Superman was released.
Superman (1941 film) . Also known as The Mad Scientist , Superman was produced by Fleischer Studios and released to theaters by Paramount Pictures on September 26 , 1941 . Superman ( informally titled Superman : The Movie in some listings and reference sources ) is a 1978 superhero film directed by Richard Donner and based on the DC Comics character of the same name . The most expensive film made up to that point with a budget of $ 55 million , Superman was released in December 1978 to critical acclaim and financial success , earning $ 300 million during its original theatrical run .