Superman III
Superman confronts a computer-powered economic conspiracy while red kryptonite turns his greatest enemy into himself.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- irreverent
- slapstick
- colorful
- lighthearted movie night
- 1980s nostalgia night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the sequel overloaded and tonally misguided, with excessive slapstick and recycled plot elements weakening its superhero appeal.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Gus Gorman's programming talent enables Ross Webster's scheme, turning computer circuitry into a threat to Superman and society.
Red kryptonite causes Superman to turn against his own heroic nature, while the junkyard confrontation externalizes his identity crisis.
The prolonged comic opening, Richard Pryor's performance as Gus, and repeated sight gags shape the film's distinctive comedic register.
Ross Webster recruits Gus to pursue economic control through computer manipulation rather than relying only on conventional supervillain force.
Films like Superman III, and why
Superman II
Shares superhero action, science fiction spectacle, comic-book mythology, and a lighter comedic tone.
Batman (1989)
Shares colorful superhero adventure, slapstick comedy, and a technologically themed villain threatening a major city.
The Mask
Shares an upbeat comic-book adventure structure, super-powered heroics, and broad humor aimed at a general audience.
Movie Details
- Director
- Richard Lester
- Release Date
- 1983-06-17
- Runtime
- 125 min
- Rating
- 5.5 / 10 (1954)
Cast
- Christopher Reeve
- Richard Pryor
- Annette O'Toole
- Robert Vaughn
- Annie Ross
- Pamela Stephenson
- Gavan O'Herlihy
- Paul Kaethler
- Jackie Cooper
- Margot Kidder
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, Philo, YouTube TV, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand, 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 Superman III about?
- Superman confronts a computer-powered economic conspiracy while red kryptonite turns his greatest enemy into himself.
- What is Superman III like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Superman III as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Superman III violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Superman III as mild.
- What did critics think of Superman III?
- Critics broadly found the sequel overloaded and tonally misguided, with excessive slapstick and recycled plot elements weakening its superhero appeal.
- Which films are like Superman III?
- Films with a similar feel include Superman II, Batman (1989), and The Mask.
- How long is Superman III?
- Superman III runs 125 minutes.
- Where can I watch Superman III?
- In United States, Superman III streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, Philo, YouTube TV, HBO Max.
