Film

Superman: Man of Tomorrow

Name: Superman: Man of Tomorrow
Genre: Animation, Action, Science Fiction
Released: 2020
Cast: Darren Criss, Zachary Quinto, Ryan Hurst, Ike Amadi, Alexandra Daddario

A fresh origin story for Superman that strips away the familiar and finds something leaner, moodier, more noir. Clark Kent arrives in Metropolis as an uncertain young man learning to use impossible powers, and the film takes its time with his doubt. It's intimate superhero storytelling—focused, animated with real craft, for anyone who wants Superman grounded in consequence rather than spectacle.

TMDb rating

3.5

Should you watch it?

Watch it if you like your superhero stories lean and earnest, with a young Clark still figuring out his powers and a bright, clean animated style that trusts a single idea to carry the whole runtime.

Skip it if you want the grit and scale of live-action blockbusters; this is brisk, tidy and modest, with a plot that moves quickly and rarely lingers on its feelings.

What it asks of you: Under ninety minutes, it moves at a steady clip with little downtime, and it wants your full attention for the whole stretch rather than background viewing.

Not sure? Find tonight's pick in a minute.

If you liked this

Batman: The Animated Series1992

The template for how to do serious superhero animation: noir atmosphere, character-driven, gorgeously art-deco. Each episode earns its runtime. If you loved Man of Tomorrow's mood, this defined it.

But It's 30-minute episodes across two seasons, so a bigger commitment. The early animation can look dated to modern eyes, though it deepens the period feel.

Superman: Red Son2020

Another DC animated Superman story from the same year, but ideologically opposite—what if he'd landed in Soviet Russia? Darker, more political, uses animation to explore weighty ideas with visual storytelling.

But It's bleaker and more cynical about power than Man of Tomorrow. If you want hope with your Superman, this goes the other direction entirely.

Wonder Woman2017

A live-action origin story that nails what Man of Tomorrow attempts: a hero discovering their strength amid the weight of expectation. Same director (pathos + action), same earnestness about goodness mattering.

But It's live-action and much longer (141 minutes), so a different pace. The third act leans harder into spectacle than you might want.

Not sure tonight? Get a pick in a minute, starting from Superman: Man of Tomorrow

The wildcard

Something you would not have found on your own.

Ikebukuro West Gate Park2020

Both are origin stories about young men discovering that their real power isn't physical—it's the ability to see clearly and choose compassion in a world that doesn't expect it.

A Japanese live-action series about a young man navigating the underworld of his neighbourhood with unusual powers of empathy and intelligence. Same year as Man of Tomorrow, same theme: a capable outsider finding his purpose among complex people. Lush, intimate, character-before-spectacle.

But It's in Japanese with subtitles, and the pacing is deliberate—this is not action-driven. The first episode is slow; you're watching to understand people, not for flying or superpowers.

Justice League: Doom2012

A smarter-than-it-needs-to-be animated ensemble piece where Superman faces Lex Luthor's brilliant, understated scheming. Great voice acting (including Zachary Quinto), tight script, no wasted moments.

But It assumes you know these characters already. If Superman's new to you, this might feel like walking into a conversation mid-flow.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 12012

Animated Batman, but the reason to watch is Superman: how the film portrays his idealism clashing with cynicism. A portrait of a hero caught between what he believes and what the world demands.

But It's Batman's story, not Superman's, so he's secondary. It's also quite violent, and the animation style is deliberately angular and harsh.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 poster

X-Men '972024

Character animation that respects its source material. Episodic storytelling where personal stakes matter as much as superhero action. The same DNA as Man of Tomorrow's approach to heroism.

But It's a 90s show with a 90s budget. Some episodes are stronger than others across five seasons, so pacing can be uneven.

Harley Quinn2019

A DC animated series that finds real warmth and humour in character relationships. It proves animation can be irreverent and smart without losing heart. Fresh energy, genuine stakes beneath the comedy.

But It's aggressively comedic and crude in ways Man of Tomorrow isn't. If you want Superman-level sincerity, this goes hard the other way.

Thor: Ragnarok2017

A god learning that strength isn't what he thought it was. It balances humour, action, and real character growth. The MCU film closest in spirit to Man of Tomorrow's tone—confident but not arrogant.

But It's live-action and uses comedy as its primary tool. If you want the quieter, more contemplative mood of Man of Tomorrow, this is sunnier.

Green Lantern: First Flight2009

An animated origin story about a human given impossible power and learning what responsibility actually means. Tighter than Man of Tomorrow, with genuine world-building and a compelling villain in Sinestro.

But It's less emotionally textured than Man of Tomorrow. More plot-driven, less interested in the inner life of doubt and becoming.

The Wire2002

Both are interested in how a good person with power navigates systems bigger than themselves—and both suggest that individual heroism, however noble, can't fix structural problems alone.

Crime and consequence in a city told with the complexity Man of Tomorrow hints at. Metropolis isn't really a character in the film, but The Wire makes the city itself the protagonist—systems, corruption, small people caught in large machinery. Slow, patient, brilliant.

But It's five seasons, 60 episodes, and absolutely demands your attention. Not a show you can half-watch. Some patience required before the depth reveals itself.

Arcane: League of Legends2021

Both use animation's freedom to explore interiority—what happens inside a good person when they realize their power isolates them. Both find tragedy in sincerity.

An animated origin story about two sisters on opposite sides of a class divide, discovering that power corrupts both absolutely and subtly. Visually stunning, emotionally precise, deeply interested in how good intentions create tragedy. This is what Man of Tomorrow aspires to tonally.

But It's based on a video game, which sounds mercenary, but also means some character knowledge helps. The animation style is intentionally stylized—some find it precious rather than beautiful.