DC Movies in Order: The Ultimate Guide For the DCEU Fans in UK [2024]

Prepare to dive into the exhilarating world of the DC movies in order! While it may have had a bumpier launch compared to its Marvel counterpart, the DCEU has unfurled a captivating saga across several blockbusters over the last seven years.

Kicking off this cinematic journey was Man of Steel, a bold reimagining of Superman helmed by Zack Snyder and produced by Christopher Nolan. This film set the stage for an ambitious interconnected series, aiming for a crescendo in a two-part Justice League epic.

Curious about how to experience this superhero saga in all its glory? I’ve got the ultimate guide for you! Below, you’ll find the best way to watch all the DC movies both in chronological order and by release date.

So, without further ado, here’s your ticket to the DCEU—grab your popcorn, and let’s embark on this cinematic adventure through the DC universe! First, I’ll tell you how many DC films are there in total.

How many DC Movies in Order are there?

There are 16 films in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), starting with “Man of Steel” in 2013 and including titles up through 2023.

The list includes films like “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Wonder Woman,” “Aquaman,” and newer releases like “Black Adam” and “Shazam! Fury of the Gods.”

It’s worth noting that this count only includes films considered part of the DCEU and not other DC films like those from Christopher Nolan’s “Dark Knight” trilogy or standalone films like “Joker.”

In the next section, you’ll find all DC movies in order. Is there a DC chronological order? Yes, you can watch this movie in the following way.

• DC movies in release order
• DC movies in chronological order

Watch DC Movies in Order of Release in UK

To witness the evolution of the DC Extended Universe as it unfolded on the big screen, watching the DC movies in order of their release date offers a journey through the filmmakers’ vision and storytelling progression.

Starting with “Man of Steel” in 2013 and moving through to the latest releases, this viewing order allows you to experience the narrative developments and character introductions as they were originally presented to audiences. Here is the DC Universe movies list in release order:

1. Man of Steel (2013)
2. Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
3. Suicide Squad (2016)
4. Wonder Woman (2017)
5. Justice League (2017)
6. Aquaman (2018)
7. Shazam! (2019)
8. Birds of Prey (2020)
9. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
10. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
11. The Suicide Squad (2021)
12. Black Adam (2022)
13. Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
14. The Flash (2023)
15. Blue Beetle (2023)
16. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)

Watch DC Movies in Order – Chronological

While there is no correct order of watching the DC movies, the chronological order allows you to experience the universe’s unfolding just as the events happen, offering a seamless narrative journey from Superman’s turbulent arrival on Earth to the assembly of the Justice League.

However, if you want to watch DC movies in order, it’s helpful to know where each title is available for streaming or purchase, ensuring a seamless viewing experience from “Wonder Woman” to the latest releases.

It’s like stepping into the pages of a comic book, where each chapter builds upon the last, crafting an epic superhero saga.

Wonder Woman (2017)

The events of Wonder Woman predate the events of all other DC films. The standalone film rushes back in time to depict Zeus‘. It shows the creation of the Amazon led by the women woman warriors, who all reside on Themyscira’s secret island. Chris plays Captain Steve Trevor in the film.

There were fantabulous action sequences done by Wonder Woman (Diana Prince) in the movie. As a part of the DC movies list in order to watch, Wonder Woman sets a high standard for the films that follow.

Fun fact: Gal Gadot was five months pregnant during reshoots of the film. The production team used green cloth to mask her belly, which was edited out in post-production.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

Wonder Woman 1984 is set primarily in 1984. Don’t expect many DCEU movies tie-ins, as the Patty Jenkins-directed sequel stands on its own. Moreover, Wonder Woman 1984 is the latest film in the blockbuster titular superhero franchise.

The film introduces the Dreamstone, which causes chaos as it grants wishes at a great cost. Diana’s own wish brings back her lost love, Steve Trevor, but at the potential expense of the world’s safety.

It was the first Wonder Woman film by DC Extended Universe Movies. Diana Prince has done remarkable acting in this movie. Despite its sequel overload, it provides enough bright escapism to franchise fans and its iconic primary character.

Fun fact: The film’s retro setting in the 1980s was chosen by director Patty Jenkins as a nod to the era’s pop culture and the original “Wonder Woman” TV series starring Lynda Carter.

Man of Steel (2013)

Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder, is the film that started it all. It primarily takes place in the present day (circa 2013), though the film begins with a prologue showing the destruction of Kal-home El’s planet Krypton.

Moreover, A little boy discovers that he possesses remarkable abilities unrelated to the planet Earth. Man of Steel is one of the most popular films in the Superman franchise, and Henry Cavill nailed it!

If you ever wondered which is the first DC movie, it is the Man of Steel.

Fun fact: Henry Cavill, who plays Superman, was the first non-American actor to take on the role in a film.

Batman Vs Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016)

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is a bit of a mixed bag in terms of chronology. The story is based on flashbacks to Bruce Wayne’s childhood in 1981 when his parents were killed, and flashforwards to a bleakly and depressingly empty Earth captured by villain Darkseid.

Moreover, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is based on a powerful origin story and effects-driven action. it was Superman’s selfless act as Bruce Wayne. Moreover, Batman (Bruce Wayne) works for secret government agency recruits in the movie.

Fun fact: The bat suit worn by Ben Affleck in the movie was partly inspired by the suit from the video game Batman: Arkham Knight.

Suicide Squad (2016)

The Suicide Squad is a 2016 American superhero film based on the same-named Detective Comics supervillain team. Moreover, the Suicide Squad incident takes place one year after the incident of Batman v Superman.

The movie introduces us to a tangled web of control and chaos, as these anti-heroes are sent to defeat an enigmatic and powerful entity, Enchantress. I found the concept of the Suicide Squad intriguing, as it explores what happens when the worst of the worst are forced to work together, each member wrestling with their inner demons and agendas.

Fun fact: Jared Leto, who played the Joker, sent bizarre gifts to his castmates, including a live rat to Margot Robbie and bullets to Will Smith, to get into character.

Justice League (2017)

Justice League star Ray Fisher says he won’t participate ‘in any production’ involving DC Films head. The majority of Justice League begins two years after Batman v Superman and one year after Suicide Squad.

The movie also includes an extensive flashback sequence to hundreds or thousands of years ago, when the villainous Steppenwolf tries to capture the planet Earth.

Furthermore, Superman gets inspired by his restored faith in humanity. He is fueled by his restoration of faith after the death of a man who shot and killed a man he was trying to save. It’s a movie that aims to showcase the power of collaboration against adversity, and while it may have its flaws, it is an essential chapter in the DC movies in order of release.

Fun fact: The film features a post-credits scene that hints at the formation of the Legion of Doom, a famous group of DC villains

Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)

In Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Bruce Wayne, inspired by Superman’s selfless act, enlists a team of superheroes to combat an impending apocalyptic threat led by the villain Steppenwolf, who is on a quest to collect powerful artifacts that will bring destruction to Earth.

Together, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg, and the Flash strive to save the world from chaos and restore hope.

Fun fact: This version, often called the “Snyder Cut,” was released on HBO Max after a massive fan campaign online using the hashtag #ReleaseTheSnyderCut. It runs for four hours, significantly longer than the theatrical release.

Aquaman (2018)

Aquaman is back in action. The film follows the titular hero as he defends his own country some months after the events of the Justice League. The movie starts with flashbacks from 1985 that show Aquaman’s genesis tale, including a visit to his home planet.

Furthermore, the film is about aquatic life from around the surface world and includes sharks, whales, dolphins, crocodiles, and other creatures.

Fun fact: The film’s underwater scenes were shot “dry for wet” using special rigs and visual effects to simulate swimming and floating.

Shazam (2019)

It is a movie that is entertaining to the fullest. Shazam is a superhero film that never forgets the genre’s true power, happy wish fulfillment. Furthermore, it’s an effortlessly engaging mixture of humor and heart.

Moreover, This movie takes place during the 2018 holiday season, but it begins with a flashback in 1974 to explore the origin story of main villain Thaddeus Sivana.

Fun fact: The foster home in the film is named after Fawcett Comics, the original publisher of the Shazam comics before DC acquired the rights.

Birds of Prey: And The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (2020)

The movie opens up four years after the incident of this solo Harley Quinn film. The DCEU Warner Bros films have discontinued following Justice League and Steel Batman v Superman with only a few nods to Harley Quinn’s actions in Birds of Prey.

Moreover, Harley Quinn’s left joker puts an extensive burden on her back. She faced wrath when she tried to control crime boss Black Mask, her right-hand man Victor Zsasz, and others in the city. The performance of Harley Quinn was worth admiring in this movie.

Fun fact: The title of the film was changed after its initial release to “Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey” to highlight the popularity of Harley Quinn and improve the movie’s searchability.

Suicide Squad (2021)

The Suicide Squad 2021 is a superhero film released in 2021. The movie revolves around Detective Comics and the Warner Bros team of a similar name, the Suicide Squad.

Moreover, Super-Villain meets the prison with the highest death rate in the United States of America to complete, do, and die assignments to get out of jail, including Captain, Ratcatcher 2, Javelin Boomerang Bloodsport, Peacemaker, Savant, King Shark, and Blackguard.

Fun fact: Unlike its predecessor, this film was directed by James Gunn, who took a more humorous and violent approach, aligning more with the comic book’s tone. Gunn was hired during his brief departure from Marvel, where he directed the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series.

Black Adam (2022)

In the 2022 DC movie “Black Adam,” Teth-Adam, an ancient Kahndaqi slave endowed with the powers of the gods, awakens in the modern world after 5,000 years of imprisonment.

His brutal form of justice puts him at odds with the contemporary world and the heroic Justice Society, who seek to temper his destructive methods. As he navigates his role in a new era, Black Adam must confront his past and decide the kind of hero—or villain—he wants to be.

Fun fact: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who plays Black Adam, was initially offered the role of Shazam but chose to play Black Adam because he felt the character’s complex antihero qualities suited him better.

Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)

In Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023), teenage hero Billy Batson and his foster siblings, who share his powers as the Shazam family, face a new challenge when the Daughters of Atlas arrive on Earth seeking to reclaim their stolen magic.

The siblings must navigate growing pains, internal conflicts, and the daunting task of saving the world from these powerful ancient beings. As they battle formidable gods, they learn more about their powers and the true meaning of family.

When recommending how to watch DC movies in order, it’s essential to include both “Shazam!” and “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” for their contributions to the expanding universe.

Fun fact: Shazam! Fury of the Gods features the first live-action appearance of the mythical creatures known as dragons in the DC Extended Universe. This adds a new layer of fantastical elements to the Shazam franchise, blending superhero action with mythical lore to expand the universe’s magical dimension.

The Flash (2023)

In The Flash (2023), Barry Allen uses his super speed to manipulate time and prevent his mother’s murder, inadvertently creating a rift in the timeline.

Thrust into an alternate reality where the world is drastically different; Barry teams up with other versions of familiar heroes to restore the timeline. As he navigates this new world, he learns the profound consequences of altering time and must make difficult choices to save the universe.

Fun fact: This film introduces the concept of the multiverse to the DCEU, featuring Michael Keaton’s return as Batman from the 1989 and 1992 Tim Burton films, bridging different iterations of DC films.

Blue Beetle (2023)

Blue Beetle (2023) features Jaime Reyes, a young Mexican-American who stumbles upon an ancient alien scarab that grafts itself onto his spine and provides him with a powerful exoskeleton.

Thrust into the role of the superhero Blue Beetle, Jaime grapples with his new identity and powers while facing a formidable threat that endangers his family and the world.

As he battles against powerful corporate villains, Jaime discovers the true extent of his abilities and responsibility to protect his community.

Fun fact: This marks the first DCEU film featuring a Latino lead and focuses on Jaime Reyes, the third character to take up the mantle of the Blue Beetle in the comics.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)

In Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023), Arthur Curry, also known as Aquaman, confronts new challenges as king of Atlantis when a mysterious threat emerges from a long-hidden ocean sector called the Lost Kingdom.

Joined by familiar allies and facing treacherous new enemies, Aquaman must navigate complex alliances and his responsibilities as king to prevent a war that could engulf both the surface world and the underwater realms.

Throughout his journey, he explores the depths of his heritage and the vast, uncharted territories of the sea, striving to maintain peace and harmony. Also, don’t forget to check out my Star Wars movies in order.

Fun fact: In preparation for his role, Jason Momoa contributed ideas for the script, including exploring environmental themes that reflect real-world oceanic issues.

Batman (2022)

In The Batman (2022), Bruce Wayne confronts the corruption plaguing Gotham City during his early years as the vigilante Batman. He investigates a series of elaborate crimes by the enigmatic Riddler, who targets Gotham’s elite and exposes the city’s deep-seated corruption.

As he unravels the mystery, Batman forms uneasy alliances and confronts his own family’s dark secrets, shaping his path toward becoming the Dark Knight. After watching these, check out my blog on Hunger Games movies in order and start streaming them today

Fun fact: Not part of the DCEU but worth mentioning, Robert Pattinson’s Batman costume features a unique detail: the chest emblem is made from the gun that was used to kill Bruce Wayne’s parents, a new addition to the Batman lore.

DC Movies that are Coming Soon in UK

Here is the list of the upcoming movies by DC Universe from the international media group in UK:

1. Joker (2024)
2. Superman (2025)
3. The Batman Part II (2026)
4. The Authority – TBA
5. Wonder Woman 3 – TBA
6. The Penguin – TBA
7. Supergirl: Woman Of Tomorrow – TBA
8. The Brave and the Bold – TBA
9. Swamp Thing – TBA
10. Teen Titans – TBA

Are The Batman and Joker connected to the DCEU?

Now, I know many of you have been asking if The Batman and Joker tie into the DCEU, and I’ve got your answer. Simply put, they do not. Both of these films stand apart as unique interpretations of the DC lore.

The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson, carves out its own dark, brooding corner of the Batman mythos. Similarly, Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the Joker in the eponymous film offers a standalone narrative that delves deep into the psyche of the infamous villain.

These films are designed to exist outside the main DCEU timeline, allowing filmmakers to explore the characters in distinct and creative ways without being tied to the larger universe’s continuity. So, while they’re incredible movies in their own right, you can also catch up on Alien movies in order.

Where can I Watch DC Movies in Order?

Streaming platforms have made watching DC movies in chronological order more accessible than ever before. DC movies are available on a variety of streaming platforms, including HBO Max, which hosts a comprehensive collection of DC Extended Universe films.

Platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple iTunes offer rental and purchase options. For fans preferring physical copies, Blu-ray and DVD versions are widely available. Depending on regional licensing agreements, some DC films are also periodically available on Netflix.

I also recommend watching the Rambo movies in order for the best streaming experience.

Fascinating Insights into the DC Film Universe

The Best Order to Watch DCEU Movies According to Redditors

Fellow fans, opinions on the best order to watch DCEU movies vary widely. Some suggest starting with “Wonder Woman” for its historical setting, followed by “Man of Steel,” “Batman v Superman: Ultimate Edition,” and then moving through the series chronologically. This approach includes “Suicide Squad,” “Justice League,” “Aquaman,” “Shazam!,” “Birds of Prey,” and “The Suicide Squad.”

Others advocate for the release order, designed to maintain narrative coherence. This order is: “Man of Steel,” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “Suicide Squad,” “Wonder Woman,” “Justice League,” “Aquaman,” “Shazam!,” “Birds of Prey,” “Wonder Woman 1984,” and “The Suicide Squad.”

Watching the director’s cuts of “Batman v Superman” and “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” is also recommended for a richer experience.

Ultimately, personal preferences matter. Some fans prefer the chronological order for a different perspective, while others stick to the release order for a smoother storyline. Watching the director’s cuts of key films is advised to enhance understanding of the DCEU narrative.

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FAQs

Final Verdict

Navigating the expansive universe of DC movies in order offers a thrilling voyage through superhero lore that both new and longtime fans can enjoy. Whether you choose to watch in chronological order or by release date, each film provides a unique piece of a larger puzzle, depicting iconic characters and monumental battles that shape the DC Extended Universe.

As the DCEU continues to evolve, the promise of new adventures ensures that the excitement is far from over for UK fans—making it a perfect time to catch up on all that the DC cinematic world has to offer.