The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has brought iconic superheroes and villains from the pages of comic books to the big screen, captivating audiences with its unique blend of action, drama, and larger-than-life characters. From the Man of Steel’s soaring first flight to the clash between a group of villains and a kaiju starfish. In this ranking, we’ll delve into the entire DCEU, evaluating each movie’s strengths, weaknesses, and contributions to the ever-expanding universe of DC heroes and villains. So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare to embark on a cinematic journey through the highs and lows of the DCEU!
15. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
A mystical artifact known as the Dreamstone is discovered, granting any wish but comes with dire consequences. Diana’s encounter with the Dreamstone leads to the return of her long-lost love, Steve Trevor, and the emergence of the power-hungry businessman Maxwell Lord. As Diana tries to stop Lord from wreaking havoc, she also faces a formidable opponent in the form of Cheetah. Some viewers found the pacing to be slower compared to the first installment, and the plot has been described as convoluted in certain parts. There were also mixed reactions to the portrayal of Cheetah and the overall execution. The departure from the gritty and realistic tone of its predecessor was a point of contention for some fans.
14. Justice League (2017)
Directed by Zack Snyder, the film follows the formation of the Justice League as they unite to save the world from a catastrophic threat. As Steppenwolf seeks to collect three powerful Mother Boxes to unleash destruction upon Earth. Batman and Wonder Woman recruit the Flash, Cyborg, and Aquaman to form the Justice League and prevent Steppenwolf’s plan. Along the way, they must also deal with the resurrection of Superman and his subsequent return to the team.
Josstice League faced criticism for several reasons. Some viewers felt that the film suffered from a lack of coherent storytelling and character development, as it tried to juggle multiple plotlines and introduce several new characters in a relatively short runtime. The departure from Zack Snyder’s original vision due to extensive reshoots and changes made by Joss Whedon, who took over directing duties, also resulted in a tonal inconsistency that some fans found jarring.
13. Suicide Squad (2016)
A group of incarcerated criminals are recruited by a secret government agency known as ARGUS to undertake dangerous missions in exchange for reduced sentences. Consisting of notorious villains such as Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, and others. They are tasked with stopping the Enchantress, a powerful sorceress who poses a significant threat to humanity. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and personal conflicts, all while being monitored by government operative Rick Flag. The movie also showcases a unique blend of action, comedy, and a darker tone that sets it apart from traditional superhero films. The colorful and vibrant aesthetic, coupled with a diverse cast, adds to its appeal.
12. Shazam!: Fury of the Gods (2023)
A sequel to 2019’s Shazam! Billy and his foster family face new challenges when ancient and powerful villains known as the “Gods of Egypt” are unleashed, threatening the balance of power in the world. The film maintains the humor that made the first installment enjoyable, blending superhero action with witty dialogue and playful interactions among the characters. And continues to explore the dynamics of the foster family, showcasing their unique relationships and how they support one another both in their everyday lives and as superheroes. While the premise of the Gods of Egypt is intriguing, the development of the villains may be lacking, with limited exploration of their motivations and backstories.
11. Black Adam (2022)
An ancient antihero with powers similar to those of Shazam, but his sense of justice is much harsher. The film delves into Black Adam’s origins as an Egyptian warrior granted immense powers by the wizard Shazam, and it follows his journey from a slave to a powerful antihero seeking vengeance against those who have wronged him. Black Adam’s morally ambiguous nature and his approach to justice offer a fresh perspective within the superhero genre. However, Given the potential complexity of Black Adam’s backstory and the mythology surrounding the character, there’s a risk that the film’s narrative could become convoluted and confusing for audiences who are not familiar with the source material.
10. Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (2020)
Taking place after the events of Suicide Squad, Harley Quinn’s journey as she navigates life after her breakup with the Joker. Quinn teams up with a group of antiheroes, including Black Canary, Huntress, and Renee Montoya. They join forces to protect a young girl named Cassandra Cain from the clutches of the sadistic crime lord Roman Sionis, also known as Black Mask, and his crazed henchman Victor Zsasz. Birds of Prey is an energetic and colorful film, bringing a fresh and quirky perspective to the superhero genre. Robbie’s performance as Harley Quinn is once again a highlight, showcasing the character’s humor, unpredictability, and emotional growth. The film also embraces female empowerment and highlights the strength and resilience of its characters.
9. The Flash (2023)
The finale of the DCEU is a light adaptation of The Flashpoint Paradox. Barry Allen discovers his ability to travel through time using the speed force and goes back to save his mother from her demise. However, his choice causes a ripple through time; crossing timelines and creating a new one. This timeline finds a different Batman, no Superman, and the arrival of General Zod. Now Barry has to team up with a younger version of himself, Michael Keaton’s Batman and Supergirl to stop Zod from his mission of turning Earth into a new Krypton. While not the best outing for the DCEU, fans are now excited to see James Gunn take the reigns of the universe after The Flash.
8. Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice – Ultimate Edition (2016)
Revolving around the conflict between two iconic superheroes, Batman and Superman. Batman becomes increasingly wary of Superman’s god-like powers and the potential danger he poses to humanity. Meanwhile, Lex Luthor, a wealthy and manipulative businessman, orchestrates a series of events to pit the two heroes against each other. Some viewers found the theatrical version to be overly dark and convoluted, with pacing issues and a perceived lack of focus. The Ultimate Edition aims to address some of these criticisms by presenting a more comprehensive narrative with a better flow. The film delves into the motivations and moral dilemmas faced by both Batman and Superman, shedding light on their perspectives and the ideological clash between them.
7. Shazam (2019)
A DC Comics film that brings the lighthearted and comedic side of the superhero genre to the forefront. Following the story of young Billy Batson who gains the ability to transform into an adult superhero named Shazam by uttering the word “Shazam.” The film focuses on Billy discovering his newfound powers and navigating the responsibilities that come with them. Alongside his foster brother, Freddy Freeman, Billy explores his abilities and learns to embrace his superhero identity. However, they soon find themselves facing the villainous Dr. Thaddeus Sivana who seeks to obtain the same powers for his own nefarious purposes. Shazam! is widely liked for its humor, heart, and its portrayal of the fun and adventurous side of being a superhero.
6. Aquaman (2018)
After the events of Justice League (2017), Aquaman explores Arthur’s origins and his quest to claim his rightful place as the true king of Atlantis. He must confront his half-brother, King Orm (Patrick Wilson), who seeks to unite the underwater kingdoms and wage war against the surface world. Alongside Mera and other allies, Arthur embarks on a perilous adventure to retrieve the mythical Trident of Atlan, which holds the key to his destiny. Aquaman is an entertaining and visually stunning superhero film that immerses audiences in the world of Atlantis. It offers a fresh take on the character of Aquaman and provides an enjoyable adventure filled with high-stakes action and a touch of mythic grandeur.
5. Man of Steel (2013)
The first film in the DCEU, explores Clark Kent’s journey from his childhood in Smallville to his adult years, as he discovers his extraordinary powers and grapples with his place in the world. Raised by his adoptive parents, Clark must navigate the complexities of his dual identity and decide how to use his abilities for the greater good. As an adult, Clark encounters journalist Lois Lane, who becomes an integral part of his journey. Meanwhile, General Zod, a Kryptonian military leader, arrives on Earth with plans to rebuild Krypton, leading to a climactic battle between Zod’s forces and Superman. While it may not resonate with all audiences, it provides an action-packed and thought-provoking experience for fans of the superhero genre.
4. Peacemaker (2022)
A spin-off of 2021’s The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker is a show no one knew they wanted until they finally had the chance to see it. John Cena returns as Peacemaker, working alongside Amanda Waller’s team to uncover a secret alien invasion unraveling on Earth. The series continues its mature content initially displayed in the original film, with James Gunn’s style of brutal action and raunchy comedy. John Cena manages to turn a character no one cared much for in The Suicide Squad and add depth and emotion to someone audiences were not expecting to display. Another testament to James Gunn’s ability to take the DCEU and reboot it into something special, proving DC’s epic roster is in good hands.
3. The Suicide Squad (2021)
A standalone sequel and soft reboot of the 2016 film. This iteration follows a team of supervillains who are recruited by the government agency ARGUS to carry out dangerous missions in exchange for commuted sentences. Led by Colonel Rick Flag, the team consists of new and returning members, including Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker, Ratcatcher 2, and others. They are sent to the island nation of Corto Maltese to destroy a secret lab and prevent a deadly weapon from falling into the wrong hands. The film embraces its R-rating, allowing for more freedom in terms of violence and mature content. James Gunn’s signature style, combining action, comedy, and heart, is evident throughout the narrative.
2. Wonder Woman (2017)
Set during World War I, we follow Diana, a princess of the Amazons who resides on the hidden island of Themyscira. When an American pilot named Steve Trevor crash-lands on the island and tells of the ongoing conflict, Diana believes it is her duty to join the world of men and bring an end to the war. She becomes Wonder Woman and embarks on a journey to stop the god of war, Ares, from manipulating the conflict. Wonder Woman is widely praised for its empowering and groundbreaking portrayal of a female superhero. Gal Gadot’s performance as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman received acclaim, as she brings a perfect blend of strength, compassion, and determination to the character.
The movie is lauded for its well-executed action sequences, which highlight Wonder Woman’s incredible abilities and combat skills. The “No Man’s Land” scene, in particular, is often cited as one of the film’s standout moments, symbolizing Wonder Woman’s courage and heroism. Additionally, Wonder Woman is appreciated for its engaging storytelling, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of war. The film’s message of female empowerment resonated with audiences, as it presented a strong and independent female protagonist in a genre often dominated by male heroes.
1. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Zack Snyder’s Justice League is known for its darker and more epic tone compared to the theatrical release. The film includes additional scenes and expanded storylines from the original film, offering a more in-depth exploration of the DC characters and their world. It delves into Cyborg’s personal journey, giving him a central role in the story, and provides more context to the mythology surrounding Darkseid and the Mother Boxes. The Snyder Cut received praise for its improved character development and emotional depth. It explores the internal struggles and growth of the heroes, showcasing their vulnerabilities and the weight of their responsibilities. The action sequences are visually spectacular, with Snyder’s signature stylized cinematography and slow-motion shots.
Often considered superior to the original because it offers a more coherent and complete vision of the story and beloved by many because it embraces the characters’ depth and provides them with stronger development. The extended runtime allows for a richer exploration of the narrative, including the introduction of new characters and storylines that were omitted from the theatrical version. The film’s darker tone and visually striking cinematography are also factors that contribute to its appeal. Ultimately, the extended edition allows fans to experience Snyder’s original vision of Justice League. It has garnered a dedicated fanbase and sparked discussions about the importance of directorial vision and creative integrity in the filmmaking process.
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