
Superman Returns, the studio is planning to
reboot the film series.