40+ DC Movies in Order: The Complete Chronological Guide to the DC Universe 1978 - 2023

DC Comics boasts one of the greatest superhero universes ever created. Its iconic characters like Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman have thrilled fans for over 80 years through comic books, TV shows and movies. Here we present a complete timeline of over 40 DC movies across live-action, animation and more. Follow the saga in chronological order from Superman's first flight in 1978 to upcoming blockbusters. Discover how to watch DC films across the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), DC Animated Universe and seminal comics movie adaptations. From iconic heroes to sinister villains, experience the entire DC multiverse on the big screen. Below is a table with all the DC movies in order which includes all the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) movies, DC Animated Universe movies and DC Comic movies in order.

DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Movies In Order

Firstly, let’s discuss all the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) movies in order.

1 - Wonder Woman (2017)

• Lead Actors: Gal Gadot (Diana Prince/Wonder Woman), Chris Pine (Steve Trevor)
• Supporting Artists: Robin Wright (Antiope), Danny Huston (General Erich Ludendorff), David Thewlis (Ares)
• Director: Patty Jenkins
• Release Date: June 2, 2017
• Run Time: 141 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.4

Wonder Woman is a 2017 superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name. Set during World War I, the film tells the story of Diana, an Amazonian warrior who leaves her home to end the conflict after a pilot crashes offshore of the Amazon's secret island home. Diana joins him to return to the warfront in Europe. The film marks the live action cinematic debut of the character Wonder Woman following her brief appearance in 2016's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

2 - Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

• Lead Actors: Gal Gadot (Diana Prince/Wonder Woman), Chris Pine (Steve Trevor), Kristen Wiig (Barbara Minerva/Cheetah)
• Supporting Artists: Pedro Pascal (Maxwell Lord), Robin Wright (Antiope), Connie Nielsen (Hippolyta)
• Director: Patty Jenkins
• Release Date: December 25, 2020
• Run Time: 151 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 5.4

Wonder Woman 1984 is a 2020 superhero film based on the DC Comics character Wonder Woman. It is the sequel to 2017's Wonder Woman and the ninth installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The film is set in 1984, during the Cold War, as Diana comes into conflict with two formidable enemies—media businessman Maxwell Lord and friend-turned-enemy Barbara Ann Minerva/Cheetah.

3 - Man of Steel (2013)

• Lead Actors: Henry Cavill (Clark Kent/Superman), Amy Adams (Lois Lane)
• Supporting Artists: Michael Shannon (General Zod), Diane Lane (Martha Kent), Kevin Costner (Jonathan Kent)
• Director: Zack Snyder
• Release Date: June 14, 2013
• Run Time: 143 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.1

Man of Steel is a 2013 superhero film featuring the DC Comics character Superman. It is a reboot of the Superman film series and serves as the first installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The film depicts the origin story of Clark Kent/Superman, an alien being with superhuman powers who was sent to Earth as an infant to escape the destruction of his home planet Krypton. Raised by human parents, Clark struggles with the discovery of his powers and grapples with becoming a symbol of hope for humanity.

4 - Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

• Lead Actors: Ben Affleck (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Henry Cavill (Clark Kent/Superman), Gal Gadot (Diana Prince/Wonder Woman)
• Supporting Artists: Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Jesse Eisenberg (Lex Luthor)
• Director: Zack Snyder
• Release Date: March 25, 2016
• Run Time: 151 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.4

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is a 2016 superhero film featuring the DC Comics characters Batman and Superman. It is a follow-up to 2013's Man of Steel and the second installment in the DCEU. The film sees Batman and Superman clash over their differing ideologies before working together to confront the threat posed by Lex Luthor. It also features the debut of Wonder Woman in the shared universe.

5 - Suicide Squad (2016)

• Lead Actors: Will Smith (Deadshot), Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn), Jared Leto (The Joker)
• Supporting Artists: Joel Kinnaman (Rick Flag), Viola Davis (Amanda Waller), Jai Courtney (Captain Boomerang)
• Director: David Ayer
• Release Date: August 5, 2016
• Run Time: 123 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 5.9

Suicide Squad is a 2016 superhero film based on the DC Comics antihero team of the same name. It is the third installment in the DCEU. The film revolves around a secret government agency led by Amanda Waller, who recruits imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous black ops missions. The squad includes Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, Killer Croc and more. When a powerful threat emerges, the squad is dispatched to stop it.

6 - Justice League (2017)

• Lead Actors: Ben Affleck (Batman), Henry Cavill (Superman), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Ezra Miller (The Flash), Jason Momoa (Aquaman)
• Supporting Artists: Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Jeremy Irons (Alfred Pennyworth), J.K. Simmons (Commissioner Gordon)
• Director: Zack Snyder
• Release Date: November 17, 2017
• Run Time: 120 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.1

Justice League is a 2017 superhero film featuring DC Comics characters Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg. It is the fifth installment in the DCEU. The film follows Batman and Wonder Woman recruiting metahumans to form a team to defend Earth from the catastrophic threat of Steppenwolf and his army of Parademons. Despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes, it may be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

7- Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)

• Lead Actors: Ben Affleck (Batman), Henry Cavill (Superman), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Ezra Miller (The Flash), Jason Momoa (Aquaman)
• Supporting Artists: Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Jeremy Irons (Alfred Pennyworth), J.K. Simmons (Commissioner Gordon)
• Director: Zack Snyder
• Release Date: March 18, 2021
• Run Time: 242 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.9

Zack Snyder's Justice League, commonly referred to as the "Snyder Cut", is the 2021 director's cut of the 2017 film Justice League. This alternate version represents Snyder's original vision for the film prior to his departure during production. It features new scenes and characters, an altered narrative structure, expanded backstories and lasting over 4 hours. The Snyder Cut received positive reviews for its stylized visuals, darker tone and exploration of its heroes.

8 - Aquaman (2018)

• Lead Actors: Jason Momoa (Arthur Curry/Aquaman), Amber Heard (Mera)
• Supporting Artists: Willem Dafoe (Nuidis Vulko), Patrick Wilson (Orm Marius/Ocean Master), Nicole Kidman (Queen Atlanna)
• Director: James Wan
• Release Date: December 21, 2018
• Run Time: 143 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.8

Aquaman is a 2018 superhero film based on the DC Comics character Aquaman. It is the sixth installment in the DCEU. The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and follows his journey to claiming his birthright as the King of Atlantis. Reluctant to be king, Arthur must become the hero and leader his people need when his half-brother Orm seeks to unite the seven underwater kingdoms against the surface world.

9 - Shazam! (2019)

• Lead Actors: Zachary Levi (Shazam), Asher Angel (Billy Batson)
• Supporting Artists: Mark Strong (Dr. Thaddeus Sivana), Jack Dylan Grazer (Freddy Freeman), Djimon Hounsou (Wizard Shazam)
• Director: David F. Sandberg
• Release Date: April 5, 2019
• Run Time: 132 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.0

Shazam! is a 2019 superhero film centered around Billy Batson, a teenage boy who can transform into an adult superhero by saying the magic word “Shazam!”. Based on the DC Comics character, it is the seventh installment in the DCEU. After being chosen by an ancient wizard, Billy discovers he has acquired super strength, flight and other powers. But he'll need to master them quickly to fight the deadly forces of evil controlled by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana.

10 - Birds of Prey (2020)

• Lead Actors: Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Huntress), Jurnee Smollett-Bell (Black Canary)
• Supporting Artists: Rosie Perez (Renee Montoya), Ewan McGregor (Roman Sionis/Black Mask), Chris Messina (Victor Zsasz)
• Director: Cathy Yan
• Release Date: February 7, 2020
• Run Time: 109 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.1

Birds of Prey is a 2020 superhero film centered around DC Comics character Harley Quinn as she joins forces with Black Canary, Huntress and Renee Montoya to protect Cassandra Cain from the villainous Black Mask. The eighth installment in the DCEU, the film is a spin-off to 2016's Suicide Squad and sees Harley form her own girl gang after splitting with The Joker.

11 - The Suicide Squad (2021)

• Lead Actors: Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn), Idris Elba (Bloodsport), John Cena (Peacemaker)
• Supporting Artists: Joel Kinnaman (Rick Flag), Viola Davis (Amanda Waller), Sylvester Stallone (King Shark)
• Director: James Gunn
• Release Date: August 6, 2021
• Run Time: 132 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.2

The Suicide Squad is a 2021 superhero film featuring DC Comics antihero team Suicide Squad. A soft reboot and sequel to 2016's Suicide Squad, it is the ninth installment in the DCEU. Under the direction of Amanda Waller, a new Task Force X of imprisoned convicts and villains is assembled for a dangerous covert mission on the remote island of Corto Maltese. Facing an enemy regiment and battling their own dysfunctions, the squad once again attempts a deadly mission with little chance of success.

12 - Peacemaker (2022)

• Lead Actors: John Cena (Peacemaker), Danielle Brooks (Leota Adebayo), Freddie Stroma (Vigilante)
• Supporting Artists: Jennifer Holland (Emilia Harcourt), Steve Agee (John Economos), Robert Patrick (Auggie Smith)
• Showrunner: James Gunn
• Release Date: January 13, 2022
• Run Time: 40-46 minutes per episode
• IMDB Rating: 8.3

Peacemaker is an American superhero streaming television series based on the DC Comics character of the same name. Set in the DCEU, it serves as a spin-off from the 2021 film The Suicide Squad. The series follows Peacemaker on new missions while delving into his origins and troubled past. It also features other characters from The Suicide Squad reprising their roles. Praised for its humor, action sequences and performances, Peacemaker received critical acclaim upon release.

13 - Black Adam (2022)

• Lead Actors: Dwayne Johnson (Teth-Adam/Black Adam), Aldis Hodge (Hawkman), Noah Centineo (Atom Smasher)
• Supporting Artists: Sarah Shahi (Adrianna Tomaz), Quintessa Swindell (Cyclone), Pierce Brosnan (Doctor Fate)
• Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
• Release Date: October 21, 2022
• Run Time: 124 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.3

Black Adam is a 2022 superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name. It is the tenth installment in the DCEU. Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with almighty powers and imprisoned, Black Adam is freed from his earthly tomb. Now awake in the modern world, his unique form of justice collides with the modern world's heroes. The film explores Black Adam's origin story and his conflicts with the Justice Society superheroes Hawkman, Doctor Fate, Atom Smasher and Cyclone.

14 - Shazam: Fury of the Gods (2023)

• Lead actors: Zachary Levi (Shazam), Asher Angel (Billy Batson), Jack Dylan Grazer (Freddy Freeman)
• Supporting artists: Rachel Zegler (Anthea), Adam Brody (Freddy), Ross Butler (Eugene), D.J. Cotrona (Pedro) and more
• Director: David F. Sandberg
• Release date: June 2, 2023
• Run time: 130 minutes
• IMDb rating: 6.0

Shazam: Fury of the Gods is a sequel to the 2019 superhero film Shazam!, based on the DC Comics character of the same name. The film continues the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word SHAZAM!, is transformed into his adult Superhero alter ego, Shazam. In this film, he and his foster siblings face a new threat from a trio of ancient gods who seek to reclaim the magic that was stolen from them long ago. Along the way, they encounter new allies and enemies and discover more secrets about their powers and their destiny.

15 - The Flash (2023)

• Lead actors: Ezra Miller (The Flash), Michael Keaton (Batman), Sasha Calle (Supergirl)
• Supporting artists: Michael Shannon (General Zod), Ron Livingston (Henry Allen), Maribel Verdú (Nora Allen) and more
• Director: Andy Muschietti
• Release date: November 4, 2023
• Run time: 144 minutes
• IMDb rating: 6.9

The Flash is a superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name. It is a standalone film that explores the concept of the multiverse and features alternate versions of other DC characters. The film follows Barry Allen, a young forensic scientist who gains super speed after being struck by lightning. He uses his power to travel back in time to prevent his mother’s death, but his attempt creates a world without super heroes, where General Zod has returned to conquer Earth. To restore the timeline and save the future, he must team up with a retired Batman, another Barry and a mysterious Supergirl.

DC Animated Universe Movies In Order

Now, let’s have a look at all the DC animated universe movies in order:

1 - Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)

• Lead Actors: Justin Chambers (Barry Allen/The Flash), C. Thomas Howell (Professor Zoom), Michael B. Jordan (Cyborg)
• Supporting Artists: Kevin McKidd (Batman), Dee Bradley Baker (Etrigan)
• Director: Jay Oliva
• Release Date: July 30, 2013
• Run Time: 75 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 8.1
• Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is a 2013 animated superhero film adapted from the DC Comics crossover event Flashpoint. It depicts an altered timeline caused by the Flash where the Justice League doesn't exist, Superman was never sent to Earth and Thomas Wayne became Batman. The Flash must team up with alternate versions of heroes to restore history.

2 - Justice League: War (2014)

• Lead Actors: Jason O'Mara (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Michelle Monaghan (Wonder Woman), Christopher Gorham (Barry Allen/The Flash)
• Supporting Artists: Justin Kirk (Hal Jordan/Green Lantern), Shemar Moore (Victor Stone/Cyborg)
• Director: Jay Oliva
• Release Date: January 21, 2014
• Run Time: 79 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.2
• Justice League: War is a 2014 animated superhero film loosely based on the New 52 origins of the Justice League. When the powerful Darkseid and his massive, relentless forces invade Earth, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Cyborg and Shazam must learn to work together to defeat them.

3 - Son of Batman (2014)

• Lead Actors: Jason O'Mara (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Stuart Allan (Damian Wayne/Robin)
• Supporting Artists: Morena Baccarin (Talia al Ghul), Giancarlo Esposito (Ra's al Ghul)
• Director: Ethan Spaulding
• Release Date: April 22, 2014
• Run Time: 74 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.7

Son of Batman is a 2014 animated superhero film loosely based on the Batman: Son of the Demon graphic novel. It follows Batman and his newly discovered biological son Damian Wayne facing off against the terrorist organization League of Assassins, which is now under Damian's grandfather Ra's al Ghul and killer Deathstroke.

4 - Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (2015)

• Lead Actors: Matt Lanter (Arthur Curry/Aquaman), Sam Witwer (Orin/Ocean Master)
• Supporting Artists: Nathan Fillion (Hal Jordan/Green Lantern), Rosario Dawson (Wonder Woman)
• Director: Ethan Spaulding
• Release Date: January 27, 2015
• Run Time: 72 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.6
• Justice League: Throne of Atlantis is a 2015 animated superhero film. When Atlantis attacks the surface world in retaliation for pollution of the oceans, Aquaman must choose between his kingdom and the Justice League. To thwart the war between worlds, Aquaman, Batman, Superman and others must uncover who is really behind the rising conflict.

5 - Nightwing and Robin (2015)

• Lead Actors: Troy Baker (Batman), Sean Maher (Nightwing/Dick Grayson), Stuart Allan (Damian Wayne/Robin)
• Supporting Artists: Nolan North (Ra's al Ghul), Grey Griffin (Catwoman)
• Director: Rick Morales
• Release Date: July 28, 2015
• Run Time: 16 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 5.7

Nightwing and Robin is a 2015 short film included in the DC Comics animated movie compilation Batman vs. Robin. Robin takes on Nightwing, the crimefighter he was destined to become one day. The two square off with Batman caught in the middle, in a fight where secrets are revealed.

6 - Batman vs. Robin (2015)

• Lead Actors: Jason O'Mara (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Stuart Allan (Damian Wayne/Robin), Sean Maher (Dick Grayson/Nightwing)
• Supporting Artists: Jeremy Sisto (Talon), Grey Griffin (Samandra Wayne)
• Director: Jay Oliva
• Release Date: April 7, 2015
• Run Time: 80 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.1

Batman vs. Robin is a 2015 animated superhero film that pits Batman against his son Damian aka Robin when he is recruited by the Court of Owls, a secret society that has controlled Gotham for centuries. While Batman struggles to end their nefarious grip on Gotham, he must also try to bring Damian back to his side.

7 - Batman: Bad Blood (2016)

• Lead Actors: Jason O'Mara (Bruce Wayne/Batman), Sean Maher (Dick Grayson/Nightwing)
• Supporting Artists: Stuart Allan (Damian Wayne/Robin), Morena Baccarin (Talia al Ghul)
• Director: Jay Oliva
• Release Date: February 2, 2016
• Run Time: 72 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.7
• Batman: Bad Blood follows Nightwing and Robin searching for the missing Batman, who has become mind-controlled by the mysterious organization known as the Heretic. With the help of Batwoman, they must take on the Heretic, rescue Batman and save Gotham City from an imminent deadly threat.

8 - Justice League vs. Teen Titans (2016)

• Lead Actors: Jon Bernthal (Trigon), Taissa Farmiga (Raven)
• Supporting Artists: Jake T. Austin (Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle), Shemar Moore (Victor Stone/Cyborg)
• Director: Sam Liu
• Release Date: March 29, 2016
• Run Time: 80 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.9

Justice League vs. Teen Titans sees Robin recruiting young metahumans to the Teen Titans to help the Justice League battle demon Trigon and his magical forces. Titans Raven, Starfire, Beast Boy and Blue Beetle learn to work as a team and with the League to take down Trigon before he destroys the planet.

9 - Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay (2018)

• Lead Actors: Christian Slater (Deadshot), Tara Strong (Harley Quinn)
• Supporting Artists: Billy Brown (Bronze Tiger), Liam McIntyre (Captain Boomerang)
• Director: Sam Liu
• Release Date: March 27, 2018
• Run Time: 86 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.0
• Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay follows Task Force X as they retrieve a powerful mystical object for Waller and confront the psychotic Professor Zoom. But with their own agendas at play, loyalties are tested as the Squad competes with the Justice League to find the artifact first at any cost.

10 - Justice League Dark (2017)

• Lead Actors: Matt Ryan (John Constantine), Camilla Luddington (Zatanna)
• Supporting Artists: Jason O'Mara (Batman), Enrico Colantoni (Felix Faust)
• Director: Jay Oliva
• Release Date: February 7, 2017
• Run Time: 76 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.0

Justice League Dark sees Batman recruit occult master John Constantine to assemble a team of dark magic heroes to take on a supernatural threat after the Justice League fails to stop it. This marks the first appearance of Justice League Dark, combating forces like witch Circe with magic of their own.

11 - Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (2017)

• Lead Actors: Stuart Allan (Damian Wayne/Robin), Taissa Farmiga (Raven), Brandon Soo Hoo (Beast Boy)
• Supporting Artists: Jake T. Austin (Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle), Kari Wahlgren (Starfire)
• Director: Sam Liu
• Release Date: April 4, 2017
• Run Time: 84 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.0
• In Teen Titans: The Judas Contract, the Teen Titans are betrayed by one of their own when the mercenary Deathstroke infiltrates their ranks through new member Terra. Now, Nightwing and the team must stop Deathstroke and Terra before they can execute their secret master plan to take down the Teen Titans forever.

12 - The Death of Superman (2018)

• Lead Actors: Jerry O'Connell (Superman), Rebecca Romijn (Lois Lane)
• Supporting Artists: Rainn Wilson (Lex Luthor), Rosario Dawson (Wonder Woman)
• Director: Jake Castorena
• Release Date: July 24, 2018
• Run Time: 72 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.3

Based on the iconic comic storyline, The Death of Superman depicts Superman's fatal battle against the unstoppable monster Doomsday. As the world mourns the loss of the Man of Steel, new super-powered individuals start emerging, making the world question if Superman still lives and if imposters are among them.

13 - Reign of the Supermen (2019)

• Lead Actors: Jerry O'Connell (Superman), Rebecca Romijn (Lois Lane), Rainn Wilson (Lex Luthor)
• Supporting Artists: Cameron Monaghan (Superboy), Cress Williams (Steel)
• Director: Sam Liu
• Release Date: January 15, 2019
• Run Time: 87 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.7

Reign of the Supermen is a sequel to The Death of Superman, depicting the emergence of four mysterious Supermen after the death of the original Man of Steel. As the Supermen gain followers and fame, suspicions arise over their true motives, leading Lois Lane and the Justice League to investigate if one of them is the resurrected Superman.

DC Comics Movies In Order

Lastly, let’s have a look at all the DC comic movies in order:

1 - Superman (1978)

• Lead Actors: Christopher Reeve (Superman/Clark Kent), Margot Kidder (Lois Lane)
• Supporting Artists: Gene Hackman (Lex Luthor), Marlon Brando (Jor-El)
• Director: Richard Donner
• Release Date: December 15, 1978
• Run Time: 143 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.4

Superman depicts the origin story of Superman as he is sent from the dying planet Krypton to Earth, where he is adopted by the Kents and develops superpowers. As reporter Clark Kent and his superhero alter ego, he protects his new home from the villainous Lex Luthor while romancing his colleague Lois Lane.

2 - Superman II (1980)

• Lead Actors: Christopher Reeve (Superman/Clark Kent), Margot Kidder (Lois Lane)
• Supporting Artists: Gene Hackman (Lex Luthor), Terence Stamp (General Zod)
• Director: Richard Lester
• Release Date: December 4, 1980
• Run Time: 127 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.8

In Superman II, Superman gives up his powers to start a relationship with Lois Lane. But he must become Superman again to stop three Kryptonian criminals - General Zod, Ursa and Non - who have been freed from the Phantom Zone prison and threaten Earth.

3 - Swamp Thing (1982)

• Lead Actors: Louis Jourdan (Anton Arcane), Adrienne Barbeau (Alice Cable)
• Supporting Artists: Ray Wise (Alec Holland), David Hess (Ferret)
• Director: Wes Craven
• Release Date: February 19, 1982
• Run Time: 91 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 5.3

Swamp Thing follows scientist Alec Holland transformed into a monster after being murdered. As the Swamp Thing, he protects a small backwoods town and the beautiful woman he loves from the evil machinations of Anton Arcane.

4 - Superman III (1983)

• Lead Actors: Christopher Reeve (Superman/Clark Kent), Richard Pryor (Gus Gorman)
• Supporting Artists: Robert Vaughn (Ross Webster), Annette O'Toole (Lana Lang)
• Director: Richard Lester
• Release Date: June 17, 1983
• Run Time: 125 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 5.0

In Superman III, Superman battles his evil computer programmer doppelganger created by synthetic Kryptonite, while his alter ego Clark Kent returns to Smallville and rekindles his high school romance with Lana Lang.

5 - Supergirl (1984)

• Lead Actors: Helen Slater (Supergirl/Kara Zor-El), Faye Dunaway (Selena)
• Supporting Artists: Peter O'Toole (Zaltar), Hart Bochner (Ethan)
• Director: Jeannot Szwarc
• Release Date: November 21, 1984
• Run Time: 124 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 4.4

Supergirl depicts Superman's cousin Kara Zor-El aka Supergirl arriving on Earth and discovering her powers. She must stop the evil sorceress Selena, who has used a powerful artifact called the Omegahedron to transform into a goddess on Earth and threaten catastrophe.

6 - Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)

• Lead Actors: Christopher Reeve (Superman/Clark Kent), Gene Hackman (Lex Luthor)
• Supporting Artists: Jackie Cooper (Perry White), Margot Kidder (Lois Lane)
• Director: Sidney J. Furie
• Release Date: July 24, 1987
• Run Time: 90 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 3.7
• In Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, Superman takes on his arch-nemesis Lex Luthor, who creates a new being called Nuclear Man from a strand of Superman's hair stolen from a museum. Superman must defeat Nuclear Man to rid the world of nuclear weapons and preserve peace.

7 - The Return of Swamp Thing (1989)

• Lead Actors: Dick Durock (Swamp Thing), Heather Locklear (Abby Arcane)
• Supporting Artists: Louis Jourdan (Anton Arcane), Sarah Douglas (Dr. Lana Zurrell)
• Director: Jim Wynorski
• Release Date: May 12, 1989
• Run Time: 88 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 4.6

In The Return of Swamp Thing, Dr. Arcane transforms himself into a mutated monster to kill Swamp Thing and his human wife Abby so he can take over the world. To rescue Abby and defeat Arcane, Swamp Thing travels from the swamps of Louisiana to confront Arcane in the depths of hell.

8 - Batman (1989)

• Lead Actors: Michael Keaton (Batman/Bruce Wayne), Jack Nicholson (The Joker)
• Supporting Artists: Kim Basinger (Vicki Vale), Michael Gough (Alfred)
• Director: Tim Burton
• Release Date: June 23, 1989
• Run Time: 126 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.5

Batman shows the origins of the Dark Knight as Bruce Wayne becomes Batman to battle the Joker and other criminals terrorizing Gotham City. Batman must take down the clown prince of crime when he starts poisoning people with deadly Smylex created by Axis Chemicals.

9 - Batman Returns (1992)

• Lead Actors: Michael Keaton (Batman), Danny DeVito (Penguin)
• Supporting Artists: Michelle Pfeiffer (Catwoman), Christopher Walken (Max Shreck)
• Director: Tim Burton
• Release Date: June 19, 1992
• Run Time: 126 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.1

In Batman Returns, Batman uncovers sinister plans by the hideous Penguin and a mysterious Catwoman linked to corrupt businessman Max Shreck. Batman must stop the Penguin's plot to kill every firstborn son of Gotham City and uncover Catwoman's dangerous hidden agenda.

10 - Batman Forever (1995)

• Lead Actors: Val Kilmer (Batman/Bruce Wayne), Jim Carrey (Riddler)
• Supporting Artists: Nicole Kidman (Dr. Chase Meridian), Tommy Lee Jones (Two-Face)
• Director: Joel Schumacher
• Release Date: June 16, 1995
• Run Time: 121 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 5.4

Batman Forever follows Batman trying to stop Two-Face and the Riddler in their villainous scheme to drain knowledge from all the brightest minds in Gotham City. Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne must overcome his inner demons when the lovely Dr. Chase Meridian enters his life.

11 - Batman & Robin (1997)

• Lead Actors: George Clooney (Batman/Bruce Wayne), Chris O'Donnell (Robin/Dick Grayson)
• Supporting Artists: Arnold Schwarzenegger (Mr. Freeze), Uma Thurman (Poison Ivy)
• Director: Joel Schumacher
• Release Date: June 20, 1997
• Run Time: 125 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 3.8

In Batman & Robin, the dynamic duo take on Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy, who wreak havoc in Gotham City along with her sidekick Bane. Batman and Robin's partnership is threatened, however, when Robin becomes seduced by Poison Ivy's twisted plot to freeze mankind and repopulate the planet.

12 - Steel (1997)

• Lead Actors: Shaquille O'Neal (John Henry Irons/Steel), Annabeth Gish (Susan Sparks)
• Supporting Artists: Judd Nelson (Nathaniel Burke), Richard Roundtree (Uncle Joe)
• Director: Kenneth Johnson
• Release Date: August 15, 1997
• Run Time: 97 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 2.9

Based on the DC Comics character, Steel follows John Henry Irons, a scientist who creates a high-tech suit of armor and builds an array of weapons to take out a dangerous criminal organization after becoming an outcast from his work at a top weapons manufacturer.

13 - Catwoman (2004)

• Lead Actors: Halle Berry (Patience Phillips/Catwoman), Benjamin Bratt (Detective Tom Lone)
• Supporting Artists: Lambert Wilson (George Hedare), Sharon Stone (Laurel Hedare)
• Director: Pitof
• Release Date: July 23, 2004
• Run Time: 104 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 3.4

Catwoman tells the story of shy artist Patience Phillips, who is murdered after uncovering a dark conspiracy linked to a cosmetics company. She is mysteriously revived by Egyptian cats that grant her superhuman cat-like abilities, which she uses to stop the company's dangerous plot as the awe-inspiring yet unpredictable Catwoman.

14 - Batman Begins (2005)

• Lead Actors: Christian Bale (Batman/Bruce Wayne), Liam Neeson (Ra's al Ghul)
• Supporting Artists: Katie Holmes (Rachel Dawes), Michael Caine (Alfred)
• Director: Christopher Nolan
• Release Date: June 15, 2005
• Run Time: 140 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 8.2

Batman Begins explores the origins of the Dark Knight, as Bruce Wayne becomes the vigilante Batman after traveling the world seeking justice. His effort to fight crime in Gotham City brings him up against Ra's al Ghul and the League of Shadows which aims to destroy the city.

15 - Superman Returns (2006)

• Lead Actors: Brandon Routh (Superman/Clark Kent), Kate Bosworth (Lois Lane)
• Supporting Artists: Kevin Spacey (Lex Luthor), Frank Langella (Perry White)
• Director: Bryan Singer
• Release Date: June 28, 2006
• Run Time: 154 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 6.1

Superman Returns serves as an alternate sequel to Superman II, depicting Superman's return to Earth after a 5 year absence. He finds Lois Lane has moved on and that arch-villain Lex Luthor is plotting a new real estate scheme that could destroy America and the Man of Steel himself.

16 - The Dark Knight (2008)

• Lead Actors: Christian Bale (Batman/Bruce Wayne), Heath Ledger (The Joker)
• Supporting Artists: Aaron Eckhart (Harvey Dent/Two-Face), Maggie Gyllenhaal (Rachel Dawes)
• Director: Christopher Nolan
• Release Date: July 18, 2008
• Run Time: 152 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 9.0

In The Dark Knight, Batman deals with the emergence of the maniacal Joker as he rampages through Gotham. The arrival of Gotham's new vigilante, Harvey Dent, complicates Batman's mission. When Dent becomes the criminal Two-Face, Batman takes the blame to preserve his image as Gotham's protector.

17 - Watchmen (2009)

• Lead Actors: Malin Akerman (Silk Spectre II), Billy Crudup (Dr. Manhattan)
• Supporting Artists: Jackie Earle Haley (Rorschach), Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Comedian)
• Director: Zack Snyder
• Release Date: March 6, 2009
• Run Time: 162 minutes
• IMDB Rating: 7.6

Based on the acclaimed graphic novel, Watchmen is set in an alternate history where superheroes emerged in the 1940s and 1960s. When one of his former colleagues is murdered, the vigilante Rorschach uncovers an elaborate conspiracy with links to their shared past and catastrophic consequences.

How to Watch DC Movies in Order

Though many DC films stand alone, the ideal way to fully appreciate the interconnected onscreen universes is to watch the movies chronologically. Viewing the films in timeline order lets you experience the full saga as it unfolded from Superman's first flight through Batman and Wonder Woman's introduction leading up to the Justice League's formation in the fight against cosmic threats. For animated features, chronological order also reveals connections between storylines and characters.

FAQs

Q: Which DC movies to watch first?

For an introduction to the DC universe, watch origin stories like Superman (1978), Batman (1989) and Batman Begins (2005) first. These establish major characters and canonical story elements.

Q: Should I watch DC movies in chronological order?

Watching DC films chronologically lets you fully appreciate character arcs, narrative callbacks and universe continuity. But it's not mandatory and many movies still work as standalone stories.

Q: What is the 1st DC Comics movie?

The first theatrically released DC comics movie was Superman in 1978 starring Christopher Reeve, which ushered in the superhero blockbuster genre.

Q: Which one is better, Marvel or DC?

There is healthy debate among fans. In terms of wider commercial success recently, Marvel has the edge. But DC created enduring pop culture icons and many seminal comic book movies. Overall quality comes down to personal taste.