10 Most Essential DC Movies

While most people may think of the Marvel Cinematic Universe when it comes to superhero films, DC was on the scene with some of the best cape flicks out there far before the Marvel Universe took over the superhero cinema space. While they had a streak of struggle for a little bit, DC has been on the up-and-up, especially with James Gunn's new universe and his upcoming Superman film on the way.

Before that movie premieres, though, fans have a plethora of essential DC movies to look back on in preparation. The company has certainly had some losses over the years, but when they hit, they really hit. Indeed, many DC movies have become essential superhero films that cannot be forgotten. Whether a movie follows the legendary Batman or Superman or a whole new character in the cinematic superhero space, these projects are not to be missed. This list will discuss those DC movies that have become essential not only for the company itself but to the superhero genre as a whole.

10 'Joker' (2019)

Directed by Todd Phillips

In an era where studios have made a habit out of crafting entire films around a superhero's famous villains, one of the most iconic enemies in comic book history was definitely going to get one. Batman's most iconic villain also happens to be one of the most famous villains in fiction. So, when Todd Phillips hopped onto the scene to direct Joker, not many were surprised that the Clown Prince of Crime was getting a solo cinematic adventure.

The inherent concept of Joker getting a solo movie secured major box office numbers for this 2019 release, but the directing and camera work behind it also impressed the world. The movie also won two Oscars and took other major awards. Not only is Joker a big project in the DC world, but in superhero cinema as a whole, legitimizing the genre in the eyes of many.

9 'Blue Beetle' (2023)

Directed by Angel Manuel Soto

For quite some time, DC has played their major theatrical releases pretty close to the chest and typically only used big-name hitters like Batman and Superman. In recent years, however, they've begun to get a bit more confident exploring some of their not-as-recognizable characters. The risk paid off for DC in a major way with the release of Blue Beetle in 2023.

While not as many people went to theaters to see Blue Beetle, it did pretty well on digital sales, and people adored the newest journey featuring the lovable Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña). Audiences enjoyed Blue Beetle so much that the new head of DC Studios promised that Xolo Maridueña would be returning to the DCU as the character. This movie did major things in showing that DC's characters that sit outside of the typical Justice League lineup are just as viable for amazing stories as the major players.

8 'Shazam!' (2019)

Directed by David D. Sandberg

Before Blue Beetle took major steps in pushing the "use characters outside of Batman and Superman, please" agenda, Shazam! definitely made the biggest impact. With the release of this David F. Sandberg movie in 2019, audiences saw the major potential in the rest of the DC universe's cast of characters. Shazam! was not only a good superhero flick but an incredible coming-of-age story.

Before 2019, there weren't many young DC heroes getting the spotlight in film. Shazam! is one of this comic universe's biggest young heroes and, therefore, not only showed fans that lesser-known characters could work but the world's younger players could, as well. It also just happened to be both a critical and box office success, giving DC a much-needed win at a time when they really needed one.

7 'Wonder Woman' (2017)

Directed by Patty Jenkins

It's quite surprising that before 2017, there weren't many actual female-led superhero movies. So much so that the launch of this movie made headlines for being the first truly major superhero movie to surround a female superhero. DC beat Marvel Studios to the chase with the release of Wonder Woman and took over the film space at the time.

Gal Gadot captured the hearts of audiences through her appearance as Wonder Woman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, so her solo film debut only one year later obviously had people flocking to theaters. The story of Diana of Themyscira not only gripped viewers but inspired women all over the world as well. Wonder Woman served as an incredible example for young girls everywhere to look up to and made a huge difference.

6 'The Suicide Squad' (2021)

Directed by James Gunn

After the massive—some might say abhorrent—critical reception of Suicide Squad in 2016 (being one of the worst films ever written), absolutely no one expected DC to take another crack at the franchise. Especially with the director of Guardians of the Galaxy, James Gunn. There weren't many high hopes about the revival of such a notorious franchise, but fears about the movie were proven very wrong when the film was released in 2021.

The Suicide Squad was such a critical success that it set up the eventual promotion of Gunn to the head of DC Studios. The director proved that no franchise or character is beyond saving as long as their next project is handled with love, care and prowess. The Suicide Squad is a genuinely huge moment in DC film history.

5 'The Batman' (2022)

Directed by Matt Reeves

Batman has always been DC's biggest superhero, meaning he has been and most likely always will be one of the most famous and profitable comic book figures in film. However, a side of the character's comic history that has never really been showcased as prominently is his title as the World's Greatest Detective. Indeed, Batman can supposedly give Sherlock Holmes a run for his money.

The Batman pretty much went in with the unspoken promise that they'd be focusing far more on that area than any other live-action theatrical release that had come before. With the casting of Robert Pattinson, The Batman had a lot on its shoulders, not only as a follow-up to the DC Extended Universe adaption of the character but for taking such a new and unique spin on him. It proved to everyone that there were still new routes that DC could take with even their most seasoned film heroes. It's also just an all-around phenomenal film.

4 'Zack Snyder's Justice League' (2021)

Directed by Zack Snyder

After the utterly lame and outright terrible original Justice League (primarily thanks to Warner Bros. Pictures bringing in Joss Whedon to complete the movie), fans of the "Snyderverse" began to demand justice for director Zack Snyder and his vision. After having to step away from the project due to a horrifically unfortunate turn of events in his personal life, Snyder's vision was stolen from him, and a terrible film was released.

However, Snyder eventually got his shot to release the film he always intended to when he got the green light to finish it, eventually releasing the iconic Zack Snyder's Justice League. While the movie isn't perfect and certainly spawned some incredibly toxic areas of the fanbase, its mere existence showcased the power of the fans. Not to mention, the comparison between the new film to the old Justice League was the proof in the pudding that letting a director have their vision will result in a better product, more often than not.

3 'Batman' (1989)

Directed by Tim Burton

1989's Batman is one of the original top-tier theatrical superhero releases (aside from the obvious). Michael Keaton's Batman is known as one of the best there is, and for very good reason. Made back in an era when superhero films were not a big thing or had nearly as much of a chokehold on Hollywood as they do now, Batman was a refreshing entry that redefined how audiences saw the comic book genre.

Many claim Batman to be one of the main reasons superhero films have reached the heights they have today. It also helped reshape Batman's character for mainstream audiences. Not only is this one of the most essential superhero films of all time, but without Batman, superhero cinema as a whole would most likely not be what it is today.

2 'The Dark Knight' (2008)

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Whether one likes the movie or not, it can't be denied that The Dark Knight is one of the most impactful and groundbreaking movies in cape cinema. Not only does it have one of cinema's best villain performances ever, but also one of the best screenplays of the 2000-2010s. The fact that it's known as one of Christopher Nolan's best projects, alongside the likes of Inception and Interstellar, should be enough to cement its legacy as a modern classic.

The Dark Knight spawned many headlines and continues to be one of the most discussed comic book films to this very day. That alone makes it astoundingly impactful and a central pillar upon which modern DC rises. There's a reason that Christian Bale's Batman is so renowned, and The Dark Knight might just be his finest hour.

1 'Superman: The Movie' (1978)

Directed by Richard Donner

There is absolutely no denying that without Superman: The Movie, comic book movies would be nowhere near as popular as they are today. The Christopher Reeve Superman flicks proved that superhero films can work and be entertaining while still being heartfelt and poignant. It also happens to be one of the greatest and most entertaining cape flicks of all time. As cheesy as it can be at times, this movie had a profound impact on cinema as a whole.

Superman: The Movie is one of the best examples of how comic book films can be so much more than fun projects that are entertaining to the eyes. They can have an impact and genuinely mean something not just to Hollywood but to people all over the world. Superman made people believe a man could fly and inspired audiences all over the planet to look up and have hope.

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