20 Greatest DC Animated Film Universe Movies, Ranked

The action-packed spectacle of superhero blockbusters has taken heart stage within the cinematic panorama for nearly twenty years now, with every thing from Christopher Nolan‘s The Dark Knight Trilogy to more moderen iterations of the caped crusader like 2022’s The Batman, and, in fact, the continued Marvel Cinematic Universe dominating the field workplace. Whereas the DCEU has labored tirelessly to launch its personal prolonged live-action franchise, the perfect linked universe DC Comics’ followers have seen to date is undoubtedly the DC Animated Films Universe (DCAMU).

This in all probability should not come as an enormous shock as DC have a historical past of changing their superhero tales to animation with dazzling outcomes, with the early Nineties sequence Batman: The Animated Series a standout on this regard. With tales starting from origin tales to main crossover occasions, and even beautiful realizations of well-known comedian guide arcs like Flashpoint, the animated film franchise boasts an astounding array of movies good for lovers of superhero tales.

20 ‘Surprise Girl: Bloodlines’ (2019)

Directed by Sam Liu and Justin Copeland

2019 was a monumental yr within the context of the DC Animated Film Universe. Whereas the discharge of Surprise Girl: Bloodlines divided the fan base, the penultimate installment of the DCAMU’s “New 52” arc was warmly obtained by critics, a number of of whom even heralded it as the most effective movie the franchise launched that yr as they celebrated its empowering story of braveness and willpower.

With a legion of previous enemies becoming a member of forces because the nefarious Villainy, Inc., Surprise Girl (played by Rosario Dawson) embarks on a lethal mission inside the evil group to rescue a younger woman and defy their plans to invade Themyscira. Propped up by sturdy motion sequences and a riveting story, Surprise Girl: Bloodlines is greater than able to overcoming its pitfalls to thrive as an engrossing journey that sees its titular heroine in positive type.

Rent on Amazon

19 ‘Justice Society: World Conflict II’ (2021)

Directed by Jeff Wamester

Successfully a Flash (Matt Bomer) film that doubles as an ensemble particular, Justice Society: World War II sees Barry Allen channel the Pace Power for the very first time to wind up in an alternate previous. With the Second World Conflict raging, he joins forces with the Justice Society of America to battle the Nazis whereas attempting to uncover the fateful lesson he should be taught earlier than returning to his personal time.

Whereas some criticized the movie for its narrative displacement, which successfully rendered the occasions of the story as solely irrelevant within the grander scheme of the DCAMU, Justice Society: World Conflict II nonetheless manages to be outlined by its strengths somewhat than its weaknesses. It’s artistic and enjoyable, fueled by an thrilling journey of battle and heroism that depicts the Flash at his finest, even when followers of the JSA could also be considerably aggrieved on the presentation of the tremendous squad.

18 ‘Batman: The Lengthy Halloween – Half One’ (2021)

Directed by Chris Palmer

A powerful adaptation of the critically acclaimed comedian guide restricted sequence, Batman: The Long Halloween – Part One engrosses viewers in a bleak and brutal Gotham Metropolis, one being torn aside by corruption, crime, and the carnage of an energetic serial killer. With the killer placing on widespread holidays, the movie follows the efforts of Batman (Jensen Ackles), Jim Gordon (Billy Burke), and Harvey Dent (Josh Duhamel) to establish the Vacation Killer and arrest him earlier than he can kill once more.

The animated characteristic brilliantly captures the fashion and tone of Jeph Leob’s story, wealthy with components of noir cinema and thriller intrigue that give it an atmospheric gravity and weight. It excels as one of many darker movies of the DCAMU, thrives off its proficient voice forged, and revels within the trademark grit of Batman to be a fascinating spotlight of the franchise’s second part.

Rent on Apple TV

17 ‘Batman: The Lengthy Halloween – Half Two’ (2021)

Directed by Chris Palmer

Launched simply 5 days after its predecessor, Batman: The Lengthy Halloween – Half Two completes the narrative arc whereas delving deeper into the story’s themes and stylistic depth. After being rendered helpless beneath the villainous Poison Ivy’s (Katee Sackhoff) spell, Batman is rescued by an unlikely ally and continues his pursuit for Vacation. In the meantime, a compromised prison desperately makes a take care of Gotham’s rogues gallery, and a disfigured Harvey Dent begins to succumb to the pressures imposed upon him in devastating vogue.

The Lengthy Halloween features extremely nicely as one mixed piece, however Half Two narrowly edges forward of its predecessor on account of how brilliantly it delivers on all of the set-ups. The narrative development is engrossing, whereas the animation and vocal work stay completely chic. With the way it sticks to touchdown to ship a rewarding conclusion, it’s comprehensible why many contemplate Batman: The Lengthy Halloween – Half Two to be the top of the DCAMU’s second part.

Rent on Apple TV

16 ‘Superman: Man of Tomorrow’ (2020)

Directed by Chris Palmer

A gleeful return to the adventurous sense of enjoyable and motion that superhero films used to occupy as a rule, Superman: Man of Tomorrow thrives as an thrilling and charming origin story. It follows Clark Kent (Darren Criss) as he begins working as an intern on the Day by day Planet whereas nonetheless studying how finest to make the most of his powers to guard Metropolis, a problem that grows imminently pressing when town is attacked by alien invaders.

Whereas the hypercritical might take difficulty with the movie’s narrative predictability and familiarity, Superman: Man of Tomorrow is finally a testomony as to why the character has endured so nicely over so a few years. Complemented by a refreshed visible fashion and an excellent voice forged that features Zachary Quinto and Alexandra Daddario, and the movie serves as the proper launching pad for the DC Animated Movie Universe’s “Tomorrowverse” arc.

15 ‘Reign of the Supermen’ (2019)

Directed by Sam Liu

With Superman gone, the individuals of Earth are searching for potential successors. In Reign of the Supermen, 4 figures — Superboy, Metal, the Eradicator, and the evil Cyborg Superman, are grappling with the legacy of Superman whereas a darkish drive emerges. Darkseid, the last word villain, seeks to overcome Earth by means of manipulation. The movie sees these heroes overcome their mistrust and unite beneath the image of hope because the true Superman finally makes a comeback.

Reign of the Supermen is a DC animated masterpiece full of motion and layered characters. The movie faithfully adapts the long-lasting comedian arc, with jaw-dropping battles between the Supermen and the ultimate showdown with Darkseid. Nevertheless it’s not simply in regards to the motion because the film seems into the motivations of every potential successor, making it a must-watch for each DC veterans and newcomers.

Rent on Apple TV

14 ‘Justice League vs. Teen Titans’ (2016)

Directed by Sam Liu

The road between hero and villain blurs in Justice League vs. Teen Titans! When a botched mission with the Legion of Doom backfires, Trigon takes management of the Justice League. Which means that the destiny of the world rests on the shoulders of the Teen Titans. Led by Robin, the younger heroes face their most tough problem but: preventing their very own mentors.

The worlds of the Justice League and the Teen Titans are merged within the movie, providing a recent perspective on each groups. It additionally explores Raven’s backstory, taking a look at her connection to Trigon and her inside struggles as a hero. From the epic battles in opposition to the possessed League to the ultimate confrontation with Trigon, the movie delivers the much-needed suspense and power each superhero movie wants.

Rent on Amazon

13 ‘Justice League: Throne of Atlantis’ (2015)

Directed by Ethan Spaulding

A hero rises in Justice League: Throne of Atlantis. A sunken submarine leads the Justice League to a brewing battle between the floor world and the underwater kingdom. As Arthur Curry seems into the thriller, he uncovers the stunning fact that he’s the inheritor to the Atlantean throne! Nevertheless, his half-brother, Orm, often known as Ocean Grasp, needs battle with the floor.

Torn between two worlds, Arthur should embrace his Atlantean heritage and unite the Justice League to cease Orm’s warpath. The critically acclaimed DC animated movie is not only about punching, displaying Arthur Curry’s private journey with the explosive battle between Atlantis and the floor world. It’s the proper Aquaman origin story with its epic motion sequences, beautiful animation, and unbelievable performances from voice actors Nathan Fillion and Matt Lanter.

12 ‘Justice League: Conflict’ (2014)

Directed by Jay Oliva

In Justice League: Conflict, Earth is getting ready to annihilation as a sequence of abductions result in a horrifying revelation. Darkseid is getting ready to overcome Earth, and as Batman and Inexperienced Lantern scramble to warn the world, they create collectively a gaggle of highly effective people: Superman, Surprise Girl, The Flash, Shazam, and Cyborg. Nevertheless time is operating out, and the heroes should attempt to overcome their mistrust and unite as a group earlier than Darkseid’s forces arrive.

Justice League: Conflict was well-received on account of its mix of thrilling motion and the formative story of Justice League. Past the animation spectacle, it additionally targeted on the connection between the heroes, making viewers invested within the journey of the group. It’s a top-tier DC animated movie that must be seen by each comic-book fan.

11 ‘Batman: Underneath the Pink Hood’ (2010)

Directed by Brandon Vietti

The fall and return of Batman are on full show in Batman: Underneath the Pink Hood. Within the film, tragedy strikes Batman as his younger ward Robin is murdered by Joker. Years later, Gotham is shaken by the arrival of the Pink Hood, a ruthless vigilante difficult Batman’s strategies. As Batman investigates, he uncovers an online of secrets and techniques resulting in a horrifying discovery — the Pink Hood is none aside from Jason Todd, introduced again from the lifeless and consumed by vengeance.

The film seems into the 2 characters’ emotional confrontations, forcing Batman to confront his previous and the true price of his battle on crime. That includes extra than simply motion, Underneath the Pink Hood affords a deeper have a look at Batman, making it a thought-provoking look ahead to followers of character-driven narratives.

10 ‘Justice League Darkish’ (2017)

Directed by Jay Oliva

A positive and distinctive entry from the DCAMU, Justice League Dark is a rarity within the franchise because it options an unique premise somewhat than discovering a agency foundation in a comic book guide narrative, regardless of its apparent hyperlink to the titular superhero group. When common residents in Gotham Metropolis begin murdering individuals who they imagine to be demonic entities, Batman (Jason O’Mara) kinds “Justice League Darkish,” a superhero squad of darkish arts specialists led by John Constantine (Matt Ryan) to face in opposition to supernatural evil.

Whereas the narrative is not the strongest within the DCAMU, it does have some important strengths, together with Matt Ryan’s reprisal of the Constantine function and its engrossing thriller which spirals in some fascinating instructions. Justice League Darkish‘s eagerness to embrace the supernatural parts of its story additionally set it other than many different superhero movies – animated or live-action – and imbued the story with freedom to enterprise into some imaginative and surprisingly darkish areas.

9 ‘Teen Titans: The Judas Contract’ (2017)

Directed by Sam Liu

A poster little one of famend superhero comedian guide characters who’ve excelled in animated storytelling however struggled to make the leap to live-action, Teen Titans is without doubt one of the most missed tremendous squads within the present cinematic panorama. Specializing in essentially the most well-known comedian storyline for the group, Teen Titans: The Judas Contract is given a recent spin on this 2017 iteration because it follows the eponymous squad of their battle in opposition to Deathstroke (Miguel Ferrer) and Brother Blood (Greg Henry) whereas a traitor strives to realize a dastardly purpose.

Teen Titans: The Judas Contract overcomes a flawed opening sequence to push on with sturdy and immersive motion scenes and compelling character improvement, notably from Terra (Christina Ricci) as she is positioned in an unattainable predicament. A sensible fusion of the fallen heroine from the canceled 2003 Teen Titans series and the wicked villainy embedded within the supply materials, this depiction of the terra-kinetic Judas determine thrives as a tragic, mature, and emotionally advanced animated movie.

8 ‘Batman: Dangerous Blood’ (2016)

Directed by Jay Oliva

Surprisingly violent given its ranking, cleverly intriguing, and a monument to the extended family of heroes who help Batman in Gotham Metropolis, Batman: Dangerous Blood is a crowning glory for animated Batman tales that delve into his beloved sidekicks. The story runs with an interesting premise as, with Batman mysteriously lacking, Dick Grayson (Sean Maher) should don the cowl to battle crime in Gotham whereas Batwoman (Yvonne Strahovski) investigates Bruce Wayne’s disappearance.

With Batman absent for a lot of the film, comic-book lovers get an excellent probability to see how Gotham’s different notable vigilantes rise in his stead. There’s loads of rewarding enjoyable available as nicely, with Batman: Dangerous Blood enjoying with all of the drama and intrigue its premise affords. It additionally serves up a few of the finest motion sequences in animated superhero cinema in addition.

7 ‘Batman: Hush’ (2019)

Directed by Justin Copeland

One of many best stand-alone Batman movies within the DCAMU, Batman: Hush sees the Darkish Knight taking over certainly one of his most underrated comedian guide antagonists. With a free foundation on the comedian guide arc of the identical title, it follows Batman as he’s focused by an enigmatic and malevolent enemy who is aware of all his deepest secrets and techniques and targets these he cares about most, prompting the caped crusader to type an uneasy alliance with Catwoman (Jennifer Morrison) to interrupt free from Hush’s (Geoffrey Arend) lethal sport.

Whereas its climax might upset comedian guide purists, Batman: Hush discovered an attractive attract for Batman die-hards with its devoted but subversive efforts, which hit hardest when the story uncovered and exploited Bruce’s deepest vulnerabilities. The animated depiction of this contemporary Batman traditional was a real deal with, however there’s nonetheless some hope that the villainous entity will get the live-action therapy quickly.

Watch on Max

6 ‘The Demise of Superman’ (2018)

Directed by Sam Liu and Jake Castoreno

One of the crucial well-known comedian guide arcs of all time, due partly to its alarming title, the long-lasting story was executed justice when placed on the display screen. That story, in fact, was The Death of Superman which follows Superman (Jerry O’Connell) and the Justice League as they have to battle in opposition to a hulking monster named Doomsday because the alien entity lays waste to town of Metropolis.

The Demise of Superman carries the load of its supply materials’s affect with a palpable respect which correctly makes use of Superman and Lois Lane’s (Rebecca Romjin) romance because the beating coronary heart of the narrative. Although it solely depicted half of the unique story, it was essentially the most impactful half. Delivering certainly one of superhero literature’s best fights with ample brutality and gravitas, The Demise of Superman grew to become one thing of a mainstream hit.

5 ‘Constantine: Metropolis of Demons – The Film’ (2018)

Directed by Doug Murphy

Delving into the occult darkness of Constantine with the unbridled freedom of an R-rating, Constantine: Metropolis of Demons – The Film noticed the anti-hero protagonist in all his violent glory. A beautiful instance of the comics’ sense of supernatural marvel, the movie follows John Constantine as he tries to avoid wasting a pal’s daughter from succumbing to a demonically-induced coma, enlisting the assistance of a mysterious nurse, the queen of angels, and an historical Aztec deity.

Remaining loyal to the supply materials, whereas concurrently increasing upon it so as to add in some clever adjustments, the animated movie struck a flawless steadiness between impeccable adaptation and thriving as its personal story. Stylistically imbued with excessive violence, horrific monsters, stunning profanity, and loads of black magic attract, Constantine: Metropolis of Demons is without doubt one of the most placing entries of the DCAMU. It stays one of many best portrayals of the superhero as we speak.

Rent on Apple TV

4 ‘Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay’ (2018)

Directed by Sam Liu

Succeeding the place the preliminary live-action movie failed, Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay functioned as a super-violent, relentlessly bloody, chaotically enjoyable superhero motion comedy directed squarely at adults. With Amanda Waller (Vanessa Williams) not too long ago recognized with a terminal sickness, she dispatches Job Power X – a squad comprised of incarcerated supervillains – to discover a highly effective relic that grants the person entry to heaven no matter what sins they’ve dedicated.

Naturally, with a group of morally reprehensible criminals concerned, the “Get Out of Hell Free” card turns into a scorching commodity and conjures up loads of betrayals and backstabbings. Discovering compelling protagonists in its difficult characters and setting a grittier tone, Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay flies by with its twisted humorousness whereas nonetheless squeezing out a surprisingly profound dialog about spirituality and redemption.

Rent on Apple TV

3 ‘Justice League Darkish: Apokolips Conflict’ (2020)

Directed by Matt Peters and Christina Sotta

The beautiful conclusion to the DC Animated Movie Universe (not less than earlier than the 2022 brief Constantine: The Home of Thriller served as a further epilogue), Justice League Darkish: Apokolips Conflict was a staggering crossover occasion. Set two years after a deliberate assault on Darkseid’s (Tony Todd) dwelling world leads to Earth being ravaged, and plenty of heroes being killed, the remaining figures of the Justice League, Justice League Darkish, and Bat Household unite to muster what little power they’ve and mount a counterattack that can determine the last word destiny of all humanity.

Drawing apparent comparisons to the kind of rewarding, culminating spectacle Avengers: Endgame supplied followers of the MCU, Justice League Darkish: Apokolips Conflict spreads its lens impressively broad to cowl the journeys of a very powerful and integral characters. Granted, it does not handle to offer full closure to each important story thread, however its excessive stakes make for a unbelievable viewing expertise worthy of serving because the franchise’s grand finale.

2 ‘Batman vs. Robin’ (2015)

Directed by Jay Oliva

Whereas it boasts a PG-13 ranking, Batman vs. Robin stands as one of the vital confronting entries within the DCAMU with its exploration of the ethical conundrum behind Batman’s most treasured rule. Tensions rise between Batman and his son Damian (Stuart Allan) when the latter struggles to stick to his father’s no-killing rule, all of the whereas a child-abducting toymaker wreaks havoc on town and a fabled secret society – one with a vested curiosity in Damian – mount an assault on Gotham.

Firing on all cylinders, the movie revels within the core ethical dilemma dropped at life with unbelievable writing and robust character dynamics, in addition to a well-paced, action-packed story. An underrated masterpiece of standalone superhero storytelling, Batman vs. Robin thrives on the advantage of its personal, remoted narrative and elevates the stakes to insufferable ranges which extra movies within the style ought to take notice on, because it is without doubt one of the finest DC animated films ever made.

1 ‘Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox’ (2013)

Directed by Jay Oliva

As the primary movie within the DC Animated Film Universe, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox astoundingly nonetheless stands because the crowning glory of the prolonged franchise because it introduced the “Flashpoint” comedian arc to the display screen with utter perfection. After the Flash (Justin Chambers) causes a temporal ripple which ends up in a fractured actuality the place Aquaman (Cary Elwes) and Surprise Girl (Vanessa Marshall) are at battle and the Justice League was by no means shaped, Flash unites with Batman (Kevin Conroy) and Cyborg (Michael B. Jordan) to revive the universe.

Comedian guide lovers could not have requested for a greater adaptation of the seminal crossover occasion, nor may informal viewers have demanded a extra riveting superhero film. With an indelible voice forged, sturdy motion animation, and an engrossing and harsh ambiance, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox was an excellent launching pad for the DCAMU which engaged with the pitfalls of enjoying God. Additionally it is one of many highest-rated animated superhero movies on IMDb.

Watch on Max

NEXT: Great Animated Superhero Shows Not From Marvel Or DC