In the pantheon of superheroes, few icons have undergone as many reinventions as Superman, the Last Son of Krypton whose cape has fluttered across screens for nearly a century. From grainy 1940s serials to the glossy spectacle of today’s blockbusters, the Man of Steel has been embodied by a parade of actors, each imprinting their own essence on Clark Kent’s dual life of mild-mannered reporter and god-like savior.

But in a recent fan-voted showdown on Ranker, where over 12,000 enthusiasts weighed in on the best portrayals, the results have ignited fierce debates: Christopher Reeve soars to the top spot, Henry Cavill claims a gritty second, David Corenswet shocks at third—and Tom Welling’s heartfelt Smallville tenure lands a respectable fourth. Yet, it’s that bronze medal for Corenswet, the newcomer barely out of the gate, that’s got everyone buzzing. Who could’ve predicted this fresh face would leapfrog veterans in the hearts of fans so soon?

Christopher Reeve’s crowning as the greatest isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a testament to timeless perfection. In the 1978 classic Superman: The Movie, Reeve didn’t just play the hero; he became him. With those soulful blue eyes, impeccable comic timing as the bumbling Clark, and a soaring optimism that made audiences believe a man could fly, Reeve captured Superman’s core: unyielding hope amid chaos.

His four-film run, culminating in the poignant Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, blended spectacle with humanity, turning a comic-book archetype into a cultural beacon. Even after his tragic 1995 accident left him paralyzed, Reeve’s advocacy for spinal cord research echoed the character’s selfless spirit, cementing his legacy as more than an actor—he was Superman incarnate.

Hot on his heels at number two is Henry Cavill, whose darker, more brooding take in Zack Snyder’s DC Extended Universe redefined the hero for a jaded era. Debuting in 2013’s Man of Steel, Cavill brought chiseled intensity and philosophical depth, portraying a Superman torn between his alien heritage and earthly burdens. Scenes like his gut-wrenching resurrection in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice showcased a god-like figure grappling with mortality, while his mustache-mangling Justice League reshoots became meme gold. Critics divided audiences—some decried the gloom, others praised the maturity—but Cavill’s physicality and quiet charisma made him the Man of Steel for millennials, proving Superman could brood without losing his steel.

Then comes the wildcard: David Corenswet at third, a placement that’s as audacious as it is unforeseen. Announced in 2023 as the lead in James Gunn’s rebooted Superman (hitting theaters July 2025), Corenswet was a relative unknown, fresh off The Politician and Pearl. Yet, early footage and Gunn’s optimistic vision—a blend of heart, humor, and high-stakes action—have fans anointing him prematurely.

Corenswet channels Reeve’s warmth with a modern edge: vulnerable yet fierce, funny in Clark’s glasses, and radiating empathy in a world craving heroes who smile. His Juilliard-honed depth promises to explore Superman’s immigrant roots and moral compass, making this ranking feel prophetic rather than premature. Is it hype? Or has Corenswet already flown higher than expected?

Rounding out the top four is Tom Welling, whose decade-long arc in Smallville (2001-2011) offered a grounded origin story like no other. As a teen Clark navigating super-strength, high school drama, and destiny’s weight, Welling infused the role with relatable angst and quiet growth. No full cape until the finale, but his evolution from farm boy to fledgling savior built emotional investment, earning nods from Reeve himself in cameos. It’s a reminder that Superman’s power lies not just in flight, but in the human journey to heroism.

This Ranker poll underscores Superman’s enduring appeal: a symbol of possibility that evolves with us. As Corenswet’s film looms, one thing’s clear—the debate rages on, and the skies are wide open for the next twist. Who will claim the top spot tomorrow?