Superman has shaped the superhero genre in cinema, with the character’s films offering some of the most memorable fight and rescue sequences to date. This ranking explores the ten most thrilling movie moments, including action from James Gunn’s Superman and earlier cinematic installments, highlighting how the James Gunn Superman movie action continues the legacy of the Man of Steel’s high-stakes battles and daring feats.
Superman’s Cinematic Legacy: A Mixed Yet Influential History
Superman stands as perhaps the most iconic superhero, with Richard Donner’s direction and the character’s enduring presence paving the way for modern comic book movies. Although the four Christopher Reeve Superman films are classics, opinions are divided on more recent portrayals—such as Bryan Singer’s Superman Returns and the DCEU entries including Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League. James Gunn’s own interpretation has its critics but hasn’t caused as much division as earlier entries, showing how each era has left its mark, particularly through inventive action scenes.
Despite debate over storytelling choices, special effects, and character direction, nearly every Superman film has provided audiences with signature action moments. Whether it’s feats of raw power, intense confrontations, or spectacular rescues, the Man of Steel’s cinematic battles have set high standards—and now, with Gunn’s vision entering the conversation, it’s time to look at how Superman’s movie action sequences rank over the decades.
10. Teaming Up Against Doomsday in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
The climactic face-off with Doomsday in Zack Snyder’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice showcases Superman (Henry Cavill), Batman (Ben Affleck), and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) joining forces. While the CGI rendering of Doomsday has drawn criticism, the scene remains an intense and visually impactful showdown. The fight’s energy peaks as Wonder Woman intercepts Doomsday’s attack, accompanied by Hans Zimmer and Junkie XL’s dynamic score. The sequence builds to its emotional high point with Superman’s self-sacrifice, delivering the film’s most powerful dramatic moment—even as its impact is undercut by later plot developments. Zack Snyder’s flair for visually striking “money shots” is unmistakable throughout the clash.
9. Superman Battles a Kaiju in James Gunn’s Superman (2025)
James Gunn’s upcoming Superman film finds a fresh way to present the hero’s extraordinary strength: by pitting him against a kaiju. This opening set piece presents Metropolis citizens needing clear direction, reinforcing Superman’s guiding nature and everyday heroism—as seen when he saves a squirrel. The monster itself is designed with both menace and a touch of goofiness that matches the film’s tone, establishing a threat without overwhelming viewers with darkness or destruction. Gunn’s approach sets a different mood compared to the more somber action of the DCEU, capturing Superman’s status as both savior and symbol of hope.
8. The Junkyard Duel: Superman vs. His Dark Side in Superman III
While the special effects and staging of action scenes from the Christopher Reeve era sometimes feel outdated, Superman III features an enduringly engaging battle. In this standout moment, Superman faces a corrupted version of himself in a junkyard. The sequence resonates thanks to Reeve’s skillful performance, as the psychological struggle between good and evil manifests in physical form. The stakes are palpable, lending the fight a narrative urgency that outshines many of the era’s more whimsical set pieces.
7. Smallville Under Siege: Superman vs. Faora and Nam-Ek in Man of Steel
The fight in Smallville, Kansas, where Superman faces Faora and Nam-Ek, delivers one of Man of Steel’s most impactful action sequences. Product placement is abundant in this small-town showdown, but the choreography captures the Kryptonians’ immense power. Faora’s ferocious movements and the sheer force behind every blow—at times sending combatants crashing through a local IHOP—make the battle one of the film’s highlights. The fight’s physicality and the onscreen weight of every impact make this a memorable display of Superman’s struggle to protect humanity against equally matched foes.
6. The World Engine Threat in Man of Steel
Superman’s confrontation with the World Engine machine stands as one of the most technically ambitious and immersive moments in the superhero genre. The sequence envelops viewers in the threat posed by General Zod’s plans, as the World Engine hammers a city towards destruction. Vivid visual effects, a riveting musical score, and the overwhelming sense of peril combine to create an atmosphere of genuine danger. The clash communicates the stakes at play, not only for Superman but for the survival of Earth itself, reinforcing the epic scale that this chapter of Superman’s story aimed to deliver.
5. Deflecting a Bullet: The Eye Scene in Superman Returns
Though Bryan Singer’s Superman Returns receives mixed reviews for its pacing and drama, the action that is present packs a punch. In a standout trailer-ready moment, Brandon Routh’s Superman intervenes as criminals unleash gunfire on police. When one assailant resorts to firing point-blank at Superman’s eye, the bullet harmlessly flattens, visually demonstrating the character’s invulnerability in a way both subtle and awe-inspiring. This brief encounter doesn’t feature large-scale destruction but effectively conveys Superman’s power and calm under fire, making it an iconic sequence for fans of the character.
4. Mr. Terrific Takes Down Lex Luthor’s Forces in Gunn’s Superman (2025)
Not all great Superman movie action focuses directly on the Man of Steel himself. In James Gunn’s new film, Mr. Terrific emerges as a scene-stealer, taking on Lex Luthor’s henchmen at a coastal portal facility. The kinetic choreography, camera work circling around Rachel Brosnahan’s Lois Lane—safely shielded by Mr. Terrific’s inventions—and an unexpected musical backdrop combine for a uniquely upbeat and inventive action moment. Mr. Terrific’s quick thinking and resourceful use of simple metal orbs display his brilliance, highlighting James Gunn’s flair for blending unconventional style with superhero spectacle.
3. Batman Battles Superman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
The long-awaited showdown between Batman and Superman fulfills its promise, delivering a fight as epic as its premise. The decision to feature a Batsuit inspired by Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns grounds the battle in comic book tradition. Batman, encased in armor and armed with preparation, manages to challenge Superman in combat, keeping tension high about the possible outcome. The balance between human ingenuity and Kryptonian might makes for a compelling confrontation, making this one of the franchise’s most anticipated and rewatchable fight sequences.
2. Saving the Plummeting Plane in Superman Returns
One of the best elements of the Christopher Reeve era was watching Superman perform dramatic rescues, and Bryan Singer’s film sought to recapture that spirit. Thanks to improved visual effects, Superman Returns stages a breathtaking moment as Superman saves a crashing Boeing 777 in full view of the world, reintroducing himself as a guardian of humanity. The sequence recalls the soulful heroics of earlier films and demonstrates the narrative and visual power of Superman’s nonviolent heroics, reinforcing why audiences continue to root for the character’s larger-than-life deeds.
1. The Ultimate Battle: Superman vs. Zod in Man of Steel
Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel culminates with Superman’s explosive battle against General Zod, portrayed by Michael Shannon. The conflict’s scale and intensity set new standards for superhero combat, with Metropolis transformed into a war zone and the emotional stakes heightened by Zod’s personal loss. The visual of two Kryptonians wreaking havoc through city blocks underlines the destructive potential of their powers, while Superman’s final, controversial choice to kill Zod remains one of the most debated scenes in the franchise. Still, the fight’s choreography, pacing, and sheer spectacle have secured it as a landmark moment in Superman’s cinematic history.
Enduring Appeal and the Road Ahead for Superman Action
Superman’s cinematic journey demonstrates the evolving nature of superhero action, from Richard Donner’s pioneering films to Zack Snyder and James Gunn’s modern reimaginings. Each director—including Bryan Singer—has contributed moments that shape the character’s big-screen legacy, whether through blockbuster fights, inventive rescues, or emotional stakes linked with iconic adversaries like Zod, Doomsday, and Lex Luthor. As James Gunn’s Superman continues the tradition with new faces such as Mr. Terrific and fresh action set pieces, the Man of Steel remains a central figure in the genre, reminding viewers why Superman stands for hope, heroism, and spectacular adventure.
