20 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.

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.

Rent on Amazon

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.

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.

Rent on Apple TV

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.

Rent on Apple TV

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.

Rent on Apple TV

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.

Rent on Amazon

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Watch on Max

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.

5 ‘Constantine: City of Demons – The Movie’ (2018)

Directed by Doug Murphy

Delving into the occult darkness of Constantine with the unbridled freedom of an R-rating, Constantine: City of Demons – The Movie saw the anti-hero protagonist in all his violent glory. A wonderful example of the comics’ sense of supernatural wonder, the film follows John Constantine as he tries to save a friend’s daughter from succumbing to a demonically-induced coma, enlisting the help of a mysterious nurse, the queen of angels, and an ancient Aztec deity.

Remaining loyal to the source material, while simultaneously expanding upon it to add in some intelligent changes, the animated film struck a flawless balance between impeccable adaptation and thriving as its own story. Stylistically imbued with extreme violence, horrific monsters, shocking profanity, and plenty of black magic allure, Constantine: City of Demons is one of the most striking entries of the DCAMU. It remains one of the best portrayals of the superhero today.

Rent on Apple TV

4 ‘Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay’ (2018)

Directed by Sam Liu

Succeeding where the initial live-action film failed, Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay functioned as a super-violent, relentlessly bloody, chaotically fun superhero action comedy directed squarely at adults. With Amanda Waller (Vanessa Williams) recently diagnosed with a terminal illness, she dispatches Task Force X – a squad comprised of incarcerated supervillains – to find a powerful relic that grants the user entry to heaven regardless of what sins they have committed.

Naturally, with a team of morally reprehensible criminals involved, the “Get Out of Hell Free” card becomes a hot commodity and inspires plenty of betrayals and backstabbings. Finding compelling protagonists in its complicated characters and setting a grittier tone, Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay flies by with its twisted sense of humor while still squeezing out a surprisingly profound conversation about spirituality and redemption.

Rent on Apple TV

3 ‘Justice League Dark: Apokolips War’ (2020)

Directed by Matt Peters and Christina Sotta

The stunning conclusion to the DC Animated Movie Universe (at least before the 2022 short Constantine: The House of Mystery served as an additional epilogue), Justice League Dark: Apokolips War was a staggering crossover event. Set two years after a planned attack on Darkseid’s (Tony Todd) home world results in Earth being ravaged, and many heroes being killed, the remaining figures of the Justice League, Justice League Dark, and Bat Family unite to muster what little strength they have and mount a counterattack that will decide the ultimate fate of all humanity.

Drawing obvious comparisons to the sort of rewarding, culminating spectacle Avengers: Endgame offered fans of the MCU, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War spreads its lens impressively wide to cover the journeys of the most important and integral characters. Granted, it doesn’t manage to give complete closure to every significant story thread, but its high stakes make for a fantastic viewing experience worthy of serving as the franchise’s grand finale.

2 ‘Batman vs. Robin’ (2015)

Directed by Jay Oliva

While it boasts a PG-13 rating, Batman vs. Robin stands as one of the most confronting entries in the DCAMU with its exploration of the moral conundrum behind Batman’s most precious rule. Tensions rise between Batman and his son Damian (Stuart Allan) when the latter struggles to adhere to his father’s no-killing rule, all the while a child-abducting toymaker wreaks havoc on the city and a fabled secret society – one with a vested interest in Damian – mount an attack on Gotham.

Firing on all cylinders, the film revels in the core moral dilemma brought to life with fantastic writing and strong character dynamics, as well as a well-paced, action-packed story. An underrated masterpiece of standalone superhero storytelling, Batman vs. Robin thrives on the merit of its own, isolated narrative and elevates the stakes to unbearable levels which more films in the genre should take note on, as it is one of the best DC animated movies ever made.

1 ‘Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox’ (2013)

Directed by Jay Oliva

As the first film in the DC Animated Movie Universe, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox astoundingly still stands as the crowning glory of the extended franchise as it brought the “Flashpoint” comic arc to the screen with utter perfection. After the Flash (Justin Chambers) causes a temporal ripple which leads to a fractured reality where Aquaman (Cary Elwes) and Wonder Woman (Vanessa Marshall) are at war and the Justice League was never formed, Flash unites with Batman (Kevin Conroy) and Cyborg (Michael B. Jordan) to restore the universe.

Comic book enthusiasts couldn’t have asked for a better adaptation of the seminal crossover event, nor could casual viewers have demanded a more riveting superhero movie. With an indelible voice cast, strong action animation, and an engrossing and harsh atmosphere, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox was a brilliant launching pad for the DCAMU which engaged with the pitfalls of playing God. It is also one of the highest-rated animated superhero movies on IMDb.

Watch on Max

NEXT: Great Animated Superhero Shows Not From Marvel Or DC