Summary
- DC Comics has pioneered memorable superhero films with lasting impact on pop culture since the late 1970s.
- Despite challenges, recent DC films like “Wonder Woman 1984” and “The Batman” offer rewatchable superhero experiences.
- Reboots like Zack Snyder’s “Justice League” and fresh takes like “Shazam!” breathe new life into classic DC characters.
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From its classic franchises to the upcoming DC Universe, DC Comics has a long and exciting history of superhero film adaptations, with many being particularly rewatchable. For over a decade, superhero films have been a dominant genre in pop culture, and while DC has not had the same level of success as Marvel in film adaptations, the modern superhero blockbuster would not exist if not for the foundational successes of DC’s early movies. From the late 1970s to the late 2000s, DC has had major successes on film with lasting impacts on pop culture.
Once comic book style shared universe storytelling was popularized, Warner Bros worked to initiate their own DC movie universe to compete with the MCU. After a failed attempt with 2011’s Green Lantern, DC built a shared universe two years later with Man of Steel. Although the DC Extended Universe has been partially rebooted by the DC Universe franchise, it added even more rewatchable superhero films to DC’s cinematic repertoire.
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10 Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Directed by: Patty Jenkins
Wonder Woman 1984
PG-13
Action
Adventure
Fantasy
Superhero
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Director Patty Jenkins Release Date December 25, 2020 Studio(s) DC Films , Atlas Entertainment , The Stone Quarry , Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Geoff Johns , Patty Jenkins Cast Gal Gadot , Chris Pine , Pedro Pascal , Kristoffer Polaha , Connie Nielsen , Gabriella Wilde , Kristen Wiig , Robin Wright , Manoj Anand Runtime 115 Minutes Franchise(s) DC Extended Universe , Wonder Woman Sequel(s) Wonder Woman 3 prequel(s) Wonder Woman Budget $200 Million
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The highly-anticipated sequel to 2017’s phenomenon, Wonder Woman, Wonder Woman 1984 had the unenviable task of following up on one of DC’s greatest movies – during a global pandemic, no less. Sadly, the film was released at a time when viewers were more reluctant than ever to go to theaters, and was released simultaneously on HBO Max (now known as Max), resulting in a poor box office performance. The movie’s lighthearted tone and controversial handling of Steve Trevor’s resurrection also resulted in a mixed critical reception.
Despite all of this, the best aspects of Wonder Woman 1984 overshadow its shortcomings and give the film significant rewatchability. Gal Gadot remains the definitive Wonder Woman actress, and while the means by which Steve Trevor returns are problematic, Chris Pine is as likable as ever in the role. Patty Jenkins’s excellent directing imbues Wonder Woman 1984 with memorably heartfelt moments and exciting action scenes, making the film one of the DCEU’s most underrated installments.
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9 The Batman (2022)
Directed by: Matt Reeves
The Batman
PG-13
Crime
Action
Drama
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Director Matt Reeves Release Date March 4, 2022 Studio(s) DC Writers Matt Reeves , Peter Craig Cast Colin Farrell , Jeffrey Wright , Paul Dano , Andy Serkis , Robert Pattinson , Zoe Kravitz Runtime 176 minutes Franchise(s) DC Universe , DC Comics Sequel(s) The Batman Part II Budget $200 million
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With Ben Affleck transitioning out of the Batman role in the DCEU after the theatrical release of Justice League, the franchise’s planned Batman solo movie was, unfortunately, canceled. Warner Bros opted to still release a Batman adaptation, but this film would star a new actor and be set in a different continuity than the DCEU. Directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson in the titular role, 2022’s The Batman took a different approach to adapting the Batman mythos, trading the DCEU’s comic-accurate portrayal for a more grounded and realistic take, similar to Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy.
The result was a dark and somber thriller, putting a stronger focus on Batman’s detective skills than any other live-action iteration. Even after the film’s twists are revealed, however, viewers can easily jump back in to rewatch The Batman for its sheer raw emotion, action set pieces, and neo-noir stylings. From Batman’s fantastic chemistry with Zoe Kravitz’s Catwoman to his clashes with The Riddler, The Batman stands among DC’s most rewatchable films.
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8 Shazam! (2019)
Directed by: David F. Sanberg
Shazam!
PG-13
Adventure
Action
Fantasy
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Director David F. Sandberg Release Date April 5, 2019 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Henry Gayden Cast Faithe Herman , Jack Dylan Grazer , Ian Chen , Asher Angel , Marta Milans , Mark Strong , Cooper Andrews , Andi Osho , grace fulton , Zachary Levi , Ron Cephas Jones , Ava Preston Runtime 138 minutes Franchise(s) Shazam Sequel(s) Black Adam Budget $90 million
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The embodiment of lighthearted fun and classic comic book whimsy, Shazam (originally known as Captain Marvel) was one of the world’s most popular comic book heroes in the late Golden Age, even outselling Superman’s comics for a time. Naturally, Billy Batson and his adult-sized alter ego would need a modern adaptation sooner or later. The DCEU brought Shazam to life in 2019’s Shazam!, balancing the franchise’s darker chapters with a lighthearted and uplifting origin story for its titular hero.
Shazam! provides viewers with the perfect introduction to Billy Batson and his superhero origin, but its strongest elements make it worth multiple repeated viewings. The excellent comedic chemistry between Batson – in both forms – and his foster brother Freddie Freeman is as endearing as it is entertaining, and the film’s more tragic moments give Shazam’s origin an effective emotional anchor. Even after the film’s heartbreaking twist, Shazam! remains a feel-good romp about superhero wish fulfillment.
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7 The Dark Knight (2008)
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
The Dark Knight
PG-13
Action
Thriller
Drama
Crime
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Director Christopher Nolan Release Date July 18, 2008 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Christopher Nolan , Jonathan Nolan , David S. Goyer Cast Nestor Carbonell , Morgan Freeman , Ritchie Coster , Cillian Murphy , Chin Han , Gary Oldman , Eric Roberts , William Fichtner , Aaron Eckhart , Maggie Gyllenhaal , Christian Bale , David Dastmalchian , Michael Caine , Anthony Michael Hall , Heath Ledger Runtime 152 Minutes Franchise(s) Batman Sequel(s) The Dark Knight Rises prequel(s) Batman Begins Budget 185 Million
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Christopher Nolan redefined Batman and his comic mythos in 2005’s trend-setting Batman Begins, which took a grounded and thoughtful approach to retelling Batman’s iconic origin. The Dark Knight kept Nolan’s relatively realistic take on Batman and pitted a fully-formed hero against his ultimate nemesis, the Joker. The film is an epic crime thriller whose critical acclaim is well-deserved, making it an incredibly rewatchable movie.
The Dark Knight has one of the final performances of Heath Ledger, whose chilling and enigmatic version of the Joker is popularly considered one of the character’s best iterations. The film’s dark and complex narrative examines the moral limits of Batman’s vigilantism and the devastating effects that a criminal like the Joker would have on Gotham’s citizenry and law enforcement agencies. The entire Dark Knight trilogy is rewatchable as a whole, but The Dark Knight is arguably the worthiest of regular revisits.
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6 Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Directed by: Zack Snyder
Zack Snyder’s Justice League
PG-13
Action
Adventure
Sci-Fi
Superhero
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Director Zack Snyder Release Date March 18, 2021 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures , Access Entertainment , Dune Entertainment , DC Films , Atlas Entertainment , The Stone Quarry Distributor(s) Max , Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Chris Terrio Cast Ben Affleck , Henry Cavill , Amy Adams , Gal Gadot , Ray Fisher , Jason Momoa , Ezra Miller , Jesse Eisenberg , Jeremy Irons , J.K. Simmons , Willem Dafoe Runtime 242 Minutes Franchise(s) DC Extended Universe prequel(s) Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Budget $70 Million
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Despite being the first live-action film to depict DC’s most famous superhero team, 2017’s Justice League was a disappointment. With lukewarm reviews, an underwhelming box office performance, and complaints from viewers and filmmakers alike regarding the film’s mishandling of characters, many wondered if the film’s original incarnation by director Zack Snyder would have been a better film. After significant lobbying from viewers, who were eventually joined by DCEU filmmakers and actors, the director’s cut of the film was released. As it turned out, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, thanks to its editing, direction, and additional footage, was a vast improvement.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League managed to live up to the hype, for the most part, delivering a superhero epic with satisfying payoffs to many of the DCEU’s teases and character arcs. This, combined with the film’s action set pieces, heartfelt characterizations, and wonderful chemistry between its leads, lends the movie well to repeated viewings. With a runtime that exceeds 4 hours, the film is, thankfully, broken up into chapters, making it easy to spread out across multiple viewing sessions.
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5 Man of Steel (2013)
Directed by: Zack Snyder
Man of Steel
PG-13
Adventure
Sci-Fi
Action
Fantasy
Superhero
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Director Zack Snyder Release Date June 14, 2013 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers David S. Goyer , Christopher Nolan Cast Kevin Costner , Laurence Fishburne , Richard Schiff , Amy Adams , Harry Lennix , Antje Traue , Michael Shannon , Henry Cavill , Christopher Meloni , Diane Lane , Russell Crowe Runtime 143 minutes Franchise(s) Superman Sequel(s) Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice prequel(s) Man of Steel 2 Budget $225 million
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The DC Extended Universe began with 2013’s Man of Steel, an epic retelling of Superman’s iconic origin story. While not as somber as its reputation suggests, the film is nevertheless far less lighthearted than Superman movie viewers were used to at the time. Man of Steel highlights the kindness and nobility of Clark Kent as he embraces his Superman identity, but it also addresses the loneliness and isolation of a young man who was continuously rejected and misunderstood by his peers, in addition to being feared by humanity for his incredible powers.
Man of Steel, like Batman Begins, has its hero gradually build his superhero persona, both practically and emotionally, telling a story that leans heavily into Superman’s metaphorical status as an immigrant who wishes to honor both his heritage and his new home. This, combined with Henry Cavill’s powerful, yet undeniably human portrayal of Superman, makes Man of Steel worth rewatching.
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4 Superman (1978)
Directed by: Richard Donner
Superman
PG
Action
Adventure
Fantasy
Sci-Fi
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Director Richard Donner Release Date December 13, 1978 Studio(s) Warner Bros Cast Marlon Brando , Gene Hackman , Christopher Reeve , Ned Beatty , Jackie Cooper , Glenn Ford Runtime 127 Mins Main Genre Superhero
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DC’s first major superhero blockbuster came to theaters in 1978 with Superman. Although Superman was a pop culture icon whose recognition went well beyond the niche of comic book readers, the superhero movie genre was still a risky curiosity at the time. Thanks to a talented cast and direction by Richard Donner, however, Superman dazzled viewers and continues to be a favorite decades later.
Richard Donner’s mandate for Superman was “verisimilitude,” and indeed, the film fulfilled its tagline’s promise of making viewers believe a man can fly. Thanks to Christopher Reeve’s performance, Superman can also make viewers believe in Superman’s ability to keep his two identities secret, with Reeve believably playing the two as separate people. Superman is a highly rewatchable case study in earnestness and the joy of superhero fiction, and the superhero movie genre owes much of its existence to it.
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3 Aquaman (2018)
Directed by: James Wan
Aquaman
PG-13
Superhero
Action
Adventure
Fantasy
Sci-Fi
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Director James Wan Release Date July 6, 2018 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures , DC Entertainment , DC Films , RatPac-Dune Entertainment , The Safran Company , Cruel and Unusual Films , Mad Ghost Productions Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Geoff Johns , James Wan , Will Beall Cast Willem Dafoe , Patrick Wilson , Randall Park , Ludi Lin , Dolph Lundgren , Michael Beach , Amber Heard , Yahya Abdul-Mateen II , Jason Momoa , Temuera Morrison Runtime 143 Minutes prequel(s) Justice League Budget $160-200 Million
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One of the most difficult tasks that the DCEU had to complete was repairing the poor image of Aquaman in the collective pop culture consciousness. With Jason Momoa making his debut in a cameo in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and co-starring in Justice League, the stage was set for 2018’s Aquaman to prove the character’s potential and marketability to general audiences. Thankfully, Momoa and director James Wan successfully repaired the collective perception of Aquaman without significantly changing the Aquaman comic lore or Aquaman himself.
Aquaman explores the rich DC Comics lore of its titular hero, as well as the dual nature of a hero who, despite lacking a secret identity, feels too human for Atlantis and too Atlantean for the surface world. Momoa’s charismatic and humorous performance as Aquaman, along with his compelling characterization and the fascinating world-building of the film makes Aquaman pure, epic, fun that warrants multiple viewings. Jason Momoa’s future as the King of Atlantis has, unfortunately, most likely come to an end, but his performances as Aquaman, particularly in his first solo outing, will be fondly remembered.
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2 Batman (1989)
Directed by: Tim Burton
Batman (1989)
PG-13
Action
Adventure
Superhero
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Director Tim Burton Release Date June 23, 1989 Studio(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Cast Michael Keaton , Jack Nicholson , Kim Basinger , Billy Dee Williams , Robert Wuhl , Pat Hingle , Michael Gough Runtime 126 Minutes Budget $48 Million
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If Superman broke new ground by being the first major superhero movie, 1989’s Batman further laid the groundwork for the modern superhero blockbuster. Numerous aspects of the way viewers perceive Batman are owed to the 1989 film, from Batman’s grapple gun to the surreal macabre visual style of Gotham City. The film’s gargantuan marketing campaign, which saw Batman characters and iconography inserted into almost every conceivable consumer product, continues to serve as a template for major blockbuster films, Batman or otherwise.
Beneath the massive hype machine that ensured the film’s success one way or another, 1989’s Batman is a solid movie in its own right. With an appealing visual style and flawless soundtrack, as well as memorable performances from Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, and Kim Basinger,Batman is one of the most appropriate DC films for repeated viewings. Over 30 years later, Batman remains one of DC’s most popular films.
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1 Wonder Woman (2017)
Directed by: Patty Jenkins
Wonder Woman
PG-13
Action
Fantasy
Adventure
Superhero
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Director Patty Jenkins Release Date June 2, 2017 Studio(s) DC Films , Atlas Entertainment Distributor(s) Warner Bros. Pictures Writers Geoff Johns , Allan Heinberg , Zack Snyder , Jason Fuchs Cast Elena Anaya , Robin Wright , Lisa Loven Kongsli , Connie Nielsen , Lucy Davis , Gal Gadot , Danny Huston , Chris Pine , David Thewlis , Mayling Ng Runtime 141 Mins Franchise(s) DC Extended Universe , Wonder Woman Sequel(s) Wonder Woman 1984 , Wonder Woman 3 Budget $120-150 Million
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2017’s Wonder Woman is one of the most successful films in the DCEU, with near-universal critical acclaim and a strong performance at the box office. Starring Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman and Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, Wonder Woman is a true epic, spanning millennia as Diana grows to embrace her role as humanity’s protector in a story of naïveté evolving into an altruism that is tempered by the harsh realities of a morally bankrupt war. Wonder Woman is simultaneously an incredibly intimate story of Diana Prince familiarizing herself with humanity and falling in love with Steve Trevor.
Wonder Woman epitomizes the best aspects of the superhero film genre, combining comic book accuracy with masterful direction and acting, distinguishing itself in 2017 and continuing to do so 7 years later. From its soundtrack and spectacular action sequences to its heartfelt quieter moments of character development and drama, Wonder Woman remains endearing long after its first viewing, making it one of DC’s all-time most rewatchable movies. Sadly, Gal Gadot’s tenure as Wonder Woman in the DC Universe is seemingly over, but her initial solo outing solidified her as the definitive Wonder Woman.
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Upcoming DC Movies |
Release Date |
|---|---|
|
Joker: Folie à Deux |
October 4, 2024 |
|
Superman |
July 11, 2025 |
|
The Batman – Part II |
October 2, 2026 |