How To Watch Dc Animated Movies In Order
So, you want to dive headfirst into the wonderful world of DC animated movies? Awesome! It's like binge-watching the best superhero cartoons, only they’re feature-length and often surprisingly deep.
The good news is, watching them in order isn't as intimidating as, say, understanding the Flash's powers. Here's a straightforward guide to get you started.
The "DCAU" - The Beginning (ish)
Let's start with the DC Animated Universe (DCAU). Think of this as the OG, the granddaddy of interconnected DC animated stories. This is where it all started!
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The first step? Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993). Don't let the vintage tag fool you; this movie is still amazing. It is a fantastic starting point even if not the first movie to be released in the DCAU timeline.
Next, dive into Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero (1998). It dives into Mr. Freeze's tragic origin story which is surprisingly moving. Get ready for some feels!
Then, proceed with Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000). Witness Terry McGinnis grappling with the Joker's legacy in a dark and thrilling tale. It's Batman, but with a futuristic twist!
Finish the Batman saga of the DC Animated Universe with Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman (2003). The mystery will be worth solving.
The universe expands with Superman: The Last Son of Krypton (1996) and Superman: Brainiac Attacks (2006). Witness the strength and wisdom of the last son of Krypton.
The DCAU culminate with Batman/Superman Movie: World's Finest (1997), Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013) and Justice League vs. Teen Titans (2016). Experience the world finest team up!
The DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU)
Now, let's move on to the DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU). This is a more modern, interconnected storyline. Consider it a reboot with a fresh coat of paint.
The kickoff point? Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013). It's a mind-bending story where The Flash messes with the timeline. Alternate realities and twisted versions of your favorite heroes await!
Next, comes Justice League: War (2014). The Justice League forms to defend Earth from Darkseid's invasion. It's action-packed and introduces a slightly different take on the team.
Continue with Son of Batman (2014). Batman discovers he has a son, Damian Wayne, trained as an assassin. Expect father-son bonding... with a lot of punching and kicking.
Next, watch Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (2015). Aquaman must choose between the surface world and his Atlantean heritage. It's an underwater epic with some surprisingly touching moments.
Continue your journey with Batman vs. Robin (2015), Batman: Bad Blood (2016), Justice League vs. Teen Titans (2016), Justice League Dark (2017) and Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (2017). Prepare for your favorite characters to face their fears and enemies!
Finish with Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay (2018), Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020). It is a wild ride with some of DC's most morally questionable characters. The stakes are high, and not everyone makes it out alive!
The Elseworlds and Standalones
Beyond the main universes, there's a treasure trove of standalone movies. These Elseworlds tales explore alternate realities and unique takes on classic characters. Feel free to jump around in these.
Batman: Gotham Knight (2008). An anthology of animated shorts showcasing different art styles and Batman stories. It's a visual feast!
Consider also Wonder Woman (2009). A faithful adaptation of Wonder Woman's origin story. Get ready to be inspired by her strength and compassion!
There is also Green Lantern: First Flight (2009). Hal Jordan's first adventure as a Green Lantern. Expect cosmic battles and intergalactic intrigue!
Don't miss Justice League: The New Frontier (2008). A retro-inspired tale set in the 1950s. It's a stylish and thought-provoking take on the Justice League's formation.
Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010). A dark and emotional story about a figure from Batman's past. Prepare for some serious feels and a complex moral dilemma!
And last but not least, The Dark Knight Returns, Parts 1 & 2 (2012-2013). An older Batman returns to fight crime in a dystopian Gotham. It's a gritty and epic tale that's considered a classic.
So, there you have it! A fun and easy roadmap to exploring the amazing world of DC animated movies. Grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be entertained!
