Here is a list of DC movie rankings from worst to best. Detective Comics has been telling stories for a long time. Sometimes, they let movie directors or others with their own ideas take charge of their comics. This has led to mixed results. However, there have been some amazing superhero movies from DC that are definitely worth watching. DC has been competing with Marvel in the superhero genre for years, which is a tough challenge. Let us take a dive into all the movies they have to offer.
Catwoman
IMDb: 3.4/10
If you’re a Catwoman fan, it’s best to avoid watching this movie. We’ve ranked it low for a reason. It’s not enjoyable to see the feline character turned into a half-human, half-cat superhero. The plot revolves around an evil cosmetics company and lacks substance. Unfortunately, it focuses more on Halle Berry’s body than empowering storytelling. It’s considered our “worst” DC movie, as it comes off as exploitative due to her stripper-style catsuit.
The Spirit
IMDb: 4.8/10
When you watch this movie, you might mistake it for a 90s attempt to create traditional superheroes. Surprisingly, it was released in 2008, alongside the Nolan Batman movies. The Spirit tries to imitate Sin City in style and atmosphere, but falls short. The story is complicated, and while it aims to be thought-provoking, the overall experience is confusing and makes Odysseus’ journey home seem straightforward in comparison.
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
IMDb: 3.7/10
Superman demands that the world gives up its nuclear weapons, so he can throw them into the sun. This action results in the creation of Nuclear Man, powered by a combination of the nuclear payload and a lock of Superman’s hair. The movie becomes absurd when Superman starts rebuilding the Great Wall of China. It’s no surprise that there was no new Superman movie for 20 years. It’s considered one of the worst in the movie saga. Also, there is no surprise as to why this is the case.
Batman and Robin
IMDb: 3.8/10
Ranking DC movies can be tough, but there’s no denying the position of this one. Warner Bros. made some questionable choices. Batman looks more like a model than a superhero, the product placements are too obvious, and the love triangle falls flat. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s constant ice-related puns as Mr. Freeze take the movie back to the 1960s, but strangely enough, the character Frosty the Homicidal Snowman telling people to “chill” adds a somewhat redeeming quality.
Justice League
IMDb: 6.1/10
Warner Bros. took bold steps with its movies, but unfortunately, they missed the mark. In Justice League, three main team members are introduced without proper setup. The movie fails to deliver its message of “you can’t save the world alone” as Superman ends up solving everything. Moreover, the main villain is so unmemorable that we can’t even recall what he sounds like. Now, the Zack Snyder cut was even better. Also, it was more famous.
The Return of Swamp Thing
IMDb: 4.8/10
The creators of this movie were clearly focused on making money rather than delivering a quality film. It attempts to bring back the nostalgia of the original but ends up feeling like a recycled story. The humor feels forced and it tries too hard to be funny. It’s as if they’re constantly saying, “Yes, that’s the joke.” Very few people even watched the movie and it was a good thing. The canceled series had more character than this.
Green Lantern
IMDb: 5.5/10
DC seemed to have lost its way after the success of The Dark Knight, especially with the portrayal of one of its cosmic heroes. The Guardians of the Universe lacked excitement, Parallax, the master of fear, was uninteresting, and Ryan Reynolds wasn’t utilized properly. Thankfully, Deadpool came to the rescue, showing that Marvel knew how to make good use of the talented actor.
Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice
IMDb: 6.4/10
From Man of Steel to the present, we see a jaded Batman who has changed his ways and now resorts to killing people. He becomes obsessed with proving that Superman is a danger after the destruction in Metropolis. At the same time, Lex Luthor hatches a complicated scheme involving the kidnapping of Lois Lane and Martha Kent. It’s unclear what Zack Snyder was thinking with this storyline.
Batman Forever
IMDb: 5.4/10
Batman Forever is confusing, and that’s why it ranks low on our list of DC comic movies. Two-Face’s appearance feels sudden, Dick Grayson’s character seems more like Jason Todd, and it’s hard to understand why Batman takes so long to realize that Edward Nygma has a personal grudge against him. It’s no wonder that Warner Bros. started exerting more control over their DC property during this time.
Steel
IMDb: 2.9/10
This movie feels like a copycat version of Iron Man, but it came out 10 years earlier. Instead of spreading the story across multiple films, Steel tries to cram everything into one movie. Half the time, Steel is battling small-time criminals, and the villain’s role is so insignificant that he could have executed his plan without anyone noticing. Seriously, I didn’t even know of this movie until I started researching about the topic. Horrific, really.
The Suicide Squad (2011)
IMDb: 7.2/10
James Gunn deserves applause for his work on The Suicide Squad. He transformed the 2016 film into a magnificent spectacle. The new version is both hilarious and visually stunning, filled with intense action. It’s definitely a movie worth watching in theaters. Gunn successfully rescued the antiheroes of Suicide Squad and introduced memorable new characters like Idris Elba’s Bloodsport and John Cena’s Peacemaker (who now has his own TV series). These characters are so captivating that you can’t help but crave more.
Watchmen
IMDb: 7.6/10
Watchmen, based on Alan Moore’s graphic novel series, deconstructs the superhero genre and delves into the effects of power and responsibility. It raises thought-provoking questions about the burden of being a superhuman tasked with safeguarding ordinary people. Though lengthy, the journey is fulfilling and leaves you with a sense of accomplishment.
Batman (1989)
IMDb: 7.5/10
The classic Batman movie brings back the dark ambiance, distancing itself from the campy 60s TV series. Considered one of the top DC films, it showcases Jack Nicholson’s brilliant portrayal of the Joker, known for his eccentricity. Remember the iconic question: “Ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?”
The Batman (2022)
IMDb: 7.8/10
We’ve ranked The Batman higher than Tim Burton’s films, a decision that may not be popular among everyone. However, we thoroughly enjoyed this unique portrayal of the caped crusader. It’s a dark and captivating story of a brooding Dark Knight determined to defeat the terrifying Riddler. With stunning visuals, a hauntingly beautiful score, and a Batman/Bruce Wayne unlike any other, this outstanding DC movie is truly timeless.
Joker
IMDb: 8.4/10
Nothing gets darker, grittier, and more captivating than this. The Joker movie from 2019 breaks away from the typical DC blockbuster formula of superhero fights and flashy visuals. Instead, it presents a realistic and deeply human portrayal of the infamous clown’s origins, leaving a lasting impression on your mind. We finally gain insight into the true essence of the Joker, and it’s impossible to overlook Joaquin Phoenix’s mesmerizing performance!
The Dark Knight
IMDb: 9.0/10
The standout moment from the Nolan trilogy and, without a doubt, the highest-ranked and best DC movie on our list. Heath Ledger delivers a breathtaking performance as the iconic Joker, determined to plunge Gotham into chaos and engage in a cat-and-mouse game with Batman, who has been bringing order to the city. Ledger’s performance is so remarkably intense that he gained legendary status, even though he tragically passed away after completing the role.
Also read: Find Out The Reason Why ‘Logan’ Is The Best Superhero Movie Ever According To Critic
