Wrong question. Reeve and Cavill both portrayed two very different versions of Superman, with Reeve playing “idealized Superman” version and Cavill playing “alien in real world” archetype. Answer will depend on personal opinion, since there is no single, set in stone definition of Superman. I’ll withhold from voting if you don’t mind.

^What that guy said. Reeve portrayed SilverAge god-Superman, Cavill is trying to portray a more human Superman.

That requires a much different style. Plus, Henry has yet to portray HIS version of Superman and has only done Snyder's version. As naturally charismatic as Henry is, if given freedom to formulate his persona of Supes he would be amazing (I thought his Superman was pretty good).

So...like the last guy, this pointless Reeve wank--because I know that's what this is--will also get an abstention.

yo i was just leaving at as a simple opinion but cool

reeves. cavill could be good, but needs more dialogue.

This.

This. It also applies to Batman also.

@sanohibiki: there is no 'wrong or right' question... it's a question that apparently you don't like. come on man, play nice.

Reeve.

@blackdog2009:

Maybe I sounded a bit judgmental here, but my position about it remains the same (and plenty of fellow comicviners agree with me). Without single, canonical portrayal of Supes through years I don’t see how I can objectively answer to this question, hence question must be badly formulated.

..I think you can answer this based on which actor's portrayal best embodies what you expect in the superman character....I find it hard to answer, but would probably go Reeve simply because he played the character four times and was Superman in my formative years, but that's not to bash Henry Cavil who I thought did a good job in MOS.

Henry Cavill is Superman. Just the perfect embodiment.

Reeve was not only great at acting as superman, but was also the closest will get to a real life superman.

I was gonna say something so similar to this, that I might as well just quote it. It's like asking who played Joker better, Nicholson or Ledger.

I vote based on looks. Cavill takes it

Cavvil made me care about a character I could never stand, he get's the W.

I actually wasnt a big fan of Cavill, so ill go with Reeve.

I gotta go with Cavill. He imo gave me a Superman showing just powerful he is. If you are just talking the actors Id give the edge to Reeve.

As for the which screen version of Superman is the most powerful (talking Serials,TV versions and movies) Id go with Brandon Routh. He was depicted as being a more seasoned Superman who was very aware just how powetful he is.

Reeve

This is an old comment but I agree with this. Cavill is the man.

Reeve, by far.

I prefer Cavill overall. One thing is that Silver Age Superman, especially as illustrated by Curt Swan, was even taller and more muscular than current runs have had him. His official height was supposed to have been around 6'6". Though similar in powers and temperament in the movies, Reeve never quite seemed buff enough for Superman. Of course, Reeve was a tall, athletic guy, but Curt Swan (or Alex Ross) Superman is a human tank. The visual aesthetics are very important to me, so that counts for a lot.

Henry Cavill is also very good looking, in a Greek god sort of way, which works well.