Superheroeshave been around for a long time and have always changed with the times.

However, one thing remains true:Superman is still the greatest hero of all time.

However, modern standards and opinions have created a complex conversation about who the best hero is.

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While others have good arguments, Superman is still on top, and this list will clarify why.

10Iconic

Everyone knows of the Man of Steel.

Superman, on the other hand, is incredibly iconic and beloved by general audiences.

Superman stands heroically in the streets of Smallville Kansas in Man of Steel.

Image via Warner Bros. Pictures

Special abilities don’t make the man.

Characters usually become heroes because of some event where they gain power or something happens to them.

8Impact and Influence

A cultural icon who laid the groundwork for other heroes.

Man of Steel Poster

Nothing can be created without a little bit of influence, andSuperman is the most influential hero.

This just proves the original hero’s importance.

Superheroes also have a cultural impact, making themselves known through the media and stories.

A gun pointed at Clark Kent and Lois Lane in Superman

Image via Warner Bros.

Helaid the groundwork for superheroesand established them as influential aspects of pop culture.

Superman’s presence is inescapable ashis influence has seeped into everything superhero-related.

7Superpowers

Superman can do so much.

Superman catching a plane in Superman Returns

Image via Warner Bros.

Even though Superman is the same character without his powers, they help him become more significant.

His many powers were too great, and creators needed to nerf him with kryptonite and magic.

While othersuperheroes can defeat Superman, his powers are still impressive and essential to his character.

Superman holding Lois Lane and a helicopter

Image via Warner Bros.

Superman’s powers are just as memorable and well-known as the characterhimself.

Even his superpowers have their own quote.

6Other franchises venture to copy him.

The character Hyperion with fire and smoke in the background and his yellow cape blowing in the wind.

Image via Marvel Comics

Superman is irreplaceable.

DC knew they were doing something right whenthe competition started copying Superman.

It is normal for companies to copy their rivals, hoping to take away from their popularity.

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5Legacy (comics, movies, etc.)

He has an impressive track record.

Everyone wants to leave a lasting legacy, including franchises and characters.

Superman lays beaten in the snow in Superman.

Image via Warner Bros.

Some heroes make their mark on history, but no one has as impressive a legacy as Superman.

Superman has many excellent movies, many of which inspired other films.

The legacy of Superman stories is incredible, passing down phenomenal works with every new generation.

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4Defines what it is to be a hero.

Hope and Inspiration.

While there are manyevil Superman storylines, he mostly stands for hope and inspiration.

Brandon Routh as Superman lifts something large over his head as people watch in Superman Returns

Image via Warner Bros.

Everything Superman does is for good, from beating up bad guys to saving civilians.

3Supporting Cast

Every hero needs a great partner and villains.

A supporting cast can be anything from sidekicks to fellow heroes to villains to arch rivals.

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Superman’s villains are all intriguing, specifically Lex Luthor, one of the most iconic arch rivals.

Together, Superman boastsa remarkable supporting cast that is just as iconic as he is.

2Reflects the time we live in

Superman is constantly evolving.

superman-red-son

Image via Warner Bros. Animation

Superheroes don’t get far if they don’t adapt.

Superman is the same, in that he has never been the same.

All heroes change to meet new opinions and ideals based on the era.

Superman 1978 Poster

Superman fits into every decade because he is never a static character.

1Represents the best in humanity

Superman is the best of us.

Superman is the greatest hero becausehe shows fans the best in themselves and who they can be.

Superman (Christopher Reeve) flying

Image via Warner Bros.

Watching Superman isn’t supposed to be idolizing a god, butlooking at ourselves through a perfect mirror.

Superman was raised with family values, which transcend his powers to represent the best humans have to offer.

Not all humans are purely good, but a sliver of evil defeats the purpose of Superman’s character.

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