Superman: Doomsday – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Superman: Doomsday

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2007

38%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Superman dies brutally, gets replaced by an evil clone—basically the darkest timeline for the Man of Steel, now with 2007 animation quality.

57%

→

Superman: Doomsday

movie

PG-13, 2007

38%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Superman dies brutally, gets replaced by an evil clone—basically the darkest timeline for the Man of Steel, now with 2007 animation quality.

57%

Jump to

Also rated on

57%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is the animated movie equivalent of someone saying 'what if Superman, but DARK?' in 2007 and everyone nodding like that was profound.

It's based on a legitimately iconic comic storyline, but the execution is...fine? The 57% across the board tells you everything—it's not bad, but it's not great either. The animation has aged poorly, the tone is relentlessly grim, and the evil Superman clone plot gets heavy-handed.

For the right kid—say, a 12-year-old deep into superhero lore who wants something 'more mature'—this could work. But honestly, most kids today would rather watch literally any MCU movie or even the newer DC animated films. This feels like homework for Superman completists, not something kids will actually enjoy.

The violence is significant, the emotional weight is real (Superman DIES, brutally), and the payoff isn't strong enough to justify the journey. Unless your kid is specifically asking for this or you're doing a Superman deep-dive, you can skip it.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media says 11+, and that feels right—this is for middle schoolers who can handle dark themes and violence, not younger kids expecting classic Superman heroics. Even then, it's a tough sell given the dated animation and grim tone.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

This is a dark, violent take on Superman that includes his death, a clone replacement who becomes increasingly brutal and murderous, and themes of loss and betrayal. The tone is grim throughout, with limited moments of hope or kindness. While Superman himself models heroism, the overall emotional tenor is heavy and the clone Superman's descent into violence undercuts positive modeling. Not chaotic in pacing, but emotionally heavy for younger viewers.

Imaginative

Based on the iconic 'Death of Superman' comic storyline from the 1990s, it explores interesting 'what if' territory around Superman's mortality and replacement. The Doomsday creature design and the concept of a darker Superman clone offer some creative elements. However, it's largely an adaptation rather than original storytelling, and doesn't particularly invite exploration or creative expression—it's a watch-and-absorb experience with limited imaginative spark beyond the core premise.

Safe

This is a violent animated film with Superman's brutal death, significant combat violence, and a clone Superman who kills people. Common Sense Media rates it for age 11+, suggesting mature content. The surprise factor of Superman dying and being replaced by a murderous version creates emotional intensity that could be disturbing for younger viewers. The 57% critic/audience scores suggest mixed reception partly due to its dark tone. No MPAA rating provided but likely PG-13 territory. This isn't a 'safe' Superman story you can throw on for kids expecting typical superhero fare.

Enriching

Explores themes of mortality, what makes a hero, and the consequences of unchecked power through the evil clone storyline. There's potential for discussions about grief, identity, and heroism. However, the execution is reportedly uneven (57% RT scores, 6.9 IMDb), and the dark tone may overshadow meaningful takeaways. Entertainment value is moderate—it's watchable for superhero fans but not particularly memorable or impactful based on the lukewarm reception.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Adapts one of the most famous comic storylines of the 1990s, so it's a piece of Superman history
Explores mature themes about what happens when heroes fall and who fills that void
Could spark interesting conversations about mortality, power, and what actually makes someone heroic
For older kids already deep into superhero lore, it's a darker, more 'grown-up' take on Superman

⚠

What to Watch For

This is NOT your typical Superman movie—it's violent, dark, and Superman literally dies in a brutal fight
The replacement Superman is a murderous clone who kills people, which is disturbing and intense
Animation is nearly 20 years old and looks it—modern kids used to MCU-level production may find it hard to engage with
The whole vibe is grim and heavy; don't expect fun superhero action, expect grief and violence

Conversation Starters

"What do you think makes Superman a hero—his powers, or something else?"
"How would people react if their biggest protector suddenly died? What would that feel like?"
"Why do you think the clone Superman started acting so differently? What changed?"
"If you could bring someone back to life but they weren't quite the same, would you want to?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic