DC universe Watch order

If you want to watch the DC Universe Movies, here is the comprehensive guide structured in the exact same format—covering both the modern connected cinematic universe (the DCEU) and non-DCEU standalone franchises.

1. DCEU Chronological Order (Story Timeline)

This follows the in-universe order of events within the main DC Extended Universe (DCEU) timeline:

1. Wonder Woman (2017) – (Mainly set during World War I in 1918)
2. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) – (Set in 1984)
3. Man of Steel (2013) – (Set around 2013, kicks off modern era)
4. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) – (Takes place shortly after Man of Steel)
5. Suicide Squad (2016) – (Set right after Batman v Superman)
6. Wonder Woman (2017) [Framing Scenes] – (Modern-day framing scenes tie into Justice League)
7. Justice League (2017) or Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) – (Set in 2017)
8. Aquaman (2018) – (Takes place after Justice League)
9. Shazam! (2019) – (Set in late 2018 / holiday season)
10. Birds of Prey (2020) – (Takes place after Suicide Squad & Justice League)
11. The Suicide Squad (2021) – (Set after Birds of Prey)
12. Black Adam (2022) – (Set in the modern day after The Suicide Squad)
13. Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) – (Set a few years after Shazam!)
14. The Flash (2023) – (Follows Justice League / resets timeline elements)
15. Blue Beetle (2023) – (Set in modern day post-Flash)
16. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023) – (Final official entry of the DCEU)

2. DCEU Release Order (How Fans Originally Watched)

If you want the theatrical experience as the films came out:

1. Man of Steel (2013)
2. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
3. Suicide Squad (2016)
4. Wonder Woman (2017)
5. Justice League (2017)
6. Aquaman (2018)
7. Shazam! (2019)
8. Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020)
9. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
10. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) (Director’s Cut)
11. The Suicide Squad (2021)
12. Black Adam (2022)
13. Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
14. The Flash (2023)
15. Blue Beetle (2023)
16. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)

Non-DCEU Movies (Ordered by Franchise)

These films are not part of the DCEU timeline but feature iconic DC characters in standalone universes:

The Dark Knight Trilogy (Christopher Nolan)

1. Batman Begins (2005)
2. The Dark Knight (2008)
3. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Matt Reeves’ Batman Universe

1. The Batman (2022)

Joker (Elseworlds)

1. Joker (2019)
2. Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)

Classic Batman Series (1989–1997)

1. Batman (1989)
2. Batman Returns (1992)
3. Batman Forever (1995)
4. Batman & Robin (1997)

Classic Superman Series

1. Superman: The Movie (1978)
2. Superman II (1980)
3. Superman III (1983)
4. Supergirl (1984)
5. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
6. Superman Returns (2006) (Acts as an alternate sequel to Superman II)

Other Standalone DC Films

1. Swamp Thing (1982)
2. The Return of Swamp Thing (1989)
3. Steel (1997)
4. Catwoman (2004)
5. Constantine (2005)
6. Watchmen (2009)
7. Green Lantern (2011)