The history of superhero comics dates back to 1938’s Action Comics #1. Moreover, the history of superhero movies truly starts with Superman, the first-ever film adapted from DC Comics in 1951. The character then revolutionized how the world looks at these stories. TechTrends decided to make a list of the best DC Comics movies of all time for the newer generation.
Although today Marvel is a bigger presence in Hollywood, as it has had more consistency over the last two decades, for many years, DC and its superheroes, such as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman, were dominant. With DC movies releasing a hot streak of movies courtesy of Joker, The Suicide Squad, and The Batman’s success, it was time to make a list of the best DC Comics movies of all time. The list mostly covers the last twenty years.
It is important to know that the DC Extended Universe came into existence in a state of crisis. Marvel started its Cinematic Universe with the release of Iron Man in 2008, while Warner Brothers were close to releasing The Dark Knight, which is among the most critically and financially successful movies ever made. When director Christopher Nolan was about to end its Bat-trilogy in 2012, things had started to change as more interconnected narrative playgrounds became popular. They decided to catch up with the time, so Warner Brothers and DC Films made some wild choices that did not go according to plan. Therefore, they took up a new strategy, which was focusing on individual characters rather than Avengers-like team-ups. (Except for the fan-demanded Justice League and Suicide Squad sequels.) So, how are these movies rated? Suit up in your Bat-Suit and continue reading.
Best DC Comics Movies of All Time
Despite having a rough start and its fair share of controversies, the DCEU is on the right track now. The superhero movies are flying, which is quite fascinating. Without further ado, let’s get to the list of the best DC movies ever made.
The Dark Knight Trilogy
Batman Begins 2005
- Genre: Action/Fantasy
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Stars: Christian Bale, Cillian Murphy, Michael Caine, Katie Holmes, Liam Neeson, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 84%, IMDb 8.2
One of the best DC Comics movies of all time is Christopher Nolan’s Batman movie brand, with DC superhero’s interpretation. Christian Bale’s performance as Bruce Wayne/Batman is astonishing. His character is haunted by the death of his parents, and he witnessed their murders as a kid. Thirsty to get vengeance, he begins learning martial arts. He is determined to make Gotham City clean, and with the help of his butler Alfred, who raised him, and Lucius Fox, a tech expert, he creates Batman. Bale returned Batman to his humble origin in this movie. Make sure to watch it if you haven’t already; it will be worth your while.
Read more: Best Morgan Freeman Movies of All Time
The Dark Night 2008
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Stars: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Cillian Murphy
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 94%, IMDb 9
The Dark Knight is Batman Begins’ sequel directed by Christopher Nolan. The movie has Christian Bale coming back as Gotham’s superhero vigilante, who goes against arch-nemesis, the joker, portrayed with unforgettable talent by late heath Ledger. The character is able to bring a new type of menace to Gotham City, causing chaos. Batman realizes that he is up to no good, so he has to team up with Police Lieutenant James Gordon, played by Gary Oldman, and District Attorney Harvey Dent, portrayed by Aaron Eckhart. The Dark Knight is considered one of the best DC movies of all time, setting the groundwork for the DCEU. It will stay timeless for many generations to come, and Heath Ledger’s performance was out of this world; as many believe he is a true hero and he gave his life for this performance.
Read more: Best Action Movies of 2022
The Dark Knight Rises 2012
- Genre: Action/Thriller
- Director: Christopher Nolan
- Stars: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Cillian Murphy
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 87%, IMDb 8.4
The Dark Knight Rises is an epic end to one of the most well-made movies in a film trilogy of all time. It is not only one of the greatest DC movies of all time, arguably the best, but one of the greatest superhero films ever made. Batman comes out of an eight-year exile after he disappears to go against a terrorist and a burglar. This was another thrilling Christopher Nolan movie, so make sure to add it to your watchlist.
Superman and Justice League
Man of Steel 2013
- Genre: Action/Sci-fi
- Director: Zack Snyder
- Stars: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Russell Crowe, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 58%, IMDb 7.1
Man of Steel is one of the best DC Comics movies of all time. Henry Cavill plays the role of Superman. In the 2013 Man of Steel movie, the superhero and his upbringing are the focus of the story, and Henry Cavill does a great job of capturing our hearts. He is a young man in the movie who is keen on discovering where he came from and what he is meant to do. However, in order to save the world from annihilation, his hero has to come out, becoming a symbol of hope for everyone. The character is undeniably perfect for showcasing Cavill’s abilities as an actor, proving that he is more than just a pretty face. However, it has so many World Engines and buildings collapsing, which made Superman appear as an alien outsider to many people rather than a savior.
Read more: Best Henry Cavill Movies of All Time
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice 2016
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Director: Zack Snyder
- Stars: Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Jesse Eisenberg, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Lauren Cohan
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 29%, IMDb 6.4
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice features Henry Cavill (Superman) and Ben Affleck (Bruce Wayne/Batman). The movie comes after the events that happened in Man of Steel, showing a great battle between Superman and Batman. Each of them believes that the other one is at fault for what the states of Gotham and Metropolis are. Bruce is frustrated with Superman for the destruction left after the battle against Zod. Clark, on the other hand, is angry at Batman’s brutal style of vigilante justice that insists on “take no prisoners.” Dawn of Justice is one of the best DC Comics movies of all time.
Read more: Best Ben Affleck Movies of All Time
Justice League 2017
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Director: Zack Snyder
- Stars: Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Jason Momoa, Amber Heard
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 39%, IMDb 6.3
DC tried to copy the critical success of Marvel’s MCU by Justice League. Bruce Wayne is inspired by Superman’s selfless act, and his faith in humanity is restored. Therefore, he teams up with a new ally Diana Prince to fight a bigger threat. Batman and Wonder Woman work together to create a team that is powerful enough to face the enemy. While many think Justice League is one of the top DC movies of all time, others believe that it could have been better. They think that Warner Bros did a rush job despite having a long time to come up with a better formula for the characters who piled up in this movie.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League 2021
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Director: Zack Snyder
- Stars: Henry Cavill, Ezra Miller, Jared Leto, Amber Heard, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 71%, IMDb 8
The movie Zack Snyder’s Justice League starts with the death of Superman. Then, to subjugate the human race, Darkseid decides to send Steppenwolf, his servant, to Earth. Henry Cavill does not appear very often at the beginning of the movie. However, the extended battle scene between the ancient forces of Earth and those of Darkseid is entertaining. Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince join forces to protect humanity, and they try to align the super-powered humans of Earth in order to go against the threat. Just like the previous one, there are some controversies with this sequel as well, but it is still worth watching as many consider it one of the best DC Comics movies of all time.
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman 2017
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Director: Patty Jenkins
- Stars: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Connie Nielsen
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 93%, IMDb 7.4
Wonder woman goes all the way to show what makes a protagonist a hero and then tests that heroism. The movie begins with Wonder Woman, played by Gal Gadot, thinking about mankind in the abstract, but because of her relationship with Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) and the horrors of war, she realizes what she is supposed to fight for. Her innocence is pushed to the limits in the movie, which wants her to see that although Ares might bear the war’s responsibility, human weaknesses also play a role. However, she has to choose to save mankind anyway. It is an extremely uplifting and mature message. Moreover, there are many explorations of the horror of war. Wonder Woman is considered as one of the best DC Movies of all time. We strongly recommend it.
Wonder Woman 1984 2020
- Genre: Action/Fantasy
- Director: Patty Jenkins
- Stars: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal, Gabriella Wilde
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 58%, IMDb 5.4
One of the best DC Comics movies of all time is Wonder Woman 1984. The chemistry Gal Gadot and Chris Pine share has been praised by many critics and the audience. It is set in the ‘80s, giving the tenets of that time, as well. However, the script of the movie has been criticized as many believe it was not ready for filming, which resulted in a confusing story. Moreover, the villains of the movie are mediocre. The greatest sin might be not centering Diana and her journey, giving a sense of being adrift without the hero. However, Diana’s stirring decency is what makes the movie appealing.
The Suicide Squad
The Suicide Squad 2016
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Director: David Ayer
- Stars: Margot Robbie, Jared Leto, Will Smith, Joel Kinnaman, Jai Courtney, Viola Davis
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 26%, IMDb 5.9
Margot Robbie played the role of Harley Quinn, which became the most viewed mainstream character of her career. In the movie Suicide Squad, Robbie is the real screen magnet, portraying Harley with charisma. Although it might not be the best Harley-featured movie, it is definitely entertaining. A U.S intelligence officer makes a team of dangerous supervillains for a mission that is top-secret. When they are armed with government weapons, Deadshot (Will Smith), Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Captain Boomerang, Killer Croc, and a number of more villains should work together. However, Joker, played by Jared Leto, has some evil agenda of his own. This is indeed one of the best DC Comics movies of all time.
Read more: Best Margot Robbie Movies of All Time
The Suicide Squad 2021
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Director: James Gunn
- Stars: Margot Robbie, Pete Davidson, John Cena, Daniela Melchior, Idris Elba
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 90%, IMDb 7.2
The Suicide Squad, directed by James Gunn, was way better than the other one as he understood the assignment. The director is able to inject heart into these darkly comic stories, making you care about the characters, who care about one another. It does not feel like a superhero collection but rather disposable individuals who decided to embrace their status and give their lives a purpose. The Suicide Squad 2021 is indeed one of the best DC Comics movies of all time.
Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey 2020
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Director: Cathy Yan
- Stars: Margot Robbie, Ewan McGregor, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ella Jay Basco, Jurnee Smollett
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 79%, IMDb 6
Bird of Prey is a DC comics-related superhero movie concentrating on Harley Quinn, who recently broke up with the Joker. This is indeed one of the best Dc Comics movies of all time, in which a crime lord threatens Guinn. Therefore, she has to start a war to save Cassandra Cain with the help of a group of women named the Birds of Prey. The Huntress, The Black Canary, and Renee Montoya are part of the group. Notwithstanding mixed reviews from the audience, the critics praised the movie and reviewed it positively.
Aquaman 2018
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Director: James Wan
- Stars: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 65%, IMDb 6.8
This billion-dollar-grossing blockbuster movie is one of the best DC Comics movies of all time. Despite many expecting it to suck as it was tasked with envisioning a vast underwater civilization, Aquaman turned out great. There is going to be a sequel for the movie soon, with director James Wan having all the elements to make a better sequel. Moreover, Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Aquaman is fascinating, and he is right for the part.
Read more: Best Johnny Depp Movies of All Time
Joker 2019
- Genre: Drama/Crime
- Director: Todd Phillips
- Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Bradley Cooper
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 68%, IMDb 8.4
Joker was able to accomplish something that did not seem possible after the Nolan era: It is a DC movie that feels relevant, inspiring discussion, controversy, and shocking turn of events. Joaquin Phoenix’s performance as the Joker was extraordinary. He plays the role of Arthur Fleck, and when he won the SAG Award for the part, he said, “I’m standing here on the shoulders of my favorite actor Heath Ledger.” This is indeed one of the best DC Comics movies of all time.
The Batman 2022
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Director: Matt Reeves
- Stars: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Andy Serkis, Colin Farrell
- Rating: Rotten Tomatoes 85%, IMDb 8
If you didn’t know or haven’t heard already, Robert Pattinson is playing the role of Bruce Wayne in the new Batman movie. Zoe Kravitz features as Catwoman, while Paul Dano and Colin Farrell are Riddler and Penguin, respectively. This is one of the best DC Comics movies of all time as the DC hero has returned grittier than before in the movie directed by Matt Reeves. The movie shows Robert Pattinson as a young, emo Wayne starting to go around in Gotham city. In this nearly three-hour movie, Batman revs his incredible Batmobile, becomes friends with Catwoman, and faces baddies like Penguin and Riddler.
Many people were wondering what kind of a Batman movie it would be as soon as they heard Pattinson would be featuring the Caped Crusader. Based on the trailer, the story is dark and brutal with many famous DC villains, who make the movie exciting.