5 reasons why Superman IV: The Quest For Peace is an underrated gem

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace has a rather negative reputation. It was released in 1987 and has gone down in history as one of the worst superhero movies of all time, bringing about a quiet, controversial end to the game-changing Superman movie franchise led by Christopher Reeve.

However, the infamous movie has aged rather well. Superman IV is a diamond, although it has a reputation for being rough. There are some high points that deserve to be appreciated.

Superman vs Lex Luthor

Superman and Lex Luthor are one of the most iconic hero/villain duos of all time. Lex famously faced off against Superman in Christopher Reeve's first movie, and played a much different but important role in Superman II. The character was absent from Superman III, leaving the fourth and final installment in the film series to finish their story.

That's exactly what happened in Superman IV: The Quest For Peace when the Man of Steel faced off against his arch nemesis for the final time, leading to a true conclusion to their story.

Lenny Luthor

Lex Luthor is joined by his nephew, Lenny Luthor, in his quest to destroy the Last Son of Krypton in Superman IV: The Quest For Peace. Lenny represents the true difference between Lex and Superman. Lex spends the movie insulting Lenny, and degrading him despite him being family, whereas Superman tries to help Lenny get on a better path in life by the end, even though Lenny tried to destroy him.

It's also pretty cool that Lenny is portrayed by Jon Cryer, who went on to portray Lex Luthor in Supergirl as the Big Bad of the CW show's fourth season, battling the Girl of Steel in the season finale, which was titled "The Quest For Peace".

The Daily Planet

The Daily Planet is an institution in the Superman mythos, but rarely does it face such peril as it does in Superman IV. The Planet is bought out by a tabloid tycoon, leading to the journalistic integrity of the news outlet being in jeopardy.

The message about journalism, and the crisis faced by Perry White, Clark Kent, and Lois Lane provides a true double meaning to the film, adding to its messages, and this has allowed the movie to age well.

The Nuclear Man

Possibly the most hated part of the movie, The Nuclear Man is Superman's equal in power, but with the twisted mind of Lex Luthor. Luthor created the entity to kill the Man of Steel, but Superman won out in the end. Gene Hackman provides the voice for the Nuclear Man, proving that he is truly an extension of Luthor, albeit a treacherous one, rather than his one villain.

For the first time, Superman has a true physical struggle with his greatest nemesis. It adds a new layer to their rivalry and, for once, suggests that Luthor can outdo the hero in the strength department, too.

The Quest For Peace

The core message of Superman IV is in the title. It's all about the quest for peace. Superman destroys the nuclear bombs, and advocating for a better tomorrow by the way of peace. The message of peace has aged gracefully, and holds relevance even to this day.

Thus, even if the 1987 film didn't go out on the highest of adventures, it certainly ended with the strongest of messages.