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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1978 โ€บ Superman

Superman poster

Superman (1978)

โ€œYou'll believe a man can fly.โ€

7.2/10 ยท 4,446 votes 2h 24m pg ActionAdventureScience-fiction

#12 of 26 films from 1978 #458 of 2168 in action

Directed by Richard Donner ยท Written by Mario Puzo, David Newman, Tom Mankiewicz, Robert Benton

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

Mild-mannered Clark Kent works as a reporter at the Daily Planet alongside his crush, Lois Lane. Clark must summon his superhero alter-ego when the nefarious Lex Luthor launches a plan to take over the world.

Cast

Christopher Reeveas Superman / Clark Kent
Marlon Brandoas Jor-El
Gene Hackmanas Lex Luthor
Ned Beattyas Otis
Jackie Cooperas Perry White
Glenn Fordas Pa Kent
Trevor Howardas 1st Elder
Margot Kidderas Lois Lane
Jack O'Halloranas Non
Valerie Perrineas Eve Teschmacher
Maria Schellas Vond-Ah
Terence Stampas General Zod
Phyllis Thaxteras Ma Kent
Susannah Yorkas Lara

Facts

Release dateDecember 14, 1978
Runtime144 min (2h 24m) โ€” longer as the 1978 average of 111 min
GenresAction, Adventure, Science-fiction
LanguageEN
Budget$55,000,000
Box office$300,478,449 (5.5ร— budget)
IMDbtt0078346

More from Richard Donner

The GooniesThe Goonies1985 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 1h 54m The OmenThe Omen1976 ยท โ˜… 7.4 ยท 1h 51m Lethal WeaponLethal Weapon1987 ยท โ˜… 7.3 ยท 1h 50m LadyhawkeLadyhawke1985 ยท โ˜… 7.0 ยท 2h 1m Lethal Weapon 2Lethal Weapon 21989 ยท โ˜… 7.0 ยท 1h 54m MaverickMaverick1994 ยท โ˜… 6.9 ยท 2h 7m ScroogedScrooged1988 ยท โ˜… 6.8 ยท 1h 41m Lethal Weapon 3Lethal Weapon 31992 ยท โ˜… 6.7 ยท 1h 58m

If you liked Superman

Same genre, released within a few years, sorted by TMDB rating.

The Empire Strikes BackThe Empire Strikes Back1980 ยท โ˜… 8.4 ยท 2h 4m Star WarsStar Wars1977 ยท โ˜… 8.2 ยท 2h 1m Return of the JediReturn of the Jedi1983 ยท โ˜… 7.9 ยท 2h 12m Star Trek II: The Wrath of KhanStar Trek II: The Wrath of Khan1982 ยท โ˜… 7.5 ยท 1h 53m Mad Max 2Mad Max 21981 ยท โ˜… 7.4 ยท 1h 36m The Transformers: The MovieThe Transformers: The Movie1986 ยท โ˜… 7.1 ยท 1h 25m Superman IISuperman II1980 ยท โ˜… 6.8 ยท 2h 7m Mad MaxMad Max1979 ยท โ˜… 6.7 ยท 1h 31m

Questions

How long is Superman?
Superman runs 144 minutes (2h 24m).
Is Superman worth watching?
TMDB users give it 7.2/10 across 4,446 votes, which places it #12 of 26 films released in 1978 in this index (top 58%) and #458 among 2168 action titles.
Who directed Superman?
Superman was directed by Richard Donner. Other well-rated titles by the same director: The Goonies (1985), The Omen (1976), Lethal Weapon (1987).
Who stars in Superman?
Christopher Reeve as Superman / Clark Kent; Marlon Brando as Jor-El; Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor; Ned Beatty as Otis; Jackie Cooper as Perry White; Glenn Ford as Pa Kent.
What is Superman rated?
It carries a pg certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for Superman?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/12702.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.