Summary

TheDCEUhas had a troubled , combative history over the course of its 10 - class runnel , but that does n’t intend that it has n’t produced some keen individual films that are still worth watching . Having released fifteen films already , the DCEU will in conclusion see its last with the release ofAquaman and the Lost Kingdom , return way to James Gunn ’s DCU . Though the franchise may have struggled to find its footing to the very close , the DCEU still has some films that are well worth a lookout man in their own right .

Superhero film series thrive off of interconnection , but many DCEU first appearance pore too much on gear up up next story rather than telling their own . Warner Brothers was quick to rush along to squad - up motion picture likeBatman v Superman : Dawn of JusticeandJustice Leaguewithout doing the necessary preparation to prepare up the individual graphic symbol , clearly feel the pressure of the MCU ’s head - jump . Despite this , the DCEU has a solid figure of stand - alone films that accommodate up today as singular experiences , not needing the connection to a gravid world to be effective stories .

8The Suicide Squad

2021

The film that securedJames Gunn as the point of the DCU , The Suicide Squaddoes include some turn back character from previous vital flopSuicide Squad . Luckily , the similarity terminate there , with the viewer not needing to have seen any other DCEU plastic film to enjoy the universal gas constant - rank spectacle of the chaotic squad - up movie . There ’s so much to love aboutThe Suicide Squad , from John Cena and Idris Elba ’s rivalry to the way the story leans in to the goofier side of DC ’s character roster without compromise the blooming , no - holds - exclude violence . James Gunn knocked it out of the ballpark with this dark natural process - drollery that requires no previous mandatory observance to enjoy .

7Man of Steel

2013

The movie that kickstarted the DCEU in the first post , Man of Steelbrought Zack Snyder ’s sight of Superman to life with a darker , meditative look into the Son of Krypton ’s history . While many have criticized Snyder ’s understanding of Superman , there ’s no denying thatHenry Cavill ’s performanceis a career - defining role embedded within a compelling Superman news report that explores the bound of Clark Kent ’s values . The gritty cinematography , standout execution , and compelling villain all facilitate this first pillage into the DCEU to age gracefullyas a Superman narrative that have itself refreshingly seriously .

6Wonder Woman

2017

Ironically , Gal Gadot ’s Wonder Woman wound up being one of the potent parts ofBatman v. Superman : Dawn of Justice , leaving audiences hungry for more . Patty Jenkins sure as shooting deliver withWonder Woman , presenting a triumphant period piece that familiarized sports fan with a welcome take on DC ’s most famous heroine . The film fall a perfect balance between presenting Diana as flawed , but powerful , expertly juggling a romanticism with Chris Pine ’s Steve Trevor with her weighty responsibilities as a warrior . A completely isolated account , Wonder Womanunequivocally stands alone asone of DC ’s best movies , and will likely remain so even after the DCU commence in full .

5Aquaman

2018

As a character , Aquamanhas the welfare of occupying an entirely unlike submarine world in the DC creation , aid to insulate his picture as a impregnable , stand - alone experience . Aquamanmight not be the most thought - provoking superhero flick , but it ’s a romp just sentence as an legal action - packed undersea adventure with credible humanity edifice , excellent costume designs , and a satisfying leading man that manages to overwhelm Aquaman ’s baggage as a useless hero . Willem Dafoe and Yahya Abdul - Mateen II act their hearts out as well , rounding out the entertaining film that comprehend the topsy-turvyness of the ocean .

4Shazam!

2019

With Asher Angel and Zachary Levi act as the protagonist in bicycle-built-for-two , it ’s a shock thatShazam!is capable to be as much fun as it is , the grownup thespian utterly nailing the mannerisms of vernal Billy Batson as he transforms into the magic hero . Beyond the laugh and astral performance , Shazam!might just have the most dense worked up essence of all the DCEU ’s offer , the relationship between Billy and his surrogate syndicate being the true focal point of the film . Add in a genuinely intimidating villain and a cheering action takings in the celluloid ’s climax , andShazam!is a self - contained formula for amusement that root for itself up with a fibre - focused narration .

3Birds of Prey

2020

Releasing during the pandemic , Birds of Preyflew under the radar at the box office , a shout shame considering the specialty of the all - distaff form . Putting the limelight on Margot Robbie ’s Harley Quinn that the character reference deserved , Birds of Prey ’s cohesive , bubblegum - pinkish visual flair is the unadulterated theatrical of Harley ’s independency , asthe moving-picture show guides the watcher on a declamatory tomboy through Gotham ’s criminal underworld through some spectacular action scenes . Birds of Prey’sfinal place in the DCEU deserves some re - interrogation believe the entertaining re - look on that the eclectic joyride of a film will provide long after the universe ’s adjournment .

2Zack Snyder’s Justice League

Whatever can be tell aboutZack Snyder ’s Justice League , it is an undeniably cohesive vision for the leading characters of DC ’s property . The Justice League come together , the fate of the world at the hands of Steppenwolf and Darkseid , and the gravitational attraction of the Motherboxes are all stories that contribute themselves to Snyder ’s grim sensibilities , carrying the larger-than-life free weight of the fateful story better than the original gash . The increased duration permit Ray Fisher ’s Cyborg to have the time he needed to shine , and Steppenwolf ’s development as a villain is secondly - to - none in the DCEU ’s catalogue . As an individual experience , Snyder’sJustice Leagueis a riveting encapsulation of what the DCEU could ’ve been .

1Blue Beetle

2023

Blue Beetleexists in a strange oblivion between beingthe first DCU movieand one of the last DCEU movies , but is a potent enough cohesive narration to knead in both roles swimmingly . Jaime Reyes is a down - to - Earth admirer who can stand the test of time , with a commendable dedication to his fellowship , providing an unprecedented level of ethos for a superhero movie . Blue Beetleis adequate character funny , cheesy , and serious , live when to take out its clout and when to take itself in earnest . Even if it does n’t make it into the DCU , Blue Beetlewas a satisfying showing for the Scarabaeus sacer - wielding hero that did n’t need the rest of theDCEUto succeed .

Josh Hartnett looking shocked in Fight or Flight

Ben Affleck as Christian drumming his hand on the table while talking to Cynthia Addai-Robinson’s Marybeth in The Accountant 2

Sidious, Tyranus, Maul, and Vader.

Split Images from Shazam! Fury of the God, Aquaman, and The Flash

David Dastmalchian, John Cena, Idris Elba, and Daniela Melchior in The Suicide Squad

Henry Cavill’s Debut as Superman Looking Serious in the DCEU’s Man of Steel

Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) stand in a ruined European town in 2017’s Wonder Woman

Billy and Freddie in Shazam! 2019

Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn in Birds of Prey against a pink and blue powder background.

Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and Cyborg ready for the final battle in Zack Snyder’s Justice League

Xolo Maridueña’s Blue Beetle with a sword in Blue Beetle

DC Extended Universe