James Gunn’s “Superman” debuted with a 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter following early screenings that began on July 7, 2025.
The score has since climbed to 96% from over 1,000 verified audience ratings, making it the highest-rated “Superman” film among general viewers to date.
Critics have responded positively as well, though with slightly more restraint. The film currently holds an 83% critics score from 233 reviews, down marginally from its opening-day 86%.
With these numbers, “Superman” ties the 1978 Christopher Reeve classic as the second-highest-rated entry in the franchise, just behind “Superman II” (1980), which holds an 88% score. Among DC Universe films overall, Gunn’s reboot now ranks third on Rotten Tomatoes’ debut Popcornmeter—behind “The Dark Knight” (94%) and “Wonder Woman” (93%).
The film also marks a career high for Gunn. Its 96% audience score surpasses those of his Marvel projects, including “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” (85%) and “Vol. 3” (82%), and falls just short of “Guardians of the Galaxy” (92%). All nine of Gunn’s comic book films are now certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.
Audience reactions have praised the reboot for delivering a grounded, modern take on the Man of Steel. Many viewers highlight its emotional resonance and the addition of a “four-legged scene-stealer.” Critics have described it as “a Man of Tomorrow grounded in the here and now,” commending Gunn’s fresh take on the character’s mythology.
Starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, “Superman” premieres in theaters worldwide on July 11, 2025.