“SUPERMAN” – The best Lex Luthor Powerful Performances Ranked

“The only hunger you should have is for power, my friend. The only thirst for revenge.”

(Voiced by Clancy Brown in Superman: The Animated Series “The Way of All Flesh” (1996)

When it comes to Lex Luthor, there is no surprise that this villain over time becomes better and better.  Each actor that portrays the villain to the hero Superman, becomes stamped in history. It also becomes a topic of who is the best Lex Luthor of all time. Here are my picks in order.

9.  Jesse Eisenberg “DC Extended Universe (Warner Bros. entertainment 2016-2021)”

Jesse became Superman’s (Henry Cavill)  Lex Luthor throughout the time of the extended universe. His performance was not the best of  Lex Luthor. He often was playing the character a lot more cocky, and also just not a strong acting perspective and knowledge of the character. Even though Jesse is a good actor, it was not fit for him to play Lex.

8.  Jon Cryer “Arrowverse (CW Network 2019-2021)”

Many people will tell you that the Arrowverse over on the CW was a success. Jon Cryer took on the role of Lex Luthor, and I think he did a decent job. It could’ve been better over the course of his time in the Arrowverse. One fun fact is that he played Lenny Luthor in Christopher Reeve’s Superman IV. So he was no stranger to becoming Lex Luthor in his own right.

7.  John Shea,  “Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (ABC 1993 to 1997.)”

Although I didn’t see the entire full seasons of Lois and Clark, Shea did bring an essence to the character of Lex. I really liked his performance and he did seem like a villain, and took the role seriously.  He was a good match up to Superman’s (Dean Cain) arch nemesis over the course of the time of the series.

6. Clancy Brown “DC Animated Universe” *Started in 1996

Many people know him as Eugene Krabs on Spongebob, but he was Lex Luthor in the DC Animated Universe. His voice alone in the universe was chilling, and I could not get enough of each episode. He has played Lex in Superman: The Animated Series, Justice League, and Justice League Unlimited. 

5. Titus Welliver “Titans” (DC Universe/WB 2022) 

Titus’ portrayal of Lex Luthor was quite menacing. When it comes to the Titans team,  Lex was quite underwhelming. I felt like there was not enough time that there was spent with Lex Luthor in this television series.  Titus did a good job in terms of playing the character. 

4.  Kevin Spacey “Superman Returns” (Warner Bros. Films 2006)”

Kevin is probably one of my favorite portrayals of Lex Luthor. Among the others that I will get to, there was an eerie feeling that I get every time I watch him on screen. Again, what a good match up with his Superman (Brandon Routh) and he becomes so menacing during the film. I always get a kick out of rewatching the film, and being glued to what Lex is going to do. 

3. Michael Cudlitz – Superman and Lois (CW Network 2023-2024)

Michael does an incredible thing, he doesn’t have to try hard to be Lex Luthor. I believed him being Lex the entire time. As Superman (Tyler Hoechlin) goes toe-to-toe with him throughout the series, I often thought Superman was going to lose the fight. Michael portrays Lex as a strong, and an intelligent man. I always was tuned into the episodes that Lex Luthor was in, and his ending was perfect for the entire series.

2. Gene Hackman “Superman” Films 1978 to 1987 (Warner bros.)

Gene is the most energized Lex Luthor that I have seen in film. Especially he could hold his weight against newcomer Superman (Christopher Reeve). Throughout Reeve’s Superman films, I always admired the way that Gene Hackman embodied Lex Luthor.  He definitely will go down in Lex Luthor history. 

1. Michael Rosenbaum, “Smallville” (THE WB/CW NETWORK 2001 to 2011)

Michael is the greatest Lex Luthor. The jury is still out when it comes to Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal, but this is the best. When it comes to Michael’s portrayal of Lex Luthor, he is the best to look at. Even though he had an unconventional Superman (Tom Welling) Michael held his own against him. I loved that he put so much effort with all of Lex’s emotions.

What is your ranking of all the Lex Luthors? Sound off in the comments! Thanks for reading & don’t miss “Superman” in theaters July 11th! CLICK HERE TO READ MORE MOVIE REVIEWS FROM JANELLE!