Superman sets streaming record on HBO Max, most-watched since Barbie

DCU's Superman has created a streaming record of 13 million views on HBO Max, as reported by Variety. Having made its streaming release on 19th September 2025, it took only 10 days for the iconic DC film to garner such massive viewership.

As per HBO Max, the last time the streaming platform achieved such success was when Barbie was released in 2023. Other Superman-related films also saw a rise in viewership, according to Warner Bros. Discovery.

Starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, and many others, this film follows the story of the Kryptonian superhero. Alongside his furry best friend Krypto, he braces to fight the forces posed by Lex Luthor.

Its synopsis, according to Rotten Tomatoes, goes as follows:

When Superman gets drawn into conflicts at home and abroad, his actions are questioned, giving tech billionaire Lex Luthor the opportunity to get the Man of Steel out of the way for good. Will intrepid reporter Lois Lane and Superman's four-legged companion, Krypto, be able to help him before it's too late?

Keep reading to find out more about its record-breaking streaming success on HBO Max.

Superman creates history as it streams on HBO Max

This James Gunn movie was released on HBO Max on 19th September 2025. Since its release, the film has been streamed widely, reaching 13 million views in 10 days.

It impressed audiences and critics even before its streaming release. Released in theaters on 11th July 2025, it garnered a global box office collection of $615,636,363, as recorded by Box Office Mojo. Its IMDb score is an impressive 7.2/10, and its Rotten Tomatoes ranking is 83%.

Audience interest in the DC films also increased around the time of its streaming release, between 15th and 21st September.

Among those films, the documentary based on the journey of Christopher Reeve, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (2024), recorded the highest percentage viewership spike, up to 670%.

Coming second is the 1978 film Superman: The Movie, which amassed a viewership increase of 155%. Following that is the 2006 Bryan Singer-directed Superman Returns, with a 120% viewership increase. Lastly, the 2013 Henry Cavill-starrer Man of Steel experienced a 40% increase in viewership.