Max Fleischer's Superman 1941-1942 (2009): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2009, Max Fleischer's Superman 1941-1942 is an animation film directed by Dave Fleischer, running about 145 minutes. “This is a job for Superman!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. More than just a landmark in superhero animation, Max Fleischer's Superman shorts were no less than the foundation for so many shows that succeeded it. Playing in theaters in 1941-42, only a few years after the Man of Steel made his debut in Action Comics, these 17 exciting films were produced by Fleischer and made famous the phrase "This looks like a job for Superman!" At 10 minutes, each film had just enough time to run the opening credits, establish the threat, let Lois Lane make a headstrong rush into peril, and allow Clark Kent to change to his alter ego and save the day. The films show a remarkably dynamic and atmospheric storytelling style that enables them to hold up for modern viewers. At first the films followed a science fiction-fantasy theme, but not unexpectedly for that time soon focused on wartime concerns.

Who’s in it. Max Fleischer's Superman 1941-1942 stars Bud Collyer as Superman / Clark Kent (voice) (archive sound) and Joan Alexander as Lois Lane (voice) (archive sound).

How it landed. With an audience score of 7.6/10, Max Fleischer's Superman 1941-1942 has been warmly received by audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Max Fleischer's Superman 1941-1942 page.

If you liked it. Fans of Max Fleischer's Superman 1941-1942 tend to enjoy Spirited Away, Your Name., Grave of the Fireflies and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.