Skip to content
MovieCove
Superman vs. The Elite

Superman vs. The Elite

World saved. Humanity lost.

Video201276 minPG-13Midcredits score: 82nd percentile of all films
Director
Michael Chang
Starring
George Newbern, Pauley Perrette, Robin Atkin Downes, Dee Bradley Baker

The Man of Steel finds himself outshone by a new team of ruthless superheroes who hold his idealism in contempt.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Superman vs. The Elite?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Superman vs. The Elite to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Superman vs. The Elite?

Superman vs. The Elite earns 4 badges, led by Crowd Pleaser and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Superman vs. The Elite worth watching?

Superman vs. The Elite's Midcredits score is the 82nd percentile of all films, from 38K ratings across 4 sources. 73% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

82nd percentile

Better received than 82% of films

74th percentile among Animation82nd percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)80th
Approval (how many liked it)82nd

70 /100

80th percentile of all films

71st percentile among Animation79th percentile among 2010s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 7.2 — solid but not unanimous.

73% liked it

82nd percentile of all films

75th percentile among Animation83rd percentile among 2010s
73% rated it 7–1027% rated it 1–6

Critics 83% · Audience 75%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 3 noms overall

93rd percentile

38K ratings across platforms

85th percentile among Animation93rd percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 36% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$3.5M

What reviewers say

Common ground

The film raises interesting questions about Superman's no-kill rule but fails to explore them deeply, settling for a straightforward good-vs-evil resolution.

Fans praised

  • Moral dilemma challenges Superman's ideals in a modern context
  • George Newbern's voice performance as Superman
  • Climactic showdown where Superman convincingly feigns losing control

Detractors panned

  • Simplistic black-and-white morality despite complex premise
  • Cheap animation and character designs undermine serious tone
  • Lois Lane portrayed as shrill and unlikeable

What stands out

Acting75

George Newbern's Superman praised; Perrette's Lois divisive

Effects and spectacleDivisive65

Action sequences exciting, especially Atomic Skull fight

EndingDivisive65

Superman's trick finale is satisfying but polarizing

CharactersDivisive60

Manchester Black stands out; Elite otherwise flat or goofy

Plot and storyDivisive55

Premise compelling but execution shallow and predictable

Emotional impactDivisive55

Ending reaffirms Superman's hope but feels forced

Dialogue50

Some thought-provoking exchanges, but often preachy or stilted

OriginalityDivisive45

Adapted comic with familiar antihero vs. traditionalist debate

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Men

Men scored it 16 points higher than women.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Under-30s vs over-30s 1 point apart
  • Critics vs users 2 points apart
  • US vs non-US 6 points apart

Watch experience

What is Superman vs. The Elite like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Tense and gripping: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something tense that holds you to the end.

It is intense and leaves you thinking.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Tense and gripping.

The answer rests on this: Moods
TenseContemplativeTriumphant
Heaviest: late
Wry humor: Amused and slightly dry about it.
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Epic · 2% of films: Vast in scale: big landscapes, big stakes, a long span.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film takes its moral debate seriously and presents Superman's idealism earnestly, never undercutting its own drama.
The rideThe film sustains tension and moral contemplation, with peak emotional weight in a climactic confrontation. The synopsis implies the ending carries the load.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically with a clear setup, confrontation, and resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Thinking.

Thought-provokingRousing · 10% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's argument about heroism and the morality of killing leaves the viewer debating long after the credits.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeSuperman must confront the Elite, a group of vigilantes who kill criminals, forcing him to defend his no-kill code and ultimately defeat their charismatic leader Manchester Black.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfJusticeMorality
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16% (this title): Justice 13% (this title) · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% (this title) · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Morality

Justice · 13% of filmsViolence · 4% of filmsIdentity · 14% of films
Interrogates its theme: Questions its theme without settling the answer.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film interrogates what true justice demands, contrasting Superman's restraint with The Elite's brutal, popular vigilantism.
StanceThe film questions whether absolute justice requires restraint or force, presenting both sides without fully endorsing either.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanScience fiction
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Robert J. Kral
SettingA world of superheroes and supervillains, with global public attention on super-powered conflicts.
MusicScore accompanies action with heroic themes, supporting Superman's moral confrontation.

Content guide

Is Superman vs. The Elite okay for kids?

PG-13

Superman vs. The Elite is rated PG-13. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at severe (81/100), sexual content at moderate (39/100), language at moderate (39/100), drug and alcohol content at moderate (56/100) and frightening material at intense (71/100). Its violence, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 5 other countries
  • UK12
  • FranceU
  • Ireland12
  • Brazil10
  • Denmark11
Overall
Intense · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Severe
too few votes to rank (9 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 73%
Profanity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a PG-13-rated film
heavier than 43%
Alcohol & Drugs
Moderate
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Frightening / Intense
Intense
too few votes to rank (8 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (45 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Superman vs. The Elite have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Superman vs. The Elite?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

George Newbern
as Superman
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Pauley Perrette
as Lois Lane
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Robin Atkin Downes
as Manchester Black
Dee Bradley Baker
as Atomic Skull
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Ogie Banks
as Terrence Baxter
Grey DeLisle
as Young Manchester
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Melissa Disney
as Menagerie
Paul Eiding
as Pa Kent
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Troy Evans
as Pundit
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.
Jennifer Hale
as Kid Playing Superman
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Superman vs. The Elite?

Movies like Superman vs. The Elite include Superman: Brainiac Attacks (2006), Injustice (2021) and Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010). Of the 12 closest matches, all are superhero films and hero-versus-nemesis stories.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 12 share its world: a fictional world. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Superman vs. The Elite?

552 other films share the rarest tag below, up against: supervillain. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.