Navigating the vast landscape of DC animated movies can be daunting. This guide provides a definitive path through the interconnected storylines, standalone tales, and various continuities, ensuring you experience the DC Animated Universe (DCAU) and beyond in the most rewarding and logical way possible.
Understanding the Different DC Animated Universes
Before diving into specific viewing orders, it’s crucial to understand that not all DC animated movies are created equal. Some exist in distinct continuities, while others stand alone. Here’s a breakdown:
- The DC Animated Universe (DCAU): This encompasses the interconnected world started by Batman: The Animated Series and continued through Superman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond, Justice League, and Justice League Unlimited. These shows are vital to understanding many of the subsequent animated movies. While some films explicitly tie into this universe, others, though featuring similar characters, don’t necessarily adhere to its established canon.
- The DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU): A distinct continuity spanning from Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox to Justice League Dark: Apokolips War. This universe offers a more modern and often darker interpretation of DC’s iconic heroes and villains.
- Standalone Films: Many excellent DC animated movies exist outside any established universe. These offer unique interpretations and storylines, often based on specific comic book arcs. Examples include Batman: Year One, Superman: Doomsday, and The Dark Knight Returns.
- Elseworlds & Alternate Realities: Some movies, like Batman: Gotham by Gaslight, explore alternate versions of DC characters in drastically different settings. These are best enjoyed after familiarizing yourself with the core characters.
The Definitive Viewing Orders
The DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU) Order
This chronological order reflects the narrative progression within the DCAMU:
- Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox
- Justice League: War
- Son of Batman
- Batman: Assault on Arkham (Set before Batman: Bad Blood)
- Justice League: Throne of Atlantis
- Batman vs. Robin
- Batman: Bad Blood
- Justice League vs. Teen Titans
- Justice League Dark
- Teen Titans: The Judas Contract
- Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay
- Constantine: City of Demons
- Death of Superman
- Reign of the Supermen
- Batman: Hush
- Wonder Woman: Bloodlines
- Justice League Dark: Apokolips War
This order offers a cohesive and fulfilling viewing experience, revealing character arcs and story developments organically.
A Hybrid Order: Mixing Standalone Classics & Key DCAU-Inspired Films
This list offers a broader perspective, incorporating iconic standalone films with titles inspired by the DCAU, without necessarily being part of the classic DCAU continuity.
- Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
- Superman: Doomsday
- Justice League: The New Frontier
- Batman: Gotham Knight
- Wonder Woman (2009)
- Green Lantern: First Flight
- Green Lantern: Emerald Knights
- Batman: Under the Red Hood
- Superman/Batman: Apocalypse
- All-Star Superman
- Batman: Year One
- Justice League: Doom
- Superman vs. The Elite
- The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1
- The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2
- Batman: Assault on Arkham (Standalone Version)
- Batman: The Killing Joke
- Justice League Dark (Standalone Version)
- Batman: Hush (Standalone Version)
This selection prioritizes quality and provides a rich tapestry of DC stories. Remember, viewing order is subjective; feel free to adjust based on your interests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3: Does Batman: Mask of the Phantasm fit into any specific universe?
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is loosely connected to Batman: The Animated Series, sharing its art style, voice actors, and characterizations. However, it functions perfectly well as a standalone film, offering a compelling origin story and a tragic romance for Bruce Wayne. It’s often considered one of the best Batman movies, animated or otherwise.
H3: Are the DC Showcase shorts worth watching and where do they fit?
Yes, the DC Showcase animated shorts are definitely worth watching. They are usually included as bonus features on the full-length animated movies. They provide bite-sized stories featuring lesser-known DC characters and offer a refreshing change of pace. Their placement is largely flexible, best viewed alongside their accompanying feature films or as a standalone collection.
H3: Is it essential to watch the DC Animated TV shows before the movies?
While not strictly essential, watching Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond, Justice League, and Justice League Unlimited will greatly enhance your appreciation for many of the movies, especially those featuring characters and storylines established in those shows. These series build a strong foundation of character relationships and backstory.
H3: What is the difference between Justice League Dark (2017) and Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020)?
Justice League Dark (2017) is a standalone film, while Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020) is the culmination of the DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU). They share some characters and themes, but they are set in entirely different continuities. Apokolips War is significantly darker and more consequential.
H3: Should I watch Batman: The Killing Joke before or after Batman: Under the Red Hood?
Batman: Under the Red Hood is generally recommended before Batman: The Killing Joke. Under the Red Hood delves into the origins of the Red Hood and his complex relationship with Batman. The Killing Joke, while a seminal Batman story, can be disturbing and provides a more isolated experience.
H3: How does Batman: Assault on Arkham connect to the Arkham video game series?
Batman: Assault on Arkham is set within the Arkham video game universe, specifically taking place between Arkham Origins and Arkham Asylum. It focuses primarily on the Suicide Squad’s mission within Arkham Asylum.
H3: Are there any animated movies that are specifically geared toward younger audiences?
While most DC animated movies are geared towards teens and adults due to their mature themes and violence, some are more suitable for younger viewers. Teen Titans Go! To the Movies offers a lighter, comedic take on the Teen Titans. Some earlier titles like Superman: Doomsday have elements that may be too intense for younger children.
H3: Is the Constantine animated series important before watching the Constantine animated movies?
Watching the Constantine animated series provides additional context, but it’s not strictly necessary before watching the Constantine animated movies. Constantine: City of Demons features the same art style and voice actor as the series, creating a cohesive experience for fans.
H3: What’s the deal with Elseworlds tales like Batman: Gotham by Gaslight?
Elseworlds stories explore alternate versions of DC characters in radically different settings. Batman: Gotham by Gaslight, for example, places Batman in Victorian-era Gotham City. These tales offer unique and often inventive interpretations, best enjoyed after a solid understanding of the core characters. They are standalone and don’t fit into any established continuity.
H3: Where can I find these DC animated movies?
Most DC animated movies are available for purchase or rental on digital platforms like iTunes, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play Movies. They are also often available on Blu-ray and DVD. Streaming services like HBO Max (now Max) may also carry a selection of these films.
H3: What are some lesser-known DC animated movies that are worth checking out?
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies and Superman vs. The Elite are often overlooked but offer compelling stories and exciting action. They delve into the complexities of heroism and the ethical dilemmas faced by Superman.
H3: Is there a definitive “best” DC animated movie?
There’s no single “best” DC animated movie, as preference is subjective. However, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, Batman: Under the Red Hood, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, and The Dark Knight Returns, Parts 1 & 2 are consistently ranked among the highest quality and most critically acclaimed.