The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has brought some of the most iconic superheroes to life, offering fans thrilling action, epic team-ups, and deeply emotional storylines. With movies featuring Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman, the DCEU has built a complex world filled with heroes and villains. If you're new to the DCEU or looking to rewatch the films in the correct sequence, this guide will help you explore the DC movies in order.
1. Man of Steel (2013)
Description: Superman’s origin story and his battle against General Zod.
Overview and Features
Directed by Zack Snyder, "Man of Steel" introduces audiences to a rebooted Superman (Henry Cavill), who is sent to Earth from the dying planet Krypton. Raised by adoptive parents Jonathan and Martha Kent, Clark Kent struggles to understand his true nature. When the vengeful General Zod (Michael Shannon) arrives on Earth, Superman must decide whether to embrace his alien heritage and become humanity's protector.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Man of Steel" sets the foundation for the DCEU, introducing a darker, more grounded Superman. The film’s spectacular action sequences, especially the climactic battle between Superman and Zod, are among the most visually impressive in superhero cinema. Cavill’s portrayal of Superman brings depth to the character, making it a pivotal entry in the DCEU.
Unique Description: Superman’s epic origin story with breathtaking action and emotional depth.
IMDb Score: 7.1
2. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Description: The epic showdown between Batman and Superman that leads to the formation of the Justice League.
Overview and Features
Directed by Zack Snyder, "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" is a direct follow-up to Man of Steel. The film explores the ideological clash between Bruce Wayne/Batman (Ben Affleck) and Clark Kent/Superman (Henry Cavill). As Bruce blames Superman for the destruction caused in Metropolis, the two heroes prepare for a massive showdown. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) manipulates events to pit them against each other while planning a larger threat in Doomsday.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Batman v Superman" introduces Ben Affleck’s grizzled, seasoned Batman and sets the stage for the formation of the Justice League. The film’s darker tone and moral questions about power and responsibility make it a standout in the DCEU. The introduction of Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) in the final battle also adds excitement, setting up future team-up films.
Unique Description: Batman and Superman face off in an epic showdown for the ages.
IMDb Score: 6.4
3. Suicide Squad (2016)
Description: A team of dangerous criminals is assembled to complete a deadly mission.
Overview and Features
Directed by David Ayer, "Suicide Squad" shifts focus from the heroes to the villains. The film follows a group of incarcerated supervillains, including Deadshot (Will Smith), Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), and Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney), who are recruited by government agent Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) for a top-secret mission. In exchange for reduced sentences, the team must stop an ancient sorceress, Enchantress (Cara Delevingne), from destroying the world.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Suicide Squad" offers a different perspective on the DCEU, focusing on a morally ambiguous group of characters. Margot Robbie’s standout performance as Harley Quinn quickly became a fan favorite, and the film’s stylish action sequences, combined with its darker humor, make it a fun addition to the DCEU.
Unique Description: DC’s villains team up for a high-stakes, action-packed mission.
IMDb Score: 5.9
4. Wonder Woman (2017)
Description: The origin story of Diana Prince and her fight to stop World War I.
Overview and Features
Directed by Patty Jenkins, "Wonder Woman" tells the origin story of Diana Prince/Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), an Amazonian princess trained to be an unstoppable warrior. When an American pilot, Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), crashes on her hidden island, Diana learns about the horrors of World War I. Believing Ares, the god of war, is responsible, Diana leaves her home to end the conflict and fulfill her destiny as a hero.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Wonder Woman" is a standout in the DCEU for its inspiring heroism, strong character development, and breathtaking action sequences. Gal Gadot shines as the titular character, bringing both strength and compassion to her role. The film’s portrayal of Wonder Woman’s journey from naive warrior to true hero is emotionally resonant, making it one of the DCEU’s best films.
Unique Description: Diana’s heroic origin story set against the backdrop of World War I.
IMDb Score: 7.4
5. Justice League (2017)
Description: DC’s greatest heroes unite to stop an ancient threat from destroying the Earth.
Overview and Features
Directed by Zack Snyder (with Joss Whedon finishing post-production), "Justice League" is the culmination of the DCEU’s previous films, bringing together Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, and Cyborg to stop Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds) from obtaining the Mother Boxes—powerful artifacts that could destroy the world. The film follows the formation of the Justice League and their battle against Steppenwolf’s army of Parademons.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Justice League" marks the first major team-up of DC’s iconic heroes. The film’s action sequences, especially the final battle, showcase the League’s combined powers, offering fans long-awaited moments. While the theatrical release received mixed reviews, it paved the way for the eventual release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League, a director’s cut that expanded on the original vision.
Unique Description: DC’s greatest heroes unite for an epic battle against Steppenwolf.
IMDb Score: 6.1
6. Aquaman (2018)
Description: The origin of Arthur Curry and his quest to become the King of Atlantis.
Overview and Features
Directed by James Wan, "Aquaman" follows Arthur Curry (Jason Momoa) as he embarks on a journey to claim his rightful place as the king of Atlantis. The film explores Arthur’s background as a half-human, half-Atlantean outcast, his rivalry with his half-brother Orm (Patrick Wilson), and his quest to stop a war between the surface world and Atlantis.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Aquaman" is a visually stunning and epic underwater adventure that showcases the vast world of Atlantis. Jason Momoa’s charismatic performance as the titular character, combined with the film’s breathtaking special effects, makes it one of the most entertaining DCEU films. The movie’s blend of action, mythology, and humor creates a fun and thrilling experience.
Unique Description: Arthur Curry’s epic journey to becoming the King of Atlantis.
IMDb Score: 6.9
7. Shazam! (2019)
Description: A fun and lighthearted superhero film about a boy who gains magical powers.
Overview and Features
Directed by David F. Sandberg, "Shazam!" tells the story of Billy Batson (Asher Angel), a teenage foster child who is granted the ability to transform into an adult superhero (Zachary Levi) by a powerful wizard. As Shazam, Billy explores his newfound powers while trying to stop the villainous Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong) from harnessing the magic for evil.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Shazam!" stands out in the DCEU for its lighthearted tone and focus on family. The film delivers plenty of humor and heart, making it a refreshing break from the darker entries in the franchise. Zachary Levi’s portrayal of Shazam as a superhero with a childlike sense of wonder adds to the film’s charm.
Unique Description: A fun and lighthearted superhero origin story full of heart.
IMDb Score: 7.0
8. Birds of Prey (2020)
Description: Harley Quinn teams up with a group of female vigilantes to take down a ruthless crime lord.
Overview and Features
Directed by Cathy Yan, "Birds of Prey" (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) follows Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) after her breakup with the Joker. Now free to chart her own course, Harley finds herself in the crosshairs of crime lord Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor), also known as Black Mask. Teaming up with vigilantes Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett), and police officer Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), Harley embarks on a mission to protect a young girl named Cassandra Cain (Ella Jay Basco) from Sionis’s clutches.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
"Birds of Prey" offers a vibrant, fast-paced, and stylish take on the superhero genre, with Margot Robbie once again shining as Harley Quinn. The film’s action sequences, unique aesthetic, and female-led ensemble cast make it a standout in the DCEU. It’s a must-watch for fans of Harley Quinn and those looking for a different kind of superhero movie.
Unique Description: Harley Quinn and a group of vigilantes take on a crime lord.
IMDb Score: 6.1
FAQs
1. What is the correct order to watch the DC movies?
The correct order to watch the DC movies in the DCEU is as follows:
- 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)
2. What are the upcoming DC movies?
Upcoming DC movies include The Flash (2023), Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023), and more under James Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe.
3. What is the DCEU?
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is the shared cinematic universe that features characters from DC Comics, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and more.
4. Has the Justice League been expanded with a director’s cut?
Yes, Zack Snyder's Justice League was released in 2021, offering a four-hour version of the original Justice League with additional footage and a different narrative structure.
5. Is the DCEU connected to standalone DC movies like The Batman?
No, films like The Batman (2022) and Joker (2019) exist outside of the DCEU in their own separate continuities.
The DC movies in order offer a thrilling journey through some of the most iconic superhero films in modern cinema. From Man of Steel to Birds of Prey, the DCEU has brought DC’s legendary characters to life in exciting and sometimes unconventional ways. Watching the films in order allows fans to appreciate the interconnected stories and the development of beloved heroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman.
