Superman 2025 Rotten Tomatoes Score Just Dropped — And It’s Not What Anyone Expected

A New Superman Era With an Unexpected Twist

The wait is over. After months of trailers, teasers, set leaks, and intense speculation, James Gunn’s Superman (2025) reboot has finally premiered. With it comes the all-important first verdict: the Rotten Tomatoes score.

But instead of a triumphant critical consensus or a full-blown flop, the score dropped with a thud of surprise. As of the morning of July 7, Superman (2025) is sitting at a Rotten Tomatoes score of 68%, based on the first 115 critic reviews. That’s... not terrible. But it’s far from what many were expecting for the movie tasked with jumpstarting the new DC Universe.

Let’s break down what’s going on, what critics and fans are saying, and what this means for the future of Superman and the Gunn-led DCU.

🍅 So… What Does a 68% Rotten Tomatoes Score Mean?

In Rotten Tomatoes language, anything 60% and above is “fresh” — but it’s the nuance that matters.

While a 68% score technically gives Superman 2025 a “Fresh” label, it’s not the critical darling some predicted, especially considering the buzz around David Corenswet’s debut as Superman and James Gunn’s creative direction.

By contrast:

• Man of Steel (2013) opened at 56%
• The Suicide Squad (2021, also directed by Gunn) landed at 90%
• The Batman (2022) held strong with 85%

This puts Superman 2025 closer to lukewarm territory, and for a movie meant to redefine the future of the franchise, that’s already fueling mixed reactions.

👥 What Are Critics Actually Saying?

Here’s the thing: the 68% score masks a wide gulf between praise and frustration. Critics seem split into two camps:

❤️ Praise:

• David Corenswet’s performance as Clark Kent/Superman has been widely praised for being emotionally grounded, optimistic, and charming.
• The film’s tone – lighter, hopeful, and more human – is a welcome shift from the darker Zack Snyder era.
• Several reviews call it “refreshingly sincere”, with an old-school charm that fits modern sensibilities.

“This is the most emotionally honest Superman since Christopher Reeve, and it’s exactly what the world needs.”

— Polygon

“James Gunn brings joy, weirdness, and a big heart back to Metropolis.”

— The Atlantic

⚠️ Criticism:

Critics say the movie is overstuffed with characters – including cameos from Hawkgirl, Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), Mister Terrific, and even a surprise Supergirl tease (Milly Alcock).

Some found the pacing uneven, with a rushed third act that feels more setup than story.

The Lex Luthor subplot (Nicholas Hoult plays a tech-bro style villain) has drawn criticism for being “thin” or “on-the-nose.”

“Gunn tries to do too much in too little time. Is this Superman’s movie or a Justice League preview?”

— The Guardian

“Tonally all over the place. From rom-com sweetness to CGI spectacle, it never quite lands.”

— Vulture

What Are Fans Saying So Far?

If you check Twitter (X), Reddit, and Letterboxd, the story gets even more complicated.

💬 Fan Reactions:

• Some are loving the new tone, especially fans who felt burned out by the grimdark aesthetic of previous DC entries.
• Others think it’s too soft, or worse – bland.
• Many casual viewers are confused about how this fits into the larger DC reboot, and if they need to know past lore to enjoy it.

“It’s good. Not great. I loved the casting but the story just didn’t soar.”

— @capefan97, Reddit

“James Gunn gave us a Superman who smiles and saves cats from trees. I’m in.”

— @filmnerd420, X

“This feels like DC trying to copy Guardians of the Galaxy… and not quite nailing it.”

— Letterboxd user

🧠 Why This Score Really Matters

This isn’t just about one movie. It’s about the entire DC Universe reboot. Superman 2025 is the first film in what James Gunn and Peter Safran are calling “Chapter One: Gods and Monsters” – a bold, 10-year plan to rebuild DC’s cinematic world.

A lukewarm debut might:

• Make studios nervous about investing in future chapters
• Cause fans to lose confidence before major heroes like Batman or Green Lantern get reintroduced
• Shift Gunn’s storytelling approach under pressure

That said, it’s worth remembering: Rotten Tomatoes isn’t the full story. Box office performance, fan retention, and streaming views will matter more in the long term.

📊 How Does It Compare to Other DC Films?

Film | Rotten Tomatoes Score | Audience Score

The Batman (2022): 85% 87%

Man of Steel (2013): 56% 75%

The Suicide Squad (2021): 90% 82%

Black Adam (2022): 38% 88%

Shazam! Fury of the Gods: 49% 86%

Superman 2025: 68% TBD

As you can see, Superman 2025 lands somewhere in the mid-tier, but it’s significantly stronger than the most recent DC misfires – a good sign if you believe in course correction.

👀 What Comes Next?

Despite the score, Superman 2025 is still generating a ton of buzz, and there's a lot to look forward to:

• A possible spin-off with Supergirl
• Deeper world-building with The Authority
• A new Batman is on the way in The Brave and the Bold

Whether you loved or loathed this film, one thing’s for sure – DC is taking big swings again, and that’s already a win.

Final Takeaway

Superman 2025 isn’t the masterpiece some hoped for, nor is it the disaster some feared. It’s an ambitious, heartfelt reboot that – while flawed – sets a much-needed tone of hope, kindness, and humanity for the next era of DC storytelling.

The Rotten Tomatoes score may not be sky-high, but Gunn’s Superman is aiming for something bigger than ratings – rebuilding a legacy that fans can believe in again.

Whether audiences agree is a story still being written.