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Superman II

Superman II

The Man of Steel meets his match!

1980127 minPGMidcredits score: 75th percentile of all films
Director
Richard Lester
Starring
Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Terence Stamp, Sarah Douglas

Three Kryptonian criminals led by General Zod team up with Lex Luthor to conquer Earth, forcing a depowered Superman to regain his strength and stop them.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Superman II?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Superman II streaming on HBO Max and to rent or buy on Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Superman II?

Superman II earns 10 badges, led by Word-of-mouth hit and Crowd Pleaser.

Show 2 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Superman II worth watching?

Superman II's Midcredits score is the 75th percentile of all films, from 257K ratings across 6 sources. 64% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

75th percentile

Better received than 75% of films

86th percentile among Action76th percentile among 1980s
Acclaim (how much people like it)76th
Approval (how many liked it)71st

69 /100

76th percentile of all films

88th percentile among Action79th percentile among 1980s

Critics 83 · Audience 68

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.9 — solid but not unanimous.

64% liked it

71st percentile of all films

81st percentile among Action72nd percentile among 1980s
64% rated it 7–1036% rated it 1–6

Critics 88% · Audience 76%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 4 wins / 7 noms overall

96th percentile

256K ratings across platforms

92nd percentile among Action97th percentile among 1980s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 27% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$54M
Opening weekend$14M
Domestic gross$108M
Worldwide gross$216M

Returned 4.0× its budget — 92nd percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A campy, uneven superhero sequel held together by Christopher Reeve's charm and Terence Stamp's scene-stealing villainy.

Fans praised

  • Terence Stamp's commanding General Zod as a memorable and threatening villain
  • Christopher Reeve's dual portrayal of Superman and Clark Kent
  • The climactic Metropolis battle sequence with practical effects

Detractors panned

  • Inconsistent tone between serious drama and slapstick comedy
  • Unresolved plot holes, especially how Superman regains his powers
  • Cheap-looking special effects and obvious matte lines

What stands out

ActingDivisive80

Christopher Reeve's definitive dual performance as Superman and Clark Kent

Effects and spectacleDivisive60

Ambitious practical effects but many unconvincing shots

PacingDivisive60

Faster than original but uneven tonal shifts

CharactersDivisive55

Memorable villains but one-dimensional Kryptonian criminals

TensionDivisive55

Effective threat from Zod undermined by camp

Emotional impactDivisive55

Superman's sacrifice for love is touching but rushed

HumorDivisive50

Broad slapstick divides audiences

Plot and storyDivisive45

Incoherent structure with unresolved plot holes

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 15 points higher than women.

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 15 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 8 points apart
  • US vs non-US 5 points apart

Watch experience

What is Superman II like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Fun ride: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want a fun ride.

It has a few laughs and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Fun ride.

The answer rests on this: Moods
ThrillingRomanticMelancholic
Heaviest: middle
Warm humor
Register
Adventurous · 11% of filmsEpic · 2% of films: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film holds its material with earnest sincerity, treating Superman's heroism and romance with straight-faced conviction despite occasional humor.
The rideThe film's emotional weight peaks during Superman's loss of powers and his struggle to regain them, set against Zod's conquest.
StructureThe story follows a linear beginning-middle-end structure, from Zod's release to Superman's victory.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this waySuperman's triumph and restoration of order leave a triumphant and optimistic aftertaste, tempered by Lois's memory loss but ultimately uplifting.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterInvasion
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% (this title) · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Invasion: An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThree Kryptonian criminals, led by General Zod, escape the Phantom Zone and come to Earth to conquer it, forcing Superman to fight them. Zod's revenge against the son of Jor-El drives the conflict.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfIdentitySelf
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22% (this title): Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% (this title) · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Self

Identity · 14% of filmsSacrifice · 4% of filmsDuty · 2% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeSuperman grapples with his dual identity, choosing between his humanity and his Kryptonian heritage, ultimately embracing his duty to protect Earth.
StanceThe film celebrates Superman's choice to embrace his heroic duty, presenting his sacrifice of personal happiness for the greater good as admirable.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanInstitutionalWildernessScience fiction
Orchestral classicalForeground music · original score · John Williams
SettingMetropolis, Paris, the Arctic Fortress of Solitude, and the White House
MusicWilliams' iconic Superman march is reprised and expanded, becoming synonymous with the character.

Content guide

Is Superman II okay for kids?

PG

Superman II is rated PG. As of October 3, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (44/100), sexual content at mild (23/100), language at mild (29/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at moderate (47/100). Overall it is heavier than 66% of PG-rated films.

Ratings in 16 other countries
  • UKPG
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • IrelandPG
  • JapanG
  • South KoreaALL
  • BrazilL
  • Denmark15
  • Hungary12
  • ItalyT
  • MexicoA
  • Netherlands6
  • Norway15
  • PortugalM/12
  • SK12
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 22% of all filmsHeavier than 66% of PG-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 72%
Sex & Nudity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 52%
Profanity
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 53%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 69%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-rated film
heavier than 71%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is frightening material, heavier than 71% of PG-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Superman II have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Superman II?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Christopher Reeve
as Superman
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
newcomer then · star now
Margot Kidder
as Lois Lane
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Terence Stamp
as General Zod
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sarah Douglas
as Ursa
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Jack O'Halloran
as Non
Gene Hackman
as Lex Luthor
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ned Beatty
as Otis
Rising: A short career with a standing when this film came out above the median working actor today.
Jackie Cooper
as Perry White
Valerie Perrine
as Eve Teschmacher
Susannah York
as Lara

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Superman II?

Movies like Superman II include Superman (1978), Superman III (1983) and Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut (2006). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films written by Leslie Newman and David Newman, and all are superhero films.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 12 share its world: New York. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Superman II?

605 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: superhero. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.