Every DCEU Movie Ranked Worst to Best

Key Takeaways

DCEU concludes with blend of hits and misses, highlighting potential and obstacles faced along the way. Respect for what came before essential.
Standout films like Shazam! and The Suicide Squad showcase the potential of DCEU despite some misfires. Focus on humor, unique identity key.
Snyder’s Justice League becomes a defining moment for DCEU, showcasing depth of characters and satisfying conclusion to his mythology.

I must say, diving into these DC films has been quite the journey, and it reminds me a bit of my own foray into the world of comic books many years ago. Just as Clark Kent found himself grappling with his Kryptonian heritage, I too felt a strange connection to these super-powered characters from another realm.

The DCEU (DC Extended Universe) has concluded after producing 16 films over the course of a decade, marking a tumultuous decade for DC Comics. In an attempt to challenge Marvel as the ruler of comic book movies, DC and Warner Bros.’s initial endeavor at a DC cinematic universe was marked by a variety of concepts, with reactions from critics, audiences, and box office earnings fluctuating wildly.

Although some DCEU films didn’t meet expectations, it doesn’t discredit the entire collection as a whole. The DCEU has its unique place, and there are several outstanding films that should be honored within this universe. As we move forward with the new DC Universe, it’s essential to appreciate the past and reflect on how each DCEU movie fared.

16 Suicide Squad

Great and Dark Potential Lost to a Studio Cut That Wanted Something Risk-Free

Release Date: 5 August 2016
Director: David Ayer
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 26%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 58%

To create a team that can carry out dangerous tasks without implicating America, Amanda Waller assembles the Suicide Squad – a group of incarcerated supervillains. These individuals are threatened with detonation if they refuse to complete covert operations. Their inaugural assignment: stopping an ancient witch from annihilating mankind.

The film Suicide Squad served as a clear illustration of the inconsistencies within the DC Extended Universe, with constant meddling negatively impacting its intended vision. Initially, Suicide Squad appeared to be a compelling and gritty tale from director David Ayer. However, it soon transformed into a lighthearted and disjointed movie, featuring an enjoyable cast but lacking depth.

15 Black Adam

Dwayne Johnson’s Passion Project Has Him Play Dwayne Johnson With Powers

Release Date: 21 October 2022
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 39%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 88%

In ancient times, Teth-Adam receives the might of Egyptian deities, transforming him not into their protector but into their conqueror. He misuses these powers to devastate those who supposedly deserve it. After being locked away for five millennia, Teth-Adam awakes in a world that no longer remembers him. In this new era, he starts enacting his unique brand of justice.

Although Black Adam, Dwayne Johnson’s long-awaited project, has the potential to be an outstanding villain, it instead leans towards a overly-heroic and stiff anti-hero, leaving audiences perplexed within the context of the established DC Extended Universe. The film offers some entertaining action sequences and admirable heroics from both Black Adam and the Justice Society, but disappointingly, it hints at a sequel that may never materialize.

14 Shazam! Fury of the Gods

A Lackluster Sequel That Plays It Too Safe

Release Date: 17 March 2023
Director: David F. Sandberg
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 49%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 86%

As a fervent admirer, I follow Billy Batson and his foster family as they persistently battle for the upholding of good with the might of Shazam. However, this time around, the daughters of Atlas are stirring fresh chaos in our contemporary world. Billy finds himself grappling with the true costs of superheroism, all while navigating the intricate bonds of brotherhood and sonship amidst a constellation of adversaries.

The sequel to “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” isn’t as enjoyable as the first one, and it doesn’t have the same warmth as the movie where “Big” meets Superman (from 1978). Using original villains instead of Shazam’s usual bad guys makes them less compelling, and the character of Shazam seems too silly for the serious topics that a teenager should be dealing with.

13 Wonder Woman 1984

Unintentionally Campy and Lacking Relevance for Wonder Woman’s Story

Release Date: 16 December 2020
Director: Patty Jenkins
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 57%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 73%

In other words, Wonder Woman remains dedicated to protecting humanity following her departure from Themyscira. Her exploits during the 1980s include battling Maxwell Lord, a business tycoon possessing a magical gem, as well as Barbara Minerva, who gains the malevolent abilities of the Cheetah. Furthermore, she rekindles the tragic romance she shared with Steve Trevor.

Wonder Woman 1984 struggles a bit with its action sequences and storyline, causing some confusion as it seems to contradict certain aspects of Wonder Woman’s character previously established in other films, and doesn’t seem to contribute much to the progression of the DCEU.

12 Justice League

A Choppy Attempt at a Team-Up Event

Release Date: 17 November 2017
Director: Zack Snyder / Joss Whedon
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 40%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 67%

Concerned about the impending doom following Superman’s demise, Batman gathers metahumans from various parts of the world to form an alliance and confront Steppenwolf and his Parademon troops, who aim to destroy the Earth for a greater cause. Without Superman, will this team prove strong enough?

The film adaptation of Justice League falls short of expectations, and Joss Whedon’s involvement fails to improve the situation significantly. The movie appears to have been heavily edited and underwent significant reshoots, resulting in a forgettable villain, unfunny jokes that don’t gel well, and an unusually brisk pace for a team-up film.

11 Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

A Wild Curtain Call for the DCEU That Features an Adventure Between Two Brothers

Release Date: 22 December 2023
Director: James Wan
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 33%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 81%

In conclusion, the climax for the DCEU centers around Aquaman’s role as the King of Atlantis and a father, facing peril from a vengeful villain who knows nothing but fury and suffering. The life of Aquaman is put in jeopardy by Black Manta, who uses the Black Trident to summon an ancient underwater calamity. To protect his loved ones and the world, Aquaman must team up with his incarcerated brother, Orm.

Whilst the chemistry between Patrick Wilson’s Ocean Master and Jason Momoa’s Arthur Curry is a lot of fun, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom certainly feel like a fish out of water with its strange exploration and new adventures. The action scenes are fun, but the odd plot is hard to follow and harder to care about since this was the whimpering end of the DCEU, but it’s still good to see Momoa treat Aquaman like a thrilling rockstar.

10 Aquaman

Discover the Underwater World of Atlantis as Arthur Curry Discovers His Place as King

Release Date: 12 December 2018
Director: James Wan
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 65%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 72%

Following Steppenwolf’s downfall, Arthur Curry finds himself grappling with his dual heritage as both a human and Atlantean, a role crucial in averting an impending conflict between oceans and lands. As he embarks on this journey, Arthur Curry aims to unite the underwater realm and claim the throne of Atlantis legitimately. However, he faces challenges from those who question his worthiness, such as his half-brother Orm and the vengeful Black Manta.

As a gaming enthusiast, diving into Aquaman felt like a refreshing change from the traditional DC Extended Universe (DCEU) storylines. Jason Momoa and Patrick Wilson truly stole the show with their captivating performances, making this adventure an unforgettable ride. The underwater worlds created by director James Wan were both enchanting and terrifying, offering a unique escape from the shadows of Batman and Superman’s worlds.

9 Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)

A Unique and Messy Identity Perfect for Harley Quinn’s Story

Release Date: 7 February 2020
Director: Cathy Yan
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 79%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 78%

After their separation, Harley Quinn, once a psychiatrist, embarks on a journey through Gotham City to find herself during one of her toughest breakups ever. Without the Joker’s influence, Harley becomes a fugitive in Gotham due to her misconduct within the criminal underworld. She then allies with a wealthy and powerful young girl who owns a valuable diamond, leading to further criminal activities.

Cathy Yan’s film, titled either “Birds of Prey” or “The Fabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn,” is an unconventional movie worth checking out. The majority of the movie’s problems stem from its disregard for the DC Comics origin story, but it offers a lively and explicit comedic experience that proudly carves its own path.

8 Shazam!

A Movie That Shows What Happens if Big (1998) Mixes With Superman: The Movie (1978)

Release Date: 5 April 2019
Director: David F. Sandberg
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 90%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 82%

As Billy Batson, I’ve spent my life searching for the mom who I think left me at a fair unintentionally. My journey took a dramatic turn when I was adopted, but things got even more twisted after an ancient sorcerer deemed me fit to wield the powers of Shazam. Suddenly, I wasn’t just a kid anymore; I had the strength and abilities of a superhero at my fingertips.

Shazam! exhibits an irresistible charm, with elements reminiscent of Tom Hanks in Big combined with Christopher Reeve’s Superman. Zachary Levi brings an enjoyable twist to the title character, and his portrayal of a child within an adult hero’s body offers ample opportunities for humor in this DC film that remains faithful to its golden age roots.

7 The Flash

A Fun and Well-Hearted Movie About Scars and the Consequence of Time Travel

Release Date: 16 June 2023
Director: Andy Muschietti
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 63%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 83%

1. For Barry Allen, the pain of losing his mother is overwhelming, prompting him to explore if his powers via the Speed Force could alter the past and create an alternate future. In this new timeline, superheroes are largely unheard of and General Zod is attempting to conquer Earth, with Superman nowhere in sight. With no other option, Barry turns to a Batman who isn’t from his own universe for assistance.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say that diving into the world of The Flash is an absolute blast, even with all the debates swirling around about it. Seeing Michael Keaton back as Batman, donning the cape and cowl, is just pure joy, and he injects this production with a heap of charisma. Now, I won’t deny that The Flash does have a few too many cameos thrown in to connect the DC Universe, but when it comes to delivering fun moments amidst some iffy CGI and off-beat scenes, it definitely doesn’t disappoint.

6 Blue Beetle

Heartfelt Family Fun With a Sci-Fi Side

Release Date: 18 August 2023
Director: Angel Manuel Soto
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 77%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 91%

Jamie Reyes, fresh from college, seeks employment to help his family who are both overprotective and caring, but finds himself linked to the Scarab, an old piece of extraterrestrial technology that develops a bond with him, granting him extraordinary abilities and a suit of armor, transforming him into an unpredictable and awe-inspiring superhero known as Blue Beetle.

Blue Beetle offers an immensely satisfying experience for fans of DC Comics and newcomers alike, providing a pleasurable journey for all. By emphasizing action and family dynamics, Blue Beetle has the potential to carve out a successful career in the DC Universe with its unique perspective and a heartfelt approach rather than gloominess.

5 Wonder Woman

Providing Feminity and Power into a War Epic

Release Date: 1 June 2017
Director: Patty Jenkins
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 93%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 83%

In a nutshell, during World War I, a military pilot named Steve Trevor lands on an isolated Amazonian island inhabited solely by women, called Themyscira. Upon learning about the war raging in the human world, Princess Diana feels compelled to act and leaves the island. She suspects that Ares, the Greek God of War, is orchestrating humanity’s self-destruction and embarks on a journey to confront him, aiming to end the global conflict.

Wonder Woman delivers an exhilarating and sincere experience for viewers, showcasing a top-notch portrayal by Gal Gadot. The emotional depth of a mighty warrior grappling with her desire to prevent global self-destruction is both heartrending and awe-inspiring. By situating Wonder Woman within the backdrop of World War I, the DC Extended Universe reaches a peak in character growth while seamlessly combining action and narrative.

4 The Suicide Squad

A Hilariously Twisted Team-Up of Misfits

Release Date: 30 July 2021
Director: James Gunn
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 90%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 82%

Amanda Waller leads an unlawful, perilous, and morally questionable Task Force X unit to Corto Maltese, their mission being the demolition of a clandestine lab conducting gruesome research. The team, a mix of familiar and novel figures, is assembled to introduce intriguing interactions and maintain mutual threats, ensuring that no one is immune to danger or elimination.

The Suicide Squad, under the direction of talented writer/director James Gunn, demonstrates that the DC Universe is in capable hands. In this film, he delivers one of the top-tier movies within the DCEU. The cast’s performances are a blend of humor when it suits them and poignancy when required, while the storyline and action sequences outshine those from other DCEU productions.

3 Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

A Provocative Lens into the Consequences of Superheroes

Release Date: 25 March 2016
Director: Zack Snyder
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 29%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 63%

In this reimagined scenario, an aging Batman confronts the fury of divine beings, and the battle for Metropolis with Superman and General Zod leaves Batman contemplating the idea that to ensure a secure world, he must eliminate the extraterrestrial who could destroy it in a single day. Meanwhile, Superman’s faith in humanity is challenged as he grapples with being seen both as an unwelcome deity and a revered savior.

For the first time in live-action cinema, the worlds of Batman and Superman come crashing together as they encounter each other on the big screen. The film “Batman v Superman” is a daring endeavor when it comes to portraying these iconic characters, but given the opportunity, it manages to deliver on its narrative. The political aspects surrounding Superman’s role on Earth, combined with an intriguing examination of Batman’s single rule, make for an engaging DC film that didn’t receive a fair assessment.

2 Man of Steel

The Birth of the DCEU is Filled With Interesting Origins for Superman

Release Date: 12 June 2013
Director: Zack Snyder
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 56%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 75%

The DCEU originates with Kal-El from the doomed planet Krypton, who is dispatched to Earth to coexist with humans and learn about their aspirations and shortcomings while he evolves extraordinary abilities that could make him a deity to them. As Clark Kent matures, he traverses seas in search of his past, and his dual identity as an extraterrestrial raised on Earth is challenged when Kryptonian survivors aim to transform Earth into their new residence.

Man of Steel introduces a fresh origin story for Superman and establishes an engaging foundation for the DC Extended Universe. Although this Superman lacks the traditional charm and cheerfulness of earlier versions, the early days of this Superman offer a sense of greatness as it adopts a more realistic approach to the man with flying abilities. By merging reality and fantasy, Man of Steel elevates Superman into a subject worthy of study that is not found in other films.

1 Zack Snyder’s Justice League

Zack Snyder’s Magnum Opus That Concludes His Mythology of DC

Release Date: 18 March 2021
Director: Zack Snyder
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score: 71%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score: 93%

In the wake of Superman’s passing, Batman and Wonder Woman endeavor to gather the metahumans they know as the Justice League takes shape. With Steppenwolf and his Parademon forces preparing for Darkseid’s arrival, this newly formed team – who may not even be acquainted – must confront this peril without Superman by their side.

The story of the Snydercut is worthy of its own movie, but as far as the actual movie goes, it’s an accomplishment beyond the comic book movie genre. Zack Snyder concluded his DCEU trilogy with a magnum opus that blends his style with the mythologies that he sees the DC characters as, and the 4-hour runtime really allows for each character to develop the depth they deserve, and the character moments that prove how each of them is essential.

2024-08-27 01:55