Superman (1978)

Superman
Theatrical Performance
Domestic Box Office $134,218,018Details
International Box Office $165,981,982Details
Worldwide Box Office $300,200,000
Further financial details...

Metrics

Opening Weekend:$7,465,343 (5.6% of total gross)
Legs:12.95 (domestic box office/biggest weekend)
Domestic Share:44.7% (domestic box office/worldwide)
Production Budget:$55,000,000 (worldwide box office is 5.5 times production budget)
Theater counts:508 opening theaters/817 max. theaters, 3.6 weeks average run per theater
Infl. Adj. Dom. BO $575,547,234

Latest Ranking on Cumulative Box Office Lists

RecordRankAmount
All Time Domestic Box Office (Rank 401-500) 500 $134,218,018
All Time International Box Office (Rank 601-700) 632 $165,981,982
All Time Worldwide Box Office (Rank 501-600) 556 $300,200,000
All Time Domestic Box Office for Super Hero Movies 72 $134,218,018
All Time International Box Office for Super Hero Movies 71 $165,981,982
All Time Worldwide Box Office for Super Hero Movies 72 $300,200,000

See the Box Office tab (Domestic) and International tab (International and Worldwide) for more Cumulative Box Office Records.


Watch Now On

Amazon VOD:Amazon

Movie Details

Domestic Releases: December 15th, 1978 (Wide) by Warner Bros.
International Releases: July 9th, 2020 (Limited) (New Zealand)
December 3rd, 2020 (Limited) (Australia)
April 7th, 2023 (Limited) (United Kingdom)
April 14th, 2023 (Wide) (Spain)
April 16th, 2023 (Special Engagement) (Rerelease) (Spain)
... Show all releases
Video Release: May 1st, 2001 by Warner Home Video, released as Superman - The Movie
MPAA Rating: PG for peril, some mild sensuality and language.
Running Time: 143 minutes
Franchise: Superman
Comparisons: vs. Superman II
Create your own comparison chart…
Keywords: Visual Effects, D.C. Comics, Heroic Adventure, Unexpected Families, Adopted Family, Time Travel, Romance, Death of a Girlfriend / Boyfriend
Source:Based on Comic/Graphic Novel
Genre:Adventure
Production Method:Live Action
Creative Type:Super Hero
Production/Financing Companies: Warner Bros., Dovemead Ltd.
Production Countries: Panama, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States
Languages: English

Ranking on other Records and Milestones

RecordRankAmountChart
Date
Days In
Release
New Year's Day (All Movies, 3-Day) 134 $10,364,384 Dec 29, 1978 17
New Year's Day (All Movies, 3-Day, Inflation Adjusted) 17 $50,050,231 Dec 29, 1978 17
Christmas (All Movies, 3-Day) 237 $6,535,784 Dec 22, 1978 10
Christmas (All Movies, 3-Day, Inflation Adjusted) 68 $31,561,691 Dec 22, 1978 10

Compare this performance with other movies…

Domestic Cumulative Box Office Records

Weekend Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
Dec 15, 1978 1 $7,465,343   508 $14,696   $7,465,343 1
Dec 22, 1978 2 $6,535,784 -12% 806 $8,109   $18,580,136 2
Dec 29, 1978 1 $10,364,384 +59% 817 $12,686   $40,925,251 3
Jan 5, 1979 1 $7,492,687 -28% 806 $9,296   $54,826,254 4

Daily Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossDays
Dec 15, 1978 1 $2,187,100   508 $4,305   $2,187,100 1
Dec 16, 1978 1 $2,762,112 +26% 508 $5,437   $4,949,212 2
Dec 17, 1978 1 $2,516,131 -9% 508 $4,953   $7,465,343 3

Weekly Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
Dec 15, 1978 1 $12,044,352   508 $23,709   $12,044,352 1
Dec 22, 1978 1 $18,516,515 +54% 806 $22,973   $30,560,867 2
Dec 29, 1978 1 $16,772,700 -9% 817 $20,530   $47,333,567 3

Box Office Summary Per Territory

Territory Release
Date
Opening
Weekend
Opening
Weekend
Screens
Maximum
Screens
Theatrical
Engagements
Total
Box Office
Report
Date
Australia 12/3/2020 $15 1 1 1 $15 12/11/2020
Italy 4/24/2023 $0000$0
New Zealand 7/9/2020 $0 0 1 1 $396 6/28/2023
Spain 4/16/2023 $17,052 169 169 169 $17,052 4/20/2023
United Kingdom 4/7/2023 $19,129 128 128 176 $92,304 6/21/2023
 
Rest of World $165,872,215
 
International Total$165,981,982 6/28/2023

International Cumulative Box Office Records


Worldwide Cumulative Box Office Records


Leading Cast

Christopher Reeve    Superman

Supporting Cast

Ned Beatty    Otis
Jackie Cooper    Perry White
Gene Hackman    Lex Luthor
Marlon Brando    Jor-El
Glenn Ford    Jonathan Kent
Trevor Howard    1st Elder
Margot Kidder    Lois Lane
Valerie Perrine    Eve Teschmacher
Maria Schell    Vond-Ah
Terence Stamp    General Zod
Phyllis Thaxter    Ma Kent
Susannah York    Lara
Jack O'Halloran    Non
Jeff East    Young Clark Kent
Marc McClure    Jimmy Olsen
Sarah Douglas    Ursa
Harry Andrews    Elder
Vass Anderson    Elder
John Hollis    Elder
James Elder    Elder
Michael Gover    Elder
David Neal    Elder
William Russell    Elder
Penelope Lee    Elder
John Stuart    Elder
Alan Cullen    Elder
Lee Quigley    Baby Kal-El
Aaron Smolinski    Baby Clark Kent
Diane Sherry    Lana Lang
Jeff Atcheson    Coach
Brad Flock    Football Player
David Petrou    Team Manager
Billy J. Mitchell    Editor
Robert Henderson    Editor
Larry Lamb    Reporter
James Brockington    Reporter
John Cassady    Reporter
John F Parker    Reporter
Antony Scott    Reporter
Ray Evans    Reporter
Sue Shifrin    Reporter
Miquel Brown    Reporter
Vincent Marzello    Copy Boy
Benjamin Feitelson    Copy Boy
Lise Hilboldt    Secretary
Leueen Willoughby    Secretary
Jill Ingham    Perry's Secretary
Pieter Stuyck    Window Cleaner
Weston Gavin    Mugger
Stephen Kahan    Officer
Ray Hassett    Officer
Randy Jurgensen    Officer
Matt Russo    News Vendor
Colin Skeaping    Pilot
Bo Rucker    Pimp
Paul Avery    TV Cameraman
David Baxt    Burglar
George Harris II    Patrolman Mooney
Michael Harrington    Hood
John Cording    Hood
Raymond Thompson    Hood
Oz Clarke    Hood
Rex Everhart    Desk Sergeant
Jayne Tottman    Little Girl
Frank Lazarus    Air Force One Pilot
Brian Protheroe    Co-pilot
Lawrence Trimble    Crewman
Robert Whelan    Crewman
David Calder    Crewman
Norwich Duff    Newscaster
G. Keith Alexander    Newscaster
Michael Ensign    Newscaster
Paul Tuerpe    Sgt. Hayley
Graham McPherson    Lieutenant
David Yorston    Petty Officer
Robert O'Neill    Admiral
Robert MacLeod    General
John Ratzenberger    Controller
Alan Tilvern    Controller
Phil Brown    State Senator
Bill Bailey    Senator
Burnell Tucker    Agent
Tug Smith    Indian Chief
Norman Warwick    Superchief Driver
Chuck Julian    Assistant
Colin Etherington    Power Co. Driver
Mark Wynter    Mate
Roy Stevens    Warden

Cameos

Rex Reed    Rex Reed
Larry Hagman    Major

For a description of the different acting role types we use to categorize acting perfomances, see our Glossary.

Production and Technical Credits

Richard Donner    Director
Mario Puzo    Screenwriter
David Newman    Screenwriter
Leslie Newman    Screenwriter
Robert Benton    Screenwriter
Pierre Spengler    Producer
Mario Puzo    Story by
John Williams    Composer
Ilya Salkind    Executive Producer
John Barry    Production Designer
Geoffrey Unsworth    Director of Photography
Charles Greenlaw    Associate Producer
David Tomblin    Assistant Director
Dominic Fulford    Assistant Director
Vincent Winter    Assistant Director
Michael Dryhurst    Assistant Director
Allan James    Assistant Director
Gareth Tandy    Assistant Director
Jerry Grandey    Assistant Director
Michael Rauch    Assistant Director
Bud Grace    Assistant Director
David Tomblin    Second Unit Director
John Glen    Second Unit Director
John Barry    Second Unit Director
David Lane    Second Unit Director
Robert Lynn    Second Unit Director
Dusty Symonds    Production Manager
Peter Runfolo    Production Manager
Les Kimber    Production Manager
Austen Jewell    Production Manager
Robert Simmonds    Production Supervisor
Timothy Burrill    Production Supervisor
Tim Hampton    Production Supervisor
Maurice Fowler    Supervising Art Director
Bill Brodie    Supervising Art Director
Norman Dorme    Art Director
Norman Reynolds    Art Director
Ernest Archer    Art Director
Tony Reading    Art Director
Leslie Dilley    Art Director
Stuart Craig    Art Director
Gene Rudolf    Art Director
Philip Bennet    Art Director
Stan Jolley    Art Director
Peter Howitt    Set Decorator
Fred Weiler    Set Decorator
Alex Thomson    Additional Photography
Jack Atcheler    Additional Photography
Bob Collins    Additional Photography
Reginald Morris    Additional Photography
Sol Negrin    Additional Photography
Les Bowie    Visual Effects Supervisor-Mattes and Composites
Denys Coop    Visual Effects Supervisor-Process Photography
Roy Field    Visual Effects Supervisor-Optical Visual Effects
Zoran Perisic    Visual Effects Supervisor-Zoptic Effects
Derek Meddings    Special Effects-Model Effects
Colin Chilvers    Special Effects-Creative Supervisor and Director of Special Effects
Yvonne Blake    Costume Designer
Betty Adamson    Costume Designer-Additional Costume Designer
Betty Adamson    Costume Supervisor
Stuart Baird    Editor
Michael Ellis    Editor
Gordon McCallum    Sound Mixer
Roy Charman    Sound Mixer
Norman Bolland    Sound Mixer
Brian Marshall    Sound Mixer
Richard Raguse    Sound Mixer
Chris Large    Sound Mixer
Charles Schmitz    Production Manager
Gordon McCallum    Re-recording Mixer
Graham V. Hartstone    Re-recording Mixer
Nicolas Le Messurier    Re-recording Mixer
Chris Greenham    Supervising Sound Editor
Peter Pennell    Sound Effects Editor
Stan Fiferman    Sound Effects Editor
John Foster    Sound Effects Editor
Michael Hopkins    Dialogue Editor
Pat Foster    Dialogue Editor
Stuart Freeborn    Make up-Creative Supervisor
Leslie Bricusse    Song Writer
Jerry Siegel    Based on the Character Created by
Joe Shuster    Based on the Character Created by
Lynn Stalmaster    Casting Director
Mary Selway    Casting Director
Alf Joint    Stunt Coordinator
Vic Armstrong    Stunt Coordinator
Alex Stevens    Stunt Coordinator

The bold credits above the line are the "above-the-line" credits, the other the "below-the-line" credits.

DVD and Blu-ray Releases for June 7th, 2011

June 7th, 2011

The summer is usually a really weak time for home market releases, but this week is amazing. Not only are there two $100 million hits coming out on DVD / Blu-ray this week, but there are also half-a-dozen TV on DVD releases, a few limited releases, direct-to-DVD releases, and catalog titles, many of which are worth picking up, or even contenders for Pick of the Week. I tried to narrow the list of contenders down to one, but I couldn't do it. In the end I went with Leverage: Season Three on DVD and True Grit on Blu-ray / DVD Combo Pack as co-winners of the Pick of the Week. More...


  1. Summary
  2. News
  3. Box Office
  4. International
  5. Video Sales
  6. Cast & Crew
  7. Trailer

Metrics

Opening Weekend:$7,465,343 (5.6% of total gross)
Legs:12.95 (domestic box office/biggest weekend)
Domestic Share:44.7% (domestic box office/worldwide)
Production Budget:$55,000,000 (worldwide box office is 5.5 times production budget)
Theater counts:508 opening theaters/817 max. theaters, 3.6 weeks average run per theater
Infl. Adj. Dom. BO $575,547,234

Latest Ranking on Cumulative Box Office Lists

RecordRankAmount
All Time Domestic Box Office (Rank 401-500) 500 $134,218,018
All Time International Box Office (Rank 601-700) 632 $165,981,982
All Time Worldwide Box Office (Rank 501-600) 556 $300,200,000
All Time Domestic Box Office for Super Hero Movies 72 $134,218,018
All Time International Box Office for Super Hero Movies 71 $165,981,982
All Time Worldwide Box Office for Super Hero Movies 72 $300,200,000

See the Box Office tab (Domestic) and International tab (International and Worldwide) for more Cumulative Box Office Records.


Watch Now On

Amazon VOD:Amazon

Movie Details

Domestic Releases: December 15th, 1978 (Wide) by Warner Bros.
International Releases: July 9th, 2020 (Limited) (New Zealand)
December 3rd, 2020 (Limited) (Australia)
April 7th, 2023 (Limited) (United Kingdom)
April 14th, 2023 (Wide) (Spain)
April 16th, 2023 (Special Engagement) (Rerelease) (Spain)
... Show all releases
Video Release: May 1st, 2001 by Warner Home Video, released as Superman - The Movie
MPAA Rating: PG for peril, some mild sensuality and language.
Running Time: 143 minutes
Franchise: Superman
Comparisons: vs. Superman II
Create your own comparison chart…
Keywords: Visual Effects, D.C. Comics, Heroic Adventure, Unexpected Families, Adopted Family, Time Travel, Romance, Death of a Girlfriend / Boyfriend
Source:Based on Comic/Graphic Novel
Genre:Adventure
Production Method:Live Action
Creative Type:Super Hero
Production/Financing Companies: Warner Bros., Dovemead Ltd.
Production Countries: Panama, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States
Languages: English

Ranking on other Records and Milestones

RecordRankAmountChart
Date
Days In
Release
New Year's Day (All Movies, 3-Day) 134 $10,364,384 Dec 29, 1978 17
New Year's Day (All Movies, 3-Day, Inflation Adjusted) 17 $50,050,231 Dec 29, 1978 17
Christmas (All Movies, 3-Day) 237 $6,535,784 Dec 22, 1978 10
Christmas (All Movies, 3-Day, Inflation Adjusted) 68 $31,561,691 Dec 22, 1978 10

Leading Cast

Christopher Reeve    Superman

Supporting Cast

Ned Beatty    Otis
Jackie Cooper    Perry White
Gene Hackman    Lex Luthor
Marlon Brando    Jor-El
Glenn Ford    Jonathan Kent
Trevor Howard    1st Elder
Margot Kidder    Lois Lane
Valerie Perrine    Eve Teschmacher
Maria Schell    Vond-Ah
Terence Stamp    General Zod
Phyllis Thaxter    Ma Kent
Susannah York    Lara
Jack O'Halloran    Non
Jeff East    Young Clark Kent
Marc McClure    Jimmy Olsen
Sarah Douglas    Ursa
Harry Andrews    Elder
Vass Anderson    Elder
John Hollis    Elder
James Elder    Elder
Michael Gover    Elder
David Neal    Elder
William Russell    Elder
Penelope Lee    Elder
John Stuart    Elder
Alan Cullen    Elder
Lee Quigley    Baby Kal-El
Aaron Smolinski    Baby Clark Kent
Diane Sherry    Lana Lang
Jeff Atcheson    Coach
Brad Flock    Football Player
David Petrou    Team Manager
Billy J. Mitchell    Editor
Robert Henderson    Editor
Larry Lamb    Reporter
James Brockington    Reporter
John Cassady    Reporter
John F Parker    Reporter
Antony Scott    Reporter
Ray Evans    Reporter
Sue Shifrin    Reporter
Miquel Brown    Reporter
Vincent Marzello    Copy Boy
Benjamin Feitelson    Copy Boy
Lise Hilboldt    Secretary
Leueen Willoughby    Secretary
Jill Ingham    Perry's Secretary
Pieter Stuyck    Window Cleaner
Weston Gavin    Mugger
Stephen Kahan    Officer
Ray Hassett    Officer
Randy Jurgensen    Officer
Matt Russo    News Vendor
Colin Skeaping    Pilot
Bo Rucker    Pimp
Paul Avery    TV Cameraman
David Baxt    Burglar
George Harris II    Patrolman Mooney
Michael Harrington    Hood
John Cording    Hood
Raymond Thompson    Hood
Oz Clarke    Hood
Rex Everhart    Desk Sergeant
Jayne Tottman    Little Girl
Frank Lazarus    Air Force One Pilot
Brian Protheroe    Co-pilot
Lawrence Trimble    Crewman
Robert Whelan    Crewman
David Calder    Crewman
Norwich Duff    Newscaster
G. Keith Alexander    Newscaster
Michael Ensign    Newscaster
Paul Tuerpe    Sgt. Hayley
Graham McPherson    Lieutenant
David Yorston    Petty Officer
Robert O'Neill    Admiral
Robert MacLeod    General
John Ratzenberger    Controller
Alan Tilvern    Controller
Phil Brown    State Senator
Bill Bailey    Senator
Burnell Tucker    Agent
Tug Smith    Indian Chief
Norman Warwick    Superchief Driver
Chuck Julian    Assistant
Colin Etherington    Power Co. Driver
Mark Wynter    Mate
Roy Stevens    Warden

Cameos

Rex Reed    Rex Reed
Larry Hagman    Major

For a description of the different acting role types we use to categorize acting perfomances, see our Glossary.

Production and Technical Credits

Richard Donner    Director
Mario Puzo    Screenwriter
David Newman    Screenwriter
Leslie Newman    Screenwriter
Robert Benton    Screenwriter
Pierre Spengler    Producer
Mario Puzo    Story by
John Williams    Composer
Ilya Salkind    Executive Producer
John Barry    Production Designer
Geoffrey Unsworth    Director of Photography
Charles Greenlaw    Associate Producer
David Tomblin    Assistant Director
Dominic Fulford    Assistant Director
Vincent Winter    Assistant Director
Michael Dryhurst    Assistant Director
Allan James    Assistant Director
Gareth Tandy    Assistant Director
Jerry Grandey    Assistant Director
Michael Rauch    Assistant Director
Bud Grace    Assistant Director
David Tomblin    Second Unit Director
John Glen    Second Unit Director
John Barry    Second Unit Director
David Lane    Second Unit Director
Robert Lynn    Second Unit Director
Dusty Symonds    Production Manager
Peter Runfolo    Production Manager
Les Kimber    Production Manager
Austen Jewell    Production Manager
Robert Simmonds    Production Supervisor
Timothy Burrill    Production Supervisor
Tim Hampton    Production Supervisor
Maurice Fowler    Supervising Art Director
Bill Brodie    Supervising Art Director
Norman Dorme    Art Director
Norman Reynolds    Art Director
Ernest Archer    Art Director
Tony Reading    Art Director
Leslie Dilley    Art Director
Stuart Craig    Art Director
Gene Rudolf    Art Director
Philip Bennet    Art Director
Stan Jolley    Art Director
Peter Howitt    Set Decorator
Fred Weiler    Set Decorator
Alex Thomson    Additional Photography
Jack Atcheler    Additional Photography
Bob Collins    Additional Photography
Reginald Morris    Additional Photography
Sol Negrin    Additional Photography
Les Bowie    Visual Effects Supervisor-Mattes and Composites
Denys Coop    Visual Effects Supervisor-Process Photography
Roy Field    Visual Effects Supervisor-Optical Visual Effects
Zoran Perisic    Visual Effects Supervisor-Zoptic Effects
Derek Meddings    Special Effects-Model Effects
Colin Chilvers    Special Effects-Creative Supervisor and Director of Special Effects
Yvonne Blake    Costume Designer
Betty Adamson    Costume Designer-Additional Costume Designer
Betty Adamson    Costume Supervisor
Stuart Baird    Editor
Michael Ellis    Editor
Gordon McCallum    Sound Mixer
Roy Charman    Sound Mixer
Norman Bolland    Sound Mixer
Brian Marshall    Sound Mixer
Richard Raguse    Sound Mixer
Chris Large    Sound Mixer
Charles Schmitz    Production Manager
Gordon McCallum    Re-recording Mixer
Graham V. Hartstone    Re-recording Mixer
Nicolas Le Messurier    Re-recording Mixer
Chris Greenham    Supervising Sound Editor
Peter Pennell    Sound Effects Editor
Stan Fiferman    Sound Effects Editor
John Foster    Sound Effects Editor
Michael Hopkins    Dialogue Editor
Pat Foster    Dialogue Editor
Stuart Freeborn    Make up-Creative Supervisor
Leslie Bricusse    Song Writer
Jerry Siegel    Based on the Character Created by
Joe Shuster    Based on the Character Created by
Lynn Stalmaster    Casting Director
Mary Selway    Casting Director
Alf Joint    Stunt Coordinator
Vic Armstrong    Stunt Coordinator
Alex Stevens    Stunt Coordinator

The bold credits above the line are the "above-the-line" credits, the other the "below-the-line" credits.

DVD and Blu-ray Releases for June 7th, 2011

June 7th, 2011

The summer is usually a really weak time for home market releases, but this week is amazing. Not only are there two $100 million hits coming out on DVD / Blu-ray this week, but there are also half-a-dozen TV on DVD releases, a few limited releases, direct-to-DVD releases, and catalog titles, many of which are worth picking up, or even contenders for Pick of the Week. I tried to narrow the list of contenders down to one, but I couldn't do it. In the end I went with Leverage: Season Three on DVD and True Grit on Blu-ray / DVD Combo Pack as co-winners of the Pick of the Week. More...

Compare this performance with other movies…

Domestic Cumulative Box Office Records

Weekend Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
Dec 15, 1978 1 $7,465,343   508 $14,696   $7,465,343 1
Dec 22, 1978 2 $6,535,784 -12% 806 $8,109   $18,580,136 2
Dec 29, 1978 1 $10,364,384 +59% 817 $12,686   $40,925,251 3
Jan 5, 1979 1 $7,492,687 -28% 806 $9,296   $54,826,254 4

Daily Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossDays
Dec 15, 1978 1 $2,187,100   508 $4,305   $2,187,100 1
Dec 16, 1978 1 $2,762,112 +26% 508 $5,437   $4,949,212 2
Dec 17, 1978 1 $2,516,131 -9% 508 $4,953   $7,465,343 3

Weekly Box Office Performance

DateRankGross% ChangeTheatersPer TheaterTotal GrossWeek
Dec 15, 1978 1 $12,044,352   508 $23,709   $12,044,352 1
Dec 22, 1978 1 $18,516,515 +54% 806 $22,973   $30,560,867 2
Dec 29, 1978 1 $16,772,700 -9% 817 $20,530   $47,333,567 3

Box Office Summary Per Territory

Territory Release
Date
Opening
Weekend
Opening
Weekend
Screens
Maximum
Screens
Theatrical
Engagements
Total
Box Office
Report
Date
Australia 12/3/2020 $15 1 1 1 $15 12/11/2020
Italy 4/24/2023 $0000$0
New Zealand 7/9/2020 $0 0 1 1 $396 6/28/2023
Spain 4/16/2023 $17,052 169 169 169 $17,052 4/20/2023
United Kingdom 4/7/2023 $19,129 128 128 176 $92,304 6/21/2023
 
Rest of World $165,872,215
 
International Total$165,981,982 6/28/2023

International Cumulative Box Office Records


Worldwide Cumulative Box Office Records