Calling Superman “a” superhero doesn’t give him enough credit. “The” superhero fits much better.

The character became the model for the entire superhero genre since his introduction. Even today his influence persists, whether through direct inspirations, or through characters and stories invented in response to his iconic status.

It naturally follows that Superman has found himself lifted off the page and onto the screen in numerous animated incarnations. Though the framework largely stays the same, each project puts its own special touch on Superman. Some add special focus on particular existing aspects of his character. Others come up with brand new angles entirely.

Read on for a ranking of the most compelling takes on Superman known to the animation medium. The most heroic, the most fearsome, and even the most amusing all have their place in this list.

1. DC Animated Universe

The DC Animated Universe (DCAU), heralded by Bruce Timm and Paul Dini, introduced versions of several characters that fans still find definitive even today, including Superman. Superman got his own show in Superman: The Animated Series, but he shines the most in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited.

Superman’s character arc throughout the DCAU puts other versions to shame, especially every “evil Superman” storyline. Superman had to face down his potential for harm when he faced off against the Justice Lords, an alternate universe version of the Justice League led by a Superman who slew President Lex Luthor.

This Superman’s principles face challenge after challenge from escalating hostilities from supervillains, the US government, and even his own allies. This paints a path to show how Superman could go rogue much better than any other story to run with this concept.

2. All-Star Superman

How does the Man of Steel spend his final days? After becoming overcharged with solar radiation, Superman has become more powerful than ever at the cost of his own mortality. He spends his limited time left doing what he always does: stopping evil and loving Lois Lane.

This story puts everything that makes Superman great on full display. The final confrontation with Lex Luthor shows his greatest power of all. He sees on a subatomic level how all living beings connect as one. That creates his drive to do whatever he can for the good of mankind. This version reaches this high rank with how deep he gets into the heart of why people love Superman.

3. Fleisher Superman

In the 1940s, Fleisher Studios embarked on a series of theatrical Superman animated shorts that many still regard as one of the finest depictions of the character. Created relatively early in Superman’s existence, these shorts show a much more toned-down version of Superman than modern viewers may find familiar. But that works to his strength, as seeing him strain and struggle as he accomplishes his heroic feats makes them all the more impressive.

The nature of these cartoons as theatrical shorts makes the animation even more special. This mode of production gives the shorts a quality unlike what typically comes out of TV or direct-to-video animation. The more nuanced and, at times, lifelike movement makes this Superman even more super.

4. Justice League: Gods and Monsters

Gods and Monsters imagined brand new origins for DC’s Big Three for a darker universe. In this setting, General Zod replaced Zor-El’s DNA with his own to father Superman. Rather than crashing in Kansas as usual, Superman’s ship landed in Mexico, where a family of migrant workers adopted him.

This Superman doesn’t seek to take over the world like Injustice’s Superman, but he has no qualms against killing when he finds it convenient. Just ask the cell of terrorists he annihilated.

Rather than a selfless savior to mankind or a ruthless villain, this one lands in anti-hero territory. Such a fresh take on Superman deserves a high spot on this list.

5. 75th Anniversary Superman

In 2013, DC celebrated Superman’s 75th anniversary with an animated short celebrating the hero’s entire legacy. It created an image of Superman that amalgamated versions from across comics, cartoons, and live-action into a single portrayal.

The short starts by recreating his very first comic appearance from Action Comics #1. From there, it progresses through milestones all along the character’s nearly century-long existence. It features major stories like The Death of Superman, allies like Supergirl and Steel, and animated depictions of his live-action actors, including Tom Welling and Henry Cavill.

Having bits and pieces of nearly every Superman in existence makes him the perfect choice to round out the top five.

6. My Adventures With Superman

Behold: a Superman so young that his childhood memories include smartphones. Feel old yet? My Adventures With Superman presents an early-20s Clark Kent just starting his career at The Daily Planet with his best pal, Jimmy Olsen, and his girlfriend, Lois Lane.

This version shows all the major beginnings in this young man’s life. He starts his journalism career as an inexperienced intern, awakens his powers, learns of his origins, and enters his relationship with his future wife — all at the same time while managing his general awkward personality. It really does take a Superman to handle all of that.

His goofy and clumsy nature make him one of the most affectionately-loveable incarnations ever.

7. Young Justice

With most focus going toward the younger generation of heroes, Young Justice primarily views Superman through his relationship with his brother and clone, Conner Kent the Superboy. The relationship between the two starts out rocky, thanks to Conner’s origin. Lex Luthor created Superboy by stealing DNA from Superman and mixing it with his own. Clark didn’t know how to connect to his brand-new brother, who yearned for guidance and acceptance.

The borderline neglectful treatment Clark gives Connor contrasts Superman’s usual goodhearted nature. His difficulty adjusting shows that despite all the powers, he still has human emotions and all the complexities that come with them. Eventually the two come to terms with each other and forge a strong relationship. Superman takes pride in his new family member, and the two of them work together to defeat General Zod and his army when they escape The Phantom Zone.

This version shows that even Superman has room to grow emotionally.

8. DC Animated Movie Universe

When DC properly introduced its new animated cinematic universe based on the New 52 relaunch with Justice League: War, even Superman got a fresh take. The Superman featured in War seems a far cry from the noble and humble personality the Man of Steel usually has.

This version of Superman presents a much more brash and arrogant attitude than fans have seen before. This implies a Superman at a younger and less wise phase of his life, as he fights Batman and Green Lantern rather than trying to talk things out with them first. He only pauses when Batman reveals he knows his secret identity as Clark Kent. The final twist comes when Superman and Wonder Woman start a brief fling.

Throughout the movie series, Superman grows into a much more familiar figure. He and Wonder Woman break up, and he gets together with his traditional love, Lois Lane. The duo of The Death of Superman and Reign of the Supermen showed that as time went by, he became the beloved symbol that Metropolis and the rest of the Earth look to for hope.

However, by the end of the cinematic universe, he still maintained a touch of the brashness he started with. His foolish plan to declare war on Darkseid left countless heroes dead, and others turned into brainwashed servants of the New God. It took years of walking the Earth with a Kryptonite tattoo before he got the opportunity to right his wrongs.

9. Legion of Superheroes

A young Clark Kent just getting to learn his powers doesn’t come along every day. In Legion of Superheroes, the titular team from the 31st century snatches a teenage Clark out of his home in 21st-century Kansas and brings him to the future. In the 31st century, Superman has ascended to the status of legend, so young Clark has a lot to live up to.

This Superman has so little control over his abilities that he initially has to rely on one of the Legion’s flight rings to fly. But he doesn’t stay like this for the whole series. He returns to his own time at the end of the first season and returns as an older and impressively more skilled young man in the next.

The second season also gives the gift of an additional Superman, as Superman X joins the team. Cloned from the original, this Superman traveled back in time from the 41st century in his search to defeat the evil villain Imperiex. He has a colder and more aggressive personality than the other Superman, but he gradually evolves into a warmer person thanks to his relationship with the Legion.

10. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox

The Flash’s attempt to travel back in time and save his mother’s life inadvertently creates a new timeline on the brink of collapse. One of the most impactful changes came with the fate of Superman. Instead of reaching the caring hands of Ma and Pa Kent, he ends up in the custody of the U.S. government.

Locked in an underground vault for his entire life, he has no understanding of his powers nor even basic interactions with other people. A sad sight to see, this Superman has a malnourished body and a mind riddled with fear.

He sees sunlight for the first time in his life thanks to the help of Batman, Flash, and Cyborg. Unfortunately, this beautiful moment becomes tainted when he accidentally activates his heat vision and turns several soldiers into ash. He flees in fear and shame, and only returns in the final battle where he literally disarms Aquaman and watches in sadness as Cyborg succumbs to his wounds.

Such a somber and melancholy version of Superman doesn’t come around every day, so this vision of him deserves recognition.

11. Harley Quinn

Despite the villains taking the reins in this show, Harley Quinn still finds time to give Superman some shine. Unfortunately for him, most of his scenes involve him becoming indisposed. In season one, the Queen of Fables takes him and several other Justice Leaguers out of the action by trapping them in her magical storybook.

In season four, he finds himself depowered by Lex Luthor’s antics on three separate occasions, the final one leaving him bald and emaciated. Thankfully, by the end, he’s feeling good enough to repair the shattered moon all by himself. On better days, this Superman has a handful of cute moments with the love of his life, Lois Lane.

His heroics don’t get much focus. That gives his earnestness and sweetness more room to shine.

12. Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam

Superman and Shazam have joined forces in animation multiple times, but this one holds a special place for giving them a positive relationship. The only other time these two spent so much time together in a cartoon came from Justice League Unlimited. That’s when those two fought so hard they destroyed an entire neighborhood, and Shazam (at the time still referred to as Captain Marvel) quit the Justice League.

In Superman/Shazam!, Clark meets the orphan Billy Batson to write an article about him. The timing lines up with Billy becoming anointed with the power of Shazam and engaging in his fated battle with Black Adam. It’s great to see Superman acting as a mentor to Billy, both as a superhero and as a regular person. Seeing him do good even when outside of his cape and tights elevates him to the middle of this list.

13. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths

Early in this movie, Superman confronts the last thing he wants to see: an unclothed Lex Luthor asking for his help. This Lex came from an alternate universe where the heroes and villains have flipped around. He asks Superman and the rest of the Justice League to help free his world from their alternate selves.

While nowhere near the meanest Superman on this list, this one certainly means business. He’s stern and impatient, but it comes from a place of confidence. Seeing as how he and the rest of the League exceeded Lex’s expectations in dismantling the Crime Syndicate, he definitely earned that confidence.

While his competence impresses, some may prefer a more warm and cuddly Supes.

14. The Adventures of Seinfeld & Superman

The banking and credit card company American Express came up with a brilliant pair of sponsors for their services: Superman and Jerry Seinfeld. The short film-length advertisements mixed animation and live-action footage to show the two spending the day together in New York City.

Patrick Warburton provides the voice for this Superman, which creates an unusual portrayal. Audiences most recognize the actor for characters such as Brock Samson from The Venture Bros. and Kronk from The Emperor’s New Groove. But with Warburton previously appearing on Seinfeld and the two later joining animated forces again in Bee Movie, everything falls into place.

Superman’s portrayal as (mostly) a normal guy with regular interests and conversation topics almost feels like a precursor to MAX’s Harley Quinn. Superman and Seinfeld spend the shorts discussing mundane topics like reality TV, surround sound DVD players, and tuna sandwiches with too much mayo.

15. Batman: The Brave and the Bold

In a show all about Batman and his team-ups, Superman has to make an appearance. The World’s Finest spend the beginning of the episode teaming up as true pals to protect Metropolis. However, things take a turn when Superman declares himself king thanks to the corrupting radiation of Red Kryptonite.

Batman and Krypto, the Superdog, team up to stall the evil Superman until the Red Kryptonite wears off. This temporarily evil Superman won’t hold back at all, not even for his dog. While the fight between Clark and Bruce resembles the one in The Dark Knight Returns (and later Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice), Superman has the upper hand on this one. He would’ve finished crushing Batman’s skull with his bare hand if the clock hadn’t stopped him.

With all the more recent versions of “evil Superman,” many fans will find this more playful version refreshing.

16. Justice League: New Frontier

This retro version of Superman based on the late Darwyn Cooke’s DC: New Frontier comics turns the up the idealism to the max. In a world of fear, paranoia, and subterfuge, this Superman has an unwavering belief in the American ideals. He stands firm in his convictions, even when it puts him at odds with Wonder Woman or the government.

His strength of character makes it clear why everyone looks to him for leadership. He’s able to cut through the bickering and unite the disparate factions of fighters for the good of the planet.

This version captures Superman’s idealism, but perhaps too well. Some may find his old-school faith in America comes on a bit too strong in this film for modern tastes.

17. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

“Truth, justice and the American way” has many interpretations. But in Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, it apparently means serving as the president’s lapdog. An elderly Batman has brought order to Gotham, even as the rest of the country descends into chaos. The president can’t have the Dark Knight making him look bad, so he orders Superman to put Bruce back into retirement.

Bruce puts the Batman vs. Superman debate to an end (just kidding; it will never end) by defeating Clark with the help of a power suit and a one-armed Green Arrow. For the crime of putting blind obedience to the government over helping people, this Superman faced the ultimate humbling at Batman’s hand.

This Superman feels like a depiction tailor-made for fans who prefer Batman, which will satisfy some but annoy others.

18. Teen Titans Go!

Unlike its predecessor, Teen Titans Go! has no qualms against using the big-name adult heroes of the DC universe. With that door open, Superman has made numerous appearances.

Superman’s showings typically come in the style of an old-timey silent cartoon where he acts out wacky scenarios with no dialogue. He also tends to show up at parties, which go poorly when hosted by the Titans. Their shindigs have seen him poisoned with Kryptonite-flavored ice cream cake and turned into an evil witch at a Halloween party. Thankfully, his surprise birthday party for Batman left him uninjured.

Don’t expect too deep from this one. But as a silly gag, he works just fine.

19. DC Superhero Girls

For those seeking a humble, wise, and mature Superman, look elsewhere. With Supergirl as a main character of DC Superhero Girls, her “little” cousin just had to make an appearance or two.

DC Superhero Girls created an unusual personality for Superman to stir up the family rivalry between the two Kryptonians. This Superman overflows with pride and loves to tease his less-experienced cousin. Conflict comes from the two constantly trying to prove themselves while trying to tick off the other hero. Enjoy the only Superman on this list who’d ever call someone a “doofus.” But maybe pick a different Superman to look to as a role model.

20. The Batman

The Batman creates a bit of role reversal in how it introduces Superman and Batman to each other. This time around, Superman wins the fight over who has the most trust issues. Surprisingly, it’s Batman who convinces him to leave the life of a loner and join the Justice League, not the other way around.

The episode also gives the audience a peek at one of the nerdiest Clark Kents ever. Poor Clark couldn’t get Lois to say yes to his invitation to watch educational TV in his apartment.

Superman as the distrustful loner provides an interesting twist, but not a big enough of a shakeup to get high praise.

21. Superman: Red Son

In 2020, DC released an animated adaptation of Superman: Red Son, the classic Elseworlds comic where an infant Superman crash lands in the Soviet Union instead of America. Superman proves instrumental to the success of his new home nation. He kills Joseph Stalin after learning of his secret gulags and leads the country as it becomes the world’s dominant power.

While he doesn’t advocate for truth, justice, and the American way, this Superman still cares deeply for the safety and prosperity of his people. However, he oversteps his bounds into tyranny, thanks in part to the corrupting influence of Brainiac. After realizing the errors of his ways, Superman fakes his death while saving the planet from Brainiac’s self-destruct and lives the rest of his days in anonymity as an ordinary man.

Even though Red Son does a good job of showing Superman’s deep ambition to help mankind, tying it to some shaky Cold War political commentary detracts from the quality of his character writing.

22. Injustice

Joker’s “one bad day” theory may not have worked on Commissioner Jim Gordon, but it went exactly as planned in Injustice. Superman fell victim to a mixture of Kryptonite and Scarecrow’s fear gas. The resulting hallucinations caused Superman to kill his pregnant wife, Lois Lane, which triggered a nuclear bomb in Metropolis set to go off upon her death.

This breaks Superman so thoroughly that he becomes an entirely different person. He kills Joker and puts anyone else who crosses him in the crosshairs. He and his allies form a worldwide superpowered security state, while Batman and his team form a resistance. Superman justifies his actions by saying he wants to protect the Earth, but his wanton massacre of a warehouse full of Joker-cosplaying ravers proved otherwise.

After being beaten by an alternate universe version of himself and talking with an alternate universe Lois Lane, he finally agrees to surrender and imprisonment. His flimsy descent into despotism and even flimsier surrender put him at the bottom of this list.