Superman

Clark Kent is a mild-mannered reporter at the Daily Planet who quietly lives among ordinary people while hiding an extraordinary secret. He works alongside the determined Lois Lane, whose investigative instincts keep pushing the story forward. When the scheming billionaire Lex Luthor sets a dangerous plot in motion that threatens millions, Clark has to step out of his quiet life and act as his other self, Superman. The film balances newsroom banter, action set pieces, and quieter moments that show the strain of keeping a secret identity, all while avoiding major twists or the ending.

Released in 1978, the film was directed by Richard Donner and draws on the characters created by Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel, with Mario Puzo among the writers who shaped the screenplay and tone of the picture.

On release it became a major commercial hit, helping prove that superhero stories could be lucrative on the big screen and paving the way for sequels and a lasting franchise presence.

Christopher Reeve's turn as Clark Kent and Superman became instantly associated with the character, and several visual moments, including the first convincing flying sequences and the film's heroic imagery, entered popular culture. The movie's look and mood influenced later comic book adaptations and how audiences picture Superman on film and television.

Critics generally praised the film's mix of spectacle and human moments, reflected in a solid audience score of 7.15 out of 10 from over 4,000 votes. Reviewers highlighted the central performances, the blend of earnestness and humor, and the film's confident attempt to treat a comic book hero with seriousness. Major themes include identity, responsibility, and what it means to use power ethically, all presented through both everyday interactions and larger-than-life conflicts.