Superman is the premier superhero. First appearing in 1938, Superman has been a champion of the downtrodden, a science-fiction phenomenon, a super jerk, and now a superheroic father. However, at his core, he's still considered the superhero that everyone around the world would look up to.
Even if he isn't the first superhero in canon, he would help define a generation. Over the course of his lifespan, there have been many retcons on his abilities and background, as well as dozens upon dozens of Superman adaptations and interpretations. Some being his absolute best but some that are also his absolute worst.
10 Worst: Injustice Superman
Starting this list off is one of the more recent interpretations of Superman. A man who has lost everything as a result of the Joker, Injustice Superman is incredibly evil and power-hungry. Although he is trying to do it for the greater good for how he perceives it, it has become something far more corrupt and led to the world being run within his dictatorship.
It was so bad that the good Justice League eventually had to come in to stop him. With his better half defeating him.
9 Best: Fleischer Superman
Released during the early days of Superman's comic life span, this is one of the most accurate versions of the character during the Golden Age. Being the first animated interpretation of the character, the animation is filled with dark colors and a classic story set up. The Fleischer Supermans' animation work is still impressive even 70 years later.
What's more, this Superman was straight and to the point. Stopping all manner of robots, criminals, and more. Although he isn't as strong as he is decades later, he is still absolutely sensational nonetheless.
8 Worst: Frank Miller's Superman
Created by Frank Miller, this version of Superman is one of the many things in his universe that was panned by fans. Essentially being a government lapdog later in his life, Superman is incredibly shallow and is normally playing second fiddle against the main character of each graphic novel, Batman. What's more, whenever he appears he is often considered an obstacle that needs to be stopped rather than being the Superman you'd want to be inspired by. Superman shouldn't be an authoritarian, he is more than that.
7 Best: All-Star Superman
From the graphic novel created by Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely for the All-Star imprint of comics, it's often considered one of the best incarnations of Superman to date. Inspired by the tales of the Silver Age era of comics, Superman is dying as a result of absorbing too much solar energy. As a result, for the remainder of his life, he does his version of Hercules 12 labours before his eventual sacrifice of stopping the solar computer Solaris. This version of Superman shows him at his best even when his time is running short.
6 Worst: Superman At World's End
This is one of the more ridiculous versions of Superman. The story takes place in a scenario where the earth is controlled by emotionless cyborgs during the apocalypse. Looking a lot like Santa Claus and wielding a giant gun, this is a Superman who doesn't really have much of a personality that is, well, "Superman." What's more, due to the scenario of the world he lives in, he has lost most of his powers and he fights two Hitlers. Although definitely one of the worst Superman, he is also the butt of jokes in the meme community due to his "I am a man!" speech.
5 Best: Kingdom Come Superman
Living in a universe where society no longer wants superheroes, replacing them with a more violent alternative, Superman has since drifted away from civilization and remained in the Fortress of Solitude.
After being beckoned by Wonder Woman, Superman returned in full force not only stronger than ever but also wearing a new costume with a red and black emblem, as a memory for the lives that have been lost as well as his own outlook on society currently. It should be noted that this Superman also lost everything to the Joker, but he never lost a shred of who he was.
4 Worst: Act Of God Superman
One of the most offensive versions of the Superman character, this incarnation of Superman is one filled with loss. Not from the loss of family or anything like that, but the loss of his powers. Aside from the fact that it doesn't make sense given that his powers are derived from being a Kryptonian rather than something external like an irradiated spider, this Superman goes into a state of depression. Losing his wife as a result of divorce and succumbing to alcoholism. It is funny considering Superman is known to want to be a human just like everyone else.
3 Best: George Reeves' Superman
Depending on what live-action version of Superman, many would find the definitive television Superman to be Tom Welling's depiction in Smallville. However, for a generation back during the 50s that was George Reeves' Superman. A big burly version of the character who is able to play both Clark Kent and his superhero alter ego effectively and with presence, he was the Superman that first gained immense stardom in TV. Going strong on television for 6 years, George Reeves tragically died in 1959. However, his legacy is still felt to this day.
2 Worst: Superboy-Prime
When Superboy-Prime was introduced, he was helping out during the first Crisis. However, since then he has been depicted as an insane and super powerful version of the Man of Steel. Because of his insanity and being from the Silver Age, his power was powerful enough to kill many heroes from the Post-Crisis era.
Although most fans have grown used to this version of Superman, some might argue that his characterization was destroyed compared to what was initially shown in the crisis. Regardless his insanity has lingered on to this day.
1 Best: Christopher Reeve's Superman
Arguably THE Superman, Christopher Reeve's Superman is nothing short of legendary. The actor was able to portray the multiple facets and complexities of the character thanks to his mannerisms, pitch of voice, and characterization.
His Clark Kent was meek and awkward to the point of bumbling while his Superman was powerful, humble and full of hope. When many think of Superman they think of Christopher Reeves. With good reason as his presence is still being felt today like in the CW's Crisis On Infinite Earths event played by his successor, Brandon Routh.