Only 1 Superman Adaptation Has Outperformed Every Other Live-Action Version

Since Superman first appeared on the page back in 1938, there have been dozens of interpretations of the character via radio serials, television shows, animated projects, and feature films adapting the iconic character, with James Gunn's Supermanfinally flying into theaters last year. But one adaptation that undoubtedly nailed the character is The CW's Smallville. Telling the origin story of a teenage Clark Kent (Tom Welling) as he grew into Superman, Smallville focused on what other live-action adaptations have failed to highlight: the importance of his relationship with his adoptive parents.