Superman vs. The Elite – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Superman vs. The Elite

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2012

65%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Superman's boy-scout ideals clash with a kill-first superhero team in this surprisingly thoughtful animated throwdown about power and morality.

7.1/10

83%

→

Superman vs. The Elite

movie

PG-13, 2012

65%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Superman's boy-scout ideals clash with a kill-first superhero team in this surprisingly thoughtful animated throwdown about power and morality.

7.1

83%

Jump to

Also rated on

7.1/10

83%

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

This is one of the smarter DC animated movies, and if you've got a teen who's ready for superhero stories that actually ask hard questions, it delivers. The core debate—idealism vs. pragmatism, restraint vs. results—is legitimately interesting, and the film doesn't insult your intelligence by making the Elite cartoonishly evil. They have a point, which makes Superman's counterargument more powerful.

That said, it's definitely not for younger kids. The violence is significant, heroes kill people on-screen, and the whole thing skews darker than your typical Superman fare. The animation is serviceable 2012 DC house style—fine but not memorable—and it won't compete visually with what kids are used to in 2025.

If your 14+ kid is into superhero ethics or you want something meatier than another CGI punch-fest, this is a solid pick. Just know you're signing up for a philosophical debate wrapped in an action movie, not a feel-good romp.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media's 14+ rating feels right—this is for teens who can handle moral complexity and darker superhero violence. Younger kids expecting classic Superman will be thrown by the tone, and the philosophical weight works best for high schoolers who can actually engage with the ethical debate.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The film explores moral complexity and idealism vs. pragmatism, with Superman modeling restraint and non-lethal justice against a team that kills. However, the core conflict involves brutal violence and ethical debates about whether heroes should execute villains, which creates some tonal darkness. The emotional core is healthy—Superman's unwavering commitment to his values—but the journey includes watching 'heroes' kill people, which complicates the wholesomeness.

Imaginative

The premise is genuinely thought-provoking: what happens when Superman's old-school heroism is challenged by a new generation who thinks killing bad guys is more effective? It's based on a well-regarded comic storyline ('What's So Funny About Truth, Justice & The American Way?') and explores philosophical questions about power and morality in creative ways. The sci-fi action sequences are inventive, though the animation style from 2012 DC animated movies is serviceable rather than groundbreaking.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates this 14+, and that tracks. The Elite kills people on-screen (though it's animated, not gory), there's significant superhero violence including implied deaths, and the entire premise revolves around lethal force vs. restraint. It's not gratuitous, but it's definitely not a surprise-free Marvel romp. Kids expecting typical Superman heroics might be caught off-guard by the darker tone and moral ambiguity. No sexual content or nudity, but the violence and thematic weight push this into teen territory.

Enriching

This is one of the more intellectually substantial superhero films for its target audience. It tackles genuine ethical questions: Is it better to kill a villain who will escape and kill again, or to uphold principles even when they're inefficient? When does pragmatism become corruption? The film doesn't preach—it presents both sides thoughtfully before affirming Superman's idealism. Strong critical reception (83% RT critics, 7.0 IMDb) suggests it succeeds as both entertainment and provocation. It's a real conversation-starter about justice, power, and values.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Actually wrestles with real ethical questions instead of just punching—when is violence justified? What makes a hero?
Strong critical reception (83% RT) for a DC animated movie that respects its audience's intelligence
Superman as the moral center feels earned rather than preachy; the film genuinely explores why his idealism matters
Based on a celebrated comic storyline that's considered one of the best Superman stories
Solid entry point for discussions about justice, power, and standing by your principles when they're unpopular

⚠

What to Watch For

The Elite kills people on-screen (animated but clear), and the film's entire premise revolves around lethal vs. non-lethal heroism—definitely not light viewing
Tonally darker than most Superman content; younger kids expecting traditional heroics might find it unsettling
Some of the violence is intense for animation, including implied civilian casualties and brutal superhero fights
The 2012 DC animated house style is functional but won't wow kids used to Spider-Verse-level animation

Conversation Starters

"The Elite thinks killing bad guys saves more lives in the long run. Do you think they have a point, or is Superman right to never kill?"
"If you had Superman's power, would it be harder to show restraint or to use lethal force? Why?"
"Manchester Black says Superman's ideals are outdated. When is it okay for your values to change, and when should you stick to them no matter what?"
"The movie shows how popular the Elite becomes. Why do you think people were so quick to embrace heroes who kill?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic