DC animated movies you must watch include Rise of the New Gods, Caped Crusaders Unite, and A Dark Knight to Remember. These animated treasures bring our favorite comic book heroes to life and showcase the incredible creative talents behind the scenes.
Must Watch DCU Animated Movies
- DC animated movies are celebrated for their excellent voice acting.
- They feature stunning visuals that captivate audiences.
- Engaging storytelling is a key strength of these movies.
- They have gained a special place in the hearts of fans globally.
- Settings vary from Gotham City’s dark alleys to the cosmic realms of the Green Lantern Corps.
- Known for a unique mix of action, emotion, and larger-than-life characters.
- Have been captivating audiences for many years.
Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)
- Batman Movie Recommendation: “Batman: Under the Red Hood” (2010).
- Plot: Batman confronts the Red Hood, a new vigilante with a dark link to Bruce Wayne’s past.
- Director: Brandon Vietti.
- Setting: Explores Gotham City’s darkest corners and Batman’s relationship with former sidekick, Robin.
- Voice Cast: Bruce Greenwood as Batman, Jensen Ackles as Red Hood.
- Features: Combines action, suspense, and emotion.
- Overall Experience: Thrilling, and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Did you know that – “Batman: The Animated Series” from the 90s is often considered a masterpiece in animation? It’s not just a cartoon; it’s the gold standard for Batman stories, influencing the Dark Knight’s portrayal in movies and comics for years to come. Now, that’s what I call legendary!
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)
- Plot: The Flash wakes up in an alternate reality without his powers, and the Justice League is nonexistent.
- Objective: The Flash aims to solve the mystery of the altered timeline and restore the original world.
- Director: Jay Oliva.
- Experience: Fast-paced, thrilling narrative.
- Voice Cast: Justin Chambers as the Flash, Kevin Conroy as Batman.
- Highlight: Demonstrates the critical role of each hero in the DC universe.
- Recommendation: A must-watch for its unique storyline and action.
Interesting Fact about the Film: “Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox” is known for its significant impact on the DC Animated Movie Universe. It effectively rebooted the universe, leading to a series of interconnected films that follow a shared continuity, similar to what the Marvel Cinematic Universe does with its live-action films.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (2012 & 2013)
- Original Work: Based on Frank Miller’s iconic graphic novel.
- Director: Jay Oliva.
- Storyline: Features an older Bruce Wayne returning as Batman to rescue Gotham City.
- Visuals and Themes: Noir-style visuals and mature themes.
- Significance: Emphasizes Batman’s enduring legacy.
- Voice Cast: Peter Weller as Batman, Ariel Winter as Robin.
- Focus: Explores Batman’s psychological depth and the effects of his vigilantism.
The adaptation faithfully captures the novel’s gritty tone and mature themes, which was a significant departure from the more family-friendly approach typically seen in previous Batman animations.
Justice League: War (2014)
This marked a significant shift in the direction of DC’s animated films, aligning them more closely with the then-recent reboot of the comic book universe.
- Director: Jay Oliva.
- Adaptation: Based on the New 52 origin story of the Justice League.
- Plot: Heroes unite to fight against Darkseid and Parademons.
- Voice Cast: Jason O’Mara as Batman, Alan Tudyk as Superman.
- Theme: Focuses on teamwork, trust, and the bond between superheroes.
- Significance: A modern interpretation of the superhero ensemble.
Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (2017)
“Teen Titans: The Judas Contract,” directed by Sam Liu in 2017, is a riveting animated film that combines youthful energy with superhero thrills and features impressive voice performances by Christina Ricci and Taissa Farmiga as Terra and Raven.
- Adaptation of a classic comic book storyline.
- Focuses on the Teen Titans dealing with internal betrayal.
- Balances humor, emotion, and action effectively.
- Emphasizes themes of trust and friendship in adversity.
- A must-watch for fans of the Teen Titans.
Superman: Red Son (2020)
“Superman: Red Son,” a 2020 animated film directed by Sam Liu, imagines Superman raised in the Soviet Union, featuring Jason Isaacs and Diedrich Bader voicing Superman and Lex Luthor, respectively.
- Based on the acclaimed comic book miniseries.
- Reimagines Superman’s origin and his impact on global politics.
- Explores a world with blurred lines between hero and villain.
- Offers a thought-provoking narrative.
- A must-watch for fans of Superman.
Green Lantern: First Flight (2009)
- “Green Lantern: First Flight” is a 2009 animated film directed by Lauren Montgomery.
- Chronicles Hal Jordan’s journey to becoming the first human Green Lantern.
- Faces off against the corrupt Sinestro.
- Christopher Meloni voices Hal Jordan; Victor Garber voices Sinestro.
- Action-packed space adventure that captures the essence of Green Lantern mythos.
- Highlights themes of willpower and determination.
- A must-watch for fans of the Emerald Knight.
While most adaptations focus on Hal Jordan’s early days as a Green Lantern, this film dives straight into the action, portraying Hal as a fully-fledged Lantern from almost the beginning. This unique approach allows the film to explore more complex aspects of the Green Lantern Corps and its universe right from the start, rather than spending extensive time on Hal’s initial discovery and training.
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010)
“Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths,” directed by Sam Liu and Lauren Montgomery in 2010, showcases a parallel world where the Justice League faces their evil counterparts, the Crime Syndicate, with voices from William Baldwin and James Woods as Batman and Owlman.
- Explores an alternate reality with the Justice League.
- Introduces the evil Crime Syndicate.
- Examines the nature of heroism and the line between good and evil.
- Features thrilling battles and a storyline filled with deception and intrigue.
- A compelling watch for fans of the Justice League.
Wonder Woman (2009)
“Wonder Woman,” a 2009 animated film directed by Lauren Montgomery, features Keri Russell and Nathan Fillion voicing Diana and Steve Trevor, respectively, and depicts the transformation of Princess Diana of Themyscira into the iconic superhero.
- Tells the origin story of Wonder Woman.
- Showcases Diana’s journey from Amazonian princess to superhero.
- Features the voice talents of Keri Russell as Diana and Nathan Fillion as Steve Trevor.
- Includes stunning animation and action-packed scenes.
- Explores themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and heroism.
- A must-watch for fans of the Amazonian warrior.
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018)
“Batman: Gotham by Gaslight,” a 2018 animated film directed by Sam Liu, features Bruce Greenwood and Jennifer Carpenter as Batman and Selina Kyle, set in a Victorian-era Gotham City where Batman confronts Jack the Ripper.
- Presents an alternate Victorian-era Gotham City.
- Batman faces off against Jack the Ripper.
- Features Bruce Greenwood as Batman and Jennifer Carpenter as Selina Kyle.
- Blends steampunk aesthetics with a dark, brooding atmosphere.
- Offers a unique take on Batman’s mythos.
- Highlights Batman’s timeless battle against evil.
The Death of Superman (2018) & Reign of the Supermen (2019)
“The Death of Superman” and “Reign of the Supermen,” directed by Sam Liu and Jake Castorena, depict Superman’s battle with Doomsday and the emergence of four new heroes post his death, featuring Jerry O’Connell and Rebecca Romijn as Superman and Lois Lane.
- Two-part saga: “The Death of Superman” and “Reign of the Supermen.”
- Superman faces the unstoppable Doomsday.
- Jerry O’Connell voices Superman, Rebecca Romijn voices Lois Lane.
- “Reign of the Supermen” follows the rise of four new heroes claiming to succeed Superman.
- Explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, and legacy.
- Essential viewing for fans of Superman.
Green Lantern: Emerald Knights (2011)
“Green Lantern: Emerald Knights,” a 2011 animated anthology directed by Christopher Berkeley, Lauren Montgomery, and Jay Oliva, stars Nathan Fillion and Elisabeth Moss as Hal Jordan and Arisia Rrab, exploring the history of the Green Lantern Corps.
- Anthology-style film with six interlocking stories.
- Focuses on the history of the Green Lantern Corps.
- Nathan Fillion voices Hal Jordan, Elisabeth Moss voices Arisia Rrab.
- Features tales of legendary Lanterns.
- Highlights the Corps’ rich history and diversity.
- Emphasizes themes of unity and perseverance.
- Essential for Green Lantern mythos fans.
Justice League: Doom (2012)
“Justice League: Doom,” a 2012 animated film directed by Lauren Montgomery, features a high-stakes battle with Batman’s contingency plans against the Justice League, taken by Vandal Savage, and stars Kevin Conroy and Tim Daly as Batman and Superman.
- High-stakes battle involving Batman’s secret plans.
- Vandal Savage uses the plans against the Justice League.
- Stars Kevin Conroy as Batman, Tim Daly as Superman.
- Tests the limits of the world’s greatest superheroes.
- Emphasizes the importance of trust and unity.
- An exhilarating adventure for fans of the Justice League.
Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2019)
In “Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” a 2019 animated film directed by Jake Castorena, Batman teams up with the Ninja Turtles to combat their foes, featuring Troy Baker as both Batman and the Joker, and Darren Criss as Raphael.
- Crossover between Batman and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
- Batman and the Turtles unite against their enemies.
- Troy Baker voices Batman and the Joker; Darren Criss voices Raphael.
- A fun and thrilling ride for fans of both franchises.
- Highlights the power of unlikely alliances.
- Emphasizes camaraderie in overcoming danger.
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020)
“Justice League Dark: Apokolips War,” a 2020 animated film by Matt Peters and Christina Sotta, presents a grand battle against Darkseid with heroes like the Justice League and Teen Titans, featuring Matt Ryan and Rosario Dawson as Constantine and Wonder Woman.
- Ultimate battle against Darkseid.
- Justice League, Teen Titans, and others unite.
- Stars Matt Ryan as Constantine, Rosario Dawson as Wonder Woman.
- A thrilling conclusion to the DC Animated Movie Universe.
- Emphasizes hope, sacrifice, and unity.
- An explosive adventure for DC Universe fans.
Justice League Dark (2017)
“Justice League Dark,” a 2017 animated film directed by Jay Oliva, delves into the DC Universe’s mystical side, featuring Batman teaming up with magic-wielding heroes like John Constantine and Zatanna, played by Matt Ryan and Camilla Luddington.
- Explores the supernatural aspects of the DC Universe.
- Batman enlists a team of magic-wielding heroes.
- Features Matt Ryan as Constantine, Camilla Luddington as Zatanna.
- Presents a compelling dynamic within the supernatural team.
- Offers a darker, more mysterious perspective.
- Highlights the power of magic and unseen battles.
- Essential for fans seeking a different aspect of the DC Universe.
Batman: Bad Blood (2016)
In “Batman: Bad Blood,” a 2016 animated film directed by Jay Oliva, the Bat-family, including Nightwing, Robin, Batwoman, and Batwing, unite to find the missing Batman, featuring voices from Jason O’Mara and Yvonne Strahovski.
- Focuses on the disappearance of Batman.
- Nightwing, Robin, Batwoman, and Batwing team up for the rescue.
- Stars Jason O’Mara as Batman, Yvonne Strahovski as Batwoman.
- Explores the dynamics of the Bat-family.
- A character-driven, action-packed adventure.
- Highlights unity, trust, and the bond between heroes.
- A must-watch for fans of Batman and his extended family.
Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (2015)
“Justice League: Throne of Atlantis,” a 2015 animated film directed by Ethan Spaulding, features Aquaman discovering his heritage and joining forces with the Justice League to prevent an Atlantis-surface war, with voices from Matt Lanter and Rosario Dawson.
- Centers on Aquaman discovering his Atlantean heritage.
- Aquaman joins the Justice League.
- Averts a war between Atlantis and the surface world.
- Stars Matt Lanter as Aquaman, Rosario Dawson as Wonder Woman.
- An underwater odyssey exploring Aquaman’s origins.
- Highlights identity, heritage, and bridging divides.
- Essential for fans of Aquaman and the Justice League.
DC Universe Animated Original Movies in order of release!
Prepare to embark on an animated journey through the DC Universe! Since 2007, the DC Universe Animated Original Movies (DCUAOM) have captivated fans with their stunning visuals, compelling storylines, and iconic characters.
From the Man of Steel’s battles to the Dark Knight’s adventures, these animated films have showcased the rich tapestry of the DC Universe, leaving a lasting impact on superhero storytelling.
- Superman: Doomsday (2007)
- Justice League: The New Frontier (2008)
- Batman: Gotham Knight (2008)
- Wonder Woman (2009)
- Green Lantern: First Flight (2009)
- Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009)
- Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010)
- Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)
- Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010)
- All-Star Superman (2011)
- Green Lantern: Emerald Knights (2011)
- Batman: Year One (2011)
- Justice League: Doom (2012)
- Superman vs. The Elite (2012)
- The Dark Knight Returns – Part 1 (2012)
- The Dark Knight Returns – Part 2 (2013)
- Superman: Unbound (2013)
- Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)
- Justice League: War (2014)
- Son of Batman (2014)
- Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014)
- Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (2015)
- Batman vs. Robin (2015)
- Justice League: Gods and Monsters (2015)
- Batman: Bad Blood (2016)
- Justice League vs. Teen Titans (2016)
- Batman: The Killing Joke (2016)
- Justice League Dark (2017)
- Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (2017)
- Batman and Harley Quinn (2017)
- Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018)
- Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay (2018)
- The Death of Superman (2018)
- Constantine: City of Demons (2018)
- Reign of the Supermen (2019)
- Justice League vs. The Fatal Five (2019)
- Batman: Hush (2019)
- Wonder Woman: Bloodlines (2019)
- Superman: Red Son (2020)
- Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020)
- Superman: Man of Tomorrow (2020)
- Batman: Soul of the Dragon (2021)
- Justice Society: World War II (2021)
- Teen Titans Go! See Space Jam (2021)
- Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One (2021)
- Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two (2021)
- Injustice (2021)
- Catwoman: Hunted (2022)
- Teen Titans Go! & DC Super Hero Girls: Mayhem in the Multiverse (2022)
- Green Lantern: Beware My Power (2022)
- Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons (2022)
- Legion of Super-Heroes (2023)
- Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham (2023)
- Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One (2023)
- Justice League: Warworld (2023)