What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedSuperman
Film · 2025
If you loved Superman, start with Adventures of Superman (Whitney Ellsworth, 1952) — a series from the same story. Below: 4 books, 2 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Superman across media.
If Superman resonated with you, you will appreciate these stories exploring how extraordinary individuals navigate the burden of their unique destiny.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Adventures of Superman
Whitney Ellsworth · Series · 1952
Adaptation
Superman II
Richard Lester · Film · 1980
Adaptation
Superman III
Richard Lester · Film · 1983
Books on the same thread
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
J. K. Rowling · Book · 1997
Shares a thread with Superman: Good vs. Evil.
Like the protagonist of Superman, Harry Potter experiences the heavy weight of being an outsider who discovers he possesses a profound destiny while navigating a world that feels both strange and home.
Ender's Game
Orson Scott Card · Book · 2013
Explores: Child Soldiers, Alien Invasion, Moral Ambiguity.
Ender Wiggin faces a similar isolation to Superman, grappling with the immense pressure of his unique abilities and the moral responsibility of protecting humanity from an overwhelming extraterrestrial threat.
Fairy Tale
Stephen King · Book
Explores: coming of age, good versus evil, interdimensional travel.
The journey of the young protagonist in Fairy Tale mirrors the way Superman must reconcile two different worlds, as he steps into a reality where his choices impact the greater good.
The Future
Naomi Alderman · Book · 2025
Explores: Technological surveillance, Cults and indoctrination, Wealth inequality.
Just as Superman must contend with the influence of powerful forces, this story captures the tension of navigating powerful institutional agendas while trying to maintain personal integrity in a changing world.
Series on the same thread
Smallville
Alfred Gough · Series · 2001
Shares a thread with Superman: Superhero.
Smallville offers the definitive deep dive into the formative years of Superman, perfectly capturing his struggle to balance his hidden Kryptonian heritage with the desire to belong as a normal human.
Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man
Series · 2025
Explores: Coming-of-Age, Secret Identity, Balancing Normal Life and Superheroism.
This story echoes the core conflict found in Superman, focusing on the difficult transition from a regular teenager to a hero while managing the secret identity required to protect those nearby.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Orphans
The Light and Tragic Company · Podcast · 2025
The Orphans captures the same profound sense of alienation seen in Superman, following characters as they search for belonging and identity while surviving in a harsh and unforgiving cosmic environment.
Lex Fridman Podcast
Lex Fridman · Podcast · 2026
Explores: human condition, technological ethics, deep thinking.
If you enjoyed the intellectual weight of Superman's heritage, these deep-dive conversations provide the same philosophical rigor regarding the human condition and the ethical implications of our rapidly evolving technological future.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is the 2025 Superman movie a direct remake of the 1952 Adventures of Superman television series?
No, the 2025 Superman movie is not a direct remake of the 1952 Adventures of Superman television series. While both feature the same character, the 2025 film focuses on the specific journey of reconciling his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent in Metropolis.
Should I watch Superman II and Superman III before seeing the 2025 Superman movie?
You do not need to watch Superman II or Superman III before seeing the 2025 Superman movie. These represent separate adaptations of the source material, and the 2025 film functions as a standalone journey regarding the character's dual heritage as both a Kryptonian and a human journalist.
What is the primary focus of the 2025 Superman movie?
The primary focus of the 2025 Superman movie is the protagonist's internal journey. As a journalist living in Metropolis, he works to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent, exploring the balance between his two distinct identities throughout the narrative.
How does the 2025 Superman film compare to the 1980s Superman II?
The 2025 Superman film is a distinct iteration from Superman II. While the 1980 film is part of a previous cinematic series, the 2025 movie is a modern adaptation that specifically centers on the character's personal struggle to integrate his Kryptonian origins with his life as Clark Kent.