DC Movies Of The 21st Century, Ranked From Worst To Best

25. Catwoman (2004)

This movie is widely regarded as the worst DC movie ever made. The plot had literally zero connection to the original character of Catwoman. It has earned the crown of being the worst superhero movie ever created. The film had almost nothing to do with the iconic DC character, featuring a bizarre plot about evil makeup and supernatural cat powers. Fans rejected its nonsensical story, questionable CGI, and a costume that remains infamous to this day.

24. Green Lantern (2011)

A movie so bad that the lead actor came back from another comic universe to shoot himself down and prevent it from ever happening. While we’re glad it was merely fiction, the film was a disaster class for DC. It prevented DC from going all in on their superhero movies for many years to come. It had a basic villain, a generic plot, and poor CGI that made audiences dislike the portrayal of Hal Jordan, who is the greatest Lantern Corps member in the comics.

23. Justice League (2017)

This film caused a massive fallout among fans. It clearly lacked originality, and viewers could sense the clash of different directorial styles. The movie was finished by Joss Whedon after Zack Snyder left the DCU. Its weird plot and bland villain caused mayhem among audiences and led to the widespread movement #ReleaseTheSnyderCut. Undoubtedly, Justice League was a massive blow to DC's reputation and created distrust among fans regarding plot quality.

22. The Flash (2023)

Despite production hurdles and controversies, The Flash performed well at the box office. The biggest audience complaint was about the casting. Fans praised the film’s humor, emotional core, and, above all, the triumphant return of Michael Keaton as Batman. Many believe that if Grant Gustin had been cast as the Flash, the well-written plot could’ve delivered an even better outcome.

21. Suicide Squad (2016)

If there was anything good in this movie, it was Margot Robbie and her portrayal of Harley Quinn. The plot was bizarre, and Suicide Squad had a paper-thin storyline. The biggest regret audiences had was that the Joker wasn’t utilized well. The movie had a strong box office start and great marketing, but in the end, that could only take it so far. David Ayer's Suicide Squad left audiences deeply divided and ultimately disappointed.

20. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

We like this movie for its gritty portrayal of Batman and its overall plot. However, it was not as popular among audiences as Zack Snyder intended it to be. The epic showdown between DC's two biggest icons was one of the most anticipated films of the decade, but it left a large portion of the audience feeling cold. Fans especially mocked the film for its convoluted plot and the infamous “Martha” scene. Overall, Batman v Superman created a lot of hype but did not live up to it.

19. Superman Returns (2006)

Bryan Singer's loving homage to the Christopher Reeve films was beautifully shot but melancholic, failing to connect with a large part of the audience. The movie didn’t present Superman as the optimistic symbol of hope fans were used to from the comics. The plot centered around Superman’s secret child and lacked action, maintaining a dull tone throughout. However, audiences appreciated Brandon Routh's performance.

18. Aquaman (2018)

This movie was a wild underwater adventure and a visually stunning spectacle. Jason Momoa's charismatic performance as the swashbuckling hero won audiences over, who enjoyed the fun, over-the-top action and impressive world-building. The film focused more on entertainment rather than heavy themes, offering a refreshing change of pace. Aquaman restored considerable faith among fans in the DC Universe once again.

17. Black Adam (2022)

Sometimes there’s a massive split between critics and audiences, and Black Adam is a prime example. The film delivered exactly what it promised—a relentless, unstoppable antihero giving superheroes a run for their money. Critics found the plot too simplistic, but Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s commanding presence and high-octane action made it a hit with fans.

16. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2022)

The final film of the DCEU era went out with a bang. Jason Momoa’s second outing as Aquaman delivered another visually appealing underwater adventure. The buddy-comedy dynamic between Momoa’s Arthur and Patrick Wilson’s Orm was a highlight. While not groundbreaking, it was a fun, visually engaging, and satisfyingly simple superhero adventure to close out the franchise.

15. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

Although released after Wonder Woman’s successful debut, this sequel left audiences wanting more. The movie failed to capitalize on its predecessor’s popularity. Viewers criticized its convoluted plot, questionable character decisions, and goofy tone, which felt like a step back from the original's sincerity. Controversial plot points like Steve Trevor's return and a lackluster final act left audiences feeling the sequel had lost the magic that made the first film so special.

14. Watchmen (2009)

Usually, a movie faithful to its source material wins over fans for its loyalty. However, when Zack Snyder created Watchmen, it received mixed reviews. Rather than a box office hit, it became a cult classic. Snyder's adaptation of Alan Moore's legendary graphic novel is visually stunning and complex, but audiences generally disliked its dense, dark, and deconstructionist take on superheroes. This was not a movie for casual viewers, but for a dedicated fan base.

13. Man of Steel (2013)

This film essentially kicked off the DCEU under Zack Snyder’s guidance. It’s known for two things: its spectacular, high-stakes action sequences and Henry Cavill’s commanding presence as Superman. The second—more humorous—aspect comes from the “aura-farming Superman” meme, especially popular after newer Superman releases. The film’s gritty, destructive tone would define the DCU for years to come.

12. Shazam! (2019)

Shazam! was funny, witty, and faithfully adapted the idea of a kid becoming a superhero. Zachary Levi’s infectiously fun performance and the movie’s focus on family made it a sweet, emotional experience. It proved DC could succeed with lighthearted comedy as much as with epic action. Sometimes, all you need is a heartfelt and enjoyable story instead of high-stakes chaos.

11. Joker (2019)

Joaquin Phoenix absolutely blew it out of the park with his dark and gritty portrayal of one of DC’s most deranged characters, rightfully earning an Oscar. The film’s grounded approach and powerful social commentary made it a cultural phenomenon, proving that a dark, R-rated, artistically ambitious comic book movie could be a massive success.

10. Birds of Prey (2020)

As mentioned before, Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn was the best thing to come out of Suicide Squad, and Birds of Prey proved she was born for the role. Her second outing as Joker’s maniacal lover was a chaotic, colorful, and wildly entertaining R-rated action-comedy. Audiences enjoyed its non-linear storytelling, dark humor, and fantastically choreographed fight scenes. The movie did justice to Harley by giving her the spotlight she deserved, becoming an instant hit among fans.

9. Blue Beetle (2023)

Blue Beetle was a heartfelt and charming origin story that audiences fell in love with. Fans praised its focus on family, its humor, and Xolo Maridueña’s fantastic lead performance. It was a fun, refreshing, and culturally significant superhero film with a huge heart — a true farewell to the DCEU.

8. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Christopher Nolan delivered an amazing conclusion to his Batman trilogy. With villains that tested Batman both mentally and physically, it was truly a high-stakes story. DC also redeemed Catwoman’s image with Anne Hathaway’s sleek and confident portrayal. Tom Hardy’s menacing performance as Bane, combined with a powerful and emotional finale, gave Bruce Wayne a satisfying send-off.

7. Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)

Fans truly won with this one. Their intense campaign pushed DC to release the original four-hour version of Justice League as intended. It was hailed as a masterpiece and a vast improvement over the theatrical cut. With epic scale, deep character development, and powerful storytelling, it stood as a monumental achievement—willed into existence by fan passion.

5. Wonder Woman (2017)

The original Wonder Woman is hailed as a masterpiece of the DCEU. It portrayed the heroine faithfully and powerfully adapted her comic persona. Patty Jenkins's film brought Wonder Woman to the big screen in an inspiring, emotionally resonant origin story. Gal Gadot’s perfect balance of compassion and strength, combined with thrilling action, was adored by fans and critics alike.

4. Batman Begins (2005)

Leave it to Christopher Nolan to create a grand reboot of one of DC’s best characters. Christian Bale’s intense performance, the intelligent script, and the film’s focus on Bruce Wayne’s psychology made Batman Begins a serious, dramatic triumph. It laid the foundation for one of the greatest trilogies ever made.

3. The Suicide Squad (2021)

James Gunn's R-rated reboot was bloody, bizarre, and truly embraced the Suicide Squad philosophy. Audiences loved its irreverent humor, shocking violence, and emotional depth. With a cast of lovable D-list weirdos like King Shark and Polka-Dot Man, the film was a wild, creative, and confident ride hailed as one of the best and most entertaining DCEU entries.

2. The Batman (2022)

“I am vengeance!” Matt Reeves’s dark, gritty, and detective-focused take on the Caped Crusader was a massive hit. Fans loved the neo-noir atmosphere and Robert Pattinson's brooding performance. The portrayal of Batman as the “World’s Greatest Detective” stood out. It was a visually stunning, thematically rich crime thriller that offered a fresh, compelling vision of Gotham and its Dark Knight.

1. The Dark Knight (2008)

The Dark Knight is hands down one of the best superhero movies ever made. It sits atop the DC pantheon for both critics and fans. Defined by Heath Ledger’s Oscar-winning performance as the Joker, the film remains a sprawling, complex crime epic. His terrifying portrayal of chaos created a villain for the ages. The Dark Knight will be remembered for generations for its brilliant plot, performances, and character development.