Superman

Superman opens with Jor-El (Marlon Brando) trying to convince the ruling council of Krypton that their planet is doomed. His theories are met with opposition and he is left with no other option but to place his infant son in a spaceship bound for Earth. There Jor-El’s son will be endowed with super powers and will learn the meanings of truth and justice. Superman is a landmark in comic-book superhero cinema thanks to groundbreaking special effects, a rousing theme from John Williams and heavyweight direction from Richard Donner. The film's stellar cast is also impressive, including a manic Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor, Margot Kidder as a feisty Lois Lane and the then relatively unknown Christopher Reeve in the title role.