The Ultimate Ranking: Unveiling the Definitive Order of Animated Superman TV Shows!

Summary

Superman: The Animated Series (1995) stands out as an exceptional Superman animated show, skillfully capturing the fine balance between the character's emblematic representation of hope and his thrilling adventures as a heroic action figure.

The 1940 Fleischer Superman cartoons were revolutionary, paving the way for future animated series with their remarkable animation and unforgettable moments. Other exceptional animated Superman series include My Adventures With Superman (2023), a heartfelt homage to the character and past Superman shows, as well as the distinctive Legion of Superheroes.

Here is a ranking of every Superman animated series, from worst to best. These series have brought various elements to the DC Universe, showcasing adaptations from the Silver Age to modern times. While DC has released multiple Superman animated shows in the past, some were simply compilations of previous cartoons. Surprisingly, the Man of Steel has been featured in fewer animated series in the 2000s compared to Batman who starred in five solo animated shows from 1993 to 2013. On the other hand, Superman only received two solo animated shows from 1995 to 2023. Despite the limited number, the DC Animated Universe timeline has included some of the most remarkable Superman stories, albeit with only one solo series in the franchise. Moreover, most Superman animated shows are not connected to a particular continuity and can be enjoyed as standalone stories. This ranking encompasses a range of content, spanning from classic cartoons and compilations to recent releases.

10 The Batman/Superman Hour (1968)

The Batman/Superman Hour consisted of a collection of previously aired Batman and Superman cartoons, along with fresh segments featuring Batman, Robin, and Wonder Woman. Regrettably, the Superman segment only consisted of reruns from The New Adventures of Superman (1966), rendering the show lacking in new Superman content. It was only in later years, with the creation of the Ruby-Spears Superman series, that new animated episodes of Superman were produced.

9 The New Adventures of Superman (1966)

The success of the Fleischer Superman cartoons demonstrated the potential for the Man of Steel to become an exceptional animated superhero. This trend continued with The New Adventures of Superman, a series of cartoons released by DC between the 1960s and 1970s. Although they may not have reached the same level of groundbreaking impact as the Fleischer cartoons, these episodes effectively captured the spirit of the Silver Age comics while providing entertaining content. The New Adventures of Superman, created by Filmation, may not have achieved the status of a classic like Super Friends, but it remains a significant contribution to Superman's enduring legacy. The show includes beloved Superman characters, including the iconic Daily Planet crew and formidable villains such as Luthor and Brainiac.

8 The New Batman/Superman Adventures (1997)

Following the successes of Batman: The Animated Series (1993) and Superman: The Animated Series (1995), which were the first TV shows in the DC Animated Universe, WB Kids decided to air a compilation focused on DC's most popular heroes. The New Batman/Superman Adventures included previously aired episodes from Superman: TAS and Batman: TAS, along with new episodes from The New Adventures of Batman. However, it is important to note that while the show did contain new Batman episodes, there were no new Superman adventures. As a result, The New Batman/Superman Adventures may not be as appealing to Superman fans and can be skipped by those who have already watched all of Superman: TAS.

7 The Superman/Batman Adventures (1995)

The Superman/Batman Adventures was a noteworthy compilation of previously aired shows, serving as a tribute to the iconic DC animated series. Launching in 1995, The Superman/Batman Adventures featured episodes from both Hanna-Barbera's Super Friends and Filmation’s The New Adventures of Superman. Notably, this compilation also introduced never-before-seen episodes from Super Friends that had remained unreleased, making it a significant milestone in DC’s animation history. With its dual role as a celebration of beloved past shows and a gateway to exclusive content, The Superman/Batman Adventures is an essential addition to any fan's collection.

6 Krypto the Superdog (2005)

In the early 2000s, several DC animated shows were released, most of which were part of the DC Animated Universe. Alongside these shows, DC also released series that were not directly connected to the same continuity as Batman: The Animated Series, although they were heavily influenced by it. One such series was Krypto the Superdog, a two-season show that followed Superman's famous dog from Krypton as he lived as a superhero on Earth. Krypto the Superdog also introduced Ace, Batman's dog, into the mix. While Superman only made an appearance in the first episode, his design closely resembled the one from Superman: The Animated Series. However, it should be noted that Krypto the Superdog did not follow the continuity of the DC Animated Universe.

Despite only featuring Superman in the pilot episode, Krypto the Superdog is considered one of the best-animated series within Superman's mythos. The show was primarily aimed at younger audiences, providing a more lighthearted tone compared to the serious nature of Superman's stories in Justice League Unlimited. Krypto and Ace proved to be entertaining and enjoyable characters, and their adventures had a good pace that made the show engaging. A similar dynamic would later be explored in the 3D-animated series DC League of Super-Pets, although some argue that the series surpassed the theatrical movie in terms of quality.

5 Superman (1988)

The Ruby-Spears Superman show, the first original animated content featuring Superman in years, was created to commemorate the Man of Steel’s 50th anniversary. Each episode showcased two 11-minute segments, featuring self-contained Superman adventures. Superman (1988) surpassed previous shows in terms of pacing and animation quality, making it an improvement. Notably, comic book writer Marv Wolfman lent his expertise as part of the creative team, contributing to the show's comic-accurate representation. Additionally, the show reimagined Lex Luthor as a businessman rather than a mad scientist. While often disregarded, Ruby-Spears' Superman holds a well-deserved place among the best Superman animated shows.

4 Legion of Superheroes (2006)

Clark Kent was the main character in the show Legion of Superheroes, which featured a multitude of heroes. In contrast to Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, where the focus was on a large ensemble cast, Legion of Superheroes revolved around Superman. Specifically, the series portrayed a young Clark Kent before he assumed the mantle of Superman. The Legion of Superheroes traveled back in time to recruit Kal-El prior to his superhero status, and his transformation into Superman occurred in the future instead. With its inventive premise and introduction of previously unseen characters, Legion of Superheroes stands out as one of DC's most distinctive shows.

3 Superman (1940)

A remarkable feat for Superman and the world of animation, the Fleischer Superman cartoons from 1940 continue to captivate audiences even after 80 years. Fleischer Studios was tasked with producing a series of Superman shorts, but the outcome surpassed all expectations. These animated Superman cartoons featured groundbreaking animation for its time, particularly the mesmerizing robot sequence from "The Mechanical Monsters," which revolutionized the way action sequences were animated. The influence of the Fleischer Superman animated series extended across the globe, serving as a catalyst for shows such as Batman: The Animated Series and Superman: The Animated Series. Each of these shorts exuded charm, captivated viewers, and left a lasting visual impression.

2 My Adventures With Superman (2023)

My Adventures With Superman, the latest solo animated series featuring the iconic superhero, heralds the return of the Man of Steel to our screens after a hiatus of more than two decades. It is truly a long-awaited addition to the realm of animated shows dedicated to this beloved character. While multiple Batman animated series have captivated audiences during this time period, it is refreshing and heartening to see Superman receive the attention he deserves. My Adventures With Superman not only pays homage to the character itself, but also serves as a tribute to previous animated renditions of Superman. The show features delightful "multiverse cameos" from acclaimed series such as Superman: TAS, Super Friends, and Fleischer Superman. With its modern storytelling techniques and distinctive character designs, My Adventures With Superman has undeniably secured a place as one of DC's finest animated productions.

1 Superman: The Animated Series (1995)

The creative team from Batman: The Animated Series returned to create a new Superman show, which was the first original animated content featuring Superman since the Ruby-Spears cartoon. Luckily, Bruce Timm's Superman: The Animated Series not only continued the spirit of Batman: TAS but also offered a fresh take on the character. Instead of the timeless setting of Gotham City, the show now took place in a futuristic Metropolis. The dark hues were replaced with vibrant colors that depicted Metropolis in daylight. Superman: TAS delved into all aspects of Superman's narrative, introducing iconic characters such as Lex Luthor, Brainiac, Mr. Mxyzptlk, and Toy Man.

Superman: TAS strikingly balanced the elements of Superman being a symbol of hope and an action hero. Consequently, it features one of the most memorable portrayals of the Man of Steel across all mediums, including comics and live-action films. The fight scenes were dynamic and engaging, although Superman appeared slightly weaker here than in Justice League Unlimited. While Superman's rogues gallery may not be as legendary as Batman's, villains like Lex Luthor and Darkseid stole the spotlight. A tribute to the vast DC Universe and a flawless representation of Kal-El, Superman: The Animated Series stands as the finest Superman animated show.