The DC Animated Movie Universe has brought to life some of the most iconic superheroes and compelling storylines from the pages of DC Comics. With a rich history of animated films, it’s time to delve into the captivating world of these animated adventures and rank them from worst to best. From gritty and dark tales to epic team-ups and emotional character-driven narratives, the DC Animated Movie Universe has offered a diverse range of experiences for fans of all ages. We will take a deep dive into the animated universe, exploring the strengths of each film.
16. Wonder Woman: Bloodlines
Serving as the true start to the DC Animated Movie Universe. The origin story of one of DC’s most iconic superheroes, Wonder Woman. The movie explores Diana Prince’s journey from the isolated island of Themyscira to the modern world as she embraces her destiny as a champion for justice. Diana faces various challenges, including a dangerous conspiracy led by her arch-nemesis, the Cheetah, and the villainous Vermin Supreme. Its compelling storyline that delves into Wonder Woman’s mythology and character development. It showcases her growth from a curious warrior-in-training to a powerful, compassionate superhero.
15. Justice League: Throne of Atlantis
Serving as a direct sequel to Justice League: War and explores the origins of Aquaman while showcasing the unity and strength of the Justice League. We follow Arthur Curry as he discovers his Atlantean heritage and reluctantly takes up the mantle of the King of Atlantis. When a war between the surface world and Atlantis threatens to erupt, it’s up to the Justice League to prevent the destruction and find a peaceful resolution. The film dives into the complex character of Aquaman, delving into his internal struggle between his human and Atlantean identities.
14. Reign of the Supermen
A direct sequel to The Death of Superman, which adapts the popular DC comic book storyline from the 1990s that explores the aftermath of Superman’s apparent death by the hands of the monster Doomsday. As the world mourns the loss of Superman and is left vulnerable without its greatest protector. However, four individuals with superhuman abilities step forward, each claiming to be the true Superman. These characters include the charismatic Superboy, the high-tech hero Steel, the dark and mysterious Eradicator, and the violent, energy-based Cyborg Superman. The film explores the legacy and impact of Superman on the world.
13. Son of Batman
Based on the Batman and Son storyline from DC’s Batman comics. Damian Wayne is introduced as a highly skilled and headstrong teenager who has been raised by the League of Assassins. After the death of his mother, Talia, Damian is brought to Gotham City by Batman, who reveals their familial connection. Damian struggles to adapt to his new life and clashes with Batman’s methods of crime-fighting. However, as they face a formidable enemy, Deathstroke, Damian must learn to work with Batman and embrace his role as Robin.
12. Batman: Bad Blood
Bruce Wayne goes missing after an encounter with a new villain called the Heretic. As Gotham City falls into chaos, Batwoman, along with Nightwing, Robin (Damian Wayne), and Batwing, take up the mantle of Batman to keep the city safe. They must uncover the truth behind Batman’s disappearance, confront a dangerous conspiracy, and face their own personal struggles along the way. The film delves into the individual journeys of Batwoman, Nightwing, Robin, and Batwing as they grapple with their own identities and the weight of filling Batman’s shoes.
11. Batman: Hush
Based on the acclaimed comic book storyline of the same name by Jeph Loeb and Jim Lee. Bruce Wayne finds himself entangled in a web of deception and manipulation. Hush, a master strategist with a personal vendetta against Batman, targets both his personal and professional life. As Batman tries to uncover the identity of Hush, he encounters allies and enemies alike, including Catwoman, Superman, and the Joker, while facing unexpected twists and turns. The film masterfully intertwines Batman’s personal struggles, complex relationships, and high-stakes action.
10. Justice League vs. Teen Titans
The Justice League comes under the influence of a powerful demonic entity, Trigon, who plans to conquer the world. As the corrupted Justice League members pose a threat to humanity, the Teen Titans must step up to stop them and save their mentors. Led by Robin (Damian Wayne), the Teen Titans face their own internal conflicts while trying to come together as a team and overcome the formidable threat of Trigon. The dynamic between the two teams and the exploration of their contrasting styles and ideologies.
9. Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay
Amanda Waller assembles a new team of criminals, including Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, and Bronze Tiger, to retrieve a powerful mystical artifact known as the “Get Out of Hell Free” card. This card has the ability to grant its owner a one-time favor from heaven, and various powerful individuals are willing to kill to possess it. As the Suicide Squad faces dangerous adversaries and internal conflicts, they must confront their dark pasts and make difficult choices to complete their mission. Told with gritty and mature storytelling, while exploring the morally ambiguous nature of the Suicide Squad members.
8. Teen Titans: The Judas Contract
Based on the classic DC comic book storyline of the same name by Marv Wolfman and George Perez. The Teen Titans, consisting of Robin (Dick Grayson), Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy, and Blue Beetle, welcome a new member, Terra, with exceptional earth-controlling powers. However, as the team grows closer to Terra, they realize that she is working as a spy for their enemies, the nefarious organization known as H.I.V.E. The Titans must battle their own trust issues and confront the betrayal within their ranks while facing a dangerous threat.
7. Justice League Dark
When a series of supernatural incidents begin to occur, causing ordinary people to see horrific visions and commit acts of violence. As these events escalate, Batman seeks the help of the mystical heroes, including Constantine, Zatanna, Deadman, Etrigan the Demon, and Swamp Thing. Together, they form the Justice League Dark to uncover the source of these disturbances and prevent a supernatural catastrophe. The film delves into the supernatural abilities, complex backstories, and personal struggles of the team members.
6. Batman vs. Robin
Based on Scott Snyder’s 2011 run on DC’s Batman titled The Court of Owls. Batman discovers the existence of the Court of Owls, a clandestine organization that has secretly controlled Gotham City for centuries. As Batman investigates their activities, he becomes conflicted when Damian is tempted by the Court to join their ranks. The film showcases the strained father-son relationship as Batman tries to protect Damian from the Court’s influence while dealing with their ideological differences. The film delves into the complexities of Batman and Damian’s relationship, delving into their personal struggles.
5. Justice League: War
An adaptation of the Justice League: Origin storyline from DC’s New 52 comic book series. Earth is under attack by Darkseid and his army of Parademons. As the world faces destruction, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Cyborg, and Shazam come together to form the Justice League and defend humanity. However, their initial lack of trust and conflicting personalities make their teamwork challenging. Together, they must learn to put aside their differences and work as a team to save the world.
4. Constantine: City of Demons
John Constantine is approached by a troubled woman named Chas Chandler, who seeks his help in rescuing her daughter’s soul from the clutches of a powerful demon named Beroul. As Constantine delves into the depths of the occult underworld, he uncovers dark secrets and confronts personal demons from his past. Along the way, he must make dangerous choices and face the consequences of his actions. The film delves into the morally ambiguous nature of Constantine, showcasing his complex personality.
3. The Death of Superman
Adapted from the iconic comic book storyline of the same name from 1992. The movie explores the epic battle between Superman and the seemingly unstoppable monster known as Doomsday. Superman faces his greatest challenge yet when Doomsday, a powerful and relentless creature, arrives on Earth and begins wreaking havoc. As the Justice League struggles to stop Doomsday’s rampage, Superman confronts the creature in a titanic battle that shakes the very foundations of Metropolis.
2. Justice League Dark: Apokolips War
The epic conclusion to the DC Animated Movie Universe. Darkseid launches a full-scale invasion of Earth, leaving the world devastated and the superheroes scattered and broken. As the surviving members of the Justice League and Justice League Dark regroup, they devise a desperate plan to strike back at Darkseid and save the planet. The film showcases their last-ditch effort to unite and confront the overwhelming power of Darkseid, leading to a climactic battle for the fate of Earth.
1. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox
Kicking off the DC Animated Movie Universe and adapted from the comic book Flashpoint. Barry Allen wakes up in a world that he doesn’t recognize. His powers have vanished, and he discovers that he has inadvertently altered the timeline, resulting in a dystopian world where Aquaman and Wonder Woman wage a devastating war against each other. As Barry strives to restore the timeline and fix the damage he has caused, he must navigate this dangerous new reality and team up with unlikely allies to prevent a catastrophic event that could lead to the destruction of the world.
