DC Comics has been producing big-screen projects for the past 40 years. The journey through the decades wasn’t completely stable. But they have a historical touch in their characters and storyline that has gained them a devoted fan base.
Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman are some of the staple characters in the comics. The DC extended universe (DCEU) is vast, and it’s still growing as several films have been produced on various DC Comics characters.
We have made a list of the top 20 DC films of all time. The list will also include the recently released Wonder Woman 1984.
Please note that the ranks may vary from person to person. Now sit back, relax, and read through our guide to some of the best movies DC has produced.
20Red (2010)
It’s witty and fun. Red is an excellent blend of action, comedy, and romance. Not as much action as you’d expect from a superhero film, but it covers that up with a star cast of the caliber of Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman.
Red is an American Action Comedy film slightly based on WildStorm imprint Homage Comics series of the same name. It is the first film for the Red series. It premiered on October 15, 1010.
19V for Vendetta (2006)
V for Vendetta has stunning visuals and a thought-provoking storyline. Many may not agree with the film’s political claims, but the story, plot, and set balance the issues and keep us entertained.
V for Vendetta is a dystopian political action thriller based on the 1988 limited series of the same name. It is set in an alternative future in which the UK follows a Nordic supremacist and neo-fascist totalitarian regime. It was released on March 17, 2006.
18The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
The final installment of the Batman trilogy is an intense, action-packed, and ambitious film. Christian Bale delivers an outstanding performance as Bruce Wayne. It is a spectacular finale for Nolan’s Batman franchise.
![The Dark Knight Rises - Official Teaser Trailer [HD]](https://www.epicdope.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fz5Humz3ONgk%2F0.jpg)
The Dark Knight Rises is an American superhero film based on DC Comics character Batman. It is a sequel to The Dark Knight (2008). It is directed by Christopher Nolan. It debuted in theatres on July 20, 2012.
17Superman Returns (2006)
The film is action-packed and fun with visually satisfying special effects. In this film, Superman is more experienced and depressed than in the 1978 Superman: The Movie.
Superman Returns is directed by Bryan Singer. It is based on the DC Comics character Superman. It is the sixth and the last installment of the Superman film series. Brandon Routh plays Superman. The film was released on June 28, 2006.
16Constantine (2005)
The horror-fantasy film is intense with stunningly powerful visuals. It has a dark plot, which is underrated. The audience highly appreciates the film because of the incredible acting and visuals. Also, it has Keanu Reeves.
Constantine is based on Hellblazer, a comic book from DC Comics. It is directed by Francis Lawrence. The film debuted in theatres on February 18, 2005.
15Man of Steel (2013)
Despite being pretty much a generic superhero film, Man of Steel has power-packed action and spectacle. It is as realistic as a superhero film can get. Henry Cavill plays Superman in this film.
![Man of Steel - "Fate of Your Planet" Official Trailer [HD]](https://www.epicdope.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FNlOF03DUoWc%2F0.jpg)
Man of steel is based on DC Comics character Superman. It is produced by Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment. Zack Snyder serves as the director of the film. The film was released on June 14, 2013.
14Joker (2019)
The film is psychological and disturbing, yet it manages to send the message across. Joaquin Phoenix did a fantastic job playing such a psycho character, who later became the archnemesis of Batman.
Joker is an American Psychological thriller film which is the origin story of the supervillain and Batman’s Archnemesis, Joker. It is based on the DC Comics character of the same name. The film debuted in the theatres on October 4, 2019.
13The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)
With its witty humor, the Lego Batman Movie is an absolute delight to watch. The movie is hilarious and can be watched by people of all ages. It has great visuals.
The LEGO Batman Movie is a computer-animated Batman comedy film produced by Warner Bros. The film is directed by Chris McKay. The film was released on February 10, 2017.
12Batman Returns (1992)
The sequel has a dark and brooding atmosphere that makes it better than its predecessor. As we have seen repeatedly, the villains are once again more exciting and appealing.
Batman Returns is a sequel to Batman (1989). It is the second title in the Warner Bros. initial Batman franchise films. It is directed by Tim Burton. The film debuted in the theatres on June 19, 1992.
11Superman II (1981)
The special effects are pretty outdated for 2021, but the film still exceeds the bar set by its predecessor. It is pretty action-packed, humourous, and fun for its time.
Superman II is the second title in the original Superman franchise films by Warner Bros. It is based on the DC Comics character Superman. It is directed by Richard Lester. The film hit the theatres on June 19, 1981.
10Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
It is the sequel film to Wonder Woman (2017). Gal Gadot’s charismatic performance delivers an intriguing and thrilling film. The film also had a cameo role by Lynda Carter, the former Wonder Woman TV series star.
Wonder Woman 1984 is an American superheroine film based on the DC Comics character Wonder Woman. It is produced by Warner Bros. It is directed by Patty Jenkins. The film debuted in theatres on December 25, 2020.
9Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm (1993)
The film managed to do better than a lot of live-action movies could. It has an intelligent and gripping plot, which managed to make the film successful.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is an animated superhero film. It is based on the DC Comics character Batman. It is directed by Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm. The film hit the theatres on December 24, 1993.
8Shazam! (2019)
Shazam is a perfect blend of humor and light-heartedness put into a superhero film. The audience received it so well because it was different from most of the DCEU films because of its lack of dark tones.
![SHAZAM! - Official Teaser Trailer [HD]](https://www.epicdope.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fgo6GEIrcvFY%2F0.jpg)
Shazam! is a superhero film based on the DC Comics character Shazam. It is produced by New Line Cinema, with Warner Bros. being responsible for the distribution. It is the seventh film in the DC extended universe. It was released into theatres on April 5, 2019.
7 Birds of Prey (2020)
Birds of Prey easily has the best action sequences in all of the DC canon films. It is chaotic but thrilling nonetheless. With a character like Harley Quinn, the film was bound to do well.
Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is an American superhero film based on the DC Comics team Birds of prey. It is directed by Cathy Yan. The film hit the theatres on February 7, 2020.
6Batman: Return Of The Caped Crusaders (2016)
The animated comeback of the Caped Crusaders is groovy and well received by the audience. The film is full of energy and entertainment.
Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders is an animated Batman film produced by Warner Bros. Animations. It is based on the 1960s TV series Batman. It debuted in theatres on October 10, 2016.
5Wonder Woman (2017)
Wonder Woman is a female-centric superheroine film. It is thrilling and action-packed with Gal Gadot’s fantastic performance as a demigod warrior. The Greek mythology involved in the plot of the film makes it so more enjoyable.
![WONDER WOMAN - Official Trailer [HD]](https://www.epicdope.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F1Q8fG0TtVAY%2F0.jpg)
Wonder Woman is the first title in the Wonder Woman Trilogy produced by DC Films with Tencent Pictures. It is directed by Patty Jenkins. The film was released on June 2, 2017.
4Superman: The Movie (1978)
The movie does well on its promise of making us believe that a man can fly. Even with the outdated effects in certain scenes, the film is the most well portrayed Superman film to date.
Superman: The Movie is the first installment of the Superman film series by Warner Bros. It stars Christopher Reeves as Superman. The film is directed by Richard Donner. It first hit the theatres on December 15, 1978.
3Aquaman (2018)
Aquaman is a film with amazing CGI and special effects. The film offers an energetic superhero spectacle with action and fun. It was a larger hit than Warner Bros. had expected.
Aquaman is based on the DC Comics character Aquaman. It is the sixth title in the DC Extended Universe franchise. The film is directed by James Wan. It premiered in the theatres on December 21, 2018.
2Batman Begins (2005)
Just like any other Batman film, Batman Begins is brooding dark. It also has elements of a smart and exciting film. Batman seemed scary on screen for the first time.
Batman Begins stars Christian Bale as Batman. It is directed by Christopher Nolan. It was produced by Warner Bros. Pictures and DC comics. The film hit the theatres on June 15, 2005.
1The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight is unforgettable and intense. It is a thrilling crime superhero film starring Christian Bale as Batman and Heath Ledger in his legendary role as Joker. It is an absolute must-watch for a DC Comics fan.
The Dark Knight is the second installment in the Batman trilogy. It is directed, produced, and co-written by Christopher Nolan. It is produced by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film was released in theatres on July 18, 2008.
Honorable Mentions
The Losers (2010), Swamp Things (1982), Watchmen (2009), and Justice League (2017) deserve an honorable mention. They couldn’t make it to the list because I didn’t know where to place them, or they, unfortunately, couldn’t meet the criteria.
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