Before the curtain closed on Zack Snyder’s era and the James Gunn reboot redefined the DC cinematic multiverse, there was nothing but intense anticipation. The DCEU (DC Extended Universe) has delivered a rollercoaster of mythic origin stories, morally gray antiheroes, box office surprises, and cult-level fandom moments, but fans, like us, across the cosmos waited with bated breath to see what James Gunn would do next. Unless none of this makes sense to you and you are just looking forward to some good superhero action, Screendollars’ got your back!
Whether you’re diving in for the first time or rewatching with fresh eyes, this guide will help you make sense of DCEU movies in order, explore timeline twists, and revisit all the films that built the world before the reboot. From “Man of Steel” to “The Flash,” here’s everything you need to know—plus viewing tips, post-credits, and the road to the DCU.
Release Order vs. Chronological Timeline
You can experience the DCEU movies in order of release, which mirrors how audiences saw these stories unfold in real time. But for newcomers or lore nerds, watching in chronological timeline order might make character arcs and Easter eggs hit harder.
- Chronological order helps clarify continuity—especially around events like World War I, Superman’s death, and Flash’s multiverse detour.
- Release order emphasizes thematic evolution and tonal shifts (from gritty to comedic).
DCEU Movies in Chronological Order
1. Wonder Woman (2017)
Director: Patty Jenkins
Cast: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright
Set during World War I, this origin story introduces Diana of Themyscira, an Amazonian warrior discovering her powers and purpose. Gal Gadot embodies a hero full of compassion and strength, and Patty Jenkins delivers a rare mix of wartime grit and mythic grandeur.
2. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Director: Patty Jenkins
Cast: Gal Gadot, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal
Jumping to the 1980s, Diana confronts desire, deception, and an oil tycoon with godlike ambitions. While divisive, it adds emotional layers to Diana’s myth and gives us a neon-tinted look at power, grief, and hope.
3. Man of Steel (2013)
Director: Zack Snyder
Cast: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon
The film that launched the DCEU. Kal-El grapples with identity, legacy, and humanity as he becomes Superman. Cavill’s performance is quite strong, Snyder’s visuals are epic, and the Zod fight redefined superhero action.
4. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Director: Zack Snyder
Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot
The world fears Superman’s unchecked power, while Bruce Wayne’s trauma boils over into vengeance. A dark, ambitious showdown that introduces Lex Luthor, Wonder Woman, and the seeds of the Justice League. The Ultimate Edition adds depth worth watching.
5. Suicide Squad (2016)
Director: David Ayer
Cast: Margot Robbie, Will Smith, Viola Davis
Task Force X assembles under Amanda Waller’s iron grip to combat a magical threat. Critics were divided, but the film gave us breakout Harley Quinn and a killer soundtrack. Ayer’s cut remains a hot topic in DCEU fandom.
6. Birds of Prey (2020)
Director: Cathy Yan
Cast: Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett
Harley Quinn ditches the Joker and finds unlikely allies in a neon-lit Gotham showdown. Bursting with anarchic energy and led by a fierce all-female ensemble, this is one of the DCEU’s boldest stylistic swings.
7. Justice League / Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2017 / 2021)
Directors: Joss Whedon / Zack Snyder
Cast: Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher
The theatrical cut is uneven. But Snyder’s 4-hour director’s cut is a triumph of character arcs, visual spectacle, and thematic depth. Cyborg becomes the emotional heart, Flash shines, and Superman’s return is haunting and heroic.
8. Black Adam (2022)
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Aldis Hodge, Pierce Brosnan
Teth-Adam rises in ancient Kahndaq with brutal justice. The film dives into anti-hero territory and introduces the Justice Society—Dr. Fate, Hawkman, Cyclone, and Atom Smasher. It reshapes power dynamics within the DCEU, even if the box office impact was short-lived.
9. Peacemaker (2022) Series
Creator: James Gunn
Cast: John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma
Spinning out of The Suicide Squad, Peacemaker brings chaotic laughs, surprising heart, and character depth. It’s one of the most well-received entries in the DCEU and ties in returning characters like Emilia Harcourt and John Economos, with cameos from Flash and Aquaman confirming timeline continuity.
10. Aquaman (2018)
Director: James Wan
Cast: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson
Part underwater epic, part action-adventure quest, Aquaman dives deep into Atlantean mythology. James Wan’s direction is maximalist fun, and Jason Momoa’s charisma carries the DCEU’s highest-grossing film ($1.15B globally).
11. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
Director: James Wan
Cast: Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
The sequel sees Arthur team up with his estranged brother Orm to face a growing Black Manta threat. With darker magic, old Atlantean secrets, and stronger family bonds, it closes out the Aquaman saga with maturity and monster-scale visuals.
12. Shazam! (2019)
Director: David F. Sandberg
Cast: Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Mark Strong
Imagine Big but with superpowers. Billy Batson turns into Shazam and learns what it means to be a hero—and a brother. Packed with laughs and heart, this film is a bright detour from the DCEU’s usual brooding.
13. Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
Director: David F. Sandberg
Cast: Zachary Levi, Helen Mirren, Lucy Liu
The Shazamily returns to take on mythic goddesses. It may not have matched the original’s spark at the box office, but it delivers monster battles, family moments, and surprise cameos that deepen the shared universe.
14. Blue Beetle (2023)
Director: Angel Manuel Soto
Cast: Xolo Maridueña, Bruna Marquezine, George Lopez
Teenager Jaime Reyes bonds with alien tech and becomes Blue Beetle. Rooted in Latino culture, family dynamics, and sci-fi flair, it’s a coming-of-age superhero tale that balances personal identity with cosmic legacy. Though uncertain in timeline placement, it’s set after the fall of the Justice League.
15. The Suicide Squad (2021)
Director: James Gunn
Cast: Idris Elba, Margot Robbie, John Cena
A soft reboot packed with gory laughs and brutal honesty. From Weasel to Starro, Gunn embraces chaos and somehow finds empathy in the bloodshed. It’s bonkers, and one of the DCEU’s most daring films.
16. The Flash (2023)
Director: Andy Muschietti
Cast: Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle, Michael Keaton
Barry Allen travels through the multiverse to save his mother, unleashing timeline chaos. Keaton’s Batman returns, and Supergirl gets her moment—but the film’s box office flop marks the official end of the DCEU as we knew it.
Release Order (2013–2023)
- Man of Steel (2013) – Zack Snyder reboots Superman with emotional depth. Cavill’s Kal-El wrestles with identity in a global showdown with General Zod.
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) – Clash of fear vs faith—Affleck’s brooding Batman meets Snyder’s Superman. Wonder Woman’s debut ignites a team-up.
- Suicide Squad (2016) – Bizzarro villains on a mission, Harley steals scenes in this chaotic team flick.
- Wonder Woman (2017) – Jenkins delivers mythic grace: Gadot’s Diana becomes hero during World War I.
- Justice League (2017) – The world’s greatest heroes unite, but a disjointed edit leaves fans wanting more.
- Aquaman (2018) – Wan dives into Atlantis: Momoa embraces kingship, and the film becomes the highest-grossing DCEU movie at $1.15 billion
- Shazam! (2019) – A teen’s wish becomes a superhero; Levi shines, heartfelt, and comedic.
- Birds of Prey (2020) – Margot Robbie’s Harley leads a feisty female crew—wild style, stylish soundtrack.
- Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) – Back to the ’80s: Cronenberg-esque? Pascal and Wiig clash with Diana’s virtues.
- Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) – The Snyder cut: 4-hour epic reclaims depth, Cyborg arcs soar, restored legacy.
- The Suicide Squad (2021) – Gunn’s anarchic gang assault is blood‑soaked, hilarious, and genuinely emotional.
- Black Adam (2022) – Dwayne Johnson’s antihero rumbles onto the scene (optional: its tone divides audiences).
- Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) – Family meets myth, humor mixes with ancient gods (Levi returns).
- The Flash (2023) – Multiverse chaos brings new and old Batmen (Keaton, Affleck), while Flash resets history.
- Blue Beetle (2023) – A fresh Latino hero learning legacy and power, warmth & cultural weight.
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023) – Final DCEU capstone: Momoa’s Arthur returns to his roots
PS: Zack Snyder’s Justice League is a director’s cut—not a separate entry, but its depth and narrative importance make it essential.
Where to Watch + Easter Eggs
- Most films are available on Max, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV+.
- Post-credits worth catching: Shazam, Aquaman, and The Suicide Squad include fun teases or surprise returns.
- Watch out for recurring characters like Waller (Viola Davis), and Peacemaker (DCEU TV) features Aquaman and Flash in cameo scenes
What’s Next: DCEU vs DCU
With the DCU officially kicking off with “Superman” (2025) under James Gunn’s vision, the DCEU timeline is now complete. But fans still debate what counts, what’s canon, and what could still return via multiverse logic.
Highest-grossing DCEU movie? “Aquaman” with $1.15B.
Upcoming DCU Projects (2025+)
Superman (July 11, 2025)
– Directed and co-written by James Gunn, starring David Corenswet (Superman) and Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), with Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor.
– Marks the launch of DCU Chapter One: Gods & Monsters, introducing Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), Mister Terrific, Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, and more.
– In development since early 2023 under Gunn and Peter Safran, set to reset the cinematic universe.
Peacemaker Season 2 (Expected August 2025)
– John Cena returns, with an eight-episode plot following Rick Flagg Sr.’s revenge arc and multi-universe cameos including Hawkgirl, Maxwell Lord, and Guy Gardner.
– Although Season 1 originated under the DCEU banner, Season 2 is fully integrated into the new DCU continuity.
Clayface (September 11, 2026)
– Clayface’s origin story: a washed-up actor transforms into a shape-shifting creature.
– Stars Tom Rhys Harries, directed by James Watkins, scripted by Mike Flanagan & Hossein Amini.
– Part of Chapter One, firmly embedded in the DCU narrative. Filming begins in October 2025.
Supergirl (June 26, 2026)
– Directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira; stars Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El—Superman’s cousin.
– Production completed May 2025; part of Chapter One.
– Features cameo by Jason Momoa as Lobo; described as a galaxy-spanning revenge epic.
Lanterns (TV Series) – Early 2026
– HBO limited series focused on Green Lanterns, starring Kyle Chandler (Hal Jordan), Aaron Pierre (John Stewart), Nathan Fillion, plus others.
– True Detective-style drama from Chris Mundy, part of the Chapter One roadmap.
In Development:
- The Brave and the Bold – Batman & Robin origin tale, amid script refinements.
- The Authority – an Ensemble superhero team movie in early development.
- Untitled Teen Titans film – Ana Nogueira writing; in scripting stage.
- Untitled Bane & Deathstroke film – Adventure featuring iconic villains, script underway.
- Untitled Wonder Woman film – Script currently in development.
- Blue Beetle animated series – In production; Xolo Maridueña expected to return.
The Final Word
Ask any fan, and you’ll get different rankings. Some swear by “Man of Steel,” others love “Birds of Prey,” and “Zack Snyder’s Justice League” has become a genre of its own.
But wherever you land on the DCEU movies ranked debate, one thing’s clear: it was a cinematic era like no other—flawed, fearless, and unforgettable.
Which one’s your favorite? Did you watch them all?
Drop your thoughts at #ScreendollarsDCWatchlist and join the conversation!
