Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a well-executed animated superhero film that respects its source material and doesn't water down the stakes. The Death of Superman delivers exactly what the title promises: a brutal, emotional story about sacrifice and mortality.

The 93% critic score is earned—the animation is solid, the action is intense, and the emotional beats land. This isn't Marvel quip-fest territory; it's a darker, more somber take on superheroism that asks what happens when even Superman isn't enough.

That said, this is absolutely not for younger kids. The violence is sustained and graphic (for animation), and watching Superman die is genuinely heavy. Common Sense Media's 14+ rating is spot-on. If your teen is into serious superhero content and can handle intense action and mature themes, this is a strong choice. But if they're expecting a fun Superman adventure, this will be a jarring tonal shift.

For DC fans and older teens who want superhero stories with real stakes, this delivers. Just make sure they're ready for it.

Age Fit

This is firmly in the 13-15+ range. The violence is too intense for younger kids, even those who love superheroes, and the dark themes require emotional maturity. Older teens and adults who appreciate serious superhero storytelling will find this compelling, but elementary-age Superman fans should stick with lighter fare.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

68

This is a superhero story built on sacrifice and heroism, with Superman fighting to protect humanity against impossible odds. The emotional core—Superman's relationship with Lois Lane and his ultimate sacrifice—models selflessness and courage. However, the film is built around sustained, brutal combat between Superman and Doomsday, with significant violence and destruction. The tone is darker than typical family superhero fare, focusing on loss and mortality. It's emotionally mature rather than chaotic, but the relentless fighting and somber themes keep it from being truly wholesome for younger viewers.

Imaginative

72

The film adapts one of DC Comics' most iconic storylines, presenting a credible threat to an invincible hero—an interesting narrative challenge. The animation style is solid and the action sequences are creatively choreographed. However, this is ultimately a straightforward battle narrative: unstoppable monster arrives, heroes fight, Superman makes the ultimate sacrifice. It doesn't break new ground or invite much creative thinking beyond the spectacle. The world-building is standard DC universe fare, and while competently executed, it's more about delivering fan service than pushing imaginative boundaries.

Safe

55

Common Sense Media rates this at 14+, and that tracks. The entire film builds toward and depicts an extended, brutal fight between Superman and Doomsday that results in Superman's death. There's significant animated violence—punching through buildings, bodies slammed into concrete, blood visible in several scenes. Other Justice League members are beaten badly. The violence isn't gratuitous for its own sake, but it's intense and sustained. No sexual content or language issues, but the violence level and dark themes (death, grief, sacrifice) make this inappropriate for younger kids who might expect a typical Superman adventure. Parents know what they're getting into with the title, but it delivers on that promise in graphic detail.

Enriching

74

The film explores meaningful themes: what heroism costs, the value of sacrifice, and how even the most powerful among us are mortal. Superman's choice to fight to the death rather than retreat offers a framework for discussing courage and responsibility. The relationship dynamics—particularly Superman's vulnerability with Lois Lane—humanize an icon and show that strength includes emotional openness. The Justice League's teamwork and their inability to stop Doomsday alone reinforces that some challenges require collective effort. However, the film is primarily an action spectacle; the philosophical depth is present but not deeply explored. It's entertaining superhero fare with solid themes, not a profound meditation on mortality.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Faithful adaptation of one of comics' most iconic storylines, delivering the emotional weight and spectacle fans expect
Explores genuine heroism and sacrifice—Superman chooses to die rather than let Doomsday destroy humanity
Strong animation and well-choreographed action sequences that don't pull punches
Humanizes Superman through his relationship with Lois Lane, showing vulnerability alongside strength
93% on Rotten Tomatoes with solid audience scores—this is quality DC animated fare

⚠

What to Watch For

Intense, sustained violence throughout—this is a brutal slugfest with visible blood and characters getting pummeled
Superman literally dies on screen, which may be upsetting for younger fans expecting a typical hero victory
Dark tone overall—this isn't a fun superhero romp, it's a somber story about mortality and loss
The title spoils the ending, but the journey is still emotionally heavy

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Superman kept fighting even when he knew he might not survive?"
"The other heroes couldn't stop Doomsday—what does that say about Superman's power and responsibility?"
"How do you think Lois Lane felt watching Superman make that choice? Would you have wanted him to do something different?"
"What makes someone a hero—their powers or their choices?"

Deep Dive

Most Superman stories are about how he saves the day. This one is about how he fails to save himself. It’s a heavy lift for an animated movie, but it works because it treats the Man of Steel like a person instead of a god. While we’ve seen this storyline adapted before, this 2018 version actually takes the time to make you care about Clark Kent’s life before it ends it.

The stakes feel real

The first half of the movie is surprisingly quiet. It focuses on Clark trying to balance a normal life with Lois Lane while keeping his identity a secret. This setup is vital. Without it, the finale is just two action figures hitting each other. Because we see his vulnerability and his desire for a future, the arrival of Doomsday feels like a genuine tragedy rather than just another Tuesday in Metropolis.

When the fight finally happens, it is visceral. This isn't a clean, bloodless superhero brawl. Doomsday is a horror movie monster, a mindless engine of destruction that doesn't stop for dialogue or logic. Watching the rest of the Justice League get dismantled with ease sets a tone of desperation. By the time Superman flies in to settle things, you realize he isn't fighting to win; he’s fighting to buy time.

A different kind of hero

If your kid is used to the quippy, low-stakes brawls of modern cinematic universes, this is going to be a shocker. There are no last-minute jokes or clever gadgets to save the day. It’s a story about the cost of being a hero. Critics and fans on Reddit often point out that this version of Superman feels "right" because his heroism is born out of necessity and sacrifice, not just power.

The violence is sustained and heavy. You see the damage, you see the fatigue, and you see the toll it takes on the people watching from the sidelines. It’s a somber experience that treats death with a level of gravity that most superhero media avoids.

Which version should you watch?

This isn't the only time DC has tried to put this specific comic book run on screen. If you’re trying to figure out how this stacks up against the 2007 attempt or the live-action versions, we have a breakdown of the best Superman Doomsday movie to watch that compares the tone and age-appropriateness of each.

For a teenager who wants a story with actual consequences, this is the one. It’s a high-quality production that respects the audience enough to be sad. Just be prepared for the conversation afterward; this movie doesn't leave you with the usual "good guys always win" glow. It leaves you thinking about what it actually means to be a hero when the odds are zero.

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