The Diverse Faces of Metropolis: A Top 8 Showcase

The Animated Series’ Metropolis Was Retrofuture Perfection

The DC Animated Universe's portrayal of Metropolis in Superman: The Animated Series stands as a testament to the fusion of past and future, creating a city that embodies both retro charm and futuristic marvel. With its stunning sunrises and meticulously crafted scenery, the DCAU's Metropolis sets the bar for representing the iconic city in Superman media. The incorporation of art deco influences and the marvels of modern civic engineering, such as the Metro Tower and Metropolis Gold Exchange, make the DCAU's Metropolis a timeless masterpiece.

Superman (Dean Cain) looks off into the distance in Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman

Smallville’s Metropolis Felt Like A Real Midwest City

Smallville's unique adaptation of Metropolis brought a fresh perspective to the city, reimagining it as a Midwest urban center nestled within the Great Plains. By relocating Metropolis to Kansas, Smallville created a distinct identity for the city, infusing it with the essence of a real Midwest city. This bold shift from the traditional coastal setting provided a unique backdrop for the series, emphasizing the city's connection to Clark Kent's roots and adding depth to its portrayal.

Christopher Reeve as Superman floating in the sky with the Metropolis cityscape behind him.

Bryan Singer’s Metropolis Took Things Back To The 30s

Bryan Singer's vision for Metropolis in Superman Returns blended elements of the past and future, capturing the charm of the city's origins while incorporating futuristic elements. The glowing art-deco architecture reminiscent of the 1920s and 30s added a nostalgic touch to the city's skyline, infusing it with a sense of timeless elegance. Singer's portrayal of Metropolis, though short-lived, offered a refreshing blend of historical and modern influences, creating a unique visual identity for the city.

Christopher Reeve As Superman & Helen Slater as Supergirl in The Flash

Man of Tomorrow’s Metropolis Felt Like A City Of Tomorrow

The Tomorrowverse's rendition of Metropolis, showcased in Superman: Man of Tomorrow, epitomized the concept of a futuristic city. Boasting a skyline adorned with cutting-edge skyscrapers and thoughtfully integrated green spaces, the Tomorrowverse's Metropolis truly lived up to its title as the City of Tomorrow. Despite the looming threat of formidable villains, the city's architectural innovation and commitment to the avant-garde made it a captivating and vibrant setting.

Christopher Reeve as Superman

Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman

Amidst the superhero genre's early days, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman introduced an endearingly 90s version of Metropolis. Despite its limited resources, the series sought to modernize Superman's story within a Metropolis that, while lacking in lived-in authenticity, captured the essence of the era. The show's approach to the city, with its pristine sets and unique interpretation of iconic landmarks, reflected the spirit of the time and added a distinct charm to its portrayal.

Christopher Reeve as Superman standing in front of a city skyline.

My Adventures With Superman’s Metropolis Has A Storybook Feel

My Adventures with Superman brought a storybook aesthetic to Metropolis, blending sleek military districts with quaint bodegas to create an intriguing juxtaposition of past and future. While the city's picturesque appearance evoked a dreamy quality, it lacked the lived-in authenticity that would have added depth to its portrayal. Nevertheless, the series' artful interpretation of Metropolis offered a refreshing take on the city, infusing it with a whimsical and charming ambiance.

Superman tells Lois about his principles in Superman

The Arrowverse's Metropolis Leans Further In To The Future

The Arrowverse's depiction of Metropolis showcased a harmonious blend of modern-day elements and futuristic architecture, creating a city with a distinct visual identity. From cozy recreational districts adorned with fairy lights to ultramodern structures like Metropolis High School, the city exuded a sense of contemporary charm while embracing the aesthetic of the future. The Arrowverse's attention to detail in crafting Metropolis as a believable and captivating setting set it apart as a compelling portrayal of the iconic city.

DCEU Metropolis

Christopher Reeve’s Metropolis Was New York With Some Set Dressing

The iconic portrayal of Metropolis in the Christopher Reeve Superman movies drew clear parallels to New York City, with a familiar urban landscape enhanced by the addition of key landmarks. However, the films fell short of establishing a distinct identity for the city, relying on the recognizable backdrop of New York with minimal alterations. While the portrayal captured the essence of a bustling metropolis, it lacked the depth and originality needed to set it apart as a truly unique and memorable rendition of Metropolis.

Man of Steel's Black Zero Event in Batman v Superman Dawn of Justice