Five Films To Watch Before James Gunn’s Superhero Blockbuster

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s the return of Superman! The world’s greatest superhero is primed to make a major comeback on the big screen this summer in James Gunn’s Superman, reviving the radiant optimism of Metropolis’ shining light just when the world needs it most. And before Gunn’s film soars into cinemas, there are plenty of Superman and DC Comics movies to get you ready for Kal-El’s return. Superman’s screen legacy spans decades of cinema, with stories to thrill and inspire and entertain – from the very first superhero blockbuster, to wholesome family adventures, to restored pieces of Hollywood history, as well as heart-swelling documentaries and more.

Here are five films to watch while you wait for Superman’s long-awaited return. Look up!

Superman: The Movie

The original big-screen incarnation of Superman remains a total classic. Richard Donner’s film captures the spirit of its hero perfectly – colourful, optimistic, with a pure do-gooding attitude. That’s aided not only by stellar performances from Christopher Reeve – who perfectly embodies both the broad-shouldered bravery of Superman, and the bumbling awkwardness of Clark Kent – and Margot Kidder as Lois Lane, but soars, too, on a stellar score by John Williams. That theme is so iconic, it’s set to form the backbone of the score for James Gunn’s new Superman, which looks to echo the hope and positivity of Donner’s original. Nearly 50 years later, you’ll still believe a man can fly.

Watch Superman: The Movie on digital here

Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story

While audiences knew Christopher Reeve as a hero thanks to his portrayal of Superman, this hugely emotional documentary illuminates how heroic he was away from the camera too. It not only charts Reeve’s Hollywood success, but explores his life after the 1995 horse-riding accident that left him paralysed from the neck down – a vastly life-altering event, through which Reeve persevered, becoming a disability advocate and philanthropist, changing so many more lives in the process. Super/Man depicts Reeve’s work, family life, friendship with Robin Williams and more, to hugely moving effect.

Watch Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story on digital here

The Suicide Squad

Before James Gunn became head of DC Studios, he first made this gonzo DC Comics romp – a vibrant, violent, Dirty Dozen-style war adventure, with a group of miscreant anti-heroes sent off on a mission from which they’re not intended to return. Underneath all the carnage is a surprisingly sweet and sincere tale of redemption, as the likes of Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, Idris Elba’s Bloodsport, John Cena’s Peacemaker, and the Sylvester Stallone-voiced King Shark (yes, he’s a walking shark man) rediscover their own sense of purpose – if only they can stay alive long enough to make it through. The seeds of the new DC Universe were sown here, with Gunn now steering DC Studios alongside directing Superman.

Watch The Suicide Squad on digital here

Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut

Shot back-to-back with Superman: The Movie, beloved sequel Superman II featured significant disruption behind the scenes – a fallout between Richard Donner and the producers saw the director leave production three-quarters of the way through, the theatrical version of the film finished without him. But then, in 2006 came Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut, reconstructing the filmmaker’s original vision, using existing footage and unused takes to tell a different version of the sequel’s story. It now stands not just as a restored piece of lost Hollywood history, but a must-see chapter in Superman’s legacy – one that keeps Kal-El’s buoyant heroism front and centre.

Watch Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut on digital here

DC League Of Super-Pets

James Gunn’s Superman will bring one important piece of super-lore to the big screen in live-action for the very first time: Krypto, the Super-Dog. Good boy! A long-standing character in comics and cartoons, Krypto’s last outing was in the animated DC League Of Super-Pets, assembling all kinds of four-legged heroes from across the DC Universe to thwart Lex Luthor’s plans when the Justice League are out of commission. Dwayne Johnson (no stranger to DC characters) voices Krypto here, in a family adventure packed with jokes and easter eggs for those who’ve long loved the comics – the perfect primer to get on board with Clark’s unruly powered-up pooch.

Watch DC League Of Super-Pets on digital here