Common Sense Media Review
By Charles Cassady Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent cartoon spinoff with classic superhero.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Superman: Doomsday
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 11 kid reviews
Kids say this film is largely viewed as too violent for younger audiences, with many noting that while it contains exciting action and positive messages, its intense scenes and depictions of injury might be shocking. Some appreciate the movie's overall entertainment value and complex plot, but the consensus is that it is not suitable for kids due to its graphic content, which includes blood and death.
- too violent
- not for kids
- exciting action
- graphic content
- complex plot
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
A feature successor (but not a direct continuation) of the most recent TV Superman cartoons, SUPERMAN: DOOMSDAY adapts a big-selling DC Comics cycle of the '90s that made headlines for Superman dying (apparently), and the tangled events that result. This is a more streamlined retelling -- no Wonder Woman or other DC icons in the mix. As this opens, Superman and Lois Lane are already together. Lois is about to get Superman admitting his Clark Kent identity as a symbol of commitment when an emergency strikes. Lex Luthor's illegal mining operations unearth an alien craft holding a genetically engineered "super-soldier." Superman's fight in Metropolis with the relentless, merciless foe seems to end with the Man of Steel giving his own life in the final effort. Even ruthless arch-enemy Lex Luthor feels cheated, but it gives him the opportunity for an extreme power grab.
Is It Any Good?
Short-attention-span viewers of all ages never need to wait long in this movie for another super-fight that destroys whole skyscrapers at a time. Early on, Superman laments he can only save people through his strength, but not through intellect (it's suggested Luthor, hoarding various medical miracle cures he's invented, does have that brilliance). And sure enough, super-beat-downs predominate. But the script takes time now and then to put some real thought into fundamental questions of what personality traits make Superman the intrinsically good guy he is -- and where that could go wrong, in a super-substitute.
There is also the intriguing (but short-lived) depiction of Metropolis without Superman, and how his absence affects longstanding characters in the series. This makes Superman: Doomsday a distinct level above lots of video releases of the older TV Superman cartoons. If only the music score was more orchestral, not a cheap-sounding synthesizer.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different viewpoints of Kal-El (AKA Superman) we get here, chiefly from Luthor and Lois, especially when a wannabe tries to take his place. What is missing from the substitute Superman? Do you prefer characters like Batman and Superman as simple do-gooders of yesteryear, or the more complicated ones of today?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 16, 2007
- On DVD or streaming : September 17, 2007
- Cast : Adam Baldwin , Anne Heche , James Marsters
- Director : Bruce Timm
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Home Video
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Superheroes
- Run time : 78 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action violence
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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