Tools for this page
Print

Superman: The Movie

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Super-nostalgic adventure still soars.

updated 03.03.09

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Supervillain Lex Luthor acts in a sociopathic manner.
  • Violence & scariness :

    Superman stops breaking-and-entering crimes. Clark Kent intercepts a bullet intended for Lois by a mugger who accosts the two of them. The citizens of Krypton are killed when their planet explodes. Various people are imperiled during an earthquake, including Jimmy Olsen, but all are saved by Superman. Clark's father, "Pa" Kent, is shown having a fatal heart attack; Clark mourns his death at his funeral. Before he turns back time, Superman discovers Lois buried alive in her car.
  • Sexy stuff :

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Superman: The Movie

Parents need to know that the first half of this movie drags a little establishing Superman's origins. Many characters are in peril before Superman saves the day, including Lois who is buried alive after an earthquake. Superman can't save his adopted dad from a heart attack, however, and is shown mourning his death. Older kids and preteens who were fans of the 1990s "Superman" TV cartoon will probably be disappointed by the movie's bloated structure, but enjoy the exploits of Lex Luthor and his cohorts. Teen and adult comics fans and those feeling nostalgic for the 1970s may have enough patience for this movie.

Read our full review by Ed Grant

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about adoption and other family structures.
Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Enter your email address
I am over 13 years old
Tell us your child's age
Why we ask
Why we ask
Providing your kids' age allows us to give you personalized recommendations for your family on our site and in our weekly newsletter (coming soon) - so you get better information, faster.Your privacy is our priority.

You are now subscribed to the Common Sense weekly newsletter!

To write reviews and create a public profile, complete your account set-up here.

Our Members Say

Have You Seen It? Review It!

  • What did you think about Superman: The Movie?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 5 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    Kids ages: 6, 10, 17
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    You and the whole family will soar with fun!

    Terrific, and original! Your kids will want to see the Superman movie, for sure. It is one that I would definitely recommend for even younger kids. There is very little language (if any) and the violence is nothing but fun and packed with excitement. There is a bit of sexual references, but nothing your kids cannot be subjected to. A movie I would recommend for everyone! I would rate this movie: PG.

  2. Teen Reviewer
    Age 15
    Lives in Kansas
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

  3. Teen Reviewer
    Age 14
    Anonymous
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  4. Teen Reviewer
    Age 14
    Anonymous
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

  5. Kid Reviewer
    Age 9
    Lives in
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

Find movies reviews by title

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Up

    Up

    Pixar's stunning 3-D adventure is an upper for everyone.

  • Managing Media

    "Screens Off"

    "Screens Off"

    Ideas for limiting screentime during playtime.

  • Tech Tip

    A how-to guide for parents. Google Safe Search

    A how-to guide for parents.

  • Most Popular This Week

    Pixar Favorites

    Pixar Favorites

    If your kids are excited for Up, they'll love these!

  • Game of the Week

    inFAMOUS

    inFAMOUS

    How you play superhuman adventure results in fame or infamy.