The review embargo has now been lifted, and the Superman Rotten Tomatoes Score is in for James Gunn’s new take on the Man of Steel.
Those first leaked reviews and the first reactions were divisive; however, the Rotten Tomatoes Score currently happens to be sky high.
What is the Superman Rotten Tomatoes Score?
With the first batch of 55 reviews, the Superman Rotten Tomatoes Score comes in at 91%.
Update: 144 reviews are now out and the score dipped a bit to 86%.
The audience score will be available later this weekend. Today also sees the early Amazon screenings, so we’ll have reactions from fans later tonight. Check out what the reviews have to say below.
Rotten Tomatoes Scores Compared
Here’s how Gunn’s Superman stacks up against the other Superman movies:
- Superman 1978: 86% critic score / 86% fan score
- Superman II: 88% / 76%
- Superman III: 32% / 23%
- Superman IV: 14% / 16%
- Superman Returns: 73% / 60%
- Man of Steel: 57% / 75%
- Batman vs Superman: 28% / 63%
And Gunn’s Marvel movies:
- Guardians of the Galaxy: 92% / 92%
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2: 85% / 87%
- Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3: 82% / 94%
What do the reviews say?
The negative
Negative reviews for Superman point to its uneven tone and overstuffed narrative, with some critics calling it a chaotic mix that struggles to find focus. A few say the film feels more like a parody than a serious reboot, undermining emotional moments with misplaced humor. Others criticize the lack of depth for Superman and Lois Lane, arguing that the movie prioritizes style and spectacle over character development. While acknowledging flashes of inspiration, detractors feel the film doesn’t fully deliver on its promise and leaves Superman’s story feeling distracted and unfocused.
“Superman is so much about Superman’s earnestness, and it deeply frustrates me that it still undermines moments of drama and emotion with comedy. It is not as dire as the last Thor movie, but it doesn’t always take its own stakes seriously.” – Paste Magazine
“Superman is a mess, but it’s a colorful one. It’s either a terrible superhero movie or an OK parody, take your pick.” – San Francisco Chronicle
“Hokey, cheesy, goofy, and cartoonish—this version of Superman feels more like a parody than a powerful reboot.” – FlickDirect
The Positive
Positive reviews for Superman highlight its hopeful tone and fresh approach, with critics praising James Gunn for bringing optimism and heart back to the character. Reviewers say the film embraces its comic book roots, delivering a colorful and weird, yet sincere, superhero movie that stands apart from recent darker takes. David Corenswet’s Superman is called a worthy successor to Christopher Reeve, with the film offering vibrant action, humor, and emotional depth. While some note it’s overstuffed, many agree it’s an entertaining, ambitious start for Gunn’s new DC Universe.
“Superman is a triumph, both as its own standalone movie and as a franchise-starter. There will likely still be some fans longing for the Snyderverse to rise again, but everybody else will savour this fresh take on the iconic hero.” – Digital Spy
“James Gunn’s SUPERMAN is an awesome achievement and hopeful balm, honoring past iterations (both in the comics and cinema) while cutting its own path. Brimming with energy, vibrancy, heart and humor, this picture absolutely soars.” – Fresh Fiction
“SUPERMAN is a GENERATION DEFINING superhero movie and a SOARING START to the DCU. James Gunn brings heart, humility, and HOPE to the Superman movie I have been waiting my entire life for. The future of DC is very bright.” – The Movie Podcast
“It speaks to today’s world without abandoning the timeless appeal of Superman’s symbol. This story is a timeless classic about purpose, heart, and a hero who inspires.” – Black Girl Nerds
“Pure comic book fun! The best live-action iteration of the iconic character & his world to date. Gunn delivers an optimistic modern Superman lifted straight from the comics. It’s full of heart, personality, wackiness & wonder.” – CineXpress
Release info
James Gunn’s Superman flies into theaters on July 11th. International screenings start on July 9th. The Amazon screenings take place later today, on Tuesday.
The film stars David Corenswet as Superman and Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. The supporting cast includes Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, María Gabriela de Faría, Wendell Pierce, Alan Tudyk, Pruitt Taylor Vince and Neva Howell.
