9. Margot Kidder
The lowest on the list of Lois Lanes. I apologize to the legend that is Margot Kidder, but she’s barely more than a damsel in distress in the movie. She never truly gets to showcase what makes Lois Lane great. Her second outing as she attempts to figure out that Superman and Clark Kent are the same person is way better.
However, I knock off a lot of points for the ‘Can you read my mind scene.’ It’s made me cringe since I was a kid.
8. Phyllis Coates
The Adventures of Superman gave Lois Lane more time to shine and Coates did an amazing job in her outing for one season. Even with the time of her outing being in the 50 and also being very damsel in distress, her reporter skills shined through.
Often, she finds the answer without Clark’s help. With Superman arriving to save the day or following behind. Lois is often the driving force in figuring out and solving cases without the advantage of superpowers.
Which I think makes this version all the more amazing.
7. Amy Adams
Amy Adams’ Lois Lane spends the first half of Man of Steel proving why there’s no one better in figuring things out. Then she spends the rest of her time as Lois Lane doing nothing else.
While not entirely a damsel in distress, she offers little to the plot of Man of Steel post identifying the strange man who saved her. She’s only utilized after that to calm Superman or give him a reason to save the world.
Watering Lois down to a love interest instead of the badass she is. Credit to Amy Adams for always trying to make her more than that. I also give points because she was able to find Clark without much to go on.
She is clearly a skilled reporter, and I wish that was explored more in the movies. With Amy Adams given more to work with. Points for an attempt.
6. Noel Neill
We’re getting into it now! Noel Neill shines in her outings with Kirk Alyn and George Reeves as Lois Lane. Once again driving the stories with her brains. Keeping pace with Superman as they solve stories.
While it is still a product of its time which is why they can’t rank very high. Neill does an excellent job of showing that Lois Lane is a reporter and is just as brave as Superman. Trying in her own small way to save the day.
Though again, still a product of its time.
5. Kate Bosworth
Another damsel in distress, coupled with a solid attempt at a full-fledged reporter Lois Lane. Despite being a sort of sequel to Margot Kidder’s Lois, there’s little they have in common. She’s tough as nails, takes no BS, and is pissed at Superman for disappearing on her. Her focus is her work and her son and getting the truth while also keeping a healthy dose of reality.
Her damsel in distress moments come from her getting to the bottom of things, rather than just simply tossing her into danger as someone important for Superman to save. She is a badass mom and reporter, while leaving room for the softie who loves Superman.
4. Erica Durance
My childhood Lois Lane! Or at least one of them. She’s the one I saw airing on TV while I was growing up watching Smallville every week. She’s tough as nails, takes no prisoners, and gives Clark sh*t on a daily basis. Which I love.
She brings out a playful side to Clark Kent while also keeping him grounded. She’s a fully realized character in her own right, slowly discovering her place in the world.
Which she wasn’t sure of at first and like with Clark, we see her become the Lois Lane we know and love. The icon. As she joins the Daily Planet and searches for the truth to help the world in her own way.
She’s a perfect partner to Clark. Keeping him honest with himself and on track or giving him sh*t when he needs it. She’s fierce and independent. Like Coates and Neill’s version, often appearing in the same place as Clark without superpowers. Saving the world with her brain and pen instead.
3. Teri Hatcher
A successful reporter in her own right. Searching for the truth. I love that she stumbles and makes mistakes. She’s imperfect in her life. Dating the wrong guy. Maybe trusting the wrong people. But growing from it as she goes.
Her partnership and best friendship with Clark stands out. She loves him, but she’s still Lois Lane. One of the people capable of going toe to toe with the Man of Steel and winning. She loves fiercely and with all her being.
She’s relentless in her pursuit of the truth, despite the enemies and danger it puts her in. And I firmly believe that even without Superman she’d still be getting into all that trouble because she wouldn’t stop trying to do the right thing. She’s out to make the world a better place and a little danger isn’t going to stop her.
2. Rachel Brosnahan
Congratulations Rachel Brosnahan, you are the only Lois Lane on the list (so far) to not be rescued by Superman. In fact, you do the rescuing. Using your brain, pen, and pursuit for the truth to uncover Lex’s real plan and put an end to it. Without you, Superman’s reputation would have been tarnished, and Lex may have won, leaving him trapped or dead in a pocket dimension.
She’s fierce, relentless, and everything Lois Lane should be. Rachel herself points out that Lois would get into danger because it’s her job, but this movie highlights just how good she is at her job. Capable of seeing the whole picture and understand when there’s more happening behind the scenes. Completely in love, though in denial about it, until the moment she can no longer deny it. Loving Clark Kent as fiercely as only a true Lois Lane can.
1. Elizabeth ‘Bitsie’ Tulloch
The G.O.A.T.!! Bitsie is the ultimate Lois Lane. She’s got it all. The journalist skills. The wit. The no nonsense attitude. Fiercely protective of the people she loves. She lets nothing stand in the way of her pursuit of the truth. Not fear. Not threats. Her life on the line.
She loves her boys with all the love a mother can. Adores her husband. In a twist of loving Clark Kent, not Superman. She adores his dorky small-town charm. Waves off threats and firebombs to her car. Her life being on the line never rattles her – but come after her family? Watch out.
She will win. Her will is unstoppable and arguably she’s more of hero than Superman. In fact, he might agree with that statement. She and Clark communicate with a healthy relationship. They may fight and disagree, but the love is always there in every moment. She’s friends with his ex. She’s a mom. A wife. A daughter. A sister. A friend. A reporter. She’s a badass every moment she’s on screen and I wouldn’t want to get on her bad side. Would you?
Tell me – do you agree with my rankings? Who is your favorite Lois Lane and why? Drop a comment letting me know! I also think, I’m going to do a Lex Luthor ranking. What do you think?
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