Lois Lane debuted alongside Superman in Action Comics #1 in 1938. She was Superman/Clark Kent’s love interest, but she was also a fierce reporter in her own right. The character has developed greatly since then, but Lois has remained both a talented reporter and a worthy partner for Superman. No matter what adaptation it is, or what actor is playing Superman, Lois Lane is an essential part of the Superman myth. Let’s take a look at the best live-action portrayals, ranked.

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8 Kate Bosworth (Superman Returns, 2006)

     Warner Bros Pictures

Bryan Singer’s 2006 movie Superman Returns was the first major Superman film in nearly 20 years, with Brandon Routh as the title hero and Kate Bosworth as Lois Lane. Bosworth is a strong actress, but seemed a bit young for the role at 22, and her Lois doesn’t feel as fleshed out as other portrayals. The writing also doesn’t give her much initiative, with much of her character revolving around the different men in her life. She does a decent job, but the character is lacking that strong spirit.

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7 Phyllis Coates (Superman and the Mole Men and Adventures of Superman, 1951-1953)

     Motion Pictures for Television

When Whitney Ellsworth and Robert J. Maxwell created the series The Adventures of Superman in 1952, Phyllis Coates took on the role of Lois Lane, reporter and love interest of George Reeves’ Superman. Typical for the time period, she is often made to be the damsel in distress for Superman to save. However, she also shows her strength as a reporter in a world of men, embodying a classic investigator feel in her portrayal. Her can-do attitude and inquisitive personality would remain with the character through various adaptations up to the present.

6 Amy Adams (Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Justice League, 2013-2017)

Amy Adams is an extremely talented actress, and while she does everything she can as Lois, a lot of her performance is hindered by the writing of her character. When she debuted in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel in 2013, she was a great reporter who seemed to be Superman’s (Henry Cavill) equal. Her later appearances, however, have drastic cuts in screen time and more simplified story lines where she’s little more than the love interest. It’s a shame that such a brilliant actress doesn’t have the opportunity to truly show her brilliance in the role.

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5 Noel Neill (Superman, Atom Man vs. Superman, and Adventures of Superman, 1948-1958)

Noel Neill is the first actress to play Lois Lane in a live-action format. She debuted the role in two film serials, then took over the role from Coates for The Adventures of Superman TV series. She played Lois from season two until the show’s end. While she still serves as the damsel at times, she is also portrayed as smart and capable, even more so than the men she works with. She also isn’t afraid to stand up for herself and her abilities. Her Lois also has a sweet romance arc with Superman that feels genuine. Neill brings heart to the role, and even continued making brief appearances in Superman films until her death in 2016.

4 Teri Hatcher (Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, 1993-1997)

     Warner Bros Television

Deborah Joy Levine’s series Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman sees Teri Hatcher and Dean Cain as the famous duo. In this adaptation, Lois’ name is first in the title, and Hatcher’s performance lets you know just how important the character is. The series is more of a drama than the superhero TV shows we’ve come to know, which fits the characters well. Their romance is the center point, and Hatcher does a great job of balancing the romantic parts with the fierce reporter that Lois is. She’s fully capable and in control in her role, and Hatcher captures that confidence.

3 Elizabeth Tulloch (Superman and Lois, 2021-Present)

     Warner Bros Television Distribution

Developed by Gerg Berlanti and Todd Helbing, 2021’s Superman and Lois sees the title duo, played by Tyler Hoechlin and Elizabeth Tulloch, back in Smallville to raise their twin sons. Her Lois has great emotional depth and a deeper backstory than some portrayals, and Tulloch captures all the complexity. In addition, she and Clark have a relationship that is sweet and funny but still realistic, with great chemistry between the actors. She is stubborn – almost too much at times – but also caring and supportive, and remains an equal partner to both Clark and Superman. With the show recently approved for a third season, her performance has the chance to grow even more.

2 Margot Kidder (Superman, Superman II, Superman III, and Superman IV, 1978-1987)

     Warner Bros

The 1978 film Superman was directed by Richard Donner and serves as the hero’s first major movie. The film’s poster says, ”You’ll Believe a Man Can Fly,” and Margot Kidder’s Lois is just as responsible for that magic as Christopher Reeve’s Superman. She takes the early aspects of the character and fully cements them, creating Lois as she’s seen today. She’s tough and brash but also funny and soft, fully in control of her writing, yet romantic with Superman. She brings every facet of the character to life, great on her own and in scenes with Reeve, and remains one of the strongest Lois Lanes of all time.

1 Erica Durance (Smallville, 2004-2011)

     Warner Brothers Domestic Television Distribution

Hired just days before filming began, Erica Durance was a breath of fresh air when she entered the fourth season of Miles Millar and Alfred Gough’s Smallville series. As a big city girl new to Smallville, she’s miles ahead of everyone else yet still likable and relatable. She’s smart and funny, trading banter with Tom Welling’s Clark. She delivers everything you could want for Lois: clever sarcasm, genuine emotion, fierce investigative talent, and a beautiful slow-burn romance with Clark. Her performance also develops over seven seasons, a character origin story almost as complete and detailed as Clark’s.