Superman Returns

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2:34

Superman Returns

PG-13

2006

2h 34m

Adventure

Action

Sci-Fi

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

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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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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Cosmo Landesman

The Times (UK)

Jul 8

4/5

What this film has — and what is missing from most superhero films these days — is a real sense of the heroic.

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Derek Malcolm

London Evening Standard

Jul 7

3/5

"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.

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Anthony Quinn

Independent (UK)

Jul 7

2/5

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.

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Bob Ross

Tampa Tribune

Jul 8

A

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.

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Michael D. Reid

Victoria Times Colonist (B.C., Canada)

Jul 8

4.5/5

...[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.

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James Vance

Tulsa World

Jul 8

3/4

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.

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Mitchell S

@Mitchstur 4d

Lois Lane barely has a character arc, and Superman kind of has plot armor. But the movie does do some things differently and expands the scope on the villain's evil plan.

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Luis D

@LuisGDias Jan 13

As a devoted admirer of Richard Donner’s Superman—especially in the comics—I can confidently say that this film does justice to both the character and the director’s legacy. There’s plenty to praise in Brandon Routh’s performance and in how effectively he captures the essence of the Superman once immortalized by Christopher Reeve. If there are shortcomings, they lie mainly in its narrative similarities to the 1978 original and in the reduced emphasis on action sequences. Still, as a more introspective take on the character and the internal conflicts he faces, *Superman Returns* has aged like fine wine.

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Ted B

@TedBaconcheesen Jan 8

Much better than it gets credit for . Brandon Routh is fantastic and the tone is more reminiscent of the first two Donner films than any other version since .

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Nicholas t

@nicktalbert2025 Jan 4

Superman returns best fight movie ever

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Noah H

@Noah85 Dec 22

Yeah, it could’ve been a little better… BUT, if you want to see a Superman that isn’t stupid, dark, or lifeless, then I would say this Superman movie is for you. Brandon Routh’s Superman may not be perfect. BUT he definitely wasn’t an emotionless hunk like Henry Cavill’s or a careless dumbass like David Corenswet’s. You can tell he REALLY tried his best and wanted to honor Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of the character by making Superman caring. Yes, Lois Lane may not have been cast really well, and the movie could’ve used a little more action, but dammit, when the action happens, it’s REALLY FUN. I would definitely recommend this over James Gunn’s Superman and Man of Steel. Superman Returns may have its problems, but that doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable.

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Rafael S

Oct 29

Movie with a good Superman, iconic scenes, but it's dragged out and too long

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Bryan Singer

Director

Brandon Routh

Clark Kent

Kate Bosworth

Lois Lane

James Marsden

Richard White

Frank Langella

Perry White

Eva Marie Saint

Martha Kent

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Superman Returns: Trailer 1

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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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