Man of Steel
A solemn, effects-driven Superman origin story follows an alien raised as a human who must choose what his extraordinary powers mean for Earth.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Breakneck
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- serious
- mythic
- intense
- superhero movie night
- action blockbuster marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film visually impressive and well cast but uneven, overlong, and weighed down by excessive destruction and a thin emotional arc.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Clark Kent's childhood, discovery of his Kryptonian heritage, and emergence as Superman form the film's central narrative progression.
Clark must reconcile his Kryptonian origins and powers with his life among humans while General Zod pursues Krypton's interests on Earth.
The conflict with Zod escalates into large-scale battles and threatened annihilation, emphasizing spectacle alongside Clark's moral emergence.
The film emphasizes destiny, sacrifice, inherited purpose, and humanity's response to an almost godlike figure.
Films like Man of Steel, and why
Batman Begins
Shared superhero origin story, alien threat, large-scale action, and morally serious tone.
Superman Returns
Shared comic-book mythology, extraterrestrial conflict, heroic self-discovery, and effects-driven spectacle.
The Avengers
Shared science fiction invasion narrative, destructive set pieces, and a conflicted superpowered protagonist.
Wonder Woman
Shared mythic superhero framing, heightened visual style, and themes of sacrifice and hope.
Movie Details
- Director
- Zack Snyder
- Release Date
- 2013-06-12
- Runtime
- 143 min
- Rating
- 6.7 / 10 (16639)
Cast
- Henry Cavill
- Amy Adams
- Michael Shannon
- Diane Lane
- Russell Crowe
- Antje Traue
- Harry Lennix
- Richard Schiff
- Christopher Meloni
- Kevin Costner
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, TNT, TBS, tru TV, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Man of Steel about?
- A solemn, effects-driven Superman origin story follows an alien raised as a human who must choose what his extraordinary powers mean for Earth.
- What is Man of Steel like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Man of Steel as breakneck, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Man of Steel violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Man of Steel as moderate.
- What did critics think of Man of Steel?
- Critics broadly found the film visually impressive and well cast but uneven, overlong, and weighed down by excessive destruction and a thin emotional arc.
- Which films are like Man of Steel?
- Films with a similar feel include Batman Begins, Superman Returns, The Avengers, and Wonder Woman.
- How long is Man of Steel?
- Man of Steel runs 143 minutes.
- Where can I watch Man of Steel?
- In United States, Man of Steel streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, TNT, TBS, tru TV, HBO Max.
