If you’re interested in watching DC animated movies, you’ve probably wondered about the order to watch them in. There are so many of them, and they are all connected in some way or another, so how does one figure out the best order to watch the DC Animated Universe Movies?
This article will help you find the best order to watch the DC Animated Universe movies based on your needs and level of interest in the subject matter. Whether you’re looking to introduce yourself to the DCAU or are a seasoned veteran, this guide will be useful to you.
The DC Animated Universe has spawned many different feature films, each telling some aspect of the DC Comics universe. But with so many movies in the series, people are getting confused about where to start with this series, or how to watch it in the correct order.
Don’t worry! I’m here to help you find the best order to watch the DC Animated Universe movies so that you can see as much of the story as possible without missing anything. Read On!
Why is the DC Animated Universe the best for new fans?
If you’re new to the DC Universe, we highly recommend starting with the DC Animated Movies. Not only are they a great introduction to iconic characters like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, but they’re also much more lighthearted and fun than live-action films.
Plus, they’re a great way to get introduced to the wider DC universe before diving into the comics or TV shows. The movies are all interconnected, so you can follow the story arc from beginning to end.
Why is the DCAU the best adaptation of DC Comics?
While the live-action DC Extended Universe might be struggling, Warner Bros.’ animated DC movies are thriving. Why is that?
Well, it all comes down to the source material. The DCAU movies are closer to the comics than any of the live-action movies have been. This is because the creators actually read and studied the comics while making the movies.
In contrast, many of the decisions made in the live-action movies were made in order to differentiate them from Marvel movies. The end result is a series of animated movies that are faithful to the comics and much more enjoyable to watch.
The best order to watch the DC Animated Universe Movies
The DCAU, or DC Animated Universe, is a fictional universe that showcases the characters and stories of DC Comics through animation. This universe includes a large number of animated films and television series. The DCAU is a favourite among comic book and animation fans. Now I will be giving you a detailed list to watch the DCAU movies in the right order.
- Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)
- Justice League: War (2014)
- Son of Batman (2014)
- Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (2015)
- Batman vs. Robin (2015)
- Batman: Bad Blood (2016)
- Justice League Vs. Teen Titans (2016)
- Justice League Dark (2017)
- Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (2017)
- Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay (2018)
- The Death of Superman (2018)
- Reign of the Supermen (2019)
- Batman: Hush (2019)
- Wonder Woman: Bloodlines (2019)
- Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020)
1. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox
- Director: Jay Oliva
- Cast: Justin Chambers, C. Thomas Howell, Michael B. Jordan, Kevin McKidd, Cary Elwes, Vanessa Marshall, Kevin Conroy.
- Runtime: 75 Minutes
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100%
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox was released in 2013 and the film was written by Jim Krieg and produced by James Tucker. The movie tells the story of Barry Allen, who goes back in time to save his mother from being killed. In the process, he alters the timeline and creates a world where Aquaman and Wonder Woman is warring nations, Superman is a government-controlled puppet, and the Flash is the only hope for restoring order.
This movie sets up the rest of the DC Animated Universe movies. It introduces alternate versions of familiar characters and sets up the conflict that will be resolved in later movies. If you’re planning on watching the other DC Animated Universe movies, I recommend watching The Flashpoint Paradox first.
2. Justice League: War
- Director: Jay Oliva
- Cast: Christopher Gorham, Justin Kirk, Shemar Moore, Jason O’Mara.
- Runtime: 79 Minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 50%
The second movie in the DC Animated Universe is Justice League: War. It was released in 2014 and is based on the New 52 comic book series of the same name.
The movie introduces the origin stories of some of the most famous superheroes in the DC universe, including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash and Green Lantern. It also introduces villains such as Steppenwolf and Darkseid.
3. Son of Batman
- Director: Ethan Spaulding
- Cast: Jason O’Mara, Stuart Allan, Thomas Gibson, Morena Baccarin.
- Runtime: 74 Minutes
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 64%
Son of Batman is the third movie in the DC Animated Universe and it was released in 2014. The movie is based on the comic book story arc Batman and Son, which was written by Joe R. Lansdale. It features Damian Wayne, the son of Batman and Talia al Ghul, who was raised by the League of Assassins. When he learns of his true heritage, Damian sets out to take down his grandfather Ra’s al Ghul and assume control of the League.
The film introduces new characters such as Deathstroke and Batwoman, while also featuring cameos from other members of the Bat family such as Nightwing and Alfred. The animation is top-notch and the story is well-told. If you’re a fan of Batman, then this is a movie you won’t want to miss.
4. Justice League: Throne of Atlantis
- Director: Ethan Spaulding
- Cast: Matt Lanter, Sam Witwer, Rosario Dawson, Nathan Fillion, Christopher Gorham, Jason O’Mara.
- Runtime: 72 Minutes
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 57%
The fourth movie in the animated DC universe is Justice League: Throne of Atlantis. It was released in 2015 and is based on the Aquaman comics.
In the movie, Arthur Curry discovers his true identity as Aquaman and must stop his half-brother Orm from waging war on the surface world. The movie introduces many of Aquaman’s supporting characters, including Vulko, Mera, and Black Manta. The movie received mixed reviews, but it’s a good introduction to the Aquaman character and his world.
5. Batman vs. Robin
- Director: Jay Oliva
- Cast: Stuart Allan, Jason O’Mara, Sean Maher, Jeremy Sisto, David McCallum, Grey DeLisle, Kevin Conroy.
- Runtime: 80 Minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100%
Batman vs. Robin is the fifth instalment in the DC Animated Universe and it was released in 2015. The film continues the story of Damian Wayne, the son of Batman and Talia al Ghul. Damian has joined forces with his father and is working to become the next Batman. He’s been trained by the best and is now taking on Gotham’s criminals, but he soon discovers that his father is not the only one with a dark side.
The Court of Owls has been pulling the strings in Gotham for years, and they’re not about to let anyone get in their way. When Damian learns their secrets, he’s faced with a choice: join them or fight them. This movie is full of action, intrigue and family drama, so don’t miss this one if you love DCAU movies.
6. Batman: Bad Blood
- Director: Jay Oliva
- Cast: Jason O’Mara, Yvonne Strahovski, Stuart Allan, Sean Maher, Morena Baccarin.
- Runtime: 72 Minutes
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100%
The next movie in the line-up is Batman: Bad Blood, which was released in 2016. The film follows Batwoman as she attempts to track down Batman after he goes missing. It also introduces Batwing and Batwoman’s father, Colonel Jacob Kane.
Bad Blood is a great movie to watch if you want to learn more about Batwoman and her backstory. It also features some great fight scenes and is a fun addition to the DC Animated Universe.
7. Justice League Vs. Teen Titans
- Director: Sam Liu
- Cast: Jon Bernthal, Taissa Farmiga, Stuart Allan, Jason O’Mara.
- Runtime: 78 Minutes
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 80%
Justice League Vs. Teen Titans is a 2016 DC animated movie that acts as a prequel to Justice League: War. The movie follows the Teen Titans as they battle the Justice League after they are framed for a crime they didn’t commit.
The movie is notable for being the first time that the Teen Titans have been featured in an animated movie. It also features the return of Nightwing, who was last seen in Batman & Robin.
8. Justice League Dark
- Director: Jay Oliva
- Cast: Matt Ryan, Jason O’Mara, Camilla Luddington, Nicholas Turturro, Ray Chase.
- Runtime: 75 Minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 78%
Justice League Dark is the eighth film in the DC Animated Movie Universe, and the film was released in 2017. The story follows a group of supernatural superheroes who fight evil mythical villains. The movie is set in the same world as the other DC Animated Universe movies, but it’s not a sequel or prequel to any of them.
Instead, it’s a standalone movie that can be watched without having seen any of the others. Although it’s not essential, I would recommend watching Justice League Dark before any of the other DC Animated Universe movies. The plot is easier to follow if you’re already familiar with the characters and their world.
9. Teen Titans: The Judas Contract
- Director: Sam Liu
- Cast: Stuart Allan, Taissa Farmiga, Brandon Soo Hoo, Jake T. Austin, Kari Wahlgren, Sean Maher, Christina Ricci.
- Runtime: 84 Minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 83%
Teen Titans: The Judas Contract is the ninth movie in the DC Animated Universe and the sequel to Justice League vs. Teen Titans. It was released in 2017 and was directed by Sam Liu.
The story follows Terra, a girl who has the ability to control the earth, as she is recruited by Deathstroke to join the Teen Titans. However, Terra soon realizes that she is being used by Deathstroke and the Teen Titans must stop him before he destroys her.
10. Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay
- Director: Sam Liu
- Cast: Christian Slater, Billy Brown, Liam McIntyre, Kristin Bauer van Straten, Gideon Emery, Tara Strong, Vanessa Williams.
- Runtime: 86 Minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%
Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay is the tenth movie in the DC Animated Universe and the film was released in 2018. The film was produced by Sam Liu and written by Alan Burnett.
The movie follows the Suicide Squad as they are tasked with retrieving a powerful mystical item called the Get Out of Hell Free card. The team is made up of Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Killer Frost, Captain Boomerang, and others. The film was well-received by fans and critics alike.
11. The Death of Superman
- Directors: Sam Liu, Jake Castorena
- Cast: Jerry O’Connell, Rebecca Romijn, Rainn Wilson, Shemar Moore.
- Runtime: 81 Minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 92%
The Death of Superman is the eleventh film of the DC Animated Movie Universe, and the film was released in 2018. The story is about the Man of Steel’s fight against Doomsday, a monster created by Lex Luthor. The movie follows Superman’s heroic fight to the very end, and ultimately his death.
The Death of Superman is a great standalone movie that introduces viewers to the characters and concepts of the DC Animated Universe. It’s a great introduction to the universe and is perfect for those who are new to it.
12. Reign of the Supermen
- Director: Sam Liu
- Cast: Jerry O’Connell, Rebecca Romjin, Rainn Wilson, Cress Williams, Patrick Fabian, Cameron Monaghan.
- Runtime: 87 Minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 93%
Reign of the Supermen is the twelfth movie of the DC Animated Movie Universe and the film was released in 2019. The film was written by Tim Sheridan, Jim Krieg and produced by James Tucker.
The film follows the heroes as they battle to keep Metropolis safe and find out who killed Superman. This movie is a great conclusion to the DC Animated Universe and is definitely worth watching if you’re a fan of the series. It’s exciting, action-packed, and full of superhero goodness.
13. Batman: Hush
- Director: Justin Copeland
- Cast: Jason O’Mara, Jennifer Morrison, Geoffrey Arend, Jerry O’Connell, Maury Sterling.
- Runtime: 82 Minutes
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%
Batman: Hush is the thirteenth movie in the DC Animated Movie Universe and the film was released in 2019. The film was produced by Amy McKenna and screenplay by Ernie Altbacker.
The movie is based on the acclaimed 2002 comic book arc of the same name, which was written by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee. The film follows billionaire Bruce Wayne and his alter ego, Batman, as they work together with Commissioner James Gordon to track down a mysterious villain known as Hush.
14. Wonder Woman: Bloodlines
- Directors: Sam Liu, Justin Copeland
- Cast: Rosario Dawson, Jeffrey Donovan, Marie Avgeropoulos, Adrienne C. Moore, Kimberly Brooks.
- Runtime: 83 Minutes
- IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 88%
Wonder Woman: Bloodlines is the fifteenth instalment in the DC Animated Movie Universe and serves as a prequel to Wonder Woman. The film was produced by Sam Liu, Amy McKenna and screenplay by Mairghread Scott.
Wonder Woman: Bloodlines sees Wonder Woman travel back in time to the ancient city of Themyscira to prevent Ares, the god of war, from destroying humanity. Along the way, she teams up with an elite unit of soldiers called the Amazons and falls in love with Steve Trevor, who is played by Nathan Fillion in a cameo role.
15. Justice League Dark: Apokolips War
- Directors: Matt Peters, Christina Sotta
- Cast: Jerry O’Connell, Matt Ryan, Jason O’Mara, Taissa Farmiga, Stuart Allan, Tony Todd, Ray Chase, Rosario Dawson, Shemar Moore.
- Runtime: 90 Minutes
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 100%
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is the sixteenth movie of the DC Animated Universe and the film was released in 2020. The film was produced by James Tucker and screenplay by Ernie Altbacker, Mairghread Scott.
The Justice League is once again called into action to battle Darkseid and his forces. This time, the team is joined by John Constantine, Swamp Thing, and other supernatural heroes in order to take down Darkseid and save the world from his destructive plans. If you’re a fan of the DCAU series, don’t miss this one.
FAQs Related to DCAU Movies
When did DCAU Movies start?
The DC Animated Universe (DCAU) is a series of animated films based on the characters of DC Comics. The films began production in the early 1990s, and have been released by Warner Bros. Animation. The films in the DCAU are often considered some of the best superhero movies ever made, due to their high production values, tight writing, and faithfulness to the DC Comics source material.
What are the best DCAU movies?
While there are many great DCAU movies, we think the best ones are: Batman vs. Robin, Justice League Dark, The Death of Superman and Wonder Woman: Bloodlines.
What are the differences between the DCAU movies and the DCEU movies?
The DCAU movies are a series of animated films set in the DC Extended Universe. The DCEU is the live-action cinematic universe that began in 2013 with Man of Steel. There are several key differences between the two universes. The DCAU movies are more light-hearted and family-friendly, while the DCEU movies are darker and more serious. Overall, the DCAU movies are a more faithful adaptation of the comics, while the DCEU movies are a more original take on the characters and story.
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Conclusion
The DC Animated Universe is a collection of animated films that are based on the characters of DC Comics. These movies are made by Warner Bros. There are so many movies to choose from, making the decision on what order to watch all the DC Animated Universe movies can be tough.
Have no fear, we have made it easy for you by highlighting the best order to watch these movies, so you can catch them all and start your DC Animated Universe journey!
