Given the immense levels of success the Marvel Cinematic Universe has achieved with its franchise, it’s only natural that DC Comics, Marvel’s long time competitor, wanted a shared universe of their own. And so we get the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) bringing together the stories of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, the Flash and more.
But unlike with Marvel’s well-oiled machine, DC’s equivalent has become known for a general lack of cohesion and several harsh pivots, including an apparent reset on the horizon under the leadership of new Co-CEO James Gunn. Nevertheless, the full DCEU as it stands holds 15 films centering around heroes pushing towards greater ideals. So if you’re interested in embarking on that journey, here is how to watch the DCEU movies in order.
DC Movies In Order Of Release
- Man of Steel (2013)
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- Suicide Squad (2016)
- Wonder Woman (2017)
- Justice League (2017)
- Aquaman (2018)
- Shazam! (2019)
- Birds of Prey (2020)
- Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
- Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)*
- The Suicide Squad (2021)
- Black Adam (2022)
- Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
- The Flash (2023)
- Blue Beetle (2023)
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
*The canon status of this film versus its predecessor is a bit muddled, as we’ll discuss below.
DC Movies In Chronological Order
This series, as with most, is likely best watched in the order of release. However, if you are interested in traversing the films’ one hundred years of history as the characters lived it, the chronological watch order might offer an exciting experience.
While the films have not always made it explicitly clear what years they take place in, details in the various entries can generally tell us their placement on the timeline. So, if you’re interested in watching the DCEU in chronological order, read on for your guide below. All are available on Max.
Wonder Woman (2017)
Our watch order begins in 1918 with Diana Prince’s first major adventure. The film stars Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, and Robin Wright and is directed by Patty Jenkins. The movie also met very positive reviews upon release, currently holding a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
In the film, Allied spy Steve Trevor crashes onto a mysterious island and meets Princess Diana of a secret warrior people created by the Gods. But after learning of the horrors of World War 1 and believing it is the doing of the rogue god Ares, Diana joins Steve in returning to the world in hopes of ending the conflict.
The movie also begins with Diana receiving a package from one Bruce Wayne in the present, someone we will learn more about soon in our timeline.
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
We catch up with Diana 60 years later for a new adventure in Washington D.C. The movie is again directed by Patty Jenkins and sees the return of Gal Gadot and Chris Pine, with Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal joining the cast. However, this sequel did not fare as well critically, sitting at 58% on Rotten Tomatoes.
In the film, Diana is now working at the Smithsonian with her colleague Barbara Minerva while also secretly continuing her heroics as Wonder Woman. But when they uncover the Dreamstone, an ancient artifact that can grant wishes, Diana is delighted to see it revive her love Steve, and Barbara has it give her some of Diana’s power. Eventually though, businessman Maxwell Lord uses the stone to grant the world’s wishes, leading to a global chaos that Diana must now race to fix.
This entry is also notable for being one of the films which HBO Max, controversially, released online on the same day as its theatrical release.
Man of Steel (2013)
Next, we arrive at the first released film, Man of Steel. The movie met generally unfavorable reviews, with a 56% on Rotten Tomatoes. It stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, and Kevin Costner and is directed by Zack Snyder.
In the movie we meet Clark Kent, an alien who was sent to Earth from his dying planet and then taken in by loving parents in Kansas. In adulthood, Clark learns that his abilities can make him a hero among people. Meanwhile, reporter Lois Lane investigates the truth behind him. But then Krypton’s General Zod invades Earth and causes significant destruction to Metropolis which Kent, ultimately dubbed Superman, must work to thwart.
While fans have come to praise the film in retrospect, the movie is generally criticized for depicting a more bleak version of Superman than is usually seen in his hopeful comics. This movie is also notable as it marks the beginning of Zack Snyder’s vision for a shared DC universe when he held much control over the franchise’s direction.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
And then heroes collide in an epic battle over the meaning of justice. Despite its ambitions, the movie met a very cold critical response and earned a 29% on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie is again directed by Zack Snyder and stars Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Jesse Eisenberg and Gal Gadot.
In the movie Bruce Wayne, who has been operating as Batman for decades, becomes convinced Superman is a threat after witnessing his destruction in Metropolis. At the same time Clark investigates what he views as Batman’s overreaches of justice. But then businessman Lex Luthor is revealed to have been manipulating events to force a battle between the two, leading to a climactic final showdown.
This movie remains incredibly divisive to this day with fans endlessly picking apart what went wrong. That being said, Ben Affleck’s take on Batman, which the movie introduced, has become a beloved version of the character. The movie is also notable for bringing Wonder Woman into the present day, and through her efforts briefly introducing us to other characters in this universe such as Aquaman, the Flash and Cyborg.
Suicide Squad (2016)
Before we get the first superhero team-up of the series, the villains get a team of their own. The film stars Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Viola Davis and Jared Leto and was directed by David Ayer. However, this entry stands out as the worst rated film in the franchise, earning a 26% on Rotten Tomatoes.
When the evil witch the Enchantress takes over Midway City, government official Amanda Waller enacts her plan to use supervillains to fight greater enemies, cajoling them to cooperate under threat of execution. Her team includes the Joker’s girlfriend Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang and Colonel Rick Flag, who leads the group. Meanwhile, the Joker gathers intel on the mission and plans to intervene. After a long journey of battles and self-discovery, the team faces off against the Enchantress in a final stand for the city.
Viewers have extensively derided this film in the years since its release, in particular criticizing its take on the Joker. However, this incarnation of Harley Quinn has proved to be immensely popular and led Margot Robbie to reprise the role several times.
Justice League (2017) OR Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
And then we arrive at the first major crossover event. However, there are actually two competing versions of this outing. Both films star Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Mamoa and Ray Fisher. But while the first version sees an unfavorable 40% on Rotten Tomatoes, Snyder’s version sits at a 71%.
In both versions, while the world is mourning the recent death of Superman, the alien Steppenwolf, working under Darkseid, arrives on Earth and plans to unite the powerful Mother Boxes in order to overtake it. To face this threat, Bruce and Diana assemble a team, recruiting Arthur Curry/Aquaman, Barry Allen/the Flash, and Victor Stone/Cyborg. Then, desperate for help, the team uses one of the Mother Boxes to reanimate Superman. The team then ultimately arrives at Steppenwolf’s base for a final confrontation for the fate of the Earth.
Director Zack Snyder originally planned for Justice League to be the culmination of his years of story planning. However when a personal tragedy took him away from the job, Joss Whedon stepped in and greatly changed the film’s direction. Whedon’s work led to the 2017 release of Justice League, which has a noticeably more lighthearted tone than Zack Snyder’s direction would typically allow for. However, after an unprecedented fan campaign, Snyder later got the opportunity to realize his vision with 2021’s Zack Snyder’s Justice League, a re-edit of the film which greatly changes its feel and improves its cohesion.
The question of canon now becomes difficult, though, with these competing versions altering important details in the story. Officially, Whedon’s cut is what belongs in the timeline and most other movies reference its events. However, The Flash seemingly references events which only happen in Zack Snyder’s version. And so, which version takes precedence is unclear. But choosing to watch either will still allow you to understand the greater story well enough.
Aquaman (2018)
We then head to Atlantis for Arthur Curry’s story. Aquaman earned a favorable 65% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie also stands out for being the highest grossing film in the franchise, and also the only one to crack a billion dollars at the box office. The movie stars Jason Momoa, Amber Heard and Patrick Wilson, and is directed by James Wan.
Arthur Curry, son of the late queen Atlanna of Atlantis, continues his heroics on land after abandoning Atlantis. But then Princess Mera emerges from the waters to convince Arthur to return to Atlantis and prevent his half brother King Orm from waging a war on the surface world. The two then set off on a quest to retrieve the lost trident of Atlan, which would allow Arthur to replace Orm as king, while Arthur’s enemy Black Manta also battles them. In the end, Arthur’s forces face off against Orm’s in a battle for the future of Atlantis.
Shazam! (2019)
In the next entry, we meet a younger hero. This film was met very well in reviews, sitting at 90% on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie stars Zachary Levi, Asher Angel and Mark Strong and is directed by David F. Sandberg. The movie also features several references to the Justice League, as the team is now well known in-universe.
After a rough few years, the system places orphan Billy Batson in a foster home with loving parents that also houses five other foster children, including Billy’s new roommate Freddy. Then, after Billy saves Freddy from bullies, the wizard Shazam appears and demands that Billy become his champion. After accepting, Billy gains the ability to transform into a superhuman adult. However, Thaddeus Sivana, who was denied Shazam’s powers in his childhood, then arrives with the cursed power of the Seven Deadly Sins and demands that Billy turn his abilities over to him. Ultimately, Sivana kidnaps Billy’s new siblings and he, as Shazam, realizes a way they all can overcome this threat together.
Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020)
And then we check back in with Harley Quinn. The film sees the return of Margot Robbie, who now also serves as producer, and also brings Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Ewan McGregor to the cast. The movie is directed by Cathy Yan, and earned a strong 79% on Rotten Tomatoes.
After the Joker breaks up with Harley Quinn, she finds old enemies are after her on the streets of Gotham. Meanwhile, crime boss Roman Sionis is looking for a valuable diamond while Dinah Lance serves on his team. At the same time, detective Renee Montoya investigates the vigilante the Huntress. But then, when the young pickpocket Cassandra Cain finds the valuable diamond, she quickly falls under Harley Quinn’s protection as Sionis is out to get her. When all parties collide at an abandoned amusement park, the five women form an alliance to face off against Sionis.
The Suicide Squad (2021)
Next, director James Gunn, coming off the success of his Marvel films, brings this universe another take on the titular team of villains. This film stars Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena and Viola Davis and received much better reviews than its predecessor, earning a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
While the name is similar, this film serves as a sequel to the original Suicide Squad and not a remake. This time Amanda Waller assembles another team of criminals to infiltrate a small island nation and destroy a mysterious laboratory experiment there. The team, which includes Bloodsport, Harley Quinn, Peacemaker, King Shark, Ratcatcher 2 and Polka-Dot Man, eventually breaks into the secret laboratory after a number of complications. But when the deadly true nature of the laboratory becomes apparent, the team divides among themselves as they face a monstrous new threat.
This movie is also notable as the DC brand was only able to bring James Gunn on board after he was briefly fired from working for Marvel. This turn of events likely then eventually helped Gunn take on the job of leading DC Studios as a whole. Furthermore the character Peacemaker, introduced in this movie, later went on to lead a beloved show on HBO Max.
Black Adam (2022)
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s foray into the superhero genre is next. But despite The Rock’s best efforts, Black Adam was met poorly by critics and holds a 38% on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie of course stars Johnson, and also Pierce Brosnan and Aldis Hodge and is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra.
In the film, years ago, a council of wizards chose a champion to free Kahndaq from an oppressive king. In the present, Kahndaq archeologist Adrianna Tomaz and her team locate the powerful Crown of Sabbac. But when Ishmael and Intergang ambush them, Adrianna awakens the warrior Teth-Adam, believed to be the champion of old, who defeats the attackers. However, Amanda Waller then sends the Justice Society, including Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Cyclone and Atom Smasher, to apprehend him. But then Ishmael reveals he is the descendant of the old Kahndaq king, and uses dark forces to be reborn as the demonous Sabbac. Now, Black Adam must work with the people of Kahndaq and the Justice Society to save the nation.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
After a successful first outing, we return again to the Shazam family. Unfortunately though, the movie was met unfavorably by critics, holding a 49% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film stars Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Rachel Zegler, Lucy Liu and Helen Mirren and is again directed by David F. Sandberg.
In the movie, the daughters of Atlas Hespera, Kalypso and Anthea conspire to trick the Shazam family in order to retrieve the Golden Apple that would restore their fallen realm. And so when the villainous trio collide with Billy and his family, who now all have powers, they struggle to face against them as the daughters are able to remove their abilities. Ultimately though the sisters divide amongst themselves while Billy’s family comes together in a final stand for the fate of the Earth.
This entry’s place in the timeline is somewhat difficult as the movie itself implies an earlier year, while official statements place it here. But this spot in the timeline is the likely best position for it. The movie also features a cameo from Wonder Woman, a look at Sivana again in jail, and ends with Billy being asked to join the Justice Society.
The Flash (2023)
After a long and troubled production history, The Flash finally comes to our screens. The movie saw generally favorable critical reviews, holding a 63% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, fans of the franchise were less kind to this entry. The movie stars Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle and Michael Keaton and is directed by Andy Muschietti.
After completing a mission with Batman and Wonder Woman, Barry accidentally runs so fast as to travel back in time and then, using this opportunity, changes the past to prevent his mother’s death. However, he then lands in an alternate 2013 and collides with a younger version of himself. Realizing that this is the year General Zod attacked Earth, Barry seeks out the Justice League, only to find an alternate version of Batman and Superman’s cousin Kara in lieu of the Man of Steel. Nevertheless, this team faces Zod’s forces, but ultimately meet seemingly insurmountable odds as both Barrys reckon with the weight of their powers over time.
Despite favorable critical reviews, fans of the franchise have been less kind to this entry. This release was also further mired in controversy as leading up to its release lead actor Ezra Miller, who plays three roles in the film, caused a series of troubling headlines. Notably though the movie also features Michael Keaton playing an alternate version of Batman similar to the one from his 1989 film, and also introduces Supergirl into this universe for the first time.
Blue Beetle (2023)
Then we meet another younger hero in Jaime Reyes. The movie met favorable critical reviews, sitting at a 78% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film stars Xolo Maridueña, Bruna Marquezine, Susan Sarandon and George Lopez and is directed by Ángel Manuel Soto.
In the film Jaime Reyes is excited when he gets the chance to discuss work opportunities with Jenny Kord, niece of the Kord Industries CEO Victoria Kord. However, when Jenny discovers that her aunt is using an alien device called the Scarab to manufacture a deadly army, she steals the Scarab and tells Jaime to hide it. But then the Scarab fuses with Jaime’s body and gives him the full powers of a sentient super suit. This leads Victoria’s forces to target Jaime’s family and seek to painfully extract the suit’s information from his body. But with the help of his family and Jenny, Jaime then hones the powers of his suit to prepare against Victoria Kord and her forces.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
The DCEU comes to a close with Aquaman’s last adventure. Sadly though, the movie met generally poor reviews, earning a 34% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film stars Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Randall Park and is again directed by James Wan.
After the events of his prior film, Arthur has married Mera, had a son, and now serves as the King of Atlantis. However, Black Manta has not ceased in seeking revenge, and has now also attained the powers of an ancient black trident. Desperate to stop him, Arthur frees Orm from prison and teams with him to investigate Black Manta. Eventually, Arthur and Orm team with several allies to face Black Manta at the ruins of a lost kingdom and confront the ancient dark voices that are influencing him.
Notably, as this film released soon after the highly publicized legal battle between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp, the controversy of this real world event may have affected public sentiment around the film.
Upcoming DC Movies
In January of last year, James Gunn, who along with Peter Safran recently became Co-CEO of DC Studios, announced the team’s new 8-10 year plan of interconnected movies, television shows and games which would form the new DC Universe (DCU). This has been interpreted by most to mean a fresh reset for the DC canon.
This would mean that, while several DC films are confirmed to be on the horizon, the DC movies in our future are not intended to share a universe or any connectivity with the sixteen films mentioned above. Further, Gunn has also made clear that the studio will continue making projects that do not connect to any shared universe, dubbed Elseworlds projects, which are focused on telling their own unique stories. And so, below, let’s explore what’s said to be coming ahead.
Joker: Folie à Deux (October 4, 2024)
This year will see the coming sequel to Joker, Todd Phillips’ unique take on the titular troubled clown played by Joaquin Phoenix in an Oscar-winning role. The movie, interestingly, is also being described as a musical and, perhaps fittingly, has cast Lady Gaga as this Joker’s Harley Quinn.
The 2019 Joker film not only generated an immense amount of controversy, but also went on to become the highest grossing R-rated film of all time by cracking a billion dollars at the global box office. And so, while this was not originally the plan, it’s not surprising that a sequel was drawn up. Crucially though, this film, as with its predecessor, is an Elseworlds entry that is not intended to connect to any wider universe. That is, it will have no connection with the older DCEU or the new DCU. The trailer for the film can be viewed here.
Superman (July 11, 2025)
James Gunn has confirmed that his new DCU film franchise will officially begin with Superman, a fresh take on the classic hero. Originally titled Superman: Legacy, the project is being described as not an origin story and focusing more on a Clark Kent that is already active in his work.
David Corenswet will be playing the titular Man of Steel, with Rachel Brosnahan stepping in as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult playing the villain Lex Luthor.
The Batman Part II (October 2, 2026)
Matt Reeves’ 2022 film The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson, was also a massive success for the DC brand outside of the DCEU. So, Reeves and Pattinson will both return for the sequel in this Elseworlds story. No further plot details are known at this time.
The Authority (TBA)
James Gunn announced The Authority as the second live action film in his new DCU slate. In the comics, The Authority is a heroic team that is more brutal in its enactment of justice than we may be used to. The characters are also more obscure, offering something new to fans from outside the comics.
However, no further plot details are known.
The Brave And The Bold (TBA)
And what would a shared DC Universe be without its most popular character? The Brave and the Bold plans to introduce us to this universe’s incarnation of Batman, aiming again to avoid the origin story and show us a vigilante that is already in operation.
Crucially, the film will also introduce Batman’s son Damian Wayne, otherwise known as Robin. Also, as Robert Pattinson’s Batman is an Elseworlds story, this take on the character will share no connections with his. While currently no casting information or plot details have been announced, James Gunn has said that Andy Muschietti from The Flash will come on as director.
Supergirl: Woman Of Tomorrow (TBA)
James Gunn also announced in January that a Supergirl movie was on his slate. While further plot details have not been revealed, Gunn has confirmed the casting of Milly Alcock for the titular role. Alcock was recently seen as a younger Rhaenyra in the Game of Thrones prequel show House of the Dragon.
Swamp Thing (TBA)
The final film James Gunn confirmed in January for his DCU is Swamp Thing, which will tell the story of a terrifying swamp creature who fights for his corner of the world.
The source material in the comics for this project has heavy horror elements, and so this film is expected to lean into that visual language. Director James Mangold, who most recently helmed the latest Indian Jones sequel, is said to be directing.
Teen Titans (TBA)
This year, we also saw the announcement that a live action version of Teen Titans is moving forward at DC Studios, using the same team that has seen so much success in DC’s prior animated projects. Ana Nogueira will be writing the screenplay.
Bottom Line
While Marvel’s universe has become the go-to example of modern superhero success, we would be remiss to ignore the massive cultural influence DC’s films have also had. The now closed DCEU may have been messy, but it introduced us to beloved versions of characters whose impact will not soon fade. And now, with the coming DCU and a variety of Elseworlds stories, the world of DC promises much excitement to come.
So, in many ways, it’s never been a greater time to be a fan.
