Over the last decade, DC has fully rebooted and revitalized its animated movie universe (DCAMU). The company kicked off the new story in 2013, and it has released at least one film every subsequent year. Each one marks a new chapter in the universe, reminding fans of what made them fall in love with the comics in the first place.
If you want to dive into the adventures of Batman, Superman, and the Justice League, read on. Here’s the best way to watch all DC animated movies in order.
How Many DC Animated Movies Are There?
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The current DC animated movie universe consists of 15 interconnected movies. However, there are also a few extras that aren’t tied to the storyline but still belong to the same universe.
Even though these standalone films do not belong to the DCAMU plot-wise, they are still superbly done and loved by many. To that end, this article will mention a few of the most popular ones after going through the 15 main films.
Without further delay, here is the DCAMU list in order of release. Get comfortable and make sure you have a load of popcorn ready — watching them all will take a while!
DC Animated Movies in Order
1. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)
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This film deals with a quintessential question: if you could go back in time to save someone you loved, would you do it? Barry Allen’s (The Flash) answer is simple: saving his mother’s life was all he has ever wanted to do.
However, meddling with the past always comes with consequences. While Barry’s mom is indeed alive, everything else is slightly off. Heroes have become brutal and aggressive, humans live in constant fear, and it seems that everything is upside down.
As a result, the Flash has to fight to leave flashpoint and get his old world back. While doing so, he has to make several heartbreaking sacrifices. His choices also open the door for the formation of this universe’s Justice League, which subsequent movies explore even further.
This movie sets the tone for the entire new generation. Rated PG-13, the film targets an adult audience. That allows the writers to give characters depth and explore serious subjects, something which prior animated movies lacked.
2. Justice League: War (2014)
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Justice League: War does a great job of reintroducing many of the beloved DC heroes most people grew up with. Some of them, like the Flash, Batman, and Cyborg, aren’t changed at all. But others, notably Wonder Woman, Superman, and Green Lantern, differ in attitudes and personalities from the past movies.
Adapted from the first 6 issues of the Justice League of America comics, the film follows six heroes banding together to save the world from an alien invasion. Despite their many misunderstandings and fights, they form the Justice League and manage to defeat their enemies.
3. Son of Batman (2014)
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Based on the 1987 DC comic, this movie focuses on Batman’s son with Talia al Ghul. Talia never told Batman that his son, Damien, was alive, opting to hide him from his father. Meanwhile, Damien grew up with the League of Assassins, a terrorist organization that trains him to become a professional killer.
The film follows Batman who, after finding out about his son’s existence, attempts to reconcile and help him become the new Robin. In the meantime, they have to face Deathstroke, the movie’s main antagonist.
4. Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (2015)
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Justice League: Throne of Atlantis introduces you to Arthur Curry, the future king of Atlantis. This DC sequel helps you learn more about Arthur’s difficult past and heroic destiny. At its core, the film is all about Aquaman and establishing him as an integral part of the team.
However, you also get to see some important universe subplots forming in this movie. Most notably, Superman and Wonder Woman begin their romantic relationship, which is a storyline that will cross over into many future DCAMU releases.
5. Batman vs. Robin (2015)
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This animated film continues to explore Batman’s relationship with his son, Damien. While adjusting to his new role as Robin and trying to abide by his father’s no-killing rule, Damien struggles to find his place in his new life.
Meanwhile, the Dollmaker wreaks havoc in Gotham, kidnapping kids and turning them into dolls. This movie restates DC’s clear goal while making this animated universe: creating serious stories aimed at an adult audience.
6. Batman: Bad Blood (2016)
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Unfortunately, Batman is infamous for the fact that he has no family. However, this movie proves that he indeed has a network of people who would do anything to help him, just like a family does.
When Batman disappears on a mission, it is up to Robin and Nightwing to keep Gotham safe in his absence. In the meantime, Batwoman and Alfred do everything in their power to find out what happened to Batman and to bring him home.
Watching the film, you’ll notice a lot of anime influences in the fight scenes. That is what makes this film stick out from all the others in the universe.
7. Justice League vs. Teen Titans (2016)
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As the name suggests, the movie introduces you to this universe’s Teen Titans. As a punishment for being reckless and not following his father’s orders, Robin becomes the newest member of the team.
However, as Trigon, the main villain, manages to free alien entities and releases them on Earth, Robin has to step up his game. To make matters worse, these entities manage to possess the Justice League members, making them evil and destructive.
It is up to the Teen Titans to defeat the rogue Justice League and restore them to their previous selves. But while fighting, they must also try and keep Earth and its inhabitants safe from Trigon and the aliens.
8. Justice League Dark (2017)
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This installment in the Justice League story finally touches upon the magical part of the DC universe. You get to meet characters such as Swamp Thing, John Constantine, Zatanna, and Deadman. Their stories are some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed ones in the history of comics, and this movie certainly does them justice.
Considering the plotlines that these characters are involved in, it is no surprise that this film has an R rating. There is a lot of violence and coarse language, but it is never obscene. These features are simply there to allow a fair depiction of the characters, which is why they don’t feel forced.
Highly entertaining and written in a witty manner, this movie will make you laugh out loud multiple times. What’s more, you will be on the edge of your seat until the very last scene.
9. Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (2017)
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While the first animated film featuring the Titans was quite dark, this one feels much more light-hearted and fun. The story follows the Teen Titans as they bond as a team and take on Brother Blood and his cohorts.
It is important to remember that this version of the Titans significantly differs from the one in the comics. For one, both Robin and Nightwing are on the team, as is Blue Beetle. Still, if you grew up with Teen Titans Go!, you’ll find this story is an excellent link to the characters you used to know and love.
10. Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay (2018)
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After the easier tone of the last movie, this one returns to the dark and gritty DC vibe you remember. Violence, blood, gore, and even some nudity — the movie more than earns its R rating.
From the onset, you can tell that the infamous live-action version very much influences this animated film. It follows a band of villains who are tasked to retrieve something the government desperately wants. Though they hate the establishment, they have to comply, as the alternative is death.
The main characters include Bronze Tiger, Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, Killer Frost, and Copperhead. Just like in the live-action, Harley Quinn also joins the squad, becoming one of the most popular characters in the film.
11. The Death of Superman (2018)
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The death of Superman was one of the most shocking plotlines in comic book history. Subsequently, its success brought DC unimaginable amounts of money and made headlines all around the world.
It comes as no surprise that DC decided to make the storyline come to life in the form of an animated movie. This film is probably the most action-packed one in the DC universe, as the entire plot consists of several nail-biting fights to save Metropolis. In the end, the Man of Steel has to give up his life for the city to survive.
This film is, by far, the most emotional one on the list. Superman’s sacrifice will definitely move you, but knowing that his death wasn’t in vain will make the loss easier to overcome.
12. Reign of the Supermen (2019)
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Picking up where the Death of Superman left off, this movie is another treat for fans of the great Kryptonian. Six months have passed, and four new superheroes are competing to succeed the grand hero of Metropolis. Each of them has a unique set of powers, and they all (seemingly) have the city’s best interest at heart.
The writers did a great job condensing the comic story into a palatable film that is equally entertaining as emotional. They also allow Lois Lane to shine, and she is truly the highlight of the movie.
13. Batman: Hush (2019)
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Batman: Hush is an adaptation of the 2002 comic book arc of the same name. It focuses on Hush, a mysterious stalker who sabotages all of Batman’s missions from afar.
The movie features appearances of some of the most notorious Batman villains, including the Joker, Bane, and Poison Ivy. In addition, it introduces Catwoman as a love interest for Batman, which is a fan-favorite romance in the comics.
Hush serves as the perfect send-off to Gotham’s broody hero. It wraps up Batman’s story nicely and foreshadows the approaching end of the DCAMU.
14. Wonder Woman: Bloodlines (2019)
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It would have been a shame to finish off the Justice League’s story without dedicating at least one film to everyone’s favorite warrior princess: Wonder Woman. Luckily, this film gives die-hard fans everything they want, from great action to warm emotional scenes.
The Wonder Woman origin story is at the core of the plot, and the writers did a good job of adapting it into an animated film. The theme of destiny vs. free will is dominant, and you get to appreciate the main heroine much more than her earlier appearances allowed you to.
15. Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020)
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And just like that, the end is here.
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is the final movie in this universe of DC animation. It wraps up all the storylines that the preceding films have developed, serving as the perfect ending to the most successful and lucrative era in DC history.
Apokolips brings together nearly every character the previous 14 movies introduced, from the main Justice League members to Teen Titans and magical heroes. They all team up to defeat Darkseid, as the fate of the entire universe is at stake.
This movie is heavy and tear-jerking. You will see some of the most incredible fights and action scenes. Some of your favorite heroes will die, while others will surprise you in unimaginable ways. But when all is said and done, you will find the movie to be a satisfying ending to a fantastic journey.
DCAMU: the Extras
As already mentioned, there is a certain number of DC animated movies released in the same period (2013-2020) that are not tied to the storylines the main 15 films explore. Still, they belong to the same universe and are just as well-done and heartfelt.
You’ll notice that the movies feature characters that appear in the main films. Furthermore, they give you a chance to get to know those characters better and delve even deeper into this phenomenal universe.
You can watch these movies in any order you prefer, as they are not connected and have no shared storylines. If you are unsure how to go about it, you can always stick to the release dates. Follow the chronological order, and enjoy a night full of excitement!
Here are the movies you can check out:
• Nightwing and Robin (2015)
• Constantine: City of Demons (2018)
• Teen Titans Go! vs. Teen Titans (2019)
• Constantine: The House of Mystery (2022)
