The Best Superman Actors Ranked

8. Dean Cain

Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher sparked a fresh kind of Superman chemistry, think Hepburn and Tracy with capes, where Lois held her own every bit as much as Clark. Cain’s blend of gravitas and easy humor gave the ’90s series its signature charm, even if it’s largely faded from memory. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

7. Tom Welling

Tom Welling carried Smallville for ten seasons, showing Clark Kent’s journey from awkward farm boy to reluctant hero with genuine heart and humor. His easy charm and emotional honesty made every teenage crisis feel epic. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

6. Brandon Routh

Brandon Routh nailed both Clark Kent’s earnest charm and Superman’s heroism in Superman Returns, even if the island-growing Luthor plot fell flat. He proved his mettle in 2019’s Crisis on Infinite Earths, always a worthy Man of Steel. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

5. George Reeves

George Reeves may look low-fi by today’s standards, but his offscreen choice to quit cigarettes so kids wouldn’t see Superman smoke showed just how seriously he took the role. With no fancy effects, he became the definitive small-screen Man of Steel. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

4. Tyler Hoechlin

Tyler Hoechlin quietly became TV’s most relatable Superman, first on Supergirl, then across the CW, before leading his show. Over a decade, he grew from hero to husband and dad, feeling less like a myth and more like one of the family. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

3. Henry Cavill

Henry Cavill’s Superman carried the weight of his destiny – he let his adoptive father die to keep his secret and literally sacrificed himself in Batman v Superman. When he returned in Justice League as a memory-less force of destruction, it took a silent reunion with Lois to show that his heart was still human. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

2. David Corenswet

David Corenswet arrived fully steeped in Superman lore, embodying the hero’s noble idealism - he can risk life to rescue a stray dog and even pause before striking down a rampaging monster. He balances invincible strength with genuine vulnerability, and his Clark Kent shines with smart humor and sexy savvy. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

1. Christopher Reeve

Christopher Reeve’s turn as the Man of Steel in 1978 still feels like the gold standard. He sold both the shy, bumbling Clark Kent and the confident, noble Superman without missing a beat. His easy smile and genuine warmth made “up, up, and away” feel like a promise you’d happily cheer on. | © Warner Bros. Pictures