Photo credit: www.thewrap.com
The Marvel Cinematic Universe presents a cohesive narrative where each film and character fits seamlessly into a larger tapestry. In contrast, the DC Universe resembles a complicated knot, marked by inconsistent overarching plots and less cohesive storytelling in newer installments. While it is possible to watch DC movies in chronological order, various films can feel isolated from the broader DC Extended Universe (DCEU), primarily due to Warner Bros.’ attempts to rapidly create their own interconnected universe to match the success of the MCU.
The efforts to streamline this universe were especially challenging during the rushed development of “Justice League.” The initial version of “Justice League” was overseen by Joss Whedon after Zack Snyder exited during the post-production phase, leading to significant reshoots and a departure from hints of future DC narratives. In contrast, “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” provides a more comprehensive vision, albeit without any prospects for continuation following Snyder’s exit.
Subsequent films in the DCEU have tended to diverge from one another. For instance, while “Black Adam” occurs after “The Suicide Squad,” “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” is set following “Black Adam,” with the multiverse-oriented “The Flash” intertwining events from various timelines but aligning mostly with “Shazam! Fury of the Gods.” Lastly, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” which is considered the final film in the DCEU, unfolds the furthest in the timeline, though it shows minimal connections to previous events in the series.
For those interested in experiencing the DC films in chronological order, here’s a comprehensive guide:
- Wonder Woman
- Wonder Woman 1984
- Man of Steel
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
- Suicide Squad
- Justice League // Zack Snyder’s Justice League
- Aquaman
- Shazam!
- Birds of Prey
- The Suicide Squad
- Black Adam
- Shazam! Fury of the Gods
- The Flash
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
DC Movies in Release Order
If you prefer to watch the DC films as they were released, which can provide a clearer sense of their development and interconnectedness, here is the list in order of release:
- 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)
- The Suicide Squad (2021)
- Black Adam (2022)
- Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
- The Flash (2023)
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
Are “The Batman” and “Joker” Part of the DCU?
Notably, if you’re curious about the exclusion of “The Batman” from the aforementioned lists, it’s because this film does not belong to the DCEU. Directed by Matt Reeves, it exists independently on “Earth-2” and is separate from the narratives featuring Ben Affleck’s Batman and Henry Cavill’s Superman. Similarly, the “Joker” films starring Joaquin Phoenix are distinct from the existing DCEU, establishing their own separate universe.
Upcoming New DC Movies
With James Gunn and Peter Safran at the helm, the DCEU is entering a new chapter, specifically referred to as DC Studios. This transition will see the retirement of the DCEU, giving way to a fresh slate of films under “Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters.” This new phase will introduce a reboot of “Superman,” alongside a “Supergirl” film and other projects that promise to explore new possibilities within the DC landscape.
Fans can also look forward to a sequel to “The Batman,” although it will not be directly connected to this new universe.
Currently, the following DC films have secured release dates:
- Title and Release Date TBA
Source
www.thewrap.com