Parents' Guide to Superman

Movie 2025 PG-13 129 minutes
Superman movie poster: Superman wears his iconic blue and red costume with the red and yellow S shield

Common Sense Media Review

Sandie Angulo Chen By Sandie Angulo Chen , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 12+

Reboot mixes action violence, charming comic book energy.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 12+?

Any Positive Content?

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  • Superman flying light speed towards the sky
    1:13
  • Superman movie: Superman, his back turned to a large crowd, looks very serious
  • Superman movie: Superman, in his blue costume and red cape, embraces Lois while floating in a glass-roofed arcade

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 13+

Based on 51 parent reviews

Parents say this film generates mixed reactions, with some praising its sci-fi action, humor, and emotional depth, while others criticize excessive violence, questionable character development, and inappropriate language, suggesting it strays from the traditional portrayal of its lead character. The overall consensus is that while it has entertaining moments and a good message, it may not be suitable for younger audiences due to its darker themes and intense scenes.sci-fi actioncharacter criticismexcessive violencehumor and heartsuitable for teens
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age 11+

Based on 45 kid reviews

Kids say this movie is a fun and hopeful reinterpretation of a beloved character, featuring strong messages and good role models, suitable for teens and tweens, although it contains some violence and language that parents should consider. While some viewers appreciated its humor and character depth, others criticized it for excessive swearing and certain themes they found inappropriate for younger audiences.fun storytellinggreat role modelsmixed language contentsuitable for teenspositive messages
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What's the Story?

SUPERMAN jumps right into the story of Clark Kent (David Corenswet), a Metropolis reporter who's secretly balancing life as Superman, the Krypton-born, Earth-raised alien who's become the world's most powerful protector. As tensions rise between global superpowers and the role of metahumans is debated, Superman works with intrepid journalist Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and a team of heroes that includes Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), and Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion). They must face threats both from within and beyond Earth, including the manipulations of tech billionaire (and Superman hater) Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult). Luthor uses his considerable resources to convince U.S. government officials, the media, and the general American public to question, disavow, and fear Superman's true intentions on Earth. As public trust in Superman crumbles, the Man of Steel must decide what kind of superhero he wants to be: one shaped by his Kryptonian legacy, or one who's inspired by the values of his human upbringing.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 51 ):
Kids say ( 45 ):

Writer-director James Gunn brings his signature style to reboot DC's iconic superhero as a more charming, optimistic, and earnest Man of Steel. Gunn blends classic comic book action with contemporary world-building and screwball comedy banter in this take on Superman. The movie throws viewers into an established Clark/Superman-and-Lois relationship that benefits from Corenswet and Brosnahan's strong chemistry. Brosnahan is one of the best movie Loises: She's smart, funny, and fearless without being completely jaded, giving Lois a lived-in confidence that balances Clark's sincerity. (Plus, it's refreshing to watch a movie in which newspaper journalists help save the day.) Corenswet, who looks like a mix of all the other dark-haired, azure-eyed, lantern-jawed actors who've played the Man of Steel, makes the Kryptonian his own. And Hoult is an all-too-believable version of Luthor, who's part visionary tech billionaire, part amoral egotist.

The movie embraces Superman's comic book roots with its colorful lineup of supporting heroes, including super-dog Krypto, who's likely to become a fan favorite. Both the humor-filled interactions among the so-called "Justice Gang" and the dynamic action sequences feel lifted straight from the pages of a Justice League comic. These ensemble moments radiate a fun, throwback energy that's more Saturday morning cartoon than Zack Snyder brooding. In parallel, Gunn also makes the most of close-up peril, with one particularly distressing death landing with far more emotional weight than the many implied casualties that precede it. And in the end, the film champions themes of teamwork, sacrifice, and generosity. In an era dominated by heavy headlines, this just might be the Superman the zeitgeist needs: a hero who still stands for truth and justice.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about which parts of this take on Superman felt true to the story's comic book roots. How would you describe the movie's tone? How does it compare in that way to other movies about Superman?

  • Why do you think Superman chooses to show restraint when others don't? What values guide his decisions? How does he demonstrate courage, empathy, and perseverance?

  • How would you describe Lex Luthor's motivations in the movie? Do you think he's a believable supervillain?

  • How does David Corenswet compare to the other actors who've played the Man of Steel? Do you have a favorite Superman?

Movie Details

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Superman movie poster: Superman wears his iconic blue and red costume with the red and yellow S shield

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