Superman - Watch Order: Classic Films
The definitive Christopher Reeve era represents the golden age of Superman cinema, anchored by Richard Donner's masterful vision and Reeve's perfect embodiment of both Clark Kent and the Man of Steel. This watch order uses The Richard Donner Cut of Superman II to maintain narrative consistency with the first film's tone and character development.
Supergirl is included as it takes place in the same universe, though it functions more as an optional spin-off since Superman himself doesn't appear.

Superman
Mild-mannered Clark Kent works as a reporter at the Daily Planet alongside his crush, Lois Lane. Clark must summon his superhero alter-ego when the nefarious Lex Luthor launches a plan to take over the world.

Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut
Superman agrees to sacrifice his powers to start a relationship with Lois Lane, unaware that three Kryptonian criminals he inadvertently released are conquering Earth.

Superman III
Aiming to defeat the Man of Steel, wealthy executive Ross Webster hires bumbling but brilliant Gus Gorman to develop synthetic kryptonite, which yields some unexpected psychological effects. Between rekindling romance with his high school sweetheart and saving himself, Superman must contend with a powerful supercomputer.

Supergirl
After losing a powerful orb, Kara, Superman's cousin, comes to Earth to retrieve it and instead finds herself up against a wicked witch.

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
With global superpowers engaged in an increasingly hostile arms race, Superman leads a crusade to rid the world of nuclear weapons. But Lex Luthor, recently sprung from jail, is declaring war on the Man of Steel and his quest to save the planet. Using a strand of Superman's hair, Luthor synthesizes a powerful ally known as Nuclear Man and ignites an epic battle spanning Earth and space.
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