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Man of Steel

Man of Steel

You are not alone.

2013143 minPG-13Midcredits score: 78th percentile of all films
Director
Zack Snyder
Starring
Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Diane Lane

A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Man of Steel?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Man of Steel streaming on HBO Max and to rent or buy on Apple TV and Prime Video.

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Highlights

What stands out about Man of Steel?

Man of Steel earns 11 badges, led by Visual feast and Star-studded.

Show 3 more
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Cast

Reception

Is Man of Steel worth watching?

Man of Steel's Midcredits score is the 78th percentile of all films, from 1.9M ratings across 6 sources. 72% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

78th percentile

Better received than 78% of films

88th percentile among Action78th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)72nd
Approval (how many liked it)81st

68 /100

72nd percentile of all films

85th percentile among Action71st percentile among 2010s

Critics 55 · Audience 68

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.3 — solid but not unanimous.

72% liked it

81st percentile of all films

87th percentile among Action82nd percentile among 2010s
72% rated it 7–1028% rated it 1–6

Critics 57% · Audience 75%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 7 wins / 45 noms overall

  • NominatedBAFTA Awards· BAFTA Kids Vote - Feature Film

89th percentile

1.9M ratings across platforms

81st percentile among Action90th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Up 2% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$225M
Opening weekend$117M
Domestic gross$291M
Worldwide gross$670M

Returned 3.0× its budget — 98th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Man of Steel is a dark, serious, and visually ambitious reimagining of Superman's origin that prioritizes spectacle over warmth.

Fans praised

  • visually stunning, epic action sequences
  • Henry Cavill's grounded, emotionally conflicted Superman
  • Hans Zimmer's soaring, emotional score

Detractors panned

  • humorless, relentlessly grim tone
  • excessive, repetitive CGI destruction in the final act
  • Superman's lack of concern for civilian casualties

What stands out

Sound and musicDivisive85

Zimmer's score is a standout; praised for emotional and epic quality

Cinematography82

Stunning, comic-book panel visuals; criticized for shaky cam in action

Effects and spectacleDivisive78

Spectacular CGI destruction and epic set pieces; often feels overwhelming and fake

ActingDivisive75

Cavill compelling as conflicted hero; Shannon menacing as Zod; Crowe and Costner praised as fathers

AtmosphereDivisive70

Dark, grounded, mythic tone divides fans and detractors

Emotional impactDivisive55

Internal struggle resonates for fans; others find it emotionally hollow

CharactersDivisive50

Clark burdened by identity; Zod given clear motives; Lois Lane underdeveloped; Jonathan Kent's death criticized as contrived

Plot and storyDivisive45

Coherent origin but thin plot; second half devolves into repetitive action; plot holes and convenient logic

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 19 points higher than women.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 5 points apart
  • Critics vs users 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 3 points apart

Watch experience

What is Man of Steel like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Big and sweeping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want to be swept up in something big.

It is intense and leaves you thinking. Skip it when you want an easy night.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings.

What it feels like

Big and sweeping.

Moods
TenseMelancholicThrilling
Heaviest: late
Register
Epic · 2% of films: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Nonlinear · 6% of films: Events shown out of chronological order.
ToneThe film plays its material straight with a heavy, mythological seriousness, treating Superman as a figure of profound responsibility.
The rideThe film maintains a tense and melancholic mood, building to a climax of intense action and a devastating personal decision.
StructureThe story unfolds through flashbacks to Clark's past, intercut with his present confrontation with Zod, revealing his journey from childhood to becoming Superman.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves the viewer contemplating the burden of power and the meaning of heroism, but also with a sense of hope for humanity's future under Superman's protection.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterInvasion
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% (this title) · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Invasion: An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeSuperman must stop General Zod from terraforming Earth while coming to terms with his Kryptonian heritage and his role as humanity's protector.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSacrificeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% (this title) · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Sacrifice · 4% of filmsIdentity · 14% of filmsSurvival
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Global stakes: Consequences reach the world.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on Clark's willingness to sacrifice his own peace and even kill to protect humanity, while grappling with who he is.
StanceThe film interrogates what it means to sacrifice for others, especially when killing is required, and questions the limits of heroism.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanRuralWildernessScience fiction
Orchestral modernForeground music · original score
SettingModern Earth with Kryptonian sci-fi elements, from Kansas farmland to Metropolis to the Arctic.

Content guide

Is Man of Steel okay for kids?

PG-13

Man of Steel is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, action and destruction, and for some language” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (60/100), sexual content at mild (22/100), language at moderate (41/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (26/100) and frightening material at moderate (59/100). Overall it is heavier than 63% of PG-13-rated films.

Ratings in 36 other countries
  • UK12A
  • Canada18A
  • AustraliaM
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12A
  • New ZealandM
  • JapanG
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil12
  • Belgium14
  • BGC
  • Czechia15+
  • Denmark11
  • FinlandK-12
  • GreeceΚ-12
  • Hong KongIIA
  • Hungary16
  • IndiaUA
  • ItalyT
  • KZБА
  • LTN-7
  • MexicoB-15
  • Netherlands12
  • Norway12
  • Poland16
  • PortugalM/12
  • RO12
  • Russia12+
  • SK12
  • South AfricaPG-13
  • Spain12
  • Sweden11
  • Switzerland16
  • Taiwan保護級
  • TH13
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 39% of all filmsHeavier than 63% of PG-13-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 70%
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 34%
Profanity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 48%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 30%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 73%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 70% of PG-13-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Man of Steel have?

MovieCove's classifier found 5 depicted content warnings in Man of Steel: War atrocities (severe), Gun violence (moderate), Medical procedures (mild), plus 2 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. 1 more is mentioned only, in dialogue or backstory (behind the spoiler gate). Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

SevereWar atrocities
ModerateGun violence
MildMedical procedures

Mentioned: referenced in dialogue or backstory, not shown in the story’s present.

Cast and crew

Who is in Man of Steel?

Cast

5 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Henry Cavill
as Clark Kent
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Amy Adams
as Lois Lane
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Michael Shannon
as General Zod
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Diane Lane
as Martha Kent
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.
Russell Crowe
as Jor-El
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Antje Traue
as Faora-Ul
Breakout: Their highest-reaching film role at the time, and they went on to a career at least 3 times their standing then.
Harry Lennix
as General Swanwick
Richard Schiff
as Dr. Emil Hamilton
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Christopher Meloni
as Colonel Nathan Hardy
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Kevin Costner
as Jonathan Kent
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Man of Steel?

Movies like Man of Steel include Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), The Dark Knight Rises (2012) and The Tomorrow War (2021). Of the 12 closest matches, several are films written by David S. Goyer, and most are superhero films.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

Zack Snyder directed 3 of these 12. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Man of Steel?

378 other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: alien contact. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.