James Gunn's 'Superman' Flies High as It Breaks Major Audience Record on Rotten Tomatoes

Screened ahead of its official release on 11 July, Superman (2025) is already turning heads — not just for its storytelling, but for the buzz it's generating. Early viewers have awarded the film a remarkable 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, setting a new high watermark for Superman-led movies.

That score puts it ahead of fan favorites like Zack Snyder's Justice League (92%) and the beloved classic Superman: The Movie (86%). It's an encouraging sign for DC Studios and a strong opening chapter in the newly minted DC Universe, now under the creative direction of James Gunn.

A Look at the Rotten Tomatoes Rankings

Here's how Superman (2025) stacks up against other Superman outings, according to audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes as of 9 July:

• Superman (2025) – 96%

• Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021) – 92%

• Superman: The Movie (1978) – 86%

• Superman II (1980) – 76%

• Man of Steel (2013) – 75%

• Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) – 63%

• Superman Returns (2006) – 60%

• Superman III (1983) – 23%

• Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987) – 16%

A Complicated Cinematic Legacy

Superman has never been an easy hero to bring to the screen. While characters like Batman have enjoyed more consistent success, the Man of Steel has often struggled to find the right tone. He has at times been portrayed as too serious, too campy, or too distant from the hopeful ideal he represents.

Christopher Reeve's performance in the 1978 original remains iconic, but the franchise stumbled through a series of missteps in the 1980s. Attempts at a modern reboot, such as Superman Returns and Man of Steel, received mixed reactions. Batman v Superman also divided fans and critics.

A Fresh Take Resonates

The early reception to Gunn's Superman feels different. With David Corenswet stepping into the cape, early reactions point to a portrayal that honors the character's past while confidently moving him into a new era. One early viewer wrote on social media, 'It's the first time in years Superman has felt truly hopeful.

Early screenings tend to generate more favorable feedback, as they often include die-hard fans or invited audiences who are more likely to respond positively. However, the current level of enthusiasm appears sincere, suggesting the studio may have finally found a version of Superman that resonates widely.

What's Next?

As the film prepares for its global release, attention now turns to the box office. Analysts are projecting a £157 million ($200 million) worldwide opening. If the film meets expectations, it could signal the start of a successful new era for DC's cinematic universe.

Time will tell whether this version of Superman becomes the definitive portrayal for a new generation. For now, though, it appears that both hope and the Man of Steel are flying high again.