The Most Famous Superman Actor, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the actor you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 1, 2024 07:15

In the world of superheroes, Superman holds a special place in the hearts of fans, embodying ideals of truth, justice, and the heroic way. Over the years, several actors have donned the iconic cape and S-shield, each bringing their own flavor to the beloved character. This diversity in portrayal makes it intriguing to see who stands out as the fan favorite. By participating in the voting process, fans have a unique opportunity to voice their opinions and see how their views compare with others. This ranking is not just a list; it's a reflection of collective admiration and a celebration of the varied interpretations of Superman. See if others share your views on who best captures the essence of the Man of Steel.

Who Is the Most Famous Superman Actor?

1

58
votes
Jbfrankel · CC BY-SA 3.0

Christopher Reeve

Reeve is widely regarded as the most iconic Superman actor, having portrayed the character in four films from 1978 to 1987. He brought a sense of charm, humor, and authenticity to the role that has yet to be matched since.
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2

27
votes
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America · CC BY-SA 2.0

Henry Cavill

Cavill played Superman in three films from 2013 to 2017, including Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Justice League. While his portrayal has been divisive among fans, he's become a household name and a recognizable face for the character in the modern era.
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- Position 4 of 10 in Most attractive actor
- Position 9 of 10 in Most attractive personalities
3

13
votes

U.S. Treasury Department · Public domain

George Reeves

Reeves played Superman in the 1950s TV series Adventures of Superman, which helped to popularize the character and solidify his place in pop culture. His performance was iconic for the time and remains influential to this day.
4

21
votes

vagueonthehow · CC BY 2.0

Tom Welling

Welling played a young Clark Kent in the TV series Smallville from 2001 to 2011. While he never donned the Superman costume in the show, his portrayal of the character's formative years was beloved by fans and helped to define the character for a new generation.
5

22
votes

Miguel Discart · CC BY-SA 2.0

Dean Cain

Cain played Superman in the 1990s TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, which focused more on the character's personal life than his superheroics. His portrayal was charismatic and charming, and helped to bring a new level of depth and nuance to the character.
6

10
votes

Gage Skidmore · CC BY-SA 2.0

Tyler Hoechlin

Hoechlin has played Superman in various DC TV shows, including Supergirl and the upcoming Superman & Lois. While he has not had as much screen time as some of the other actors on this list, his portrayal has been praised for its warmth, sincerity, and faithfulness to the character's comic book roots.
7

13
votes

Super Festivals from Ft. Lauderdale, USA · CC BY 2.0

Brandon Routh

Routh played Superman in the 2006 film Superman Returns, which was meant to serve as a sequel to the original Christopher Reeve films. While the movie was not a commercial or critical success, Routh's performance was widely praised for its resemblance to Reeve's iconic portrayal.
8

1
votes

David Shankbone · CC BY 3.0

Tim Daly

Daly provided the voice of Superman in the highly-acclaimed animated TV series Superman: The Animated Series, which ran from 1996 to 2000. His portrayal was earnest and heroic, and helped to define the character for a new generation of fans.
9

7
votes

Angela George · CC BY-SA 3.0

Jerry O'Connell

O'Connell has played Superman in various animated films and TV shows, including Justice League Dark: Apokolips War and Reign of the Supermen. His portrayal has been praised for its energy, humor, and reverence for the character's history.
10

12
votes

Bud Collyer

Collyer provided the voice of Superman in the classic 1940s radio serials, which were the character's first major foray into mass media. His portrayal was iconic for the time and helped to establish the character as a beloved pop culture icon.

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Ranking factors for famous actor

Popularity

The actor's overall popularity, recognition, and level of fame among the general public are important factors. This can be assessed based on their mainstream success, media coverage, and public reception.
Iconic portrayal

A successful Superman actor should have portrayed the character in a way that resonates with audiences and has become iconic. Their ability to capture the essence of Superman, including his heroic qualities, moral values, and iconic traits, is crucial.
Box office success

The commercial success of the movies or TV shows featuring the actor as Superman is another important factor to consider. High box office or viewership numbers indicate the actor's appeal and the impact they have made in the role.
Longevity

The length of time an actor has played Superman can also be a factor. Actors who have portrayed the character in multiple movies or TV series over an extended period tend to have a larger impact and reach a wider audience.
Critical acclaim

Positive reviews from critics and industry professionals can indicate the actor's talent and their ability to bring depth and authenticity to the character. Awards and nominations received for their portrayal could also be considered.
Cultural impact

The actor's influence on popular culture is a significant factor. This includes their contribution to the character's legacy, the impact on subsequent adaptations, and the actor's overall cultural significance in relation to Superman.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Superman actor. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or actor is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1801 views
178 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each actor once every 24 hours. The rank of each actor is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous superman actor

Superman, the iconic superhero from the planet Krypton, has been portrayed on screen numerous times since his debut in comics in 1938. However, when it comes to the question of who is the most famous Superman actor, there are a few names that stand out. Christopher Reeve is often considered the quintessential Superman, having played the role in four films from 1978 to 1987. His performance as the Man of Steel was praised for its charm, charisma, and physicality, and he remains a beloved figure among fans to this day. More recently, Henry Cavill has taken up the mantle of Superman in the DC Extended Universe, appearing in three films since 2013. While his portrayal has been met with mixed reviews, there's no denying that his chiseled physique and brooding intensity have made an impression on audiences. Other notable actors who have played Superman include George Reeves in the 1950s TV series "Adventures of Superman," Dean Cain in the 1990s series "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman," and Tom Welling in the long-running series "Smallville." Ultimately, the question of who is the most famous Superman actor is a matter of personal opinion. Each performer has brought their own unique interpretation to the role, and fans continue to debate which one captures the spirit of the character best.