‘Superman’ Review Roundup: Rotten Tomatoes Score Leaves No Doubt as All Reviews Say the Same Thing

The wait is over. James Gunn’s Superman has officially landed in theaters around the world. This marks the beginning of the new DC Universe on the big screen, and fans are finally getting to see David Corenswet as the Man of Steel. He’s joined by Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.

This isn’t another origin story. Superman is already on the job, and the world around him is chaotic, filled with superheroes, villains, and plenty of action. It’s a fast-paced, magical place where anything can happen—and usually does.

Early social media reactions were very positive, and that same energy has carried over into official reviews.

As of now, Superman holds an 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 147 reviews. That’s a strong start for a reboot, especially one with so much pressure riding on it.

Most critics seem to agree: this is a fun, heartfelt take on Superman. It mixes classic elements with new energy, and that balance has impressed many.

One reviewer said it’s “classic Superman that feels enough like the original that it’s hard to dislike, and just fresh enough to feel like it’s not what everyone has seen before and worth the price of admission.” Another wrote, “It’s a charming, highly entertaining film that isn’t afraid to keep things light (and light-hearted).”

David Corenswet has also won over a lot of critics. “David Corenswet truly embodies Superman, bringing grounded charm, quiet strength, and—most importantly—deep empathy,” one review said. Others praised the visuals, world-building, and overall vibe. “Captivating and colorful world building, lovable characters, and a heartfelt story that embodies the spirit of Superman,” one reviewer added.

James Gunn’s direction is getting a lot of love too. Critics are saying he brings the right tone to the film. “The DCU has liftoff in spectacular fashion as James Gunn has done it again, achieving wonder by balancing great character work with colourful, fun, pulpy action,” a review praised.

And yes, Krypto the Superdog is in the film, and apparently steals the show.

It’s classic Superman that feels enough like the original that it’s hard to dislike, and just fresh enough to feel like it’s not what everyone has seen before and worth the price of admission.

Abe Friedtanzer

Captivating and colorful world building, lovable characters and a heartfelt story that embodies the Spirit of Superman, yet full of excessive exposition, unnatural dialogue, one-dimensional villains and the same beats we’ve seen over and over with GOTG.

Nadya Martinez

James Gunn’s Superman is a triumph of tone and character, breathing new life into the legendary hero with a fresh yet faithful take. David Corenswet truly embodies Superman, bringing grounded charm, quiet strength, and—most importantly—deep empathy.

Lupe Rodriguez Haas

The DCU has liftoff in spectacular fashion as James Gunn has done it again, achieving wonder by balancing great character work with colourful, fun, pulpy action, acting as a symbol of hope for subsequent entries in this new cinematic universe

Nicholas Oon

For those holding out for a hero, and who need a jolt of truth, justice, and the American way, this is a strong summer treat

Jordan Hoffman

Still, not everyone is sold. A few critics felt that the movie tries to do too much and ends up a bit messy. Some pointed to clunky dialogue, underdeveloped villains, and familiar plot beats. “Flies well enough but it never quite soars,” one reviewer commented. Another called it “a would-be franchise re-starter that resembles a Saturday morning cartoon come to overstuffed, helter-skelter life.”

One review praised the cast and music but said the “bloated, pedestrian script lessens the story’s emotional and comedic resonance.” Another critic argued that Gunn’s ideas about Superman just don’t work, writing, “It’s shocking how so many of Gunn’s ideas about the Man of Steel in his new take on Superman feel like they aren’t guarding the property at all.”

It’s shocking how so many of Gunn’s ideas about the Man of Steel in his new take on Superman feel like they aren’t guarding the property at all.

Jeff York

The film has its strengths (mainly its cast and score), but a bloated, pedestrian script lessens the story’s emotional and comedic resonance. [Full Review in Spanish]

Nestor Bentancor

This Superman claims he’s driven by a desire to do good, which is a sweet and welcome message—especially compared to the darker Cavill take. But more often than not he just feels like someone the plot happens to.

Caroline Siede

And while the film avoids the usual origin-story setup, some felt that Superman didn’t have much control over his own story. “This Superman claims he’s driven by a desire to do good… but more often than not he just feels like someone the plot happens to.”

Still, even the harsher reviews admitted that the cast and effects are strong. It may not be perfect, but it seems to have plenty of heart, and for many fans, that’s more than enough.

So, what’s the verdict? Most critics agree this isn’t the greatest superhero movie ever, but it’s a solid, entertaining start for the DCU. If the goal was to bring hope back to Superman and kick off a new era with energy and optimism, Gunn might’ve pulled it off.

Time (and audiences) will tell if this Superman really flies.

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