All 11 DC Movies of the 2020s, Ranked (original) (raw)
David Corenswet as Superman flying in Superman
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Published Jul 19, 2025, 7:01 PM EDT
Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck is a writer for Collider. He grew up creating lists, stories, and worlds, which led to his love of anime and video games. He attended Sheridan College where he earned an Honours Bachelor of Game Design. Lucas and his group won 1st place for technical innovation at LevelUp Toronto 2023, and he was also an intern for the Oakville Film Festival of Arts.
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The DCUofficially started with Creature Commandos in 2024, but the universe takes its first real steps with the highly anticipated Superman. The brand has a lot of damage-repairing to do following years of disappointing offerings. Indeed, DChasn't had the best run with their live-action movies, hoping that James Gunn can turn things around. But how does Superman compare to the rest of DC's recent movies of the 2020s?
This list will rank every single live-action DC movie from the 2020s so far, based on critical acclaim, fan opinion, place within the franchise's larger standing, and the author's thoughts. Taking into consideration writing, story, characters, entertainment value, and overall quality, this list takes a look at DC's catalog of modern films.
11 'Wonder Woman 1984' (2020)
Directed by Patty Jenkins
Wonder Woman bears her lasso of truth in Wonder Woman 1984.
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Gal Gadot suited up for the role of a lifetime, but after nailing the character in the first Wonder Woman movie, her position shifted to cameos after the failure of Wonder Woman 1984. When the love of her life, Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), miraculously revives, they team up to take down the evil duo of Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal) and Cheetah (Kristen Wiig).
DC has had a lot of bad movies, but Wonder Woman 1984 is arguably the worst modern representation of the brand and character. Besides some problematic themes and messages, the film is generic, cringeworthy, and boring, relying on tired tropes and poor writing to create forgettable superhero fare. Gal Gadot also turns in a truly mediocre performance, which doesn't help. After this disaster, fans desperately want DCU's Wonder Woman to wash out the taste of this movie.
Wonder Woman 1984
Release Date
December 25, 2020
Cast
Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal, Robin Wright, Connie Nielsen, Lilly Aspell, Amr Waked, Kristoffer Polaha, Natasha Rothwell, Ravi Patel, Oliver Cotton, Lucian Perez, Gabriella Wilde, Kelvin Yu, Stuart Milligan, Shane Attwooll, David Al-Fahmi, Kevin Wallace, Wai Wong, Doutzen Kroes, Hari James, Betty Adewole, Camilla Roholm, Jessie Graff
Runtime
151 minutes
Writers
Patty Jenkins, Geoff Johns, Dave Callaham
10 'Shazam! Fury of the Gods' (2023)
Directed by David F. Sandberg
The cast of Shazam Fury of the Gods
Image via DC Studios
2023 was a significant year for DC, with the release of four movies that concluded the DCEU. However, that year was also full of terrible movies that ended the universe on a whimper, and one of the worst films was Shazam! Fury of the Gods. At risk of losing their powers, Billy Batson (Asher Angel) and his family must juggle their teenage lives and fight two powerful witches.
Where the first movie had charm and relatability, the sequel abandons all of that for cheap jokes and boring characters. Shazam 2 is corny and doesn't give the audience much to care about. From the annoying cast to the typical CGI fights and uninspired story that barely has any stakes, it is dull beyond belief and offers nothing of substance to DC, becoming a forgotten film. At least the dragon fight at the end is cool.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods
Release Date
March 17, 2023
Cast
Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Rachel Zegler, Adam Brody, Ross Butler, D.J. Cotrona, Grace Caroline Currey, Meagan Good, Lucy Liu, Djimon Hounsou, Helen Mirren, Faithe Herman, Ian Chen, Jovan Armand, Marta Milans, Cooper Andrews, P.J. Byrne, Diedrich Bader, David Lengel, Rick Andosca, Erica Frene, Lotta Losten, Natalia Safran, Hillary Harley
Runtime
130 minutes
Writers
Chris Morgan, Henry Gayden
9 'Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom' (2023)
Directed by James Wan
Patrick Wilson as Orm and Jason Momoa as Arthur standing back to back on an Aquaman & the Lost Kingdom poster
Image via Warner Bros
The first Aquaman was one of the best movies in the DCEU, but its sequel didn't live up to the hype. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom follows the titular hero teaming up with his redeemed brother, Orm (Patrick Wilson), to stop Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) from killing his family and overheating the sea.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is the lackluster farewell to the DCEU, and while some were happy to see it go, many would have preferred a better movie to end on. There is nothing noteworthy about this film, except for the dynamic between Aquaman (Jason Momoa) and Orm, with Momoa and Wilson doing some heavy lifting with a bare-bones script. The two provided some laughs throughout an otherwise drab superhero film.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Release Date
December 22, 2023
Cast
Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Randall Park, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Dolph Lundgren, Temuera Morrison, Indya Moore, Pilou Asbæk, Jani Zhao, Vincent Regan, Martin Short, John Rhys-Davies, Natalia Safran, Jay Rincon, Sohm Kapila, Ingrid Bisu, Grant Huggair, Osian Roberts, Jay McDonald, Jonathan Bremner, Jack Waldouck, Dylan Silver, Ricardo Molina
Runtime
124 minutes
Writers
David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, James Wan, Mort Weisinger, Paul Norris, Thomas Pa'a Sibbett, Jason Momoa
8 'Joker: Folie à Deux' (2024)
Directed by Todd Phillips
Arthur Fleck, in Joker makeup, and Lee waltz down a set of stairs in Joker: Folie à Deux.
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Jokerwas a worldwide sensation, becoming one of the highest-grossing and popular DC films of all time. After five years, fans finally got the much-anticipated sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux. When his trial is the focal point of Gotham, the Joker (Joaquin Phoenix) has an identity crisis, wondering if he is the Clown Prince of Crime or Arthur Fleck.
Some fans may be surprised that this film isn't at the bottom, but it proves itself better than those below it by doing something new, weird, albeit unique. There are some bright spots, and a good movie is hidden somewhere within, but Joker: Folie à Deux is an overall mess that sabotages the characters with bizarre decisions and a lackluster plot. Worst of all, it somehow wastes Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, becoming one of the most hated movie sequels.
Joker: Folie a Deux
Release Date
October 4, 2024
Cast
Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Zazie Beetz, Steve Coogan, Harry Lawtey, Leigh Gill, Ken Leung, Jacob Lofland, Bill Smitrovich, Sharon Washington, Alfred Rubin Thompson, Gregg Daniel, Mac Brandt, George Carroll, John Lacy, Tim Dillon, Wayne Dehart, Troy Fromin, Ajgie Kirkland, Jimmy Walker Jr., Toney Wilson, June Carryl, Don McManus
Runtime
138 minutes
Writers
Scott Silver, Todd Phillips, Paul Dini, Jerry Robinson, Bruce Timm, Bob Kane, Bill Finger
7 'Black Adam' (2022)
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Up until this point on the list, all the DC movies have been subpar, but Black Adam takes a step up by delivering a mediocre film, a slight improvement over the quality of the other movies. After researchers awaken Black Adam (Dwayne Johnson), he struggles to adjust to modern life, drawing the attention of other superheroes.
Black Adam isn't a great movie, but it also isn't bad, occupying a middle ground as a decent action film that delivers some thrills. Dr. Fate (Pierce Brosnan) and Hawkman (Aldis Hodge) were standouts, giving fans their first look at these iconic characters in live-action and nearly running away with the whole thing. Black Adam may not have changed the hierarchy of DC, but it is at least an entertaining action romp.
Black Adam
Release Date
October 21, 2022
Cast
Dwayne Johnson, Aldis Hodge, Pierce Brosnan, Noah Centineo, Sarah Shahi, Quintessa Swindell, Marwan Kenzari, Bodhi Sabongui, Mohammed Amer, James Cusati-Moyer, Jalon Christian, Benjamin Patterson, Odelya Halevi, Uli Latukefu, Jennifer Holland, Henry Winkler, Chaim Jeraffi, Sharon Gee, Stephan Jones, A. Manuel Miranda, Djimon Hounsou, Raj Kala, E. Lloyd Napier, Kiara Rashawn, Onye Eme-Akwari, Sanna Erica, Vince Canlas, Tonea Stewart, Meghna Nagarajan, Patrick Sabongui, Alex Parkinson, Joseph Gatt, Kamen Casey, Dennis Dawson, Mike Senior, Jermaine Rivers, Regina Ting Chen, Sekou Laidlow, Cameron Moir, Donny Carrington, Boone Platt, Philip Fornah, Derek Russo, Angel Rosario Jr., Tang Nguyen, Christopher Matthew Cook, Natacha Ellie, Daniel Danca, Yssamei Panganiban, Ben Jenkin
Runtime
125 Minutes
Writers
Rory Haines, Sohrab Noshirvani, Adam Sztykiel
6 'The Flash' (2023)
Directed by Andy Muschietti
Ezra Miller in costume as The Flash in movie
Image via Warner Bros
One of the most polarizing and controversial DC movies is The Flash, which was hyped up to be one of the greatest superhero movies. Instead, fans are left with a mess of CGI and annoying characters. After accidentally going back in time to save his parents, Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) must work with this universe's version of himself and Batman (Michael Keaton) to stop General Zod (Michael Shannon).
The Flash isn't that bad, but the horrible CGI, cheap cameos, and the fact that it didn't live up to expectations hurt its fan opinion, which is why it isn't higher on this list. With some funny and badass moments, the best part of this film was the emotion and Batman, which dug up some nostalgia. The Flash has incredible and horrible aspects, making it an overall decent DC movie that could've been so much more had it executed its ambitious ideas better.
The Flash
Release Date
June 16, 2023
Cast
Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle, Michael Keaton, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdú, Kiersey Clemons, Antje Traue, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Rudy Mancuso, Ed Wade, Jeremy Irons, Temuera Morrison, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Sean Rogers, Kieran Hodgson, Luke Brandon Field, Ian Loh, Karl Collins, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Poppy Shepherd, Nina Barker-Francis, Bastian Antonio Fuentes, Andoni Gracia, Rob Hunt
Runtime
144 minutes
Writers
Christina Hodson, Joby Harold, John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein, Bill Finger, Bob Kane, Carmine Infantino, Gardner Fox, Harry Lampert, Joe Shuster, Jerry Siegel, Robert Kanigher, William Moulton Marston
5 'Birds of Prey' (2020)
Directed by Cathy Yan
Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)
Image via Warner Bros
Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) became one of the most popular DC characters after her appearance in Suicide Squad, so it was only a matter of time until she got a solo movie. Birds of Prey is an ensemble film following Quinn and a small group of ragtag heroes as they take on the crime boss Black Mask (Ewan McGregor).
The pandemic and some bad-intentioned folks hindered Birds of Prey's success, becoming arguably the most forgettable DCEU movie. However, that doesn't mean it's bad: in fact, this film is one of the most creative and distinct in the universe. It may not be for everyone, but the flashy action and over-the-top comedy create an entertaining film with an impressive cast who are lots of fun.
Birds of Prey
Release Date
February 7, 2020
Cast
Margot Robbie, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett, Ewan McGregor, Ella Jay Basco, Chris Messina, Ali Wong, David Ury, Sara Montez, Izabel Pakzad, Daniel Bernhardt, Kc Strubbe, Jacky Shu, Paloma Esparza Rabinov, Derek Wilson, Joe Bucaro III, James Henry Williams Jr., François Chau, Miyuki Matsunaga, Anna Mikami, Bruno Oliver, Keisha Tucker, Matthew Willig, Jeremy Denzlinger
Runtime
109 minutes
Writers
Christina Hodson
4 'Blue Beetle' (2023)
Directed by Angel Manuel Soto
Blue Beetle turning around in Blue Beetle.
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
As mentioned, 2023 was a challenging year for DC, but Blue Beetle provided a glimmer of hope, albeit not a popular one, as a good film. After Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) is given a blue scarab, he gains futuristic powers that put him and his family in danger. They must work together and stop the evil government conspiracy in order to survive.
Blue Beetle is full of heart, emotion, and intensity, creating one of the best family films in a long time. It may not be anything unique, but this film and an enthusiastic Maridueña bring out the best in the characters. Gunn claimed the character would be part of his new universe, and fans eagerly await the debut of Blue Beetle in the DCU. While more awaits these characters, this film is a great starting point for a heartwarming watch.
Blue Beetle
Release Date
August 18, 2023
Cast
Xolo Mariduena, Bruna Marquezine, Susan Sarandon, Raoul Max Trujillo, Belissa Escobedo, Damian Alcazar, Elpidia Carrillo, George Lopez, Adriana Barraza, Becky G, Harvey Guillén, Jorge Jimenez, Eyra Agüero Joubert, Gabrielle Ortiz, Chente Ydrach, Modesto Lacen, Tahj Vaughans, Carlos Ponce, Franco Castan, Perris Drew, Felipe Esparza, Jackson Spidell, Esteban Ruiz, Marcus Nelson, Yuli Zorrilla
Runtime
128 minutes
Writers
Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer
3 'The Suicide Squad' (2021)
Directed by James Gunn
Task Force X standing in the jungle looking at the camera in The Suicide Squad.
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
James Gunn's first run-in with DC was an overwhelming success, arguably becoming the best film in the DCEU. The Suicide Squad introduces a group of unknown villains on a journey to stop a growing conspiracy. However, giant kaiju are the least of their problems, as working together proves much more difficult.
While it wasn't the financial success many had wanted, The Suicide Squad offers some of the best DC content ever. It was hilarious, immature, gritty, bloody, and heartfelt, becoming a staple of the universe. Some thought there were too many characters, but The Suicide Squad handled the main players effectively, providing them with emotional moments that kept the story moving forward.
The Suicide Squad
Release Date
August 6, 2021
Cast
Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, Sylvester Stallone, Viola Davis, David Dastmalchian, Daniela Melchior, Michael Rooker, Jai Courtney, Peter Capaldi, Alice Braga, Pete Davidson, Joaquín Cosío, Juan Diego Botto, Storm Reid, Nathan Fillion, Taika Waititi, Steve Agee, Sean Gunn, John Ostrander, Flula Borg, Mayling Ng, Stephen Blackehart, Tinashe Kajese
Runtime
132 minutes
Writers
2 'Superman' (2025)
Directed by James Gunn
Gunn tops his first DC film with Superman, the newly released sensation, which officially kicks off his universe. After Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) spins a plan to have the world turn against Superman (David Corenswet), the latter struggles with the backlash. But with the help of Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and other heroes, he is able to push back against the hate and show the world who he really is.
It may not be the best DC movie of this decade, but it is close. While it has some issues and polarizing aspects, and, like other entries on this list, is far too convoluted, Superman is one of the most fun comic book movies fans will experience, with goofy moments and over-the-top plot points. This movie is heartfelt and full of soul, making it a perfect DC movie that marks a great start to the DCU.