Navigating the sprawling world of DC Comics on film can feel like traversing a labyrinth. To truly appreciate the interconnected (or sometimes disjointed) narrative threads and character arcs, watching the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and associated movies in a specific order is crucial.
Choosing Your Path: Chronological vs. Release
The best way to watch DC movies in order depends on your priority: understanding the evolving continuity, or experiencing the films as audiences did. While chronological order aligns with the in-universe timeline, release order allows you to witness the evolution (and sometimes, retconning) of the DCEU.
Chronological Order: Building the DC Timeline
This approach dives into the fictional past before moving towards the present. It prioritizes narrative cohesion and allows for a deeper understanding of character origins. However, be prepared for stylistic shifts and potential continuity inconsistencies that arose from directorial changes and evolving studio plans.
Here’s the chronological order, accounting for all released DC films:
- Wonder Woman (2017): Set during World War I, introducing Diana Prince and her origins as an Amazonian princess.
- Wonder Woman 1984 (2020): Finds Diana in the 1980s, battling new threats and confronting her past.
- Man of Steel (2013): The film that launched the DCEU, showcasing Superman’s origin story and his first battle against General Zod.
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016): Introduces Batman and Wonder Woman to the DCEU, culminating in a battle against Doomsday.
- Suicide Squad (2016): A team of supervillains is recruited by the government for a dangerous mission.
- Justice League (2017) / Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021): Batman and Wonder Woman assemble a team of metahumans to defend Earth from Steppenwolf. Note: Many consider Zack Snyder’s version to be the canonical one, while the theatrical version is often disregarded.
- Aquaman (2018): Arthur Curry, the half-human, half-Atlantean, must embrace his destiny as the King of Atlantis.
- Shazam! (2019): A teenage boy is granted the power to transform into a superhero.
- Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020): Harley Quinn teams up with other female heroes to protect a young girl from a crime lord.
- The Suicide Squad (2021): A soft reboot of the original, featuring a new cast of characters and a different tone.
- Black Adam (2022): Introduces the anti-hero Black Adam and his complex relationship with the Justice Society of America.
- Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023): Shazam and his foster family face the Daughters of Atlas.
- The Flash (2023): Barry Allen travels through time to save his mother, inadvertently creating alternate realities.
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023): Aquaman must team up with his brother Orm to stop a powerful threat to Atlantis and the world.
- Joker (2019): An origin story for the Joker, set in a separate continuity from the DCEU (DC Elseworlds).
- The Batman (2022): A gritty, noir-inspired take on Batman, also set in a separate continuity (DC Elseworlds).
Release Order: Experiencing the DC Journey
For those interested in understanding how the DCEU unfolded and evolved (often in unexpected ways), the release order is the preferred option. This allows you to see the films as they were presented to audiences, complete with the initial reactions and subsequent course corrections.
The release order mirrors the chronological order listed above. Exception: remember to watch Joker and The Batman after the core DCEU films, as they are set in their own independent continuities.
Understanding the Changes: The Future of DC
Significant shifts are underway at DC Studios, helmed by James Gunn and Peter Safran. They are crafting a new unified DC Universe (DCU), slated to launch in the coming years. While the past DCEU films remain available, the focus is shifting towards a fresh start. The film The Flash attempted to tie up loose ends and pave the way for the new DCU.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about watching the DC movies in order:
FAQ 1: What is the DC Extended Universe (DCEU)?
The DCEU refers to the interconnected series of DC superhero films that began with Man of Steel in 2013 and continued through Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom. While several films are part of this continuity, the future of the DCEU is now uncertain with the new DCU initiative.
FAQ 2: What is the DCU?
The DCU (DC Universe) is the name of the new, unified continuity being created by James Gunn and Peter Safran. It will consist of new movies, TV shows, and video games, all interconnected and telling a cohesive story.
FAQ 3: Do I have to watch the DC movies in order?
No, you don’t have to. However, watching in either chronological or release order provides context and allows you to appreciate character development and overarching storylines (where they exist). Jumping around randomly can lead to confusion.
FAQ 4: Which DC movies are not part of the DCEU?
Key films outside of the DCEU include: Joker, The Batman, and all the Christopher Nolan Dark Knight trilogy films (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises). These exist in their own self-contained continuities.
FAQ 5: Should I watch the theatrical cut of Justice League or Zack Snyder’s Justice League?
This is largely a matter of personal preference. Zack Snyder’s Justice League is generally considered the superior version by many fans, offering a more complete story and character development. The theatrical cut is shorter and significantly altered by a different director.
FAQ 6: Are the DC animated movies connected to the DCEU?
No. The DC animated universe (DCAMU) is a separate entity with its own continuity. While some animated films may adapt storylines from the comics or live-action movies, they are not directly connected to the DCEU or the upcoming DCU.
FAQ 7: Will the older DCEU actors return in the new DCU?
This is still uncertain. Some actors may be recast, while others might reprise their roles in different contexts. James Gunn has indicated a desire to work with talented actors regardless of their past involvement.
FAQ 8: Is The Flash a reboot of the DCEU?
The Flash can be considered a soft reboot. It altered the timeline and introduced the concept of the multiverse, paving the way for the new DCU, but did not completely erase everything that came before. It is intended to act as a bridge between the old and the new.
FAQ 9: Where can I watch all these DC movies?
Most DC movies are available for streaming on platforms like HBO Max (Max), which hosts a large collection of Warner Bros. films, including DC titles. They are also available for purchase or rental on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play.
FAQ 10: What about the TV shows like Arrow and The Flash? Are they connected?
The Arrowverse (the interconnected TV shows on The CW) was initially separate from the DCEU. However, there have been crossover events, suggesting a multiverse connection. These shows are generally not considered part of the core DCEU narrative, but they exist within the larger DC multiverse.
FAQ 11: Should I watch the Constantine movie before or after the DCEU films?
The Constantine movie (2005), starring Keanu Reeves, is not part of the DCEU. It’s a standalone adaptation and can be watched independently at any time. There is a different version of Constantine within the Arrowverse.
FAQ 12: With the new DCU coming, is it even worth watching the old DCEU movies?
Absolutely. Despite the changes, the DCEU films offer compelling stories, memorable characters, and significant moments in superhero cinema. They provide a glimpse into what DC was attempting to build and offer valuable context for understanding the future of the DCU. The films themselves remain entertaining regardless of future continuity.