25 Best DC Animated Movie Universe Films, Ranked

The action-packed spectacle of superhero blockbusters has taken center stage in the cinematic landscape for almost two decades now, with everything from Christopher Nolan‘s The Dark Knight Trilogy to more recent iterations of the caped crusader like 2022’s The Batman, and, of course, the ongoing Marvel Cinematic Universe dominating the box office. While the DCEU has worked tirelessly to launch its own extended live-action franchise, the very best connected universe DC Comics’ fans have seen so far is undoubtedly the DC Animated Movies Universe (DCAMU).

This probably shouldn’t come as a huge surprise as DC have a history of converting their superhero stories to animation with dazzling results, with the early 1990s series Batman: The Animated Series a standout in this regard. With stories ranging from origin tales to major crossover events, and even stunning realizations of famous comic book arcs like Flashpoint, the animated movie franchise boasts an astounding array of films perfect for lovers of superhero stories.

25

‘Watchmen Chapter 2’ (2024)

Directed by Brandon Vietti

Alan Moore is one of the most influential comic authors of all time, and Watchmen is a legendary series that has produced multiple adaptations. This time, DC attempts to animate the iconic series into two chapters, with the second one being worse than the first. Watchmen Chapter 2 continues the ensemble cast’s quest for answers.

The biggest strength of Watchmen Chapter 2 is its cast, made up of top-tier voice actors to carry this production. The animation style is distracting, but works best in this movie by delivering good larger setpieces, but is still overall unwelcome. Overall, this adaptation isn’t perfect, but it does enough to fully adapt the story and its iconic moments. —Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck

Watchmen: Chapter II

Release Date

November 26, 2024

Runtime

89 Minutes

• 

  Adrian Veidt/Ozymandias/Derf/Laurence Schexnayder/Gerald Grice/News Announcer

• 

  Adrienne Barbeau

  Sally Jupiter/Police Dispatcher

24

‘Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham’ (2023)

Directed by Sam Liu and Chris Berkeley

Animated Batman films are some of the medium’s most popular, making the prospect of him fighting Lovecraftian horrors an interesting premise. Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham is set in the 1920s and follows Batman after he reawakens, only to find a doomsday cult summoning the wrath of the Old Gods on Gotham.

This is an interesting idea that mostly pays off and adapts the comic well. It features distracting cameos and some confusing moments, but it is overall another worthy Batman animated film. The animation, Lovecraftian elements, and horror blend to create a distinct dark Batman movie that uses a modern touch to create a classic feel. —Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck

23

‘Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons’ (2022)

Directed by Matt Peters

The world’s finest hasn’t appeared together recently, but while fans wait for the DCU to bring them into live action, Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons is a great starting place. Jonathan Kent and Damian Wayne may be sidekicks, but they get their chance to prove their skills by reducing their parents from impending doom.

Battle of the Super Sons is an interesting adaptation that falters and excels in many ways. The fully CGI animation can get annoying, but it is overall a step in the right direction. The plot may be predictable and cliché, but the action and dynamics more than make up for it. The characters were full of life, and the messages were motivational, making it another great animated DC movie. —Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck

22

‘Watchmen Chapter 1’ (2024)

Directed by Brandon Vietti

As previously mentioned, they adapted the Watchmen into a two-part animated film, aiming to capture the most out of the comic as possible. Watchmen Chapter 1 is set in an alternate 1985 where a retired group of superheroes investigate the mysterious deaths of their comrades.

While it is difficult to pick one over the other, Watchmen Chapter 1 is arguably the better film of the two-part event. The art style and animation are still distracting, but the film allows for the subtleties and quieter moments to excel more. The voice cast is still excellent, and the worldbuilding is phenomenal, making Watchmen Chapter 1 a good adaptation. —Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck

21

‘Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part 1’ (2024)

Directed by Jeff Wamester

Warner Brothers seems to like the idea of multi-part animated movies since they adapted one of the most iconic DC comics into three movies. Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part 1 is the first of three movies in this multiversal event. When the Anti-Monitor begins destroying multiple universes, the Monitor recruits heroes from across the multiverse to stop it.

This three-part event was one of the biggest in DC animated history. Unfortunately, the two sequels weren’t nearly as good as the first. Still, part one was a phenomenal movie that had fan service, great animation, unexpected twists, and intriguing developments. It has its fair share of flaws, but Crisis on Infinite Earths is an overwhelming experience that will deliver all the superhero goodness fans could want. —Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck

Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part One

Release Date

January 8, 2024

Runtime

93 minutes

• 

  Jensen Ackles

  Batman / Bruce Wayne (voice)

• 

  Matt Bomer

  The Flash / Barry Allen (voice)

• 

  Superman / Earth-2 Superman (voice)

• 

  Meg Donnelly

  Supergirl / Harbinger (voice)

20

‘Wonder Woman: Bloodlines’ (2019)

Directed by Sam Liu and Justin Copeland

2019 was a monumental year in the context of the DC Animated Movie Universe. While the release of Wonder Woman: Bloodlines divided the fan base, the penultimate installment of the DCAMU’s “New 52” arc was warmly received by critics, several of whom even heralded it as the best film the franchise released that year as they celebrated its empowering story of courage and willpower.

With a legion of past enemies joining forces as the nefarious Villainy, Inc., Wonder Woman (played by Rosario Dawson) embarks on a deadly mission within the evil organization to rescue a young girl and defy their plans to invade Themyscira. Propped up by strong action sequences and a riveting story, Wonder Woman: Bloodlines is more than capable of overcoming its pitfalls to thrive as an engrossing adventure that sees its titular heroine in fine form.

19

‘Justice Society: World War II’ (2021)

Directed by Jeff Wamester

Effectively a Flash (Matt Bomer) movie that doubles as an ensemble special, Justice Society: World War II sees Barry Allen channel the Speed Force for the very first time to wind up in an alternate past. With the Second World War raging, he joins forces with the Justice Society of America to fight the Nazis while trying to uncover the fateful lesson he must learn before returning to his own time.

While some criticized the film for its narrative displacement, which effectively rendered the events of the story as entirely irrelevant in the grander scheme of the DCAMU, Justice Society: World War II still manages to be defined by its strengths rather than its weaknesses. It is creative and fun, fueled by an exciting adventure of war and heroism that depicts the Flash at his best, even if fans of the JSA may be somewhat aggrieved at the presentation of the super squad.

Justice Society: World War II

Release Date

April 27, 2021

Runtime

84 minutes

• 

  Keith Ferguson

  The Flash / Barry Allen (voice)

• 

  Armen Taylor

  Wonder Woman / Diana Prince (voice)

• 

  Darin De Paul

  Steve Trevor (voice)

• 

  Elysia Rotaru

  Superman / Clark Kent (voice)

18

‘Batman: The Long Halloween – Part One’ (2021)

Directed by Chris Palmer

A strong adaptation of the critically acclaimed comic book limited series, Batman: The Long Halloween – Part One engrosses viewers in a bleak and brutal Gotham City, one being torn apart by corruption, crime, and the carnage of an active serial killer. With the killer striking on popular holidays, the film follows the efforts of Batman (Jensen Ackles), Jim Gordon (Billy Burke), and Harvey Dent (Josh Duhamel) to identify the Holiday Killer and arrest him before he can kill again.

The animated feature brilliantly captures the style and tone of Jeph Leob’s story, rich with elements of noir cinema and mystery intrigue that give it an atmospheric gravity and weight. It excels as one of the darker films of the DCAMU, thrives off its talented voice cast, and revels in the trademark grit of Batman to be a captivating highlight of the franchise’s second phase.

Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One

Release Date

June 21, 2021

Runtime

85 minutes

Cast

• 

  Jensen Ackles

  Bruce Wayne / Batman (voice)

• 

  Josh Duhamel

  Harvey Dent (voice)

• 

  Naya Rivera

  Selina Kyle / Catwoman (voice)

• 

  Commissioner James Gordon (voice)

17

‘Batman: The Long Halloween – Part Two’ (2021)

Directed by Chris Palmer

Released just five days after its predecessor, Batman: The Long Halloween – Part Two completes the narrative arc while delving deeper into the story’s themes and stylistic intensity. After being rendered helpless under the villainous Poison Ivy’s (Katee Sackhoff) spell, Batman is rescued by an unlikely ally and continues his pursuit for Holiday. Meanwhile, a compromised criminal desperately makes a deal with Gotham’s rogues gallery, and a disfigured Harvey Dent begins to succumb to the pressures imposed upon him in devastating fashion.

The Long Halloween functions incredibly well as one combined piece, but Part Two narrowly edges ahead of its predecessor on account of how brilliantly it delivers on all the set-ups. The narrative progression is engrossing, while the animation and vocal work remain utterly sublime. With how it sticks to landing to deliver a rewarding conclusion, it is understandable why many consider Batman: The Long Halloween – Part Two to be the pinnacle of the DCAMU’s second phase.

16

‘Superman: Man of Tomorrow’ (2020)

Directed by Chris Palmer

A gleeful return to the adventurous sense of fun and action that superhero movies used to occupy as a rule, Superman: Man of Tomorrow thrives as an exciting and charming origin story. It follows Clark Kent (Darren Criss) as he begins working as an intern at the Daily Planet while still learning how best to utilize his powers to protect Metropolis, a challenge that grows imminently urgent when the city is attacked by alien invaders.

While the hypercritical may take issue with the film’s narrative predictability and familiarity, Superman: Man of Tomorrow is ultimately a testament as to why the character has endured so well over so many years. Complemented by a refreshed visual style and a brilliant voice cast that includes Zachary Quinto and Alexandra Daddario, and the film serves as the perfect launching pad for the DC Animated Movie Universe’s “Tomorrowverse” arc.

15

‘Reign of the Supermen’ (2019)

Directed by Sam Liu

With Superman gone, the people of Earth are looking for potential successors. In Reign of the Supermen, four figures — Superboy, Steel, the Eradicator, and the evil Cyborg Superman, are grappling with the legacy of Superman while a dark force emerges. Darkseid, the ultimate villain, seeks to conquer Earth through manipulation. The film sees these heroes overcome their distrust and unite under the symbol of hope as the true Superman eventually makes a comeback.

Reign of the Supermen is a DC animated masterpiece filled with action and layered characters. The film faithfully adapts the iconic comic arc, with jaw-dropping battles between the Supermen and the final showdown with Darkseid. But it’s not just about the action as the movie looks into the motivations of each potential successor, making it a must-watch for both DC veterans and newcomers.

14

‘Justice League vs. Teen Titans’ (2016)

Directed by Sam Liu

The line between hero and villain blurs in Justice League vs. Teen Titans! When a botched mission with the Legion of Doom backfires, Trigon takes control of the Justice League. This means that the fate of the world rests on the shoulders of the Teen Titans. Led by Robin, the young heroes face their most difficult challenge yet: fighting their own mentors.

The worlds of the Justice League and the Teen Titans are merged in the film, offering a fresh perspective on both teams. It also explores Raven’s backstory, looking at her connection to Trigon and her inner struggles as a hero. From the epic battles against the possessed League to the final confrontation with Trigon, the film delivers the much-needed suspense and energy every superhero film needs.

13

‘Justice League: Throne of Atlantis’ (2015)

Directed by Ethan Spaulding

A hero rises in Justice League: Throne of Atlantis. A sunken submarine leads the Justice League to a brewing conflict between the surface world and the underwater kingdom. As Arthur Curry looks into the mystery, he uncovers the shocking truth that he’s the heir to the Atlantean throne! However, his half-brother, Orm, also known as Ocean Master, desires war with the surface.

Torn between two worlds, Arthur must embrace his Atlantean heritage and unite the Justice League to stop Orm’s warpath. The critically acclaimed DC animated film is not just about punching, showing Arthur Curry’s personal journey with the explosive conflict between Atlantis and the surface world. It’s the perfect Aquaman origin story with its epic action sequences, stunning animation, and incredible performances from voice actors Nathan Fillion and Matt Lanter.

12

‘Justice League: War’ (2014)

Directed by Jay Oliva

In Justice League: War, Earth is on the brink of annihilation as a series of abductions lead to a horrifying revelation. Darkseid is preparing to conquer Earth, and as Batman and Green Lantern scramble to warn the world, they bring together a group of powerful individuals: Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Shazam, and Cyborg. However time is running out, and the heroes must try to overcome their distrust and unite as a team before Darkseid’s forces arrive.

Justice League: War was well-received due to its blend of thrilling action and the formative story of Justice League. Beyond the animation spectacle, it also focused on the relationship between the heroes, making viewers invested in the journey of the team. It’s a top-tier DC animated film that should be seen by every comic-book fan.

Justice League: War

Release Date

February 4, 2014

Runtime

79 Minutes

• 
• 

  Zach Callison

  Billy Batson

• 

  Christopher Gorham

  The Flash / Barry Allen

• 

  Green Lantern / Hal Jordan

11

‘Batman: Under the Red Hood’ (2010)

Directed by Brandon Vietti

The fall and return of Batman are on full display in Batman: Under the Red Hood. In the movie, tragedy strikes Batman as his young ward Robin is murdered by Joker. Years later, Gotham is shaken by the arrival of the Red Hood, a ruthless vigilante challenging Batman’s methods. As Batman investigates, he uncovers a web of secrets leading to a horrifying discovery — the Red Hood is none other than Jason Todd, brought back from the dead and consumed by vengeance.

The movie looks into the two characters’ emotional confrontations, forcing Batman to confront his past and the true cost of his war on crime. Featuring more than just action, Under the Red Hood offers a deeper look at Batman, making it a thought-provoking watch for fans of character-driven narratives.

10

‘Justice League Dark’ (2017)

Directed by Jay Oliva

A fine and unique entry from the DCAMU, Justice League Dark is a rarity in the franchise as it features an original premise rather than finding a firm basis in a comic book narrative, despite its obvious link to the titular superhero team. When regular citizens in Gotham City start murdering people who they believe to be demonic entities, Batman (Jason O’Mara) forms “Justice League Dark,” a superhero squad of dark arts specialists led by John Constantine (Matt Ryan) to stand against supernatural evil.

While the narrative isn’t the strongest in the DCAMU, it does have some significant strengths, including Matt Ryan’s reprisal of the Constantine role and its engrossing mystery, which spirals in some interesting directions. Justice League Dark‘s eagerness to embrace the supernatural components of its story also set it apart from many other superhero films—animated or live-action—and imbued the story with freedom to venture into some imaginative and surprisingly dark areas.

Justice League Dark

Release Date

January 24, 2017

Runtime

75 minutes

• 

  Jason O’Mara

  Bruce Wayne / Batman (voice)

• 

  Matt Ryan

  John Constantine (voice)

• 

  camilla luddington

  Zatanna (voice)

• 

  Nicholas Turturro

  Boston Brand / Deadman (voice)

9

‘Teen Titans: The Judas Contract’ (2017)

Directed by Sam Liu

A poster child of renowned superhero comic book characters who have excelled in animated storytelling but struggled to make the leap to live-action, Teen Titans is one of the most overlooked super squads in the current cinematic landscape. Focusing on the most famous comic storyline for the group, Teen Titans: The Judas Contract is given a fresh spin in this 2017 iteration as it follows the eponymous squad in their fight against Deathstroke (Miguel Ferrer) and Brother Blood (Greg Henry) while a traitor strives to achieve a dastardly goal.

Teen Titans: The Judas Contract overcomes a flawed opening sequence to push on with strong and immersive action scenes and compelling character development, particularly from Terra (Christina Ricci) as she is placed in an impossible predicament. A smart fusion of the fallen heroine from the canceled 2003 Teen Titans series and the depraved villainy embedded in the source material, this depiction of the terra-kinetic Judas figure thrives as a tragic, mature, and emotionally complex animated film.

Teen Titans: The Judas Contract

Release Date

March 31, 2017

Runtime

84 minutes

• 

  Jake T. Austin

  Jaime Reyes / Blue Beetle (voice)

• 

  Stuart Allan

  Damian Wayne / Robin (voice)

• 

  Rachel Roth / Raven (voice)

• 

8

‘Batman: Bad Blood’ (2016)

Directed by Jay Oliva

Surprisingly violent given its rating, cleverly intriguing, and a monument to the extended family of heroes who help Batman in Gotham City, Batman: Bad Blood is a crowning glory for animated Batman stories that delve into his beloved sidekicks. The story runs with a fascinating premise as, with Batman mysteriously missing, Dick Grayson (Sean Maher) must don the cowl to fight crime in Gotham while Batwoman (Yvonne Strahovski) investigates Bruce Wayne’s disappearance.

With Batman absent for much of the movie, comic-book lovers get a brilliant chance to see how Gotham’s other notable vigilantes rise in his stead. There is plenty of rewarding fun to be had as well, with Batman: Bad Blood playing with all the drama and intrigue its premise offers. It also serves up some of the best action sequences in animated superhero cinema to boot.

Batman: Bad Blood

Release Date

January 19, 2016

Runtime

72 Minutes

• 

  Stuart Allan

  Batman / Bruce Wayne (voice)

• 

  Batwoman / Kathy Kane (voice)

• 

  Steve Blum

  Robin / Damian Wayne (voice)

7

‘Batman: Hush’ (2019)

Directed by Justin Copeland

One of the best stand-alone Batman movies in the DCAMU, Batman: Hush sees the Dark Knight taking on one of his most underrated comic book antagonists. With a loose basis on the comic book arc of the same name, it follows Batman as he is targeted by an enigmatic and malevolent enemy who knows all his deepest secrets and targets those he cares about most, prompting the caped crusader to form an uneasy alliance with Catwoman (Jennifer Morrison) to break free from Hush’s (Geoffrey Arend) deadly game.

While its climax may upset comic book purists, Batman: Hush found an enticing allure for Batman die-hards with its faithful yet subversive efforts, which hit hardest when the story exposed and exploited Bruce’s deepest vulnerabilities. The animated depiction of this modern Batman classic was a true treat, but there is still some hope that the villainous entity will get the live-action treatment soon.

Batman: Hush

Release Date

July 19, 2019

Director

Justin Copeland

• 
• 

  Jennifer Morrison

  Catwoman/Selina Kyle

• 

  Maury Sterling

  Thomas Elliot

• 

6

‘The Death of Superman’ (2018)

Directed by Sam Liu and Jake Castoreno

One of the most famous comic book arcs of all time, due in part to its alarming title, the iconic story was done justice when put on the screen. That story, of course, was The Death of Superman which follows Superman (Jerry O’Connell) and the Justice League as they must fight against a hulking monster named Doomsday as the alien entity lays waste to the city of Metropolis.

The Death of Superman carries the weight of its source material’s influence with a palpable respect which wisely utilizes Superman and Lois Lane’s (Rebecca Romjin) romance as the beating heart of the narrative. Though it only depicted half of the original tale, it was the most impactful half. Delivering one of superhero literature’s greatest fights with ample brutality and gravitas, The Death of Superman became something of a mainstream hit.