I like Welling, but he's not playing Superman so I won't even count him. and I just don't like Cain. he was a pretty boy which Superman never ever was. he was an all american, not a backstreet boy. which brings me to Routh. imo the penultimate pretty boy Superman. what he does come in first place for is unquestionably being the most wispy man of steel. wouldn't even call him the man of steel with all that crying and pouting he did in SR which btw were the only two emotions he seemed capable of.
Christopher Reeve just flat out captured and amplified all the charm, strength, heroism, and compassion that is Superman. when you watch Reeve you truly feel you are watching a hero. his acting and touchdown of every emotion in STM was perfect. it's still captivating how Reeve could range from simply polite and calm ("don't worry miss, I've got you") to warm and sincere ("a friend") to aggressive ("I'll melt this box to your prison bars") to rage (screaming and flying upon uncovering dead Lois). it's all there just in STM. no other movie or show actor has been able to do what Reeve did and I doubt anyone ever will. plus, let's just face it, he ****in looks like Superman. the broad jaw and shoulders (ya, no shoulder pads, what?), his costume actually being the right color, the way he looked naturally in flight, etc. Christopher Reeve. there is no comparison.