When James Gunn unveiled his grand design for a fresh DC Comics cinematic universe, he disclosed an inaugural set of ten movies and series linked together. The first, Creature Commandos, has already aired on Max. The following, Gunn’s Superman film, is slated for a summer theater release. However, at a recent press gathering, Gunn mentioned that some of the projects initially teased are taking longer than expected to materialize.
Apart from “Creature Commandos” and “Superman,” another early DCU project hinted by Gunn was “Waller,” a spinoff of “Suicide Squad” and “Peacemaker,” featuring Viola Davis. However, as Peter Safran, co-CEO of DC Studios, mentioned, the development of this project has been challenging, and they’ve tried multiple approaches but haven’t found the right fit yet. Translation: The release of “Waller” is not imminent.
Gunn and Safran mentioned that two other projects earlier announced have been taking longer than expected: a live-action TV series for Booster Gold and a film adaptation of the superhero team, The Authority. However, it is anticipated that one or two members from this group will make an appearance in Gunn’s own Superman movie.
The producer of the “Booster” series might have lost interest or gotten too occupied, while the development of “The Authority” has faced challenges and hasn’t been given top priority.
Contrarily, projects not part of the original lineup, such as a Clayface movie by Mike Flanagan, are progressing. Meanwhile, the Supergirl film and Green Lantern series that Gunn and Safran earlier declared are currently being produced.
According to Gunn, these projects are primarily driven by writers. He emphasized that his DC won’t start production until everyone involved is satisfied with the script. This applies to forthcoming projects like the new DC Batman movie, titled The Brave and the Bold. It seems Gunn is collaborating closely with the writer of this project to ensure it meets their expectations and aligns with what they wish to create.
Gunn’s Superman is scheduled to open in theaters on July 11, 2025.
Every DC Comics Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best
45. Catwoman (2004)
Halle Berry uncovers that her beauty business’s novel creation is hazardous, leading to her assassination by the company’s executives as a part of their concealment plan. However, cats miraculously revive her and she assumes the role of Catwoman, a historical figure known for patrolling the Earth. As a Catwoman, Berry’s character Patience Phillips combats crime (and occasionally instigates it) by utilizing her feline attributes: she is extremely agile, always manages to land on her feet, is an exceptional basketball player, enjoys stealing jewelry, employs whips, makes humorous basketball puns, and appreciates leather. This character embodies a real cat’s nature. The film Catwoman, directed by Pitof, who had a visual effects background, has its share of odd decisions, but it is undeniably the most poorly edited DC movie ever made. (The entire cast wears identical outfits for two consecutive days due to a decision to re-edit the movie and merge the first day’s events into two without reshooting anything.) The peculiar choices and blatant incompetence make Catwoman a delightful treat for fans of bad movies.
44. Jonah Hex (2010)
The character Jonah Hex, from DC Comics, is a tough, scar-faced Western hero who would have shone in a straightforward action film. However, the movie missed the mark by endowing him with supernatural abilities (he can converse with the deceased) and outlandish weaponry that matched its overly dramatic plot. The only reason it’s not at the bottom of this list is due to its brief runtime. Unfortunately, it’s short because it’s been severely edited, making it hard to follow. Remarkably, the film is such a unique failure that it makes Wild Wild West seem like a classic compared to The Searchers. And as for the Wild Wild West and its leading man…
The movie version of Jonah Hex, from DC Comics, would have been great with a traditional Western plot and Josh Brolin as a tough gunslinger. Instead, they gave him superpowers and absurd weapons, which didn’t fit the storyline. It’s only saved from being last due to its short length (because it’s been cut up so much). Unfortunately, it’s hard to understand because it’s been edited into pieces. This movie is so unusual in its failure that it makes Wild Wild West seem like a classic compared to The Searchers.
Regarding the Wild Wild West and its star…
43. Suicide Squad (2016)
In this movie, if the Suicide Squad hadn’t been present, the crisis they were summoned to address wouldn’t have occurred. The antagonist is a member of the Suicide Squad who rebels, and a significant portion of the plot revolves around saving a character whose true identity is a surprise (spoiler alert: it’s revealed that this person created and oversees the Suicide Squad). Essentially, in this movie, the Suicide Squad serves as both the source and the remedy for all the story’s troubles. The film was likely planned out logically by director David Ayer, but by the time Suicide Squad hit theaters, it had been edited into a cinematic salad. I should add that the “Extended Cut” of the film isn’t likely to improve it. In fact, Suicide Squad could have done without being any longer.
42. Steel (1997)
In this film, Shaquille O’Neal takes on a heartfelt yet absurdly comical role, portraying a character who temporarily assumed the Superman role in DC Comics during the 90s. Unfortunately, due to significant changes in Steel’s origin story, Superman is noticeably absent. Shaquille certainly embodies the physicality of a superhero and seems to be enjoying himself, but the script is filled with self-referential jokes that often feel out of place – for instance, Shaq frequently misses basketball shots and then shrugs, while Richard Roundtree makes quips about Steel’s hammer. The overall design of Steel’s costume also leaves much to be desired, giving the film a sketchy, unfunny feel reminiscent of an overly long, disastrously unamusing Saturday Night Live skit.
41. Supergirl (1984)
Prior to the 1980s when the original Superman’s source ran out, filmmakers created this spin-off titled “Supergirl” focusing on Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin. In this story, she leaves Argo City, a mysterious city located at the bottom of an Earth lake to reach an inner space, to retrieve a crucial artifact that powers her home. Since Superman is mentioned as being in another galaxy, you won’t see Christopher Reeve except perhaps on a college dorm room poster. The only hints this story takes place in the same universe as the “Superman” films are fleeting appearances by Marc McClure’s Jimmy Olsen and a brief cameo by Helen Slater, who fits the part well. However, the film itself is largely forgettable unless you’re fond of Faye Dunaway portraying a New Age witch-like character. Boy, there’s an abundance of that!
40. Green Lantern (2011)
In the world of comics, enthusiasts often become quite agitated when adaptations deviate too far from their cherished original stories. A counterpoint to this preference can be seen in the case of “Green Lantern,” a film that jam-packed an extensive lore surrounding DC’s interstellar police force and their enchanted rings within its 114-minute span. While it managed to include characters like Tomar-Re, Kilowog, Abin-Sur, and Sinestro, the abundance of content meant that these characters were only superficially explored, leaving little room for Ryan Reynolds’ character, Hal Jordan, or his Earthly life before and during his transition into the guardian of Sector 2814. Peter Sarsgaard effectively portrayed Hector Hammond as a telekinetic beast with a seemingly giant testicle protrusion on his forehead; however, his performance fell short when it came to convincingly portraying him as an equal to Blake Lively’s character, Carol Ferris, who is 16 years younger than Sarsgaard, despite their characters being supposed childhood friends.
39. Justice League (2017)
Oh dear. The Justice League film was supposed to serve as a triumphant finale for an intricately connected series of stories. Regrettably, it turned out to be the lowest point in what was once a promising cinematic universe. Originally directed by Zack Snyder, he departed mid-production due to personal matters, and Joss Whedon stepped in. The final product doesn’t resonate as something either of them would typically produce. The editing is disjointed, the mood is inconsistent, and the primary antagonist is a faceless, impersonal CGI villain with no depth or motivation beyond wanting to conquer the world. Although Snyder’s original cut can be found on HBO Max, the initial release of Justice League will forever be remembered as one of the weaker DC films in existence.
38. Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987)
Despite its questionable reputation, the ownership of the Superman franchise had been transferred to the skilled exploiters at Cannon Films, leading to a significantly reduced budget for “The Quest For Peace”. With an estimated $17 million compared to the original film’s $55 million, it’s evident that the production values have taken a hit. However, Gene Hackman delivers a strong performance as the malevolent Lex Luthor, there are some enjoyable action sequences, and Christopher Reeve pours all his effort into Superman’s struggle against his most significant adversary yet: The ominous specter of nuclear war.
37. Superman Returns (2006)
The scene where Brandon Routh’s Superman saves an airplane from crashing stands out as one of the best in any superhero movie. However, the rest of “Superman Returns” often feels like it is overly focused on recapturing the atmosphere of the first two Superman films directed by Richard Donner, despite being made many years later without the original cast. This gives the film a somewhat static feel. Additionally, an intriguing aspect of the storyline is introduced only to be abruptly dropped as a surprising twist towards the end of the third act. If the entire movie had focused on this element instead, it could have been much more compelling.
The airplane-saving sequence in “Superman Returns,” featuring Brandon Routh, is one of the best scenes in any superhero film. However, the rest of the movie seems overly intent on replicating the ambiance of the first two Superman movies directed by Richard Donner, despite being made many years later without the original cast. This results in a somewhat static and lifeless feel. Furthermore, an interesting plot point is introduced late in the third act, only to be dropped as a shocking twist. If the entire film had focused on this plot point instead, it could have been more engaging.
36. Batman and Robin (1997)
Despite being notorious for ending the ’90s Batman series, “Batman and Robin” still has its appeal. It’s almost a perfect example of a “so bad it’s good” movie. Yes, Arnold Schwarzenegger cracks around 600 ice-themed jokes in just over two hours. But aren’t ice puns delightful? Yes, Uma Thurman appears quite provocative as the wicked Poison Ivy. But isn’t her sleek and seductive portrayal captivating? Yes, George Clooney seems rather relaxed as Bruce Wayne. But doesn’t a man who relishes life as a giant rubber bat intrigue you? Label it terrible if you wish. However, I can’t get enough of watching it. (Additionally, the costume design for Chris O’Donnell’s Nightwing-inspired suit is one of the best in DC film history, despite the criticism towards the Schumacher era costumes and their exaggerated nipples — to clarify, they are indeed quite prominent.)
35. Batman Forever (1995)
Balancing precariously between Burton’s gothic horrors and the colorful chaos of Gotham City depicted in Batman and Robin, lies Batman Forever. This film escalates its predecessors’ set design (Enlarged fins on the Batmobile! More rubber for the Bat-muscles!) and acting performances. Batman engages in deadly battles with Two-Face, portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones, and the Riddler, played by Jim Carrey. The competition between these two actors to deliver the most flamboyant performance ever seen on screen results in a triumph for Carrey. Val Kilmer puts forth an intriguing performance as Batman; he’s chillier than Michael Keaton and more reserved than George Clooney. Despite this, there’s a desire to see more of him in the role, but perhaps not in this specific movie.
34. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
In this less-than-satisfying follow-up to the initial “Wonder Woman”, Gal Gadot and Chris Pine’s characters reappear, seemingly against the norms of logic and the flow of time. It’s fortunate that they do, as they are undeniably the most appealing aspects of this lethargic sequel. The storyline places Diana in a struggle against villainous oil tycoon Max Lord (Pedro Pascal) and Cheetah (Kristen Wiig), set in the 1980s. There are some noteworthy superhero moments, such as a thrilling desert chase, but there’s also an excessive amount of aimless wandering throughout.
33. Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
In this underwhelming follow-up to Shazam!, the enchantment seems largely absent. The initial Shazam! movie centered around its adolescent superhero and his creative exploration of his newly acquired powers. With him having a better grasp of things now, it’s hard to find justification for Fury of the Gods, which escalates the special effects but falls short in most comedic endeavors. Thankfully, Helen Mirren appears to be enjoying herself as one of the Daughters of Atlas.
32. The Return of Swamp Thing (1989)
31. Constantine (2005)
This contemporary and witty supernatural suspense doesn’t resemble the traditional Hellblazer comics or their gloomy protagonist, which might be a potential drawback if you value that aspect. However, it offers an amusing experience, along with a twisted sense of humor that sets it apart. Keanu Reeves performs well, but Constantine could have benefited from more Tilda Swinton as the archangel Gabriel.
This new supernatural thriller isn’t like the old Hellblazer comics or their grumpy hero, which might not appeal to some. But it’s entertaining with a quirky sense of humor. Keanu Reeves does a good job, but Constantine would have been better if Tilda Swinton had more scenes as the archangel Gabriel.
30. Joker (2019)
I’m not convinced that any number of Oscars could persuade me that this grim origin tale for Batman’s arch-nemesis is anything more than a gloomy Scorsese tribute gone awry. Certainly, Joaquin Phoenix delivers an intense and terrifying performance as the downtrodden clown Arthur Fleck; however, he has excelled in other roles, often in similar parts about troubled loners who resort to violence. Moreover, we can easily name at least two film portrayals of The Joker that are more captivating than this one. Pass on it, I think.
29. Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
It’s challenging not to admit a certain level of respect, albeit reluctantly, for the way this movie intentionally aggravates viewers who enjoyed Arthur Fleck’s transformation into Gotham City’s iconic hero. Instead of continuing his chaos and turmoil, it presents endless courtroom scenes and extravagant musical performances. The concept of re-examining the first film (with Lady Gaga portraying a mad Joker admirer) is intriguing; however, Folie à Deux fails to develop these ideas further, and the songs (perhaps intentionally?) lack impact.
28. Black Adam (2022)
Dividing Black Adam from Shazam results in a brooding, cranky anti-hero devoid of the optimistic influence of Billy Batson. Dwayne Johnson has longed for this role and, indeed, he appears to be someone capable of shattering a jet with mere hand strength. However, that’s essentially all Black Adam offers: some flashy visuals amidst a gloomy superhero backstory, barely hinting at a theme suggesting power corrupts.
27. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
As a devoted film enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on the clash of two iconic DC heroes in the Extended Universe – Batman and Superman. For the first time on the big screen, they lock horns, with Ben Affleck’s Batman holding Henry Cavill’s Superman accountable for the devastation wreaked on Metropolis during the tumultuous events of “Man of Steel.” While I can understand Batman’s grievances, the testosterone-fueled rivalry between these two titans in “Batman v Superman” often veers into the realm of self-parody, with moments that are so exaggeratedly macho, they border on comedy. And let’s face it, after this film, no character named Martha will ever be taken seriously again.
26. Man of Steel (2013)
Young Clark Kent exclaims, ‘The world’s too vast, Ma!’ His mother responds, ‘Make it smaller.’ If only director Zack Snyder had heeded Ma Kent’s advice. With numerous World Engines, crumbling structures, and hostile Kryptonians, the film Man of Steel struggles to truly capture the essence of its titular character. It seems that Snyder chose to portray this character not as a beacon of hope, but rather as an alien who could potentially pose a greater risk to humanity than a savior. At the very least, this is a fresh perspective on the character.
25. Superman III (1983)
In an era dominated by blockbuster superhero movies that threaten the universe’s fate with grandiose battles and spectacular visual effects, it’s refreshing to appreciate a film as modest and whimsically absurd as “Superman III”. The movie weaves in moments reminiscent of a Tati-like comedy, such as an interpretation of a peculiar Metropolis comic book issue. Furthermore, it subtly delivers a sharp critique on capitalism – a system Superman has long been at odds with since his initial adventures. To top it off, the film offers a hilarious twist where Superman becomes villainous and his first malicious deed is straightening the Leaning Tower of Pisa, causing frustration to a modest souvenir vendor. What a petty supervillain!
24. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
In this rendition, the DCEU’s conclusion is more of an Aquaman affair, and not even the superior Aquaman film. This confusing and inconsistent sequel manages to elicit a chuckle from the strained sibling dynamics between half-brothers Arthur (Jason Momoa) and Orm (Patrick Wilson). However, it appears as if they filmed one movie and later edited it into a completely different version for theaters. (Questions arise regarding Amber Heard’s Mera’s absence and Nicole Kidman’s Atlanna’s sudden appearance without any explanation.) Regrettably, this is not the DCEU ending fans hoped for, but given the overall course of the DCEU, it seems fitting in a way.
23. Superman II (1980)
Fans adore Terence Stamp’s portrayal of Zod and the iconic line “Kneel before Zod” so much that they seem to overlook the chaotic state of the rest of the film, which unfortunately lacks cohesion. Elements that were effective in the initial Superman movie, such as Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder’s chemistry in their screwball-comedy scenes, feel misplaced this time around. In this installment, Superman becomes so fixated on showing Lois his Fortress of Solitude that he appears oblivious to three Kryptonian superhumans taking over the planet. It’s puzzling because with his super-hearing and other powers like magic amnesia kisses, teleportation, and projectile chest emblems, it seems odd that he would neglect such a critical threat. The movie has two versions, but neither version stands out as particularly impressive.
22. Superman and the Mole Men (1951)
The initial DC Comics movie served as a precursor for the 1950’s “Adventures of Superman” TV series, with George Reeves portraying Superman. Although the special effects are generally poor — the ominous “Mole Men” are merely small individuals wearing black turtlenecks and bald caps — it effectively explores Superman’s ethical principles (such as defending a very literal little person from mob brutality). Moreover, George Reeves conveys Clark Kent’s essential compassion better than anyone else in history.
21. Birds of Prey (2020)
If “Suicide Squad” aimed to recreate the offbeat humor of “Guardians of the Galaxy,” then “Birds of Prey” aspires to emulate DC’s “Deadpool.” The character of Harley Quinn, played by Margot Robbie, serves as their unconventional, profane, and self-referential antihero. As she learns to be a bit less detestable while protecting an innocent child with the assistance of a motley crew of outcasts, Harley emerges as an intriguing heroine. The film possesses a lively punk-rock spirit, but it could benefit from delving deeper into its characters. The frequent references and time dedicated to the Joker lend the movie an odd, somewhat Poochie-like vibe, where the main focus seems to be on someone who is not present in the film itself.
20. Watchmen (2009)
In my perspective, Zack Snyder’s adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ iconic series is akin to Gus Van Sant’s “Psycho” remake – it stays true to the original, yet lacks the dynamic energy. The opening credits, depicting how superheroes might have reshaped the 20th century in the Watchmen universe, remain captivating and intriguing. However, much of the rest seems somewhat outdated when compared to Damon Lindelof’s more engaging and superior HBO series.
19. The Flash (2023)
In a surprising turn, The Flash wasn’t meant to be the final act for the DC Extended Universe, but rather a heartfelt homage to its finest moments. It offers a satisfying, albeit brief, performance by Ben Affleck as Batfleck and an abundance of connections between various DC properties, making it more of a grand interdimensional DC team-up rather than a solo Flash film. Ezra Miller delivers convincingly as two different Barry Allens, but it’s Michael Keaton who leaves the most lasting impression with his comeback as Batman, 30 years after his initial portrayal of the Dark Knight.
18. Swamp Thing (1982)
The trailers proclaimed loudly, ‘The legend from comic books lives on!’ Almost two years before ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street,’ Wes Craven directed this adaptation of DC’s well-known horror creature. Ray Wise played the scientist who was changed into a sentient sludge heap due to a terrible lab accident in this film. Despite his budget limitations, it seems Craven aimed higher — the Swamp Thing costume is more impressive in the subsequent, less successful sequels. However, Craven’s ‘Swamp Thing’ offers an appealing blend of fear, silliness, and a touch of poetry about nature.
17. Blue Beetle (2023)
In the film “Blue Beetle”, some of its action sequences seemed familiar, drawing comparisons to other DC and Marvel productions like “Shazam!” and the original “Iron Man”. However, what set it apart from other DCEU projects was its emphasis on the title character’s family. Unlike many superhero narratives that revolve around the hero concealing their identity from loved ones, “Blue Beetle” delved into how the discovery of a mystical scarab affected everyone close to Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), particularly his memorable grandmother (Adriana Barraza). While Maridueña did a satisfactory job as Jaime Reyes, I wasn’t alone in thinking that Barraza was so exceptional that she deserved her own superhero movie.
16. Aquaman (2018)
Did James Wan and Jason Momoa transform Aquaman, the DC superhero who communicates with fish, into an unexpectedly enjoyable (and somewhat trippy) worldwide journey? Absolutely!
15. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
Although it’s not a cinematic classic, the extended version of “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” is a significant enhancement over the original film, boasting a more coherent narrative and deeper character development, notably for Ray Fisher’s character, Cyborg. However, four hours may be excessive; perhaps the initial release was too brief, but this director’s cut could have been trimmed down a bit. Regardless, the Snyder Cut stands as Zack Snyder’s finest DC movie and likely the one that will endure as his defining work with the company.
14. Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2018)
Pay attention, enthusiasts of self-referential humor: The upcoming live-action adaptation of the popular Cartoon Network series featuring DC’s teen sidekicks could potentially scrutinize the concept of superhero films even more ruthlessly than “The LEGO Batman Movie.” (Notably, Will Arnett lends his voice to the villain Slade.) When Robin bemoans the fact that every other DC hero except him seems to be getting a movie (which is quite accurate!), his team ventures to Hollywood and are informed that the only way they can secure their own spinoff is if no other heroes exist. In a classic superhero move, they decide to travel back in time to prevent Superman, Batman, and the Justice League from ever putting on a cape or mask. As an added bonus: Nicolas Cage as Superman! A film that has been underappreciated.
13. Batman (1966)
1966’s Batman, released between seasons one and two of the Adam West TV series, feels like a collection of the best moments from that iconic show. The energetic duo, played by West and Burt Ward, face off against an impressive roster of villains such as Lee Meriwether’s Catwoman, Burgess Meredith’s Penguin, Frank Gorshin’s Riddler, and Cesar Romero’s Joker. Critics who dismiss Batman for its over-the-top style might not realize that the show and movie are deliberate parodies, primarily of the two 1940s Batman serials they haven’t watched. There are essentially two categories of people in this world: those who find it amusing that Batman always carries a bottle of Bat-Shark Repellent just in case, and those who are mistaken.
12. The Suicide Squad (2021)
Marvel committed a notable blunder when they temporarily dismissed James Gunn from ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’. Swiftly moving to the rival camp, Gunn transformed the struggling ‘Suicide Squad’ franchise into one of DC’s most thrilling properties. Instead of sticking with the mess Warner Bros. created in the past, Gunn salvaged its top characters, such as Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller, while discarding the rest (apologies to Jared Leto). In their place, Gunn infused more humor and introduced several new stars, including Idris Elba’s Bloodsport and John Cena’s Peacemaker. This character boasts an ideal superhuman physique and a twisted sense of humor, making him perfect for portraying a distorted version of overzealous patriotic heroes. Brimming with violence, laughter, and a strange beauty, ‘The Suicide Squad’ is the film everyone wished the initial ‘Suicide Squad’ would have been.
11. The Batman (2022)
In Matt Reeves’ gritty and intellectually stimulating thriller, “The Batman,” Robert Pattinson steps into the role of Bruce Wayne, who is barely two years into his crime-fighting career as Gotham City’s vigilante hero, the Caped Crusader. Here, he crosses paths with Paul Dano’s Riddler, a psychopathic villain targeting the elite of Gotham City in a macabre game that only Batman can decipher. Previous Batman films have portrayed the character with gravity, but “The Batman” stands out for its thoughtful exploration of what the character symbolizes, not just to his comic book fans, but also to the fictional citizens of Gotham City. The film’s complex and intricate series of conclusions are reminiscent of “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.”
In Matt Reeves’ intense and mentally engaging thriller, “The Batman,” Robert Pattinson plays Bruce Wayne, who has been working as Gotham City’s Caped Crusader for merely two years. He interacts with Paul Dano’s Riddler, a sinister villain, in a murderous game that only Batman can solve. Earlier Batman films have depicted the character seriously, but “The Batman” is unique in its contemplative portrayal of what the character represents to both his comic book followers and the citizens of Gotham City. The movie’s profound and detailed ending scenes call to mind “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
10. The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)
It’s quite possible that the influence of being repeatedly exposed to this film for two whole years at my daughter’s insistence, akin to Stockholm syndrome, has caused me to find The LEGO Batman Movie to be one of the funniest superhero flicks ever made. Will Arnett’s self-centered portrayal of Batman teaches us that friends are just as important as family (that annoying song refuses to leave my mind) and showcases his impressive physique, all while poking fun at and paying tribute to almost every incarnation of Batman throughout his lengthy career.
9. Wonder Woman (2017)
As a fervent admirer, I found myself captivated by the harmonious collaboration between Gal Gadot’s mesmerizing portrayal of Princess Diana and Patty Jenkins’ powerfully choreographed action scenes in this DC team-up. The story follows Wonder Woman (Gadot) as she embarks on a journey from her secluded home on Themyscira, a paradise untouched by war, to the battlefields of World War I-era Europe. Along the way, she encounters a charming spy named Chris Pine, and their romance adds an enchanting layer to the narrative.
Diana’s character is complex, embodying innocence and strength, courage without aggression, and Gadot masterfully brought this multifaceted persona to life. It was a role that could have easily been challenging, but Gadot more than rose to the occasion, delivering an exceptional performance.
8. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
It’s quite fascinating to ponder that the 1966 Batman and The Dark Knight Rises share the same fictional character, demonstrating the incredible adaptability of the Batman storyline. The Dark Knight Rises served as a grand finale, though at times overly dramatic, for Christopher Nolan’s Bat-trilogy. In its endeavor to surpass The Dark Knight, it may have stretched beyond its limits. Nevertheless, if more comic-book films aimed for something greater than mere entertainment, we would all benefit.
7. Shazam (2019)
At a time when it appeared that the DC Extended Universe had reached its end, Warner Bros. astonishingly bounced back with a creative and unexpected spin on the original Captain Marvel character (now known as Shazam). The storyline is reimagined as a body-swap comedy reminiscent of the film Big. Asher Angel portrays Billy Batson, an orphan who morphs into the powerful but awkward figure of Zachary Levi upon uttering the word “Shazam!” This film boasts strong antagonists, a humorous tone, and an impressive action climax filled with unexpected turns, making Shazam one of the finest movies in the DCEU.
6. Batman Begins (2005)
The movie “Batman Begins” served as a welcome shift in tone. It discarded layers of physical and emotional baggage that had burdened the series, reviving the character to his modest beginnings. Christian Bale portrayed a fresh Bruce Wayne, while Liam Neeson delivered an intriguingly complex villain. If Christopher Nolan hadn’t made subsequent improvements, he would still be applauded for creating one of the finest Batman films in history.
5. Superman (1978)
Apologies to Marlon Brando, Glenn Ford, and those mispronouncing ‘Krypton’, this film could be more impactful if the initial 45 minutes were removed, starting from when Clark Kent arrives in Metropolis. By 1978, viewers were already familiar with Superman’s origins, so the beginning wasn’t necessary for understanding the rest of the movie. The reason ‘Superman’ remains compelling, despite its aging special effects, is Christopher Reeve. Few comic book movies boast a performance as strong as his portrayal of both Clark Kent and Superman, and he excelled in both roles equally well.
In more conversational language:
Hey there! I think the film would’ve been better if they skipped the first 45 minutes showing Superman’s birth planet, Krypton, and just started when Clark Kent arrived in Metropolis. By 1978, people already knew about Superman’s background, so it wasn’t necessary for following the rest of the movie. The reason ‘Superman’ still stands out today, despite its old special effects, is because of Christopher Reeve. He gave a fantastic performance as both Clark Kent and Superman, something rarely seen in comic book movies!
4. Batman (1989)
30 years have passed since Tim Burton revolutionized Hollywood with his iconic take on Batman, and it still ranks high among the best comic-book movies ever made. While Jack Nicholson’s Joker garnered most of the initial praise for his captivating performance, it’s Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Batman that leaves an indelible impression today. As Bruce Wayne, he convincingly embodies a slightly unhinged eccentricity (“You wanna get crazy? Let’s get crazy!”). As the Dark Knight, his stiff movements, due to the demanding costume, create an intimidating, almost otherworldly presence that heightens the tension whenever he appears on screen. This film continues to stand the test of time, proving that Burton’s Batman was not just a game-changer for Hollywood but also a timeless masterpiece.
3. Batman Returns (1992)
In a remarkable fashion, Tim Burton successfully persuaded Warner Bros. to allow him to create a sequel to the original Batman movie, which was even more gloomy, peculiar, and somber. This time around, Michael Keaton confronts two iconic villains from Gotham City: Danny DeVito’s Penguin, who spits out scenery and sewage, and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman, clad in vinyl. Regrettably, Batman Returns is the final Tim Burton Batman film instead of being the second of a planned five.
2. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
Prior to “The LEGO Batman Movie,” it was “Batman: Mask of the Phantasm” that strongly argued that animation was the optimal format for the Dark Knight. Produced by the same team behind the acclaimed “Batman: The Animated Series,” “Mask of the Phantasm” encapsulated everything fantastic about that show – stunning visuals, smooth animations, and iconic voice actors – into a near-flawless 75-minute movie. Over 25 years later, this film still looks amazing due to its timeless artwork – a fusion of Art Deco architecture and advanced technology – which was intentionally outdated even in 1993. None of the romantic tragedies from the live-action Batman films surpass the love story between Bruce Wayne and Andrea Beaumont.
1. The Dark Knight (2008)
Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” continues to be the benchmark that all Batman films – and arguably every superhero movie – are measured against. It offered an abundance of visual spectacle, especially in IMAX, a format it introduced to mainstream cinema for the first time. Moreover, it raised numerous ethical and philosophical dilemmas for contemplation. The film also left a lasting impact on popular culture with its memorable quotes, such as one (“You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain”), which is so powerful and frequently quoted that it’s remarkable it originated from a Batman movie in 2008. With Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker, Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard’s iconic soundtrack, and the sheer coolness of the Bat-pod, the film is packed with one impressive element after another. Over a decade later, “The Dark Knight” still stands unmatched.
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2025-02-24 23:27