Superman: Doomsday (2007)

Superman: Doomsday (2007), an American adult animated superhero film based on the DC Comics story The Death of Superman, follows the tragic death and triumphant return of the iconic superhero. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, it marks the first installment of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies. The movie received mixed reviews for its intense animation and more graphic approach compared to previous adaptations, but ultimately left some critics unsatisfied. While in a romantic relationship with Lois Lane, Superman struggles with her dissatisfaction over his keeping his true identity a secret from her. During a construction project at LexCorp, workers accidentally unearth Doomsday’s spaceship, unleashing this genetically-engineered super-soldier’s violent rage towards all life forms. As it wreaks havoc on Metropolis and brutally kills anyone in its path, Superman rushes to confront Doomsday. Despite being overwhelmingly outmatched, Superman valiantly battles against the monster until he ultimately emerges victorious. Tragically, his triumph is short-lived as he dies in Lois’ arms shortly after their emotional reunion.

After Lex Luthor eliminates his personal assistant, Mercy Graves, in order to protect LexCorp’s reputation regarding Doomsday’s release, the entire world grieves over the loss of Superman. In response, Metropolis pays tribute to the hero with a special memorial. Devastated by their friend’s passing, Superman’s allies handle their emotions in different ways. Jimmy Olsen takes up a position at The National Voyeur, a tabloid newspaper, while Perry White turns to alcoholism. Meanwhile, Lois Lane discovers that her colleague Clark Kent was actually Superman all along and seeks counsel from Martha Kent. With Superman gone, crime runs rampant in Metropolis. One villain, Toyman, uses a massive mechanical spider to hold innocent children hostage. Lois takes it upon herself to save them but is targeted by Toyman before Superman miraculously rises from the dead and rescues her and the little girl. In doing so, he also captures Toyman and restores peace to the city once again.