It is widely acknowledged that DC produces some of the best animated superhero films. While the DCEU is still finding its footing among live-action film universes, its animated division is thriving and outperforming its competitors on all fronts. In their animated films, DC boasts superior storytelling and character utilisation.
They created the DC Animated Universe, which runs movies in succession; the DCAU started with Justice League: War, an all-out war against Darkseid’s invasion of Earth, which led to the formation of the Justice League. This is akin to starting the Marvel Universe with Avengers: Infinity War.
Aside from the main animated universe, DC also creates standalone stories such as Batman/Superman: Apocalypse and The Dark Knight Returns. Sure, they’ve had flops, like the Injustice saga adaptation, which failed miserably to live up to the comics and game, or the Killing Joke, whose comic was fantastic but the film paled in comparison.
Among more than 45 animated films, we have compiled a list of the top ten DC animated films that we believe deserve a place in Valhalla (pun intended).
Best DC Animated Movies List!
10. Justice League: Throne of Atlantis
The Throne of Atlantis is frequently overshadowed by its predecessor, ‘JL: War,’ but if you watch carefully and with an open mind, this fourth instalment to the DCAU is absolutely brilliant. Justice League: Throne of Atlantis deviates from the usual Batman or Superman-centric plots (this is mainly why the movie makes this list).
The film begins with the mysterious crash of the nuclear submarine USS California, leaving the crew dead. The Justice League is dispatched to investigate and uncover evidence of Atlantean meddling. Meanwhile, Arthur Curry, a washed-out bum who lives in a lighthouse and has the ability to talk to fishes, begins exploring his mysterious royal lineage – as the rightful heir to the throne of Atlantis.
A debate rages in Atlantis, the nation beneath the seas, over declaring war on humans, leading to regicide and a murky plot. When Arthur learns of this, the question of whether he will accept his destiny to rule Atlantis arises. Will he be known as Aquaman?
JL: Throne of Atlantis has brilliant animation that looks almost real. It features expertly crafted action scenes that ensure Aquaman takes centre stage. The music is engrossing and sonorous. The only issue is that the Justice League’s involvement feels unnecessary for this story (this could have been an Aquaman standalone feature).
9. Teen Titans: The Judas Contract
The Teen Titans are a team of sidekicks and young superheroes who follow the main Justice League. This does not, however, imply that their opponents will give them any leeway (they have even gone against the main Justice League in one of the movies).
The Teen Titans have always been popular among fans. Wally West (Kid Flash), Dick Grayson (Robin / Nightwing), and Garth (Aqualad) were among the original Titans, with Donna Troy (Wonder Girl) joining them later. This film, however, features the main Titans characters Robin, Nightwing, Beast Boy, Starfire, Raven, Blue Beetle, and Terra.
The Titans investigate the terrorist cult known as Brother Blood, who control a machine capable of absorbing superpowers. Brother Blood dispatches Deathstroke, a lethal mercenary, to stop the Titans.
Deathstroke (Slade Wilson) is still enraged at Robin (Damien Wayne) for attempting to murder and replace him as the League of Assassins’ heir (*see Son of Batman). The Titans are ready to take on Deathstroke and Brother Blood. One of them, however, is a double agent spying for the enemy.
The film premiered on March 31, 2017 and received an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics praised the Teen Titans’ arc after Justice League v. Teen Titans for its fast-paced action.
8. Batman: Assault on Arkham
This Batman film, which premiered at the San Diego Comic-Con in 2014, follows the events of the Rock steady video game Arkham Origins. While it bills itself as a Batman film, the Caped Crusader only appears in a minor role. This is a Suicide Squad film about Harley Quinn and Deadshot. Kevin Conroy, who plays The Dark Knight in the Arkham video game series, takes on the role again. Many villains from the Batman rogue gallery appear in the film.
The Riddler, who was captured by Batman and delivered to the Arkham Asylum after defeating Amanda Waller’s henchmen, holds damaging information about Amanda Waller’s squad. As a result, she gathers the Suicide Squad to break into Arkham and retrieve the thumb drive containing the information.
Harley Quinn, the Joker’s former lover who is now imprisoned in the Asylum, is among the members of the squad. Needless to say, the operation fails, and the Arkham Asylum’s inmates are set free into the world. What follows is complete chaos.
The thriller aspect of the film is excellent, with action scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Critics praised the film for its immoral glee and crude humour.
7. Superman: Red Son
This DC film is based on the same-named 2003 comic book written by the legendary Frank Millar. It received positive reviews worldwide; however, Russia has criticised the film’s depiction of their country, even going so far as to call it ‘Russophobic.’
Instead of being raised by the Kents in Kansas, the last Kryptonian spends his childhood in the Soviet Union. He learns to use his powers for the good of his country with the help of Svetlana. Under Stalin’s regime, he becomes a propaganda icon, forcing the United States to commission Lex Luthor to find a solution to the Soviet Superman.
However, Superman’s meeting with Lois Lane (Lex Luthor’s wife in this version) causes him to question the motives of his country. He assassinates Stalin and assumes control of the Soviet Union, promising to use his power to bring about global peace. But enormous obstacles stand in his way, the most dangerous of which is himself.
Superman: Red Son also introduces us to Batman, who survives the gulag and leads the resistance against Superman’s regime. Wonder Woman and the Green Lantern also share the spotlight, making the plot thicker and more intriguing.
6. Justice League Dark: Apokolips War
Matt Ryan’s Constantine TV series (2014) elevated the actor to the status of DC icon. In this second instalment of the Justice League Dark, he reprises his role as Constantine’s voice. The film is loosely based on the comic saga Darkseid War, but it does not feature the Anti-Monitor as a secondary antagonist. Because this is a film about dark magic, the antagonist battling Darkseid is Trigon, an interdimensional sadistic demon and Raven’s father.
The Apokolips War begins with Superman summoning the entire Justice League and declaring his intention to finally destroy Darkseid and his home world. Fast forward, and we see Darkseid has enslaved most of the Justice League members, installed Batman as his vassal on the Mobius Chair, and injected Superman with liquid Kryptonite.
Darkseid has also captured and destroyed Earth, leaving only a few survivors. In this desolate setting, the battered Man of Steel and Raven enlist Constantine’s assistance to take on Darkseid and restore order to the world.
Keep an eye out for Etrigan, who provides a great comedy distraction in the film while Constantine perfects his jerk-act. In this film, you will feel sorry for Superman.
5. Justice League: Flashpoint Paradox
Barry Allen, the Fastest Man Alive, has many times lived up to his reputation (or the future, if you want to see it like that). The Flash has seen more of the universe than the rest of the League, from changing the timeline multiple times to exploring parallel realities and the multiverse to being the energy reactor powering Apokolips.
In the Flashpoint Paradox, Barry Allen awakens to discover that he has lost his powers and that his mother is still alive. The Batman he encounters is a murderous, cold, and calculating vigilante, while Cyborg is a government puppet. He realises this is an alternate reality, which he confirms with none other than the Reverse Flash. Barry is to blame for this mess, and he must now make things right.
With the Amazon vs. Atlantis war raging around the world, the setting for this film is quite bleak. This is a far cry from the Flash’s usual lighthearted fare. However, it is a welcome change. The storytelling aspect is flawless, and the action sequences are brutal and cushion-ripping. The film has a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has grossed over $33 million dollars in sales.
4. Batman: The Long Halloween (Part I and II)
Over time, Batman has evolved from a detective to a universe-spanning heavy hitter. The Long Halloween returns him to his roots, and we get to see him at his most investigative. This new addition to the DC Animated Movies, set to be released in 2021, is a two-part film starring fan favourite Jensen Ackles as Batman.
On Halloween, Johnny Viti, the nephew of Gotham crime lord Carmine Falcone, is murdered. As a calling card, the killer leaves a jack-o-lantern. With more holiday murders on the rise, Batman is forced to seek the counsel of Calendar Man, who is imprisoned in Arkham Asylum, only to discover that the Joker has escaped and plans to outwit the ‘Holiday Killer.’
Every clue Batman discovers points to the Holiday Killer’s ultimate target, Carmine Falcone. He also realises that District Attorney Harvey Dent is somehow connected to the murders. Before he can continue his investigation, Harvey Dent is attacked by acid, and his transformation into the infamous ‘Two-Face’ begins.
This film has a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics praised the film and praised its adherence to the comic while allowing for complete creative freedom. The ‘Batman’ film, directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson, is heavily influenced by the Long Halloween saga.
3. Batman: Under the Red Hood
Warner Bros. released an animated film based on this storyline in 2010, starring Jensen Ackles as Batman (isn’t he the perfect voice for Batman?). Under the Red Hood becomes very personal for Batman and is one of the Joker’s greatest triumphs.
It is widely assumed that the Joker murders Jason Todd (the second Robin) by smacking him with a crowbar (see Death in the Family). Batman has yet to recover from that loss. Meanwhile, in Gotham, a mysterious figure known as the Red Hood appears and strikes a deal with the drug smugglers.
He will defend them from Batman and the Black Mask (Roman Sionis, or Ewen McGregor, if you please). Only one condition applies: the smugglers will not deal with children. As expected, Batman clashes with the Red Hood and discovers the Hood is extremely skilled and intimately familiar with Batman’s suit and equipment.
This film forces Batman’s past to confront him and confront his grief. It forces him to tread the fine line between good and evil. The film received a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.
2. Death of Superman
The Death of Superman has already been done to stale dough, with the Man of Steel (Henry Cavill, or Geralt of Rivia, if you prefer) laying down his life to save the world from Doomsday in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. That Snyder film lacked the necessary emotional resonance surrounding his death. DC Animated Universe depicts the scene exactly as it should have been. Death of Superman is presented by Warner Bros Animation.
Clark finds his country roots with the feisty and ambitious Lois Lane, after his exploits with the Justice League in several previous films and sharing a boiling chemistry with Wonder Woman. She is unaware that he is Superman (the time she finds out is so heart-breaking). Meanwhile, a massive meteor crashes into the ocean, containing a large unknown being.
The investigating Atlanteans are attacked by the being, who eventually makes it to land and rampages around wreaking havoc. Individual Justice League members fight the being, but only manage to break his containment suit, revealing – Doomsday. The League is badly injured after failing miserably. When Superman enters the fray, a titanic battle between him and Doomsday ensues in Metropolis. It’s a death dance.
The film perfectly captures the emotional appeal of Lois and Clark’s blossoming love, to the point where you will cry at the end (fortunately, it lacks any Martha moments). It will also demonstrate that Superman is much more than his mysterious superpowers. The Kansas man will steal your heart.
This film was followed by a direct sequel, Reign of Supermen, which is also worth seeing.
1. The Dark Knight Returns (Part I & II)
Logan (2017) demonstrated that old-age superheroes can be portrayed in an interesting and engaging manner. It was, however, not the first film to do so. The Dark Knight Returns created and perfected this recipe in 2013. Only a geriatric Batman is more interesting than a senile Wolverine, and The Dark Knight Returns does not disappoint for a single second of its runtime.
The Dark Knight Returns was released in two parts in 2013, based on Frank Millar’s comic of the same name. It tells the story of a 55-year-old Bruce Wayne. Bruce Wayne has been retired for more than a decade after Jason Todd’s death, and he has all the usual old people problems.
Because of his retirement, the Joker is stuck in Arkham Asylum, lonely and awaiting the return of The Dark Knight. Harvey Dent has had plastic surgery to restore his natural face. Bruce Wayne decides to make a comeback after his subsequent disappearance and the rise of a terrorist faction known as the Mutants. And he does so, albeit with a whimper.
The plot darkens as Batman’s return is met with mixed reactions. The government decides to bring in the old vigilante and enlists the help of none other than his old friend, Superman, to bring him down. Wait until you see this one if you thought BvS: Dawn of Justice had a good Batman versus Superman battle. Batman’s tenacity and grit shine through in this battle as he goes toe-to-toe with the Strongest Man on the planet.
Final Thoughts!
So, here are the top ten DC animated movies you must see if you’re a fan of the DC Universe. We’re fairly certain that a few of the films were not included on the list, but we assure you that these are the best choices based on our experience.
So, what are your thoughts on the list? Do you have any other titles that you believe should be included on this list? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
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