Superman II
A playful, romantic superhero sequel pits Superman against escaped Kryptonian criminals and a newly allied Lex Luthor while testing his wish for an ordinary life.
Overview
An epic battle for Earth unfolds as a hero faces his greatest challenge yet.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- romantic
- sincere
- family movie night
- nostalgic blockbuster night
What critics said
Critics broadly regarded the sequel as a highly entertaining and humanistic superhero adventure that combines grand action, romance, humor, and strong performances, despite dated effects and occasional slapstick.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Superman’s love for Lois Lane and his desire for a normal relationship create a direct conflict with his responsibility to protect Earth.
Clark Kent’s ordinary demeanor conceals Superman, while Lois Lane gradually discovers the truth.
The film balances alien invasion and large-scale battles with affectionate romance, slapstick humor, and character-driven performances.
Lex Luthor escapes prison and collaborates with General Zod, Ursa, and Non against Superman.
Films like Superman II, and why
Superman: The Movie
Shares a lighthearted superhero adventure tone, romantic core, comic-book spectacle, and conflict with superpowered villains.
Batman
Combines colorful superhero action, witty humor, romance, secret identity themes, and a charismatic theatrical villain.
The Rocketeer
Features a family-friendly comic-book adventure, heroic sacrifice, bright spectacle, and playful villainy.
Wonder Woman
Shares a sincere superhero tone, alien powers, romance, and large-scale battles framed as accessible entertainment.
Movie Details
- Director
- Richard Lester
- Release Date
- 1980-12-04
- Runtime
- 127 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (2627)
Cast
- Christopher Reeve
- Margot Kidder
- Terence Stamp
- Sarah Douglas
- Jack O'Halloran
- Gene Hackman
- Ned Beatty
- Jackie Cooper
- Valerie Perrine
- Susannah York
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, Philo, YouTube TV, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand, Plex
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Superman II about?
- A playful, romantic superhero sequel pits Superman against escaped Kryptonian criminals and a newly allied Lex Luthor while testing his wish for an ordinary life.
- What is Superman II like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Superman II as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Superman II violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Superman II as mild.
- What did critics think of Superman II?
- Critics broadly regarded the sequel as a highly entertaining and humanistic superhero adventure that combines grand action, romance, humor, and strong performances, despite dated effects and occasional slapstick.
- Which films are like Superman II?
- Films with a similar feel include Superman: The Movie, Batman, The Rocketeer, and Wonder Woman.
- How long is Superman II?
- Superman II runs 127 minutes.
- Where can I watch Superman II?
- In United States, Superman II streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, Philo, YouTube TV, HBO Max.
