Superman: All 11 Lex Luthor actors ranked from worst to best

1. Michael Rosenbaum (Smallville)

When it comes to the best actors who have portrayed DC’s most iconic villain, Lex Luthor, there is no contest. Michael Rosenbaum is not only the best to have ever played Lex Luthor, but his performance in the role was one of the finest performances we’ve ever seen in the superhero genre.

Rosenbaum’s portrayal of Luthor was nuanced, complex, and utterly compelling. He brought a depth to the character that had not been seen before, making Luthor more than just a one-dimensional villain. Rosenbaum played him as a man with a tragic past, driven by his own insecurities and fears, and willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals.

As Tom Welling said best in speaking with Bam Smack Pow timed to the 20th anniversary of the show, Smallville didn’t put the suit on and the cape on too soon, which forced the show to deal with the human element of the show. The show didn’t immediately pit Superman and Lex against one another. Instead, it established a friendship between Lex and Clark which served as the origin story for Lex’s descent into villainy.

Rosenbaum’s acting ability was perfectly suited to the role of Luthor. He was able to convey the character’s intelligence, charm, and ruthlessness with equal skill, creating a fully realized and convincing portrayal of one of the greatest villains in comic book history. His performance was incredibly captivating and he didn’t stop once Smallville wrapped, going on to voice the character in animated series and video games which only further cemented his legacy.

When one thinks of Lex Luthor, it’s Rosenbaum who often comes to mind and it’s unlikely this will ever change. Rosenbaum will forever be cemented in pop culture history as one of the best to ever appear in a comic book series and the greatest to ever portray the Man of Steel’s greatest adversary.