How a Hero Took Flight and Changed the Face of Cinema
With the release of James Gunn’s Superman, I figured it might be fun to turn the clock back to 1978 and look at the superhero movie that is considered by many to be the first major Superhero movie to become a blockbuster, long before the MCU and DCEU.
Superman: The Movie – A Cinematic Milestone
Box Office Triumph: Flying Past Expectations
When Superman: The Movie hit theaters in December 1978, it didn’t just make an impact—it made history. With a production budget of $55 million, it was the most expensive film ever made at the time. But audiences responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, and the film soared to a worldwide box office total of $300.4 million. Adjusted for inflation, that figure climbs to a staggering $1.44 billion, making it the highest-grossing Superman film to date. It was a box office juggernaut, proving that superhero stories could be both critically acclaimed and commercially dominant.
But the film’s success wasn’t just about numbers—it was about resonance. Viewers believed in the story, in the hero, and in the magic of cinema. Superman didn’t just fly—it lifted the entire genre with it.
Critical Acclaim: A Heroic Revelation
Critics didn’t just like Superman—they embraced it as a revelation. Roger Ebert called it “a pure delight,” praising its blend of adventure, romance, and wit. The Austin Chronicle hailed its smart screenplay and Christopher Reeve’s winning performance, declaring, “Believe a man can fly? You bet!” Variety described it as “a wonderfully exciting fantasy,” while The Globe and Mail proclaimed, “As gods go, Superman is one of the godliest; his movie is one of the best.”
Even decades later, retrospectives continue to celebrate its sincerity and charm. Critics admired how Richard Donner’s direction played the story straight, resisting the urge for camp and instead delivering a heartfelt, mythic tale. Yes, some noted its imperfections—like a few tonal shifts or an overlong prologue—but most agreed: Superman was a bold, beautiful leap forward for the superhero genre.
Superman Deserves a Super Cast
At the center of it all stood Christopher Reeve, whose portrayal of both Clark Kent and Superman set the gold standard—awkward charm on the ground, noble strength in the sky. Beside him, Margot Kidder’s Lois Lane wasn’t just fast-talking and fearless—she was captivating and real. Then came Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, weaving intellect and charisma into a villain who could make you laugh while plotting global chaos. And for a dose of mythic weight, there was Marlon Brando, bringing gravitas to Jor-El with every measured word.
Strong Support and a Few Surprises
Supporting this legendary ensemble, Ned Beatty as Otis brought light-hearted mischief, while cameo legends like Kirk Alyn (1940s serial) and Noel Neill (1950s The Adventures of Superman) gave longtime fans a wink of recognition. Even Larry Hagman (I Dream of Jeanie) appeared for a brief but memorable moment, grounding the fantasy with a splash of military humor.
The Creative Team: Crafting a Myth
Behind the scenes, the film’s soul was shaped by a remarkable writing team: Mario Puzo, the man behind The Godfather, whose storytelling brought scale and myth; David and Leslie Newman, who added warmth and wit; and Robert Benton, who ensured that even a hero from Krypton felt human. Their collaboration produced a screenplay that honored the grandeur and the intimacy of Superman’s journey from distant planet to the heart of humanity.
The Music: Giving Superman His Voice
And then… the music. The legend, John Williams, composed a score for the ages that didn’t just accompany the visuals—it defined them. The heroic march, the tender themes, the cosmic soundscape—all lifted the story to emotional heights few films ever reach. His compositions gave Superman a voice that echoed long after the credits rolled, making the mere sound of a few notes synonymous with heroism and hope.
Legacy: The Hero’s Cape Still Catches the Wind
Superman: The Movie isn’t just an origin story—it’s a celebration of hope, of identity, of what it means to rise above. It proved that sincerity could triumph in an age of cynicism, and it paved the way for every hero who followed. Decades later, its cape still catches the wind. 🦸♂️
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the film for the first time, Superman: The Movie remains a testament to the power of storytelling, spectacle, and sincerity.
You’ll believe a man can fly.
Last Word:
I was a young child when Superman: The Movie hit theaters, and it had a long-lasting effect on me. I had a Superman poster on my walls for years following. The visuals may look like 1978, but the story itself and how it is told holds up almost 50 years later.
If you’re looking for a place to watch Superman: The Movie, it is currently available to stream via HBO (Previously HBO/MAX and MAX)
