With the DCU, the new DC Comics shared movie universe, on the horizon, it’s worth looking back on the DCEU, their previous movie universe. The iconic comic book characters were adapted into sixteen live action films, with some being great and others missing the mark completely. Let’s take a look at how they each rank, from worst to best.

16) The Flash (2023)

2023’s The Flash is a mess of a movie in so many ways. The visual effects are some of the worst in modern filmmaking. Barry Allen doesn’t feel like Barry Allen. There are almost no Flash characters, and the story instead focuses on Batman, Supergirl, and others. There aren’t even any villains of the Flash; The Flash is the villain in his own first movie, which is an insult to fans. 

It still doesn’t work for casual audiences who aren’t familiar with the source material. Even more insulting is that for the Flash’s first big screen film, they have him putting babies in microwaves and talking about his penis. Outside of being hard to look at, it’s filled with unfunny humor, a convoluted plot, and obnoxious characters. This one couldn’t have been anymore of a miss.

15) Justice League (2017)

Justice League is almost just as much of a mess, but at least there’s a reason why. The original filmmaker, Zack Snyder, stepped down due to a loss in the family, and Joss Whedon stepped in to finish the project. Whedon filled the movie with cringe-worthy humor, confusing decisions like a red sky, and awkward pacing. 

On top of that, characters like Cyborg had their screen time significantly cut while others were cut out entirely. Despite it being the first ever Justice League movie, Superman is barely in it. There are moments that cut to a random Russian family for no reason, in addition to plenty of other baffling storytelling decisions. It’s overall really sloppy, but with an occasional fun moment.

14) Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2017)

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is almost difficult to describe. There are plenty of fantastic scenes that are extremely fun to watch on their own, like the warehouse fight with Batman, the first time Bruce Wayne and Clark Kent met in live action on the big screen, Batman actually doing detective work, and just about any scene with Wonder Woman. 

However, those great scenes don’t go together very well. It doesn’t tell a great or cohesive story. Superman is barely in it despite his name being in the title. This version of Lex Luthor is just plain bizarre. There are comically bad moments throughout like the infamous “Martha” scene. This was a rough groundwork for the rest of the universe going forward.

13) Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020)

Birds of Prey is pretty competently made. The humor, action, and performances are all incredible. The plot is where it falls apart, though. For starters, it’s not even a Birds of Prey movie; they’re side characters in a Harley Quinn movie. Harley is getting over the Joker and growing into her own character, but the Joker is never seen, making her fall into the character trope of someone who won’t stop talking about their ex. Black Mask (who almost never wears his black mask) is after a diamond, but it’s barely discussed. Cassie Cane is some punk, wise-cracking street kid instead of a mute Batgirl. Barbara, the Batgirl who typically leads the team, isn’t in the movie whatsoever, and is instead replaced by the ex-girlfriend of her abuser, which is a disturbing choice.

The actual members of the Birds of Prey don’t get enough screen time to actually get a sense of their characters. Black Canary uses her power once throughout the whole movie. Imagine a Flash movie in which he only ran fast one time; it’s just one of many confusing choices they made here. This movie had potential, but it’s clear that there were perhaps too many cooks in the kitchen between how the script was written, how the film was made, and whatever the studio wanted to do with it.

12) Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)

Zack Snyder returned to complete his vision of Justice League, and this version is genuinely better. Plus, it’s really nice to see a studio allow an artist to get their vision finished and out into the world after experiencing terrible events. This version flows better, looks better (other than Superman’s CGI mouth), and gives more time to (most) characters who needed it.

That being said, it’s overly long, Superman is still barely in it for someone who should be a main character, and it feels so dark and self-important that it doesn’t match the source material tonally. Perhaps this would have been higher up on the list if everything it built up paid off, but there was never a return of Darkseid or Martian Manhunter or even the Justice League as a team (outside of a couple of cameos in The Flash. This one had potential, but ultimately went no where.

11) Suicide Squad (2016)

The first Suicide Squad movie is an interesting case because I do really like this movie, but I do see its flaws. It’s pretty noticeable that it was meant to be a more dramatic film but the studio made them add in more humor and lightheartedness, which led to some tonal whiplash. Because this is a team-up movie focusing on characters we haven’t met in this universe before, a lot of time is spent setting everything and everyone up. The pacing is also a mess, and this version’s Joker is just plain weird.

That being the humor that’s forced in is actually pretty funny, the character interactions are entertaining, the action is fun, and there are emotional moments that really land. The scene when Deadshot begs Batman not to deal with their business in front of his daughter is genuinely moving and is probably one of my favorite scenes in any comic book adaptation. Suicide Squad is a mixed bag that I ultimately enjoy.

10) Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

Wonder Woman 1984 may not have been as great as the first Wonder Woman film, but it’s still fun. The action sequences are entertaining, and there’s plenty of heart. The main antagonist admitting defeat so that he can be with his son is beautiful. Plus, there are plenty of easter eggs for fans, like the Invisible Jet.

Unfortunately, though, there are story elements that feel rushed or out of place here and there, and some of the effects leave a lot to be desired. What’s extra weird about it is stripping the character of her sword and shield without explanation, and then putting her in situations where she uses other objects as shields, and then giving her weapons back to her in other movies anyway. This film has some glaring flaws, but it’s still enjoyable.

9) Black Adam (2022)

Black Adam is an alright film. The action is incredible, the effects are impressive, and the political commentary is surprisingly well-handled and nice to see. The Justice Society of America were great additions to the DCEU and were a joy to watch.

Unfortunately, some of the storytelling is a bit messy, like Black Adam not knowing about doors even though he’s used doors before, and the civilians rising up only being a group of about 12 people. It’s an overall fine movie, but Black Adam should have just been the villain of a Shazam film.

8) Man of Steel (2013)

Man of Steel gets a bad rap. Sure, it’s a darker take on Superman, the nonlinear storytelling could have been done better, it’s a little too self-important, and the escape pods look comically phallic. Plus, it does have Superman break his one rule during the very first film of the franchise.

It’s still an enjoyable movie, though. The action and the scale of it feels truly epic. Henry Cavill is the perfect actor for the role of Superman. The effects hold up really well, too. It’s also worth noting that a more emotional take on the character is far from a bad thing, and this was a solid version of that. It has its flaws, but it ultimately is a great introduction for the universe as a whole.

7) Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom may not be anything special, but it’s a simple, fun action movie. It feels reminiscent of the Brendan Fraser Mummy movies. It’s filled with exciting moments and entertaining action. It doesn’t bring anything new or unique to the genre or the DCEU, but it’s enjoyable. It’s just a solid turn-your-brain-off blockbuster. Jason Mamoa may not be a comic-accurate version of Aquaman, but it’s still nice to see the iconic character played by someone who has fun in the role.

6) Shazam!: Fury of the Gods (2023)

Shazam!: Fury of the Gods is in a similar boat to Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom; it’s far from groundbreaking, but it’s a ton of fun. It’s not as great as the first Shazam! movie, but it totally doesn’t deserve the amount of hate it got from both critics and audiences.

It’s not as deep or interesting, but everything looks fantastic, the rest of the Shazam family get more time – leading to more entertaining interactions, and it still has a lot of heart. Using villains who have never appeared in the source material was a weird choice, but they weren’t bad villains. There’s something about a movie that has a little girl riding a unicorn impale a monster and shout “Taste the rainbow, motherf***er!” that’s hard to not find wildly entertaining.

5) The Suicide Squad (2021)

The Suicide Squad is a big step up from the first Suicide Squad film. The story feels tidier, and blends together the drama, action, and humor much better. The character interactions are all top-notch, the action is exhilarating, and there are surprises around every corner. The characters feel fleshed out and are a joy to spend the movie with, and the political commentary is great.

There are only a few things holding it back, like eliminating Rick Flag and Captain Boomerang just for shock value despite them being core team members in the source material is kind of a slap in the face. Also, some of the characters either don’t use their powers or are severely nerfed, like with Mongal somehow dying in a small explosion. Ignoring source material, it’s a really solid film filled with jaw-dropping moments.

4) Aquaman (2018)

Aquaman is a terrific superhero origin story that focuses on the themes of family and responsibility while also showcasing a fascinating political plot. The weight that’s thrust on Arthur Curry’s shoulders is felt by the audience. The underwater effects look brilliant, and Atlantis looks to be a spectacularly whimsical world.

The personal conflict between Aquaman and the antagonists makes everything feel more emotional. The action, whether it be the one-on-one battles or the massive war scenes, is always a thrill-ride. There’s also some great world-building throughout, expanding on this cinematic universe and making everything feel bigger. It’s also worth noting that the costumes for Aquaman, Ocean Master, and Black Manta are some of the best and most accurate in any comic book movie ever.

3) Wonder Woman (2017)

Wonder Woman is a phenomenal superhero origin movie, fish-out-of-water story, and historical fiction adventure. The action sequences all feel epic in scale. There’s tons of heart throughout with characters worth caring about. Humor is integrated quite well given the dire circumstances the world is in. This story is one of hope, as Wonder Woman leads a ragtag group of soldiers to stop one of the biggest wars in history. The world-building with Themyscira and the Amazons is fascinating, and the Amazon’s garb should have gotten this film a Best Costume Design Oscar.

It’s quite annoying that Doctor Poison’s face behind her mask was built up but never revealed, and that General Ludendorff was built up to be a primary antagonist to ultimately do nothing once Ares appeared, but it’s still a great watch every time.

2) Blue Beetle (2023)

Blue Beetle feels like a mix of an early 2000’s action flick with a modern blockbuster, and I mean that in the best way possible. It’s a simple story that manages to capture some solid world-building elements and brilliant sci-fi ideas. The sociopolitical themes are front and center and are great. The themes of family and community are just as strong. There are plenty of excellent, heartfelt, and hilarious character interactions throughout, and the action is spectacular. Even the romantic subplot is a fun addition. Blue Beetle’s powers look absolutely incredible on the big screen; how the film didn’t get a Visual Effects Oscar nomination is a head-scratcher. Plus, his suit and vehicle are extremely cool-looking. This is easily one of the most entertaining entries in the DCEU.

1) Shazam! (2019)

Not only is Shazam! my favorite entry in the DCEU, but it’s easily one of my favorite superhero movies ever. The characters and action are a lot of fun. The topic of found family is incredibly touching, and bringing in some of the issues with the foster system is powerful. The inner conflicts for both the protagonist and the antagonist are intriguing. None of the emotion and thought-provoking messages distract from the humor or the action. Some moments feel like parody and homage to superhero films while this serves as a great superhero film itself. Shazam! hits all the right notes and then some, making it the best the DCEU had to offer.

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