At long last , Superman is coming back to the heavy filmdom following Henry Cavill ’s cameo at the remainder ofBlack Adam , and buff could n’t be more worked up . However , while many have been look a while for his return , there ’s never been a famine of time without Superman in film or TV . Just in 2022 , there ’s also beenSuperman & Loisseason 2,DC League of Super - Pets , Young Justice , andBatman and Elvis : Battle of the Super Sons – evenTitansshowcased him in a way in the time of year 4 premiere .

Since he ’s been a mainstay in entertainment since his introduction in 1938 , there have been many iconic actors who ’ve portrayed the Man of Steel in movie and tv . As such , there ’s an eternal debate over whom the unequivocal Superman is , with fans of all eld standing firmly behind each portrayal . From Christopher Reeve to Henry Cavill , Redditors express which actor they prefer as the ideal acid , citing how several of them aptly nail his affectation from the comics .

Christopher Reeve (1978-87)

The most prolific opinion among fans is that Christopher Reeve present the best carrying out as Superman in the four films he wore the mantle . Superman246o1wrote , “ with all due respect to the other actor , it ’s not even close . ” He ’s a caption among moving-picture show and comics fan with his tenure as Superman really establishing amusing book movie as executable and popular forms of entertainment , thus setting the stage for their dominance today .

He mark the thoroughgoing balance between Clark Kent and Superman , create such a stiff duality between his two personas that it ’s partly credible no one would ever consider them to be the same person . As such , Christopher Reeve is synonymous with Superman in many masses ’s eyes .

Henry Cavill (2013 - Present)

Of course , Henry Cavill go lot of dearest and perceptiveness online . Many fan enjoy the darker tone and strength that Cavill ’s portrayals have showcased . Thankfully , there will be more opportunity to see him radiate now thatBlack Adamcorrectly test sometheories about how Superman would return to the DCU . After over a decade , Man of Steelis in conclusion getting a true sequel – Batman v pane : Dawn of Justicewas more of aJustice Leagueprecursor .

While Reeve ’s Superman emulates the definitive virtue and hopefulness Superman is known for , Cavill “ gives Superman a bass sense of moral complexity and excited nuance not seen since the DC Animated Universe , ” asLeaderVladimir1993said . This give his Superman a more developed journeying to become the symbol of hope and justice that he is in the comics .

Tyler Hoechlin (2016 - Present)

Although it was ab initio intend to be an extension of theArrowverse , Superman & Loisis its own particular affair . In only two seasons so far , Tyler Hoechlin ’s portrayal of Superman has become very popular as it focuses on him as a father , something missing from most other projects . With the inclusion of Jon and Jordan Kent andother prominent Superman characters like Steel or Morgan Edge , Superman & Loisis what many debate a perfect Superman adaptation .

Reboot422thinks Hoechlin is “ the best because he ’s the most accurate to how the character is in the comic strip . He also feels like a character with a personality , ” claiming other portrayal are stiff caricatures . This is another case of breeze through the distinct personalities of Clark Kent and Superman but in a way singular to him .

Tim Daly (1996-2012)

While his personation in alive - action do get a quite a little of attending , Superman has had an highly extensive story in animation . Most would recognizeSuperman : The Animated Series , one of DC ’s best animated show , and Tim Daly as the determinate Superman for voice him there . For many who mature up withSuperman : The Animated Series , Tim Daly is the voice they hear when thinking about Superman or reading the comics .

Adutitorrentputs it perfectly , write , “ There ’s something so fundamental with Tim Daly ’s voice that makes him convey being Lucy in the sky with diamonds better than anyone else who has take the role . ” That ’s for certain gamy praise , and it ’s eagerly plunk for by many fans on Reddit . Daly has returned periodically to voice Superman again since the destruction of the animated serial , so perhaps he ’ll do so again in the future tense .

George Newbern (2001-19)

The other big vocalisation many will associate with animated Superman is George Newbern . He took over for Tim Daly in voicing him forJustice LeagueandJustice League Unlimitedand even did so again for theInjusticevideo games . Many fan are hopeful for a third plot , and as such , they need Newbern to retrovert for it .

As with Daly , other fans likeserapiusare saying : “ George Newbern is the voice I hear whenever I am reading Superman ’s line in any comedian . ” The way Newbern was capable to act his words and dialogue throughout the inspire serial , and how it differ in other portrayals outside the DCAU , really showcased how dead suitable he was for the role .

George Reeves (1951-58)

Before George Newbern or Christopher Reeve , there was one actor who could exact the title of the people ’s Superman , George Reeves . He was n’t the first someone to toy him on boob tube – that would be Kirk Alyn – but George Reeves did so the longest until Christopher Reeve . For his time wear the cape and spandex , he merit more recognition .

Redditorstaswsaid , “ playing Superman back then would have been a career low spot , but he gave it his all and is one of the more talented actors on this listing . ” If not for George Reeves inAdventures of Supermanin developing the character ’s popularity and his piazza in amusement and cultivation , there would n’t have been an opportunity for Christopher Reeve .

Brandon Routh (2006, 2019)

While most actors had several project to down their portrayals , Brandon Routh really only got one shooter in 2006 withSuperman return key . While it ’s not particularly beloved , there ’s still pile to appreciate about Routh ’s operation . DashSatanwrote , “ I think Routh did a antic Reeve mental picture . Which is what they were going for in that movie . ”

It did have the energy of emulating Christopher Reeve ’s tenure , and if it was refine better , he could ’ve had his own trilogy . Nevertheless , he found more success years later as a unlike DC paladin , the Atom in the Arrowverse – although he did also reprise as Superman again in 2019 for theirCrisis on Infinite Earthscrossover .

Dean Cain (1993-97)

BeforeSuperman & Lois , there wasLois & Clark : The New Adventures of Supermanstarring Dean Cain as the crest wonder . This serial importantly swapped what had become the standard for Superman , as Clark Kent is a costume Kal - El put on instead of take Superman be his public disguise .

OneStopChopsaid , “ his Clark end up being he was , while Superman was ‘ what he could do ’ so his Superman was a lot more stiff and not as fun as Reeve ’s , but I do find his Clark more play to learn , especially because of his banter with Lois . ” It was that connexion with Lois that made Dean Cain ’s portrayal stand apart from the relaxation in several rooter ’ center .

Tom Welling (2001-11, 2019)

Tom Welling spent a 10 act Clark Kent in his blood series , Smallville , and while he did n’t take up the name Superman , he ’s still take among the good . Hulkzilla0stated , “ for all intent and role , I ’d say Tom Welling is the full portray of the character in alive - action at law . ” Without the burden of the ness , Welling ’s Clark Kent is the most elaborate of the cluster .

According to sports fan , Smallvillestill stands as one of the best Superman shew , so Welling definitely deserve his status as give one of the best Superman performances . It really would be no contest if he had convey the chance to really be Superman afterSmallvilleconcluded .

Gerard Christopher (1989-1992)

Smallvillewas the 2d lively - action show to center on Superman ’s origins withSuperboyrunning from 1988 to 1992 . In the first time of year , John Newton played the untried hero , but in season 2 Gerard Christopher took over . Although that meter has been overshadowed by other more outstanding and prolonged portrayals , Gerard Christopher still has his own curing of devoted devotee .

FreakOrUnique26wrote , “ Gerard Christopher is one of the most underrated Superman actors in my notion . He was a true semblance to the character in every way , look , and character . He beat the bumbling Clark Kent down and was a heroic hunky Superboy with values . ” While he wo n’t get the recognition of others like Christopher Reeves or Henry Cavill , Gerard Christopher is still the classic Superman for many fans .

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Jon Kent (AKA Superman’s Young Adult Son) with Kryptonite in the background

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Superman Through the Years

Christopher Reeve as Superman flying through Metropolis

Henry Cavill as Superman smiling slightly

Tyler Hoechlin in Superman & Lois season 2 pic

Split image of Tim Daly and Superman in Superman The Animated Series

George Newbern as Superman

George Reeves posing in front of the moon in Adventures of Superman

Brandon Routh as Superman flying in Superman Returns (2006)

Dean Cain as Superman in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman

Tom Welling on possibly playing Superman on Supergirl

Gerard Christopher as Superboy

Superman