The Ultimate Guide to Watching DC Animated Movies

By

As most of you weirdos are aware, the DC Animated Universe (DCAU) is a treasure trove of captivating stories, featuring our favorite iconic heroes and villains in thrilling adventures across interconnected universes and standalone films. With over 50 movies released since 2007, navigating this expansive world might seem overwhelming for newcomers, right? Well, fret not, fellow DC fanatics! This comprehensive guide curated by Into the Weird aims to present the ultimate viewing order for DC Animated Movies, ensuring a captivating (and most importantly - coherent) journey through this rich tapestry of alternate realities and interconnected narratives. But first, how did we go about compiling this list? Well, to find out, read on!

Research Process

To create this extensive viewing order, we embarked on a meticulous research journey. First, we compiled a list of all DC Animated Movies, ensuring no film was left behind. Next, we delved into articles and online discussions to understand how fans and experts recommend watching these movies. We also investigated whether DC has any official timelines or recommended viewing orders. Finally, we identified which movies are connected or part of a series and which ones stand alone. Based on this comprehensive research, we crafted the ultimate viewing order for your enjoyment.

Understanding the DC Animated Movie Universe

Before embarking on your DC Animated Movie marathon, it's crucial to grasp the different continuities within the DCAU. While many films are standalone adventures, others belong to shared universes with interconnected storylines and character arcs. The primary shared universes are:

  1. DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU): Inspired by the New 52 comics timeline, this universe kicked off with "Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox" (2013) and culminated in "Justice League Dark: Apokolips War" (2020). "Justice League Dark: Apokolips War" serves as a grand finale to the DCAMU, concluding the overarching narrative that unfolded throughout the series. This universe also includes five short films and has tie-in media like a web series and two digital comics.
  2. Tomorrowverse: This universe emerged as the successor to the DCAMU, beginning with "Superman: Man of Tomorrow" (2020). The Tomorrowverse offers fresh perspectives on DC heroes, reimagining their origins and storylines. For instance, "Superman: Man of Tomorrow" presents a new take on Superman's arrival on Earth and his early days as a superhero. Similarly, "Green Lantern: Beware My Power" introduces a unique version of the Justice League's formation.

To ensure a seamless viewing experience, it's recommended to watch the movies within these universes in release order. This allows you to follow the evolving storylines, witness character development, and fully appreciate the interconnected narratives.

Recommended Viewing Order

Now, let's dive into the ultimate viewing order for DC Animated Movies:

I. Standalone Movies

Start your DCAU journey with standalone films that don't require prior knowledge of the shared universes. These movies provide excellent introductions to individual characters and their unique stories.

  1. Recommended Starting Point: "Wonder Woman" (2009) offers a compelling origin story for the iconic Amazonian princess, making it an ideal entry point into the DCAU.
  2. "Batman: Under the Red Hood" (2010) explores a complex and emotional Batman story, delving into the consequences of his past actions.
  3. "All-Star Superman" (2011) captures the essence of Superman's character in a touching and inspiring narrative, showcasing his unwavering heroism and compassion.
  4. "Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths" (2010) presents a thrilling Justice League adventure with alternate versions of familiar heroes, offering a glimpse into a fascinating multiverse.
  5. "Green Lantern: First Flight" (2009) provides a solid introduction to the Green Lantern Corps and its mythology, exploring the origins of Hal Jordan and his journey as a Green Lantern.

II. DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU)

Once you've acquainted yourself with key characters through the standalone films, immerse yourself in the DCAMU. Watch these movies in release order to follow the overarching narrative and character arcs:

  1. "Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox" (2013)
  2. "Justice League: War" (2014)
  3. "Son of Batman" (2014)
  4. "Justice League: Throne of Atlantis" (2015) - Afterwards, watch the short film "Nightwing and Robin" (2015) as bonus content.
  5. "Batman vs. Robin" (2015)
  6. "Batman: Bad Blood" (2016)
  7. "Justice League vs. Teen Titans" (2016)
  8. "Justice League Dark" (2017)
  9. "Teen Titans: The Judas Contract" (2017)
  10. "Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay" (2018)
  11. "The Death of Superman" (2018)
  12. "Constantine: City of Demons" (2018)
  13. "Reign of the Supermen" (2019)
  14. "Batman: Hush" (2019)
  15. "Wonder Woman: Bloodlines" (2019)
  16. "Justice League Dark: Apokolips War" (2020) - Afterwards, watch the short film "Adam Strange" (2020) as bonus content.

III. Tomorrowverse

Continue your DC Animated Movie journey with the Tomorrowverse, watching these movies in release order:

  1. "Superman: Man of Tomorrow" (2020)
  2. "Justice Society: World War II" (2021) - Afterwards, watch the short film "Kamandi: The Last Boy on Earth!" (2021) as bonus content.
  3. "Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One" (2021)
  4. "Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two" (2021) - Afterwards, watch the short film "Blue Beetle" (2021) as bonus content.
  5. "Green Lantern: Beware My Power" (2022)
  6. "Legion of Super-Heroes" (2023)
  7. "Justice League: Warworld" (2023)
  8. "Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part One" (2024)
  9. "Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Two" (2024)
  10. "Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Part Three" (2024)

IV. Other Notable Films and Series

After completing the main universes, explore other notable films and series:

  1. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns – Part 1 & 2 (2012-2013): This two-part adaptation of Frank Miller's iconic graphic novel presents a gritty and mature Batman story, showcasing an aging Bruce Wayne's return to crime-fighting in a dystopian future Gotham City.
  2. Batman: Gotham Knight (2008): This anthology film offers diverse interpretations of Batman's world, bridging the gap between "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight." Each segment presents a unique animation style and explores different aspects of Batman's mythos.
  3. Justice League: The New Frontier (2008): This film captures the spirit of the Silver Age of Comics, showcasing the formation of the Justice League in a classic style. It features a vibrant art style and pays homage to the iconic era of DC Comics.
  4. Injustice (2021): Based on the popular video game and comic book series, this film explores a dark alternate reality where Superman becomes a tyrannical ruler after suffering a tragic loss. It presents a thought-provoking exploration of morality and the consequences of unchecked power.
  5. Superman: Red Son (2020): This Elseworlds tale imagines a reality where Superman's rocket lands in the Soviet Union instead of Smallville, leading him to become a symbol of Soviet ideals.
  6. Justice League: Gods and Monsters (2015): This film reimagines the Justice League with darker and more morally ambiguous versions of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.
  7. Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018): This Elseworlds story transports Batman to 19th-century Gotham City, where he faces Jack the Ripper.

You can find most of these movies on streaming services like HBO Max.

Hope this proved helpful, weirdos! With that, I'm off to watch some animated DC classics. Care to join me?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

Strange Ruminations #4: Our Newsletter of the Weird Drifts Onwards

By
Image
In the News: 1. Henry Cavill to Star in Voltron Henry Cavill is set to join the cast of a live-action adaptation of the classic 1980s cartoon series, Voltron , which is currently in development. The film, directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, marks a significant revival of the beloved franchise. Cavill, known for his iconic roles as Superman and in The Man From U.N.C.L.E. , will join Daniel Quinn-Toye in this highly anticipated project. Voltron originally debuted in 1984, adapted from the Japanese anime series Beast King Go-Lion . The show captivated audiences with its five lion robots combining to form the mighty Voltron, and its transformation sequences became legendary. The phrase, “And I’ll form... the head!” is still iconic for many fans who grew up in the '80s. The live-action adaptation has been in development for two years, following the success of Netflix's animated series, Voltron: Legendary Defender , which ran for eight seasons. Notably, Joaquim Dos Santos, a key fi...
Read more

Loki's Monstrous Brood

By
Image
As someone who's always been obsessed with the dark world of Norse mythology, I've found myself particularly drawn to its more horrific elements. The pantheon of Norse gods and creatures is filled with fascinating characters, but none have intrigued me quite like the frightening children of Loki. These monstrous offspring embody the perfect blend of awe-inspiring power and spine-chilling terror that makes Norse myths so enthralling. On this trek into the world of Loki's progeny, we'll explore the origins, roles, and pop-cultural appearances of Hel, Fenrir, and Jörmungandr. These three formidable beings have shaped Norse mythology's course and continue to influence popular culture today. So, strap on your Viking helm, prep your Longboat, and prepare for a journey into the heart of Norse horror! The Trickster God's Terrible Trio Before we delve into the individual stories of Loki's children, it's important to understand their origins. Loki, the infamous t...
Read more

The Top 10 George Pérez Comic Book Projects

By
Image
To me, comic book legend George Pérez wasn't just an artist – he was a visual storyteller who could bring entire universes to life in my mind with his pencil. His intricate artwork, dynamic layouts, and ability to handle massive casts of characters made him one of the industry's most influential creators. After his passing in 2022, his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists. Here's Into the Weird’s ranking of Pérez's ten greatest contributions to comic book history. 10. The Avengers Vol. 3 (1998-2000) In the late 1990s, George Pérez returned to The Avengers (he had previously worked on the title in the 1970s) for the relaunch of The Avengers Vol. 3 (1998), teaming up with writer Kurt Busiek. This run was a triumphant return to form, bringing the team back to its classic roots after Marvel Comics’ polarizing Heroes Reborn event. Busiek and Pérez reestablished the Avengers as Earth’s mightiest heroes, balancing high-stakes action with deep character-dri...
Read more

Strange Ruminations #1: Our Newsletter of the Weird Debuts

By
Image
This is the very first edition of Strange Ruminations: Into The Weird's Official Newsletter! Prepare to embark on a trek through the bizarre and the fantastical, where every Friday, your blogger of the bizarre Herm (that's me) will venture into the labyrinth of comic book curiosities, the mystifying realms of sci-fi, and the enchanting worlds of fantasy in books, films, and the streaming realm. Whether you're a seasoned wayfarer in these genres or a curious newcomer, the newsletter promises to be your trusty guide to the weird, the wacky, and the wundabar. So what can you expect? Well, how about a kaleidoscope of stories and updates from the ever-expanding universe of speculative fiction, film, comics, and art. I'll bring you the latest news, tantalizing tidbits, and thought-provoking insights of all the properties that float my boat—all wrapped up in a signature quirky style of strangeness. After our News Roundup, expect a Random Bronze Age comic book from my childhood...
Read more

20 of the Best Animal Man Covers by Brian Bolland

By
Image
  Hey there, Weirdos! Today, I want to take you on a trip through the artistic magnificence of Brian Bolland's Animal Man covers from the 1990s, exploring why they continue to resonate with me (and probably with you too, if you grew up reading DC's Vertigo comic book line like I did). The Brian Bolland Animal Man Cover Revolution When I first laid eyes on a Brian Bolland Animal Man cover, I knew I was seeing something special. Bolland's work on this series wasn't just about creating eye-catching images; it was about redefining what comic book covers could be. Let's dive into what made these covers so revolutionary. A Distinctive Visual Style Bolland's covers for Animal Man were instantly recognizable, thanks to his unique artistic approach. As I pored over each issue, I couldn't help but marvel at: The clean, detailed linework that brought every element to life Meticulous attention to page composition, drawing the eye exactly where Bolland intended A photo-...
Read more

The Lost (and Forgotten) World of the Warlord

By
Image
One of my favorite comics from the late seventies and eighties, Mike Grell's The Warlord, has hardly ever seen print in trade paperbacks and has been largely forgotten after two unsuccessful revamps. This doesn't change the fact that it was a brilliant series, and that I would give almost anything to have some of WL's best storylines reprinted in graphic novel format. While Marvel had Conan and The Savage Sword of..., DC's answer to the sword and sorcery genre was Travis Morgan and his band of heroes in the Lost World of Skartaris (situated in the center of the earth, accessible only through a breach in the earth's crust somewhere in the antarctic. How cool is that? A La Marvel's The Savage Land, but WAAAAY better). This hidden world of perpetual sunlight not only spawned a host of interesting characters, but made for some truly excellent stories of near unlimited scope and potential. Morgan, as the Warlord, served as adviser and general to Queen Tara of Shambal...
Read more