The DC Extended Universe aimed to compete with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it’s evident that its success has been more limited. Over time, the films began to operate more as standalone stories, featuring only minor connections to the overarching narrative.
This shift became particularly apparent with films like Joker and The Batman, which completely distanced themselves from their DCEU roots to explore unique narratives. Nevertheless, there remains plenty to appreciate in the series of films that started with Man of Steel in 2013.
While fans can choose to view the films based on their release dates, some entries actually take place earlier than others. For those looking to watch the DCU movies in order, this guide is tailored for you.
You’re planning to get up to speed on the DCEU films before the new era of DCU begins, we’ve compiled a list of all the films arranged in both chronological and release order for your convenience.
How Many DCEU Movies Are There?
The DCEU features a total of 16 films, including both installments of the Suicide Squad series. While The Batman and Joker are considered separate entities, future adaptations of DC comics will mainly align with James Gunn’s reboot of the DC Universe.
All DCEU Movies in Release Order
- Man of Steel (2013)
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- Suicide Squad (2016)
- Wonder Woman (2017)
- Justice League (2017)
- Aquaman (2018)
- Shazam! (2019)
- Birds of Prey (2020)
- Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
- Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
- The Suicide Squad (2021)
- Black Adam (2022)
- Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
- The Flash (2023)
- Blue Beetle (2023)
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
The DCEU Movies in Chronological Order
1. Wonder Woman (2017)
Although it is the fourth film in the DC Universe, Wonder Woman, released in 2017, is actually set earliest in the series’ timeline. This movie features Gal Gadot reprising her role as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman, following her debut in 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
The story is primarily a historical narrative set during World War I, where viewers are introduced to US pilot Steve Trevor after he crash-lands on Themyscira, the secretive island of the Amazons. Shortly thereafter, the tranquility of Themyscira is shattered by an invasion from German soldiers, which sets off a chain of events that leads both Diana and Steve to leave their home and venture into London.
2. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Similar to Wonder Woman, the sequel released in 2018 is also a period film, predominantly taking place in 1984. In this installment, Wonder Woman encounters adversaries such as Cheetah, portrayed by Kristen Wiig, and Maxwell Lord, played by Pedro Pascal.
Wonder Woman 1984 is positioned earlier in the timeline of the DCU Movies in Order, only following the events of the original film, and it doesn’t include many connections to other characters or films in the franchise.
3. Man of Steel (2013)
“Man of Steel” serves as the inaugural film in the DCU Movies in Order series, introducing viewers to Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman. The narrative opens with the cataclysmic events on Krypton, Kal-El’s home planet, before transitioning to Earth around 2013.
As the story unfolds, we follow Clark Kent’s journey to becoming the iconic superhero, joined by well-known characters such as Lois Lane (played by Amy Adams), General Zod (Michael Shannon), and his adoptive parents, Martha (Diane Lane) and Jonathan Kent (Kevin Costner), among others.
4. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Drawing inspiration from a significant battle in the iconic comic book The Dark Knight Returns, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is set eighteen months following the events depicted in Man of Steel. The narrative revolves around Batman (played by Ben Affleck) and his response to the emergence of an immensely powerful alien like Superman.
This film represents a groundbreaking moment, being the first live-action feature that brings together both Batman and Superman. Additionally, it showcases contemporary portrayals of beloved characters such as Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Flash (Ezra Miller), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg), and Alfred Pennyworth (Jeremy Irons).
Fans of DC were also excited to see the live-action debut of the formidable villain Doomsday, along with a hint at the presence of Darkseid, one of the most formidable adversaries in the DC universe.
5. Suicide Squad (2016)
The initial installment of the Suicide Squad series occurs roughly a year following the events of Batman v Superman and even includes a brief appearance by Ben Affleck’s portrayal of the Dark Knight. In contrast to the traditional heroes showcased in that earlier film, Suicide Squad centers around a team of incarcerated criminals and supervillains.
These individuals are gathered by government operative Amanda Waller (played by Viola Davis) to form what is formally known as Task Force X. Their objective is to undertake a mission that appears nearly impossible, with the promise of earning a lighter sentence in return. However, failure to comply with the mission’s directives will trigger explosive devices implanted in their necks.
Despite being a polarizing film, Suicide Squad boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Will Smith as Deadshot and Margot Robbie making her first appearance as Harley Quinn. Additionally, familiar characters like Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman) and Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney) also make their debut. This installment is particularly significant as it marks the introduction of Jared Leto’s interpretation of the Joker.
6. Justice League (2017)
Justice League is positioned roughly one year following the events depicted in Suicide Squad and features characters from Batman v Superman. The narrative explores the repercussions of Superman’s demise and introduces Steppenwolf alongside his army of parademons as the primary antagonists. Additionally, J.K. Simmons debuts as Commissioner James Gordon. While most of the film was directed by Zack Snyder, Joss Whedon completed the project after Snyder had to step away due to a personal loss.
7. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Despite widespread skepticism, Zack Snyder’s Justice League was finally released in 2021, fulfilling a long-standing demand from fans. The film maintains the same primary narrative and timeline as its predecessor, but there are notable distinctions between the two versions. These include the reappearance of Jared Leto’s Joker, a more significant presence of Darkseid, and the debut of Martian Manhunter.
8. Aquaman (2018)
Jason Momoa made his debut as the lead in the DC Universe with the release of Aquaman in 2018. This film takes place approximately one year after the events of Justice League, but it dedicates considerable time to exploring Aquaman’s backstory.
In addition to detailing his journey to ascend to power and safeguard Atlantis, the movie also features several key characters, including Mera (Amber Heard), Vulko (Willem Dafoe), King Orm (Patrick Wilson), Atlanna (Nicole Kidman), and the iconic adversary Black Manta (Yahya Abdul Mateen II).
9. Shazam! (2019)
The 2019 film Shazam! brings viewers into the world of Billy Batson (Asher Angel), an orphaned teenager selected by a mystical wizard named Shazam to become his champion. When Billy says the magic word, he morphs into an adult superhero, also called Shazam (Zachary Levi), and must confront the villainous Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong), a scientist obsessed with seizing Shazam’s powers. While it primarily functions as an independent tale, Shazam! does weave in a handful of nods to other characters and events from the DCU Movies in Order.
10. Birds of Prey (2020)
“Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)” takes place roughly four years after “Suicide Squad,” following the breakup between Joker and Harley Quinn, portrayed by Margot Robbie. As Harley navigates her emotional recovery, she encounters the crime boss Roman Sionis, played by Ewan McGregor, alongside his unstable associate Victor Zsasz, played by Chris Messina.
In her fight against Sionis and her effort to protect a young pickpocket named Cassandra Cain, portrayed by Ella Jay Basco, Harley is joined by the disgraced officer Renee Montoya, played by Rosie Perez, the vigilante known as the Huntress, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Dinah Lance, who is also referred to as Black Canary, portrayed by Jurnee Smollett. While it serves as a loose continuation of “Suicide Squad,” “Birds of Prey” stands apart as another entry in the DCU movies in order, fitting into the overall timeline of the franchise.
11. Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
The initial Shazam movie is set in late 2018, and it has been officially stated that the sequel, Shazam 2, occurs two years afterward. This timeline indicates that the sequel unfolds sometime between late 2020 and early 2021.
While it’s uncertain whether Zachary Levi’s youthful superhero will remain a part of the DCU Movies in Order, there’s a chance that James Gunn may choose to retain his character in the franchise.
12. The Suicide Squad (2021)
As part of the DCU Movies in Order, The Suicide Squad serves as a sequel to the original Suicide Squad film and was helmed by director James Gunn, known for his work on Guardians of the Galaxy.
This new interpretation of Task Force X features familiar faces like Harley Quinn, Amanda Waller, Rick Flag, and Captain Boomerang, but primarily focuses on the mercenary Bloodsport, portrayed by Idris Elba, alongside his teammate Peacemaker, played by John Cena.
Continuing the trend of recent DC films, The Suicide Squad operates independently from the overarching narrative established in the earlier entries of the DC Universe. However, it does contain several references to the broader universe, including a rather unusual antagonist: a massive, mind-controlling starfish from outer space known as Starro the Conqueror, who holds the distinction of being the first villain the original comic book Justice League faced.
13. Black Adam (2022)
Black Adam was intended to mark the beginning of a new chapter for DCU movies in order, but it received mixed reviews that hindered its impact. With James Gunn now at the helm of the franchise, it seems unlikely that Dwayne Johnson will reprise his role in future films.
In terms of the timeline, Black Adam takes place after the events depicted in Justice League and The Suicide Squad. This is supported by various comic books, merchandise, and cross-references from other films. Additionally, the post-credits scene featuring a living Superman further clarifies its position within the overall timeline.
As the DCU evolves, the direction under James Gunn may lead to a refreshed approach that could redefine the series. The integration of characters and story arcs will be crucial as the franchise seeks to captivate audiences once more. Fans are eager to see how these changes will play out in upcoming projects.
14. The Flash (2023)
The DCU Movies in Order reveal that “The Flash” takes place after the happenings of “Justice League” (2017), although it features time travel elements. The story revolves around Barry Allen, portrayed by Ezra Miller, who discovers his incredible super speed.
Driven by the desire to alter a tragic event from his history, Barry attempts to travel back in time. However, his actions lead to unforeseen repercussions, forcing him to navigate the complexities of time and restore balance to his timeline.
15. Blue Beetle (2023)
Blue Beetle tells a unique story that can be enjoyed at nearly any moment within the DCU Movies in Order. This film stands out because Xolo Maridueña’s portrayal of Blue Beetle is set to be integrated into the DC Universe, even though it originates from the previous DCEU.
The narrative revolves around Jamie Reyes, who merges with an alien artifact known as a Scarab, granting him extraordinary abilities. This new power attracts the attention of those eager to exploit it, forcing Jamie to embrace his role as the Blue Beetle and protect everything he holds dear.
16. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom serves as the final chapter in the DCEU movies in order. While it may not have delivered the spectacular conclusion that many fans anticipated, there are still enjoyable elements to discover.
This film is intended to be viewed last, as it continues the story from the first Aquaman movie, focusing on Arthur Curry’s role as Atlantis’ ruler. He faces the ongoing threat of Black Manta, who now wields a powerful ancient black trident. Additionally, Arthur must rescue his brother Orm from imprisonment to avert disaster.
In this installment, viewers can witness Arthur’s struggle to maintain his kingdom while dealing with formidable adversaries. The dynamic between Arthur and Black Manta is further explored, adding depth to their rivalry. As the plot unfolds, the film weaves together action and character development, creating a narrative that ties back to the broader DCEU storyline.
Bonus: Joker (2019)
The 2019 film Joker achieved remarkable success, grossing over a billion dollars worldwide, even though it has no ties to the DCEU. While Jared Leto portrayed the Joker in 2016’s Suicide Squad, his off-screen behavior ultimately resulted in a change of actors.
Director Todd Phillips chose Joaquin Phoenix to deliver a fresh interpretation of Batman’s iconic adversary. Importantly, the film’s independence from the DCEU allows viewers to enjoy Joker’s narrative without needing to have seen any other DCU movies in order.
In this unique portrayal, Phoenix’s performance adds depth to the character, offering audiences a different perspective on the Joker’s origin. The film delves into themes of mental health and societal issues, setting it apart from previous adaptations. This standalone approach not only resonates with viewers but also establishes Joker as a significant entry in its own right.
Bonus: The Batman (2022)
Initially, The Batman was conceived as a part of the DCEU, with Ben Affleck set to produce, co-write, direct, and star in a film that reflected his unique interpretation of the iconic character. However, after Affleck stepped away from the project, Matt Reeves transformed it into an independent film.
This iteration of The Batman unfolds during Bruce Wayne’s (Robert Pattinson) second year as Gotham’s vigilante, where he seeks to unravel a series of murders orchestrated by The Riddler (Paul Dano).
This film presents a fresh perspective on the franchise, featuring new interpretations of familiar characters such as Catwoman (Zoe Kravitz), Commissioner Gordon (Jeffrey Wright), and Alfred Pennyworth (Andy Serkis), alongside classic adversaries like the Penguin (Colin Farrell) and mob leader Carmine Falcone (John Turturro).
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source: Gamerode