The Ideal Chronological Order to Discover the DC Comics Universe
In what order to watch DC Comics movies? 🦸♂️🌟
The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is a complex universe, spanning interconnected films, standalone stories, and recent reboots. To fully enjoy the adventures of iconic heroes like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, here's a guide to watching the DC movies in the best order.
1. Chronological order of history
This order follows the internal chronology of events in the DC Universe, from the birth of the heroes to their clashes against planetary threats.
1. Wonder Woman (2017)
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Why start here?
The story is set during World War I, offering a first glimpse into Diana Prince's origins.
2. Man of Steel (2013)
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Why then?
The film explores Superman's origins, his arrival on Earth and his discovery of his powers.
3. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
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Context :
This film shows the consequences of Superman's actions in Man of Steel and introduces Bruce Wayne/Batman into the DCEU universe.
4. Suicide Squad (2016)
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Why now?
Although disconnected from the main heroes, the film features a team of villains recruited for government missions.
5. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
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Why here?
The action takes place in the 1980s, before modern events.
6. Justice League (2017) or Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
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Why important?
This film brings together the main heroes of the DC universe to fight an alien threat. The Snyder version offers a more complete story and faithful to the original vision.
7. Aquaman (2018)
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Context :
Set after Justice League , it explores the history and rise of Arthur Curry as King of Atlantis.
8. Shazam! (2019)
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Why here?
The film is standalone but takes place in the same universe and makes reference to the other heroes.
9. Birds of Prey (2020)
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Context :
This spin-off focuses on Harley Quinn after the events of Suicide Squad .
10. Black Adam (2022)
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Why then?
Although Black Adam's story stands alone, it connects to the Shazam lore and introduces the Justice Society of America (JSA).
11. The Flash (2023)
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Context :
This film uses the multiverse to revisit and reorganize the DC Universe, taking inspiration from the Flashpoint arc.
12. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
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Why here?
The Aquaman sequel further explores the underwater world and the consequences of past events.
2. Release order of the films
If you prefer to experience the films in the order they were created and released:
- Man of Steel (2013)
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- Suicide Squad (2016)
- Wonder Woman (2017)
- Justice League (2017)
- Aquaman (2018)
- Shazam! (2019)
- Birds of Prey (2020)
- Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
- Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
- Black Adam (2022)
- The Flash (2023)
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
3. Recommended order for new viewers
If you're new to the DC Universe, here's a simplified and optimized order to follow the main plots while still enjoying the story arcs:
- Man of Steel (2013)
- Wonder Woman (2017)
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
- Aquaman (2018)
- Shazam! (2019)
- Black Adam (2022)
- The Flash (2023)
4. Independent and non-DCEU films
Some DC movies are not part of the DCEU universe but are worth watching for their quality and unique approach:
- Joker (2019) : A standalone origin story of the Joker, masterfully portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix.
- The Batman (2022) : A dark and introspective take on the Dark Knight, starring Robert Pattinson.
Conclusion: Which order to choose?
- For total immersion: The chronological order of the story is ideal.
- To discover films like the general public: Follow the release order.
- For quick viewing: Focus on the recommended order.
No matter which one you choose, each film offers a unique take on the iconic heroes and villains of the DC Universe. Ready to dive into Gotham or explore Atlantis? 🦸♀️✨