As one of the most popular superheroes of all time, it's no surprise that Superman keeps getting more live-action and animated projects than other DC heroes. While Henry Cavill's future as the Kryptonian is uncertain, fans can still follow Tyler Hoechin's version of the character in Superman & Lois. Moreover, there is a planned animated Season 11 of Smallville too.
Ever since he was first introduced to comic readers by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in Action Comics #1, Superman has been everywhere. But who among the numerous actors has portrayed him in the best way possible? Thanks to fan votes on Ranker, it's easier to identify the best individuals to ever be cast as Kal-El.
Nolan North - Young Justice (2010-2019)
Most of Nolan North's work can be found in the video game arena. He has numerous voice credits but he is best known for providing the voice of Nathan Drake in the Uncharted video game series.
Since Young Justice focuses on the younger heroes, North's Superman is relegated to a father-figure role. Superman's infrequent appearances explain why fans don't rate North as highly as they do the rest of the actors on the list. Still, the actor manages to bring out Superman's sternness perfectly on the few occasions that he shows up.
Dean Cain - Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993-1997)
To date, Cain is still famous for playing the Man of Steel in the '90s TV series. The actor had a stint as the host of Ripley's Believe It or Not! too.
Having played Superman for 5 seasons, Dean Cain should be higher on the list but he isn't because of faulty writing. He might be the hero but Cain's Superman always feels like a sidekick to Teri Hatcher's Lois Lane, who is more proactive and has better dialogue. And it doesn't help that he is always pitted against lesser-known villains like Mister Mxyzptlk and Prankster. But from his admirable personality to his impressive stunts, Cain has everything fans would want in a Superman.
George Reeves - Adventures of Superman (1952-1958), Superman and the Mole Men (1951)
Reeves was lucky enough to have appeared in one of the best movies ever made, the '30s classic, Gone With The Wind. Additionally, he starred alongside very influential actors in multiple movies, including two with former US President Ronald Reagan.
George Reeves' '50s Superman is a bit goofy and that's understandable given the period the story is set in. Nonetheless, this Superman is one of the most entertaining versions of the character because of how many heroic responsibilities he is given. In every single episode, Superman is forced to rescue Lois and Jimmy Olsen multiple times.
Tyler Hoechin - Superman & Lois (2021 - Present)
Hoechlin has had quite a lengthy career. As early as 3, he appeared in commercials, and by 13, he was cast as the son of Tom Hanks' character in Road To Perdition. He further made a name for himself for portraying Derek Hale in Twilight.
Hoechin's Superman always has plenty of work on his hands. He not only has to be a hero to the world but also be a strict parent to two superpowered boys who are ever unruly. No other Superman has had such a heavy workload but Hoechlin always manages to effortlessly bring out Clark Kent's "cool dad" side as well as the Man of Steel's badassness.
George Newbern - DCAU
Newbern mostly gets cast as a supporting character and as such, he has starred in many movies and TV shows. Interestingly, he has had cameos in a good number of the best procedural crime shows.
That Newbern has been trusted to voice Superman in so many DC animated projects is proof of how good he is. Characterwise, there is nothing completely unique about Newbern's Superman. As is the norm, he has plenty of heartwarming romance arcs with Lois Lane. And there is no shortage of serious threats he has to deal with.
Tim Daly - Superman: The Animated Series (1996-2000)
Daly is one of the few Superman actors with an Emmy nod, an accolade he got after portraying the screenwriter J.T. Dolan on The Sopranos. Most recently, he has been the First Gentleman of the United States in Madame Secretary.
Daly's Superman feels like a more fleshed-out character. That's because the character development unfolds over several episodes where he takes most of the screen time. And apart from having impressive dialogue, he teams up with other Justice League members on the regular too.
Brandon Routh - Superman Returns (2006)
Routh is one of few stars who've played multiple DC characters. Apart from Superman, he starred in Arrow as tech firm CEO and vigilante, Dr. Raymond Carson "Ray" Palmer, aka, The Atom.
Routh's 10 award nominations across different award organizations, prove he was the best-suited person to play Superman at the time. His Superman is an intriguing one because his life is far from smooth-sailing. He doesn't get to have the usual romantic moments with Lois Lane. That's because she happens to be married to another person. Furthermore, he has to deal with a hard-boiled Lex Luthor who is fresh out of prison.
Tom Welling - Smallville (2001-2011)
Welling started out as a model, working for brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein. And away from his Superman fame, he has done well as Lt. Marcus Pierce in Lucifer.
Welling's Superman will always be unique because he only ever gets to wear the tights in the finale. Because Smallville is an origin story, fans are granted more background information about the Kryptonian. Like Routh, Welling collected awards easily for playing the character. With his 15 nominations, he is the most decorated Superman actor of all time.
Henry Cavill - DCEU
Undoubtedly, the biggest A-lister on the list, Cavill has impressed in just about every project he has been a part of. And there are James Bond rumors too, hence his future as Superman is uncertain.
That fans keep begging for Cavill's return says a lot about his performances as Superman. Thanks to his physique, he is one of few Superman actors to truly look the part. Cavill's Superman stands out because of his many "firsts." He is the first live-action Superman to die as well as the first live-action Superman to fight fellow Justice League members.
Christopher Reeve - Superman Tetralogy
Apart from playing the Kryptonian, Reeve also got to star in Smallville as the space-obsessed scientist, Dr. Virgil Swann. He is also widely mentioned as one of the victims of the "Superman curse" after he broke his back during a horse riding incident.
Reeve's Superman will always remain unrivaled on the big screen because he is the only one that has ever had 4 solo movies. Though he has to fly around poor CGI, Reeve's Superman has many interesting arcs, including one where he turns evil. One of the best quotes from Christopher Reeve's Superman even involves him declaring he'll never save people again.