Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Superman will forever remain a benchmark for superhero films. His iconic ability to balance Clark Kent’s quiet demeanor with larger-than-life heroism set a new standard for the genre, earning his outings’ place among the best Superman movies. Reeve’s performances resonate harder decades later, showcasing a deep depth and charisma that has permeated for years and will continue to endure for years to come. It’s no surprise every good Superman movie stars Reeve as his forever-lasting legacy in cinema ultimately defined what it means to be a hero.
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While he is synonymous with Superman, Reeve’s talent extends far beyond the cape. Some of the best Christopher Reeve roles don’t even depict him as Superman, although plenty of them do involve him in a cape. This versatility defines the actor’s legacy, with Reeve’s ability to connect with audiences existing as a testament to his sincerity and depth. From heroic stunts to romantic realizations, Reeve has done it all, creating the perfect acting career that could be studied for decades to come.
You are watching: Christopher Reeve’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked
10
Noises Off (1992)
A Chaotic Comedy About Actors & Their Backstage Drama
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Noises Off…
PG-13
Comedy
Noises Off… (1992) is a comedy directed by Peter Bogdanovich, depicting the backstage antics of a director and his eccentric ensemble as they struggle to stage an Americanized version of a British play. The chaotic production faces challenges from aging stars, insecure actors, and unreliable cast members.
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Release Date
March 20, 1992
Runtime
101 Minutes
Cast
Carol Burnett
, Michael Caine
, Denholm Elliott
, Julie Hagerty
, Marilu Henner
, Mark Linn-Baker
, Christopher Reeve
, John Ritter
, Nicollette Sheridan
, Kate Rich
, Zoe Cassavetes
, Kim Sebastian
, Louise Stratten
, J. Christopher Sullivan
, Kimberly Neville
, Cleveland O’Neal III
, Roger Michelson
, Joe Hanna
, Rosie De Sanctis
, Jack McCall
, Keith Crowningshield
, Andrew Mapp
, Diana Agostini
, Bronson Dudley
, Drummond Erskine
, Roger Armstrong
Director
Peter Bogdanovich
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Writers
Marty Kaplan
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Christopher Reeve’s role in Noises Off brings sharp comedic timing to an exaggerated story of miscommunication and mishaps in a theater production, a film that didn’t break box office records but did win over audiences’ hearts. Reeve’s portrayal of a clueless yet endearing actor remains a highlight in Noises Off, with his ability to juggle physical comedy with clever dialogue proudly existing on screen.
While Noises Off is Reeve’s worst-best film, it still deserves all the credit for its unique humor and a memorable cast. It’s chaotic and perfectly mirrors the unpredictable world of live theater. When Reeve’s character gets caught in the friendly crossfire of hilarious embarrassing moments, Noises Off is a lesser-seen gem that highlights Reeve’s knack for comedy. It’s a delightful watch even 30 years later, and should be appreciated as an integral moment in Reeve’s career due to the sheer uniqueness of this role compared to usual business for the actor.
9
Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987)
A Misstep In An Otherwise Legendary Franchise
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6.3/10
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
PG
ActionAdventureSci-FiSuperhero
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace stars Christopher Reeve as the iconic superhero who takes on the global threat of nuclear weapons. Directed by Sidney J. Furie, the film features Gene Hackman reprising his role as Lex Luthor, who creates a new adversary for Superman in an attempt to achieve world domination. The movie examines themes of peace and conflict in the backdrop of Cold War tensions, continuing the legacy of the Superman franchise.
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Release Date
July 24, 1987
Runtime
90 minutes
Cast
Christopher Reeve
, Gene Hackman
, Jackie Cooper
, Marc McClure
, Jon Cryer
, Margot Kidder
Director
Sidney J. Furie
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Writers
Lawrence Konner
, Mark Rosenthal
, Christopher Reeve
, Jerry Siegel
, Joe Shuster
Superman IV: The Quest For Peace is also one of the weaker entries in Reeve’s filmography. It’s less of a movie and more of a cautionary tale about what happens when a franchise loses its soul, but the actor’s perfection in the role of Superman never falters — the main redeeming quality of this film. Reeve’s charm does wonders to save this sinking ship, and despite low-budget efforts and a convoluted plot, Superman’s portrayal never fails to put a smile on audiences’ faces.
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Reeve’s dedication to exploring Superman’s moral dilemmas is a defining aspect of this film, and while it falters under ambitious themes, his performance remains earnest and heartfelt. He contributes to the film’s story and emphasizes the importance of nuclear disarmament. This profundity illustrates Reeve’s unwavering commitment to the Man of Steel, despite The Quest For Peace not being the best film in the Superman franchise.
8
Street Smart (1987)
A Gritty Tale Of Journalism & Deception
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Street Smart
R
CrimeThrillerDrama
Street Smart is a 1987 crime drama directed by Jerry Schatzberg, starring Christopher Reeve as a journalist who fabricates a story about a pimp, only to find himself entangled in the criminal underworld. Morgan Freeman delivers a powerful performance as a real-life pimp who suspects the article is about him. The film explores themes of journalistic integrity, deception, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.
Release Date
March 20, 1987
Runtime
97 Minutes
Cast
Christopher Reeve
, Kathy Baker
, Mimi Rogers
, Jay Patterson
, Andre Gregory
, Morgan Freeman
, Anna Maria Horsford
, Frederick Rolf
Director
Jerry Schatzberg
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Writers
David Freeman
In Street Smart, Reeve steps away from his superhero persona, playing a journalist who fabricates a story that spirals out of control. This dramatic turn once again highlights Reeve’s versatility, as the actor’s ability to tackle complex, morally ambiguous characters is exceptional. Reeve’s grounded performance contrasts perfectly with Morgan Freeman’s fiery portrayal of a violent pimp. This intense dynamic drives the film, making it overall more powerful than Superman IV and Noises Off but still inherently flawed.
Morgan Freeman’s performance as Fast Black earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
The main issue with Street Smart is its tonal ambiguity. It overall doesn’t know what it wants to be, constantly treading the line between thriller, expose, and social commentary. Aside from this, the set and story feel cheap. The portrayal of some aspects of life in this film feels blatantly satirical when they shouldn’t, leaving viewers confused at points. While it has its downsides, Street Smart still contains excellent performances from Reeve and Freeman, solidifying their places in dramatic cinema.
7
Superman III (1983)
Superman’s Lighter, More Comedic Chapter
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Superman III
PG
ActionAdventureComedySuperhero
Superman III follows Clark Kent, portrayed by Christopher Reeve, as he faces a new enemy in the form of a computer mastermind, Gus Gorman, played by Richard Pryor. Directed by Richard Lester, the 1983 film explores the dynamics between Superman and his alter ego while dealing with threats both human and technological, including corporate magnate Ross Webster’s schemes to control the world. The movie delves into themes of identity and power, continuing the saga of the iconic superhero.
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Release Date
June 17, 1983
Runtime
125 minutes
Director
Richard Lester
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Writers
David Newman
, Leslie Newman
, Jerry Siegel
, Joe Shuster
, Mario Puzo
Going back to his roots, Reeves in Superman III remains a standout performance from the actor despite the campier territory of this third installment. Superhero antics are blended with the extremely strange addition of slapstick comedy, a standout reason as to why this film disappointed a lot of people. Despite this questionable creative decision, Reeve’s dual performance as both the heroic Superman and his darker, corrupted self showcases pure brilliance.
The iconic junkyard fight sequence where Clark Kent battles an evil Superman is certainly something to remember. It may not be as good as its predecessors, but Superman III did offer Reeve the chance to try on new hats with his character, which is especially fun to consider with another upcoming Superman approaching as one of the most anticipated movies of 2025. Without experimentation, Reeve’s Superman wouldn’t have flown as far as he did, and it’s important to consider these rough moments as pieces of a larger puzzle.
6
Somewhere In Time (1980)
A Timeless Romance With Emotional Resonance
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Somewhere in Time
PG
DramaFantasyRomance
Somewhere in Time follows young playwright Richard Collier, whose encounter with an elderly woman leads him to become obsessed with a famous stage actress from the early 1900s. Using self-hypnosis, he travels back in time to meet her, intertwining their destinies across generations. Released in 1980, the film stars Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour.
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Release Date
October 2, 1980
Runtime
103 minutes
Cast
Christopher Reeve
, Jane Seymour
, Christopher Plummer
, Teresa Wright
, Bill Erwin
, George Voskovec
, Susan French
, John Alvin
, Eddra Gale
, Audrey Bennett
, William H. Macy
, Laurence Coven
, Susan Bugg
Director
Jeannot Szwarc
In Somewhere in Time, Reeve trades action for romance, yet again another distinctly unique angle for the superhero actor to attempt. This heartfelt performance depicts a playwright who falls in love with a woman from the past, and the film’s sentimental tone and time-travel premise hinge on Reeve’s chemistry with Jane Seymour. This deeply elevates the emotional weight of the story, with his portrayal capturing a longing and vulnerability that resonates deeply with fansof romantic fantasy films.
While definitely not a box office hit, Somewhere in Time has become a cult classic. Its score and romantic themes provide the perfect backdrop to Reeve’s unconventional role. This display of quiet, introspective energy is a lot of fun, especially for those who are fans of Superman as it provides a different perspective on a familiar face. Somewhere in Time is a testament to Reeve’s range as an actor, proving he can truly shine even outside the superhero spotlight.
5
Above Suspicion (1995)
A Crime Drama That Highlights Reeve’s Serious Side
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Above Suspicion
R
DramaThriller
Release Date
May 21, 1995
Runtime
95 minutes
Cast
Christopher Reeve
, Joe Mantegna
, Kim Cattrall
, Edward Kerr
, William H. Macy
, Finola Hughes
, Geoffrey Rivas
, Blake Foster
, J.J. Johnston
, Clark Gregg
, Joanna Miles
, Marty Levy
, Frank Medrano
Character(s)
Dempsey Cain
, Alan Rhinehart
, Gail Cain
, Nick Cain
, Pros. Atty. Schultz
, Iris
, Enrique
, Damon Cain
, Hank
, Randy
, Laura
, Syd
, Jorge de La Paz
Director
Steven Schachter
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Writers
Jerry Lazarus
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On the other hand, Above Suspicion offered Reeve a chance to explore darker territory, further straying from his rare romantic and comedic escapades. Playing a paralyzed police officer plotting revenge post-betrayal, this role perfectly blends psychological tension with themes of trust. Reeve’s ability to balance vulnerability with calculated menace adds depth to the story and constitutes just another distinct angle to add to the iconic actor’s catalog.
Above Suspicion was directed by Steven Schachter, marking one of his early ventures into feature-length films. Schachter was primarily known for his work in television before this project.
Ironically, Reeve was paralyzed in real life due to a horseback riding injury that occurred just a year after he played in Above Suspicion. This coincidence has been noted by fans and critics alike, adding tension to an already high-stakes film. Overall, while Above Suspicion could have been better, it’s also a compelling turn with Reeve playing a complex role. Above Suspicion is an enjoyable watch, largely because it’s always fun to see Reeve trying out another distinct role.
4
Deathtrap (1982)
Deathtrap Is A Web Of Deceit & Unexpected Surprises
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Deathtrap
PG
MysteryThrillerComedy
Deathtrap is a mystery thriller directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve. Released in 1982, the film follows a formerly successful playwright who hatches a plot to steal a brilliant new script from an emerging writer. The narrative unfolds with elaborate twists and turns, maintaining an atmosphere of suspense throughout. Based on Ira Levin’s play, the film explores themes of deception, ambition, and morality within the theater world.
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Release Date
March 19, 1982
Runtime
116 Minutes
Cast
Michael Caine
, Christopher Reeve
, Dyan Cannon
, Irene Worth
, Henry Jones
Director
Sidney Lumet
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Writers
Jay Presson Allen
, Ira Levin
In Deathtrap, Reeve plays a cunning student who becomes entangled in a deadly plot. Thriving on clever twists and tightly wound tension, Reeve delivers a classic performance in Deathtrap that leaves the audience silenced, softly questioning everything they just watched. His transformation from protégé to scheming adversary is both surprising and thrilling, making this one of Reeve’s most unpredictable roles.
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The film’s layered narrative and biting humor give the Superman actor ample room to flex his dramatic and comedic muscles. The chemistry between Reeve and Michael Caine is downright brilliant, with a majority of this film’s humor coming from meta-commentary on thriller tropes as well as the willingness to toy with audiences’ expectations. Packed with witty dialogue and over-the-top plot twists, Deathtrap is one of Reeve’s best performances with just a few films that can compete.
3
Superman II (1980)
The Stakes Get Personal For The Man Of Steel
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Superman II
PG
SuerpheroesActionAdventureSci-Fi
Superman II (1980) sees Christopher Reeve reprise his role as the Man of Steel, battling General Zod (Terence Stamp) and his followers, who escape from the Phantom Zone and threaten Earth. Meanwhile, Superman must grapple with his feelings for Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) and the loss of his powers. Directed by Richard Lester, the film combines elements of action, romance, and moral dilemmas, continuing the narrative of the iconic superhero.
Release Date
June 19, 1981
Runtime
127 Minutes
Cast
Gene Hackman
, Christopher Reeve
, Ned Beatty
, Jackie Cooper
, Sarah Douglas
, Margo Kidder
, Jack O’Halloran
, Valerie Perrine
Director
Richard Lester
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Writers
Jerry Siegel
, Joe Shuster
, Mario Puzo
Superman II elevated the franchise by putting Superman in deeply personal dilemmas. From the decision to relinquish his powers for love to an iconic showdown with General Zod, Reeve conveys both Clark Kent’s vulnerability and Superman’s power in an absolutely delightful watch. His chemistry with Margot Kidder only adds a much-appreciated emotional layer, making Superman II an extremely well-rounded installment of the franchise.
The film’s balance of heart and spectacle solidifies Reeve’s portrayal as the best Superman to ever exist. The only installment of the franchise better than Superman II is its predecessor, with Reeve’s confrontations with Zod, Ursa, and Non in the battle over Metropolis proudly standing as forever iconic superhero movie moments. Reeve’s command of both the quieter and explosive moments makes Superman II a signature corner of his vast legacy, cementing his role as not only a superhero icon but the superhero icon.
2
The Remains Of The Day (1993)
Reeve Blends Into An Acclaimed Period Drama
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The Remains of the Day features the Superman actor in a rare supporting role, stepping into the refined world of an English estate alongside Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. Reeve plays Congressman Jack Lewis and injects energy and idealism into the film. Steeped in a reserved exploration of loyalty and moral awakening, everything about Reeve’s part in this film works so perfectly that it would be a crime not to call it one of Reeve’s definitive best roles.
Anthony Hopkins stayed in character as the reserved butler Stevens throughout filming The Remains of the Day, maintaining his quiet and formal demeanor even off-camera to deepen his performance.
His subtle performance contributes to the film’s critical acclaim in such a way that has never been done before for Reeve, making this film an absolute treat to indulge in. Seamlessly fitting in with the period drama’s intricate dynamics as not a main focal point but a side influence, Reeve’s screen presence knows no bounds. It’s hard to argue against Reeve’s spectacular performance in this film as he shines in any setting, even while working with a powerhouse cast.
1
Superman (1978)
The Superhero Movie That Started It All
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Superman
PG
ActionAdventureFantasySci-FiSuperhero
Superman, directed by Richard Donner, stars Christopher Reeve as Clark Kent, an alien from the planet Krypton living on Earth who adopts the persona of Superman to protect humanity. Released in 1978, the film features Gene Hackman as the villain Lex Luthor, who creates a plan that threatens millions of lives. Margot Kidder co-stars as Lois Lane, a journalist at the Daily Planet and Clark Kent’s colleague.
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Release Date
December 15, 1978
Runtime
143 Minutes
Cast
Marlon Brando
, Gene Hackman
, Christopher Reeve
, Ned Beatty
, Jackie Cooper
, Glenn Ford
Director
Richard Donner
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Writers
Mario Puzo
, Jerry Siegel
, Joe Shuster
, David Newman
, Leslie Newman
, Robert Benton
, Tom Mankiewicz
Superman isn’t just a movie. It’s a cinematic milestone and absolute cultural phenomenon that forever redefined how superheroes are brought to the big screen. This wave of pop culture could never have reached the interstellar heights it did without Reeve’s portrayal of Superman. This dual identity is forever the high bar for complex superhero portrayals in cinema, with the actor’s iconic introduction as the Man of Steel confidently setting the tone for decades to come.
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The film’s groundbreaking special effects only show Reeve’s role even more love, making it a timeless classic that will allow the actor’s legacy to live on forever. His performance, embodying hope and heroism, elevated Superman beyond mere spectacle. Cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons as well as America’s favorite superhero, Christopher Reeve essentially created history that will last for centuries, if not forever.
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Category: Entertainment