The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Chronological Order
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is a shared universe of superhero films based on the characters from DC Comics. If you prefer to watch the movies in chronological order, here is the suggested viewing order:
1. Wonder Woman (2017): Set during World War I, this origin story follows the Amazonian princess, Diana, as she embarks on a mission to stop the god of war, Ares.
2. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020): This sequel takes place in the 1980s and sees Diana facing off against a charismatic businessman who possesses a powerful artifact that grants wishes.
3. Man of Steel (2013): Witness the origin story of Clark Kent, also known as Superman, as he discovers his powers and confronts the threat of General Zod.
4. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016): The world’s finest heroes, Superman and Batman, clash in an epic battle while also dealing with the arrival of a formidable alien threat.
5. Suicide Squad (2016): A group of incarcerated supervillains is enlisted by the government to execute dangerous missions in exchange for reduced sentences.
6. Justice League (2017): Batman and Wonder Woman assemble a team of metahumans to combat an otherworldly invasion led by the powerful villain, Steppenwolf.
7. Aquaman (2018): Dive into the underwater kingdom of Atlantis as Arthur Curry, half-human and half-Atlantean, embraces his destiny as the true ruler.
8. Shazam! (2019): Follow the adventure of a 14-year-old foster kid who can transform into a superhero by saying the word “Shazam.”
9. Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020): Harley Quinn teams up with a group of female superheroes to protect a young girl from a ruthless crime lord.
10. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020): Although released after other films, this sequel is set in the 1980s and fits chronologically between Wonder Woman and Man of Steel.
By following this chronological order, you will witness the events of the DCEU unfold in a cohesive narrative and gain a deeper understanding of the interconnected stories and characters.
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Release Order
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) films were released in a specific order, which can also be a great way to experience the storylines and character arcs. Here is the release order of the DCEU films:
1. Man of Steel (2013): This film serves as the starting point for the DCEU, introducing Henry Cavill as Superman and his initial struggles to find his place among humanity.
2. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016): The clash between the two iconic superheroes, Batman and Superman, takes center stage as the world questions their intentions and powers.
3. Suicide Squad (2016): A team of supervillains is assembled by Amanda Waller to undertake high-risk missions, offering a different perspective on the DC Universe.
4. Wonder Woman (2017): This origin story follows Diana Prince as she leaves her Amazonian home to help end World War I, becoming the legendary superhero known as Wonder Woman.
5. Justice League (2017): Batman and Wonder Woman unite a team of metahumans, including Superman, Aquaman, Flash, and Cyborg, to save the world from the destructive Steppenwolf.
6. Aquaman (2018): Exploring the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, this film follows Arthur Curry’s journey to claim his rightful place as the king and protect both the land and sea.
7. Shazam! (2019): A young boy gains the ability to transform into an adult superhero with the help of an ancient wizard, using his newfound powers to battle evil.
8. Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020): Harley Quinn joins forces with a group of female anti-heroes to save a young girl from a dangerous crime lord.
9. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020): Set in the 1980s, this sequel follows Wonder Woman as she confronts new adversaries while dealing with the consequences of a powerful artifact.
The release order provides a way to experience the DCEU as it unfolded on the big screen, allowing you to witness the growth and development of the interconnected universe, as well as the expansion of the diverse roster of characters.
The Nolanverse Batman Movies
Before the emergence of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), director Christopher Nolan created a gritty and realistic take on the Dark Knight in what is known as the Nolanverse. These films are a standalone trilogy and explore the origin and journey of Batman. Here are the three movies in the Nolanverse Batman series:
1. Batman Begins (2005): This film delves into the early years of Bruce Wayne and his transformation into Batman. Trained by the League of Shadows, Batman fights against the corruption plaguing Gotham City, led by the villainous Ra’s al Ghul.
2. The Dark Knight (2008): Considered one of the greatest superhero films of all time, it portrays Batman’s confrontation with the Joker, played masterfully by Heath Ledger. The film explores themes of chaos and morality as Batman faces his greatest adversary.
3. The Dark Knight Rises (2012): Set eight years after the events of the previous film, Batman comes out of retirement to protect Gotham City from the threat of the merciless terrorist known as Bane. The film showcases Batman’s ultimate sacrifice and the rise of a new hero.
The Nolanverse Batman movies are characterized by their darker tone, grounded storytelling, and exploration of complex themes. Christopher Nolan’s innovative direction and the captivating performances of actors like Christian Bale and Heath Ledger elevated these films to critical and commercial success.
While these movies exist separately from the DCEU, they offer a unique and compelling interpretation of Batman’s world, providing a different perspective on the iconic superhero.
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Phase One
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Phase One marks the initial stage of the interconnected superhero films that began with the release of Man of Steel in 2013. This phase sets the foundation for the universe and introduces some of the most iconic DC characters. Here are the films that comprise the DCEU Phase One:
Man of Steel (2013): Directed by Zack Snyder, this film serves as the starting point of the DCEU. It follows the story of Superman, played by Henry Cavill, as he embraces his role as Earth’s protector and battles General Zod, another survivor of Krypton.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016): This epic clash between two legendary superheroes, portrayed by Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill respectively, explores the ramifications of their differing ideologies. Lex Luthor poses a threat that forces Batman and Superman to join forces.
Suicide Squad (2016): This ensemble film brings together a team of notorious supervillains who are recruited by Amanda Waller, played by Viola Davis, for a dangerous mission. Led by Deadshot, played by Will Smith, the Suicide Squad must save the world.
Wonder Woman (2017): Set during World War I, this film serves as the origin story of Diana Prince, also known as Wonder Woman. Gal Gadot portrays the powerful Amazonian warrior as she discovers her true destiny and confronts the god of war, Ares.
Justice League (2017): Batman and Wonder Woman, played by Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot, assemble a team of metahumans including Superman, Aquaman, Flash, and Cyborg to face the threat of Steppenwolf. The film explores the formation of the iconic superhero team.
The films in the DCEU Phase One lay the groundwork for the shared universe, introducing key characters and their respective storylines. They showcase the struggle between good and evil, as well as the complexities of the heroes’ journeys. With epic battles, emotional narratives, and a growing sense of unity, Phase One sets the stage for further exploration of the DC Comics universe in subsequent phases.
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Phase Two
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Phase Two continues the interconnected storytelling that began in Phase One, further expanding the universe and introducing new characters. This phase builds upon the foundation established in the previous films and explores the challenges faced by the heroes. Here are the films that make up the DCEU Phase Two:
Man of Steel (2013): Although released in Phase One, Man of Steel sets the tone for the DCEU and serves as the starting point for Superman’s journey.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016): This film, also released in Phase One, includes the introduction of Batman and Wonder Woman into the DCEU, setting the stage for their future adventures.
Suicide Squad (2016): While introducing a group of antiheroes in Phase One, Suicide Squad plays an important role in Phase Two, showcasing the complexities of the villains’ lives and their impact on the DCEU.
Wonder Woman (2017): The origin story of Wonder Woman, released in Phase One, continues to reverberate in Phase Two, as the character’s impact on the DCEU grows.
Justice League (2017): The formation of the superhero team, consisting of Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, Aquaman, Flash, and Cyborg, and their battle against Steppenwolf, marks a significant milestone in the DCEU, solidifying the sense of unity and camaraderie among the heroes.
Aquaman (2018): One of the standout members of the Justice League, Aquaman, played by Jason Momoa, gets his standalone film in Phase Two. The film delves into Atlantean history, Arthur Curry’s personal journey, and the challenges he faces to claim his rightful place as the king of Atlantis.
Shazam! (2019): Phase Two introduces the lighthearted and comedic superhero Shazam, who inherits his powers from an ancient wizard. The film explores themes of family, responsibility, and the importance of embracing one’s true self.
With Phase Two, the DCEU expands its roster of heroes and villains, deepening their individual storylines and further interconnecting their narratives. The films in this phase continue to build upon the foundation set in Phase One, while introducing new characters and building anticipation for future installments.
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Phase Three
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Phase Three represents the next stage of the interconnected superhero films that continue to expand the universe and introduce new storylines and characters. This phase brings together the established heroes while also introducing fresh faces and exploring new dimensions of the DCEU. Here are the films that make up the DCEU Phase Three:
Man of Steel (2013): This film, released in Phase One, serves as the starting point for the DCEU and establishes the origin story of Superman.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016): The clash between Batman and Superman, released in Phase One, sets the stage for the events of Phase Three as it highlights the growing conflict and tensions within the DCEU.
Suicide Squad (2016): This film, featuring a team of supervillains forced to band together, introduces important characters and events that play a role in Phase Three.
Wonder Woman (2017): The origin story and subsequent solo adventures of Wonder Woman, released in Phase One, continue to have an impact throughout Phase Three as the character’s importance in the DCEU grows.
Justice League (2017): The formation of the superhero team, released in Phase Two, sets the foundation for the events and challenges faced by the heroes in Phase Three.
Aquaman (2018): Building on the events of Phase Two, this standalone film explores the underwater kingdom of Atlantis and continues the story of Arthur Curry, aka Aquaman.
Shazam! (2019): The introduction of the lighthearted superhero Shazam, released in Phase Two, provides a fresh and comedic perspective in the DCEU while also tying into the overarching narrative.
Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020): This film focuses on the character of Harley Quinn and her team-up with a group of female anti-heroes, adding a dynamic and unique perspective to Phase Three.
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020): Set in the 1980s, this sequel explores new adventures for Wonder Woman and further expands the mythos established in the earlier films.
Phase Three of the DCEU builds upon the events and character development of the previous phases, introducing new storylines, and expanding the scope and scale of the universe. As the DCEU continues to evolve, Phase Three sets the stage for the future of the franchise and keeps fans eagerly anticipating what comes next.
The Standalone DC Movies
In addition to the interconnected universe of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), there have been several standalone movies featuring individual DC characters. These films offer unique storytelling experiences and provide opportunities to delve deeper into the lives and adventures of iconic heroes and villains. Here are some notable standalone DC movies:
The Dark Knight Trilogy: Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, consisting of Batman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012), provides a grounded and realistic interpretation of Batman’s universe, showcasing the inner struggles of Bruce Wayne and his battles against memorable villains like the Joker and Bane.
Joker (2019): This critically acclaimed film explores the origin story of one of Batman’s most iconic foes, the Joker. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a mesmerizing performance that offers a deeper understanding of the character’s psychological turmoil and the societal factors that contribute to his transformation.
Watchmen (2009): Based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore, this film presents an alternate history where superheroes are a part of society. It delves into complex moral dilemmas and human nature, offering a dark and thought-provoking take on the superhero genre.
V for Vendetta (2005): Set in a dystopian future, this film follows V, a masked vigilante, as he seeks to free the people from a totalitarian government. It explores themes of freedom, identity, and the power of individuals to bring about change.
Constantine (2005): Starring Keanu Reeves as the titular character, this supernatural thriller follows an exorcist and occult detective who battles demons and other supernatural forces. It offers a darker and grittier take on the occult side of the DC universe.
These standalone DC movies provide compelling and engaging stories that can be enjoyed independent of the broader DCEU. They offer unique perspectives on beloved characters, explore different genres, and give filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their creative visions within the rich DC Comics universe.
The DC Animated Movies
The world of DC Comics has not only been brought to life through live-action movies, but also through a vibrant collection of animated films. These animated movies capture the essence of beloved DC characters, providing fans with enthralling stories, stunning animation, and memorable voice performances. Here are some notable examples of the DC animated movies:
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993): This animated feature film explores the dark and complex psyche of Batman as he faces a mysterious new vigilante known as the Phantasm. The movie delves into Batman’s origin story and showcases his struggle to reconcile his dual identities.
Justice League: The New Frontier (2008): Set in the 1950s, this film features the founding members of the Justice League as they come together to battle an otherworldly threat. It offers a blend of retro nostalgia, political themes, and larger-than-life superhero action.
Wonder Woman (2009): This animated film delves into the origins of Wonder Woman, presenting a compelling story that showcases her warrior prowess and determination to bring peace to the world. It is a powerful exploration of female strength and heroism.
The Death of Superman (2018): Based on the famous comic book storyline, this film chronicles the battle between Superman and the unstoppable creature known as Doomsday. It is a thrilling and emotional tale that explores the impact of Superman’s sacrifice on the world.
Batman: The Killing Joke (2016): Adapted from the iconic graphic novel, this film delves into the twisted and tragic relationship between Batman and the Joker. It provides a dark and psychological exploration of both characters’ psyches.
The DC animated movies offer a wide range of storytelling possibilities, allowing for creative and imaginative adaptations of classic comic book arcs and original tales. They provide fans with a chance to see their favorite characters in animated form, accompanied by compelling narratives that capture the essence of what makes DC Comics so beloved.
The Arrowverse-DC TV Shows
The Arrowverse is a shared television universe consisting of various DC Comics-inspired shows that air on The CW network. These TV shows offer an expansive and interconnected storytelling experience, featuring a wide range of DC superheroes and their adventures. Here are some notable entries in the Arrowverse:
Arrow (2012-2020): The series that started it all, Arrow follows billionaire playboy Oliver Queen as he becomes the vigilante known as Green Arrow. It sets the dark and gritty tone for the Arrowverse while introducing a host of memorable supporting characters.
The Flash (2014-present): This spin-off focuses on Barry Allen, a forensic scientist who gains super-speed and becomes the Flash. Known for its light-hearted tone, The Flash incorporates time travel, parallel dimensions, and a multitude of speedster villains.
Supergirl (2015-present): Following the adventures of Kara Danvers, Superman’s cousin, Supergirl embraces themes of hope and empowerment. It explores Kara’s journey as she embraces her role as Supergirl and protects National City from various threats.
Legends of Tomorrow (2016-present): This ensemble series brings together a group of heroes and antiheroes who travel through time to prevent cataclysmic events. Legends of Tomorrow embraces humor, adventure, and an eclectic mix of characters from across the Arrowverse.
Batwoman (2019-present): Starring the first openly lesbian lead character in a live-action superhero series, Batwoman follows Kate Kane as she takes up the mantle to protect Gotham City. The show tackles social issues while incorporating traditional Batman mythology.
Black Lightning (2018-2021): Set in a separate universe but connected through a crossover event, Black Lightning focuses on Jefferson Pierce, a high school principal with electrical powers who fights crime in the city of Freeland.
The order of the TV shows may vary slightly depending on viewing preferences. While the Arrowverse offers an interconnected narrative, each show also stands on its own, allowing viewers to pick and choose their favorite superheroes and storylines.
With its extensive roster of DC characters, the Arrowverse provides fans with a vast array of adventures, character development, and thrilling crossovers that depict the vastness and diversity of the DC universe on the small screen.
