The future of Superman is looking brighter than a Kryptonian-supercharging yellow sun.
On “The Viall Files With Nick Viall” podcast, James Gunn shared his vision for the number of films in the upcoming Superman series in the new DC Universe, which might exceed what fans initially anticipated.
Instead of receiving a conventional trilogy, Superman’s story will be presented across four films, each focusing on the Man of Steel.
During a podcast interview, the co-CEO of DC Studios stated something along the lines of: “I’m contemplating about the larger narrative here. What is the story arc I want to present over four movies for Superman?
Additionally, fans won’t have a long wait for the sequel of the 2025 superhero movie, as Gunn has mentioned that the script for the next installment in the series is already finished.
The filmmaker has completed the planning for the next story in what he’s referring to as the ‘Superman Saga.’ This detailed plan is already finalized, meaning it’s thoroughly developed. He’s currently working on this and anticipates starting production soon, not too long after now.
This past week, it was revealed on the “I Think You’re Overthinking It” podcast that the upcoming DC Studios film will serve as a sequel to “Superman.
Though the specifics of the storyline remain hidden for now, director James Gunn did offer some mysterious clues about “Superman 2” during his conversation on the Anthony D’Alessandro podcast. He commented, “The characters we’ve already encountered are part of it, and Superman plays a crucial role. So, that’s all I can say for now, but just like that film, the script for this project has been completed.
In my excitement, it seems as though a hint points towards the renowned team known as the Justice Gang – consisting of Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Mister Terrific – potentially taking center stage in the upcoming Superman film.
In a theater near you on July 11, the highly anticipated film Superman, marking the beginning of the fresh cinematic DC Universe, made its debut. The movie generated an impressive box office total of $598 million while only requiring approximately $225 million to produce.
Superman is available for rent or purchase on digital now.
Every DC Comics Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best
46. Catwoman (2004)
Halle Berry uncovers that her beauty company’s innovative product is hazardous, leading to her assassination by the company’s management as a means of concealing the truth. However, cats miraculously revive her, transforming her into the latest iteration of Catwoman, a historic figure who has traversed the Earth. As Patience Phillips, Berry’s character combines feline qualities such as agility, always landing on her feet, expert basketball skills, a penchant for theft, a knack for whipping people, a love for leather, and an affinity for making basketball puns – all traits reminiscent of a real cat. Catwoman, directed by Pitof who has a background in visual effects, is not without its flaws. While there are undoubtedly worse-looking DC movies, it stands out as the most poorly edited one. This is evident from the fact that the entire cast wears identical clothes on consecutive days, suggesting last-minute editing decisions were made without reshooting any scenes. The unusual choices and blatant incompetence make Catwoman irresistible to enthusiasts of bad movies.
45. Jonah Hex (2010)
The character Jonah Hex from DC Comics is simply a gritty, scar-faced Western outlaw. A movie adaptation seemed to be an instant success – just imagine Josh Brolin in a storyline reminiscent of “Fistful of Dollars,” playing a gun-slinging hero. However, the film surprisingly endowed him with supernatural abilities (communicating with the dead) and fantastical weapons, mirroring its overly exaggerated plot. The only reason it’s not last on this list is because of its brevity – it’s short due to being chopped up almost beyond recognition. On the other hand, it’s brief duration can be attributed to excessive editing. Jonah Hex is such an unusual and disastrous film that it makes “Wild Wild West” look like a masterpiece in comparison. And speaking of “Wild Wild West” and its lead actor…
The original text:
DC Comics’ Jonah Hex is just a gruff Western vigilante with a scarred face. A movie should have been a slam dunk – just put Josh Brolin in the middle of a Fistful of Dollars-esque plot and let him be a gunslinging badass. Instead, the film inexplicably gave him supernatural powers (he can talk to the dead) and absurd, cartoonish guns to match its absurd, cartoonish plot. The only reason it’s not dead last on this list is because it’s mercifully short. On the other hand, it’s only 80 minutes long because it’s been hacked to almost incomprehensible pieces. Jonah Hex is such a rare and unique disaster it makes Wild Wild West look like The Searchers. And speaking of the Wild Wild West and its star…
The character Jonah Hex from DC Comics is just a rugged, scar-faced Western outlaw. A movie seemed to be an easy win – just envision Josh Brolin in a storyline similar to “Fistful of Dollars,” playing a gun-wielding hero. However, the film surprisingly bestowed him with supernatural abilities (he can communicate with the dead) and overly exaggerated weapons that mirrored its outrageous plot. The only reason it’s not last on this list is because it’s short in length. On the other hand, it’s brief duration is due to excessive editing. Jonah Hex is such an unusual and disastrous film that it makes “Wild Wild West” look like a masterpiece by comparison. And speaking of “Wild Wild West” and its lead actor…
44. Suicide Squad (2016)
In this movie’s narrative, the Suicide Squad is both the origin and the remedy for all the problems presented. If the Suicide Squad didn’t exist in this story, neither would the issues they are tasked with solving. The antagonist is a renegade member of the Suicide Squad, and a significant portion of the plot revolves around saving a character whose true identity is a mystery, eventually revealed to be the founder and overseer of the Suicide Squad. Essentially, the Suicide Squad in this film functions much like Homer Simpson describes alcohol – it’s both the cause and the solution to the story’s complications.
Although the film was initially conceived by director David Ayer in a coherent manner, by the time it hit theaters, it had been edited into a disjointed mess, much like coleslaw. A word of warning: Don’t anticipate that the “Extended Cut” will improve the movie in any way. The Suicide Squad, as it stands, didn’t particularly need to be longer to begin with.
43. Steel (1997)
In a humorous yet sincere manner, Shaquille O’Neal stars in this film, loosely based on the DC Comics character Steel, who temporarily took over the role of Superman in the mid-1990s. With Superman mysteriously absent, the story needed a significant rework to adapt Steel’s origin. O’Neal brings the right physique for a superhero role and seems to be enjoying himself immensely, but the script is filled with self-deprecating jokes – Shaq repeatedly misses basketball shots and shrugs, while Richard Roundtree humorously references the “shaft” of Steel’s hammer. Additionally, the costume design for Steel is questionable, making the movie feel more like an extended, disastrously unfunny Saturday Night Live sketch rather than a genuine film.
42. Supergirl (1984)
In the years prior to the 1980s, the original source of Superman, having run dry, spawned this spin-off focusing on Superman’s cousin, Kara Zor-El (Helen Slater), who departed Argo City, a city in an unusual location deep within Earth’s lakes, to retrieve a powerful artifact. With no sign of Christopher Reeve apart from posters in college dorm rooms, this story takes place outside the scope of his Superman films, save for a brief cameo by Marc McClure as Jimmy Olsen. Kara Zor-El, portrayed by Slater, embodies the role well, but the film itself is largely forgettable unless you have a particular fondness for Faye Dunaway’s New Age witch-like performances. Boy, does this movie heavily feature such performances!
41. Green Lantern (2011)
Fans of comics often become agitated when adaptations deviate from the original source material they cherish so much. A counterargument for departing from faithfulness in comic book adaptations can be seen in the film “Green Lantern,” which condenses decades of intergalactic police force lore and the magical rings’ history into its 114-minute runtime. While it includes characters like Tomar-Re, Kilowog, Abin-Sur, and Sinestro, these appearances are brief, leaving insufficient time for the audience to understand them or fully appreciate Ryan Reynolds’ character, Hal Jordan, and his Earthly life before and during his transformation into the protector of Sector 2814. Peter Sarsgaard convincingly portrays Hector Hammond, a telekinetic monster with an abnormal growth on his forehead that resembles a large testicle; however, he struggles to convince as an equal to Blake Lively’s character, Carol Ferris, who is 16 years younger than Sarsgaard despite their characters being supposed to have grown up together.
40. Justice League (2017)
In a nutshell, Justice League, which was expected to be the culmination of an intricate narrative, unfortunately fell short and marked a low point for its cinematic universe. Director Zack Snyder had to step away due to personal matters, allowing Joss Whedon to take over. The final product seems disjointed from what either director would typically produce. The editing is inconsistent, the tone is disorganized, and the main antagonist, a generic CGI character, lacks charm and motivation, despite his goal being to conquer the world. Although Snyder’s original cut can be found on HBO Max, it doesn’t change the fact that Justice League remains one of the weaker DC films in history.
39. Superman IV: The Quest For Peace (1987)
Though often criticized, the movie “The Quest For Peace” surpasses its negative reputation in some aspects. Despite being produced by Cannon Films on a significantly reduced budget of around $17 million compared to the original film’s expenditure of $55 million a decade prior, it still delivers compelling performances and action scenes. Notably, Gene Hackman gives a strong portrayal as the villainous Lex Luthor, and Christopher Reeve brings intensity to Superman’s struggle against his most significant adversary yet: The growing threat of nuclear war.
38. Superman Returns (2006)
One of the standout scenes in the movie “Superman Returns,” featuring Brandon Routh’s Superman saving an airplane, is one of the best superhero moments I’ve seen. However, the rest of the film seems overly preoccupied with replicating the atmosphere of the original Superman films directed by Richard Donner, despite being made many years later without the original cast. This gives the movie a somewhat static, wax museum-like feel; it’s faithful but lacks genuine life. Additionally, a compelling aspect of the story is abruptly discarded as a surprising twist late in the third act. If the entire film had focused on this intriguing element, it might have been much more engaging.
37. Batman and Robin (1997)
The movie “Batman and Robin,” often criticized for ending the ’90s Batman series, has its own charm, almost embodying the category of “so bad it’s good.” Yes, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character bombards you with over 600 ice puns within 125 minutes. Yet, who doesn’t appreciate a good dose of ice puns? Similarly, Uma Thurman’s portrayal of the villainous Poison Ivy is provocative and alluring. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t admire the seductive charm of Uma Thurman? George Clooney plays Bruce Wayne in a rather laid-back manner, but there’s something charming about a man enjoying his life as a bat-shaped superhero. Despite its criticisms, I find myself continually drawn to this film. (Even though the costumes from the Schumacher era and their noticeable nipples have been ridiculed – and, for clarity, the nipples are indeed very prominent – Chris O’Donnell’s Nightwing-inspired suit stands out as one of the best in DC movie history.)
36. Batman Forever (1995)
Teetering precariously between the dark, gothic terrors of Burton’s nightmares and the flashy, extravagant version of Gotham City from Batman and Robin, we find Batman Forever. This film escalates its predecessors in terms of production design (with larger fins on the Batmobile and more exaggerated Bat-muscles) and performances. Batman engages in a deadly battle against Two-Face, portrayed by Tommy Lee Jones, and The Riddler, played by Jim Carrey – with both actors competing to deliver the most outrageous performance ever seen on screen (Carrey ultimately wins this contest). Val Kilmer gives an intriguing portrayal as Batman, displaying a more icy demeanor than Michael Keaton and a cooler one compared to George Clooney. Although we’d like to see more of Kilmer in the role, it might not be in this specific movie.
35. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
In this less-than-stellar follow-up to the original “Wonder Woman,” Gal Gadot and Chris Pine’s characters find themselves united once more, disregarding logic and time constraints. It’s fortunate that they do, as they are undeniably the most captivating elements of this sluggish sequel. The story finds Diana confronting the wicked oil tycoon Max Lord (Pedro Pascal) and Cheetah (Kristen Wiig) in the 1980s. Standout superhero moments, such as a thrilling desert chase, are interspersed with lengthy periods of aimless wandering.
34. Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
In this unsatisfying follow-up, the charm seems to be mostly absent. The original Shazam! centered around its teenage superhero, exploring how he creatively used his new abilities. With the protagonist having mastered his powers, there’s not much substance for Fury of the Gods, as it overloads on special effects but largely misses the mark in humor. Fortunately, Helen Mirren appears to be enjoying herself in her role as one of the Daughters of Atlas.
33. The Return of Swamp Thing (1989)
As a passionate fan, I find myself often wondering: if Swamp Thing is composed of plants, why does he sport such teeth? Such questions arise during this self-aware sequel to Wes Craven’s original masterpiece. The return of Louis Jourdan and Dick Durock as Arcane and Swamp Thing brings a unique ambiance to the film, reminiscent of what Batman and Robin might have been if Jack Nicholson and Michael Keaton had joined forces and fully embraced their roles – think of it as a bizarre blend of their iconic performances. The movie is consistently amusing, with laughter often erupting, both intentionally and unintentionally!
32. Constantine (2005)
As a film enthusiast, let me tell you that this contemporary supernatural thriller, brimming with wit and style, strays from the somber tone of the classic John Constantine comics. If your appreciation for these darker series hinges on their melancholic anti-hero, then you might find a few flaws right from the start. However, if you’re open to something fresh, you’ll discover an unexpectedly entertaining tale, backed by a twisted sense of humor that I found quite amusing. Keanu Reeves delivers a solid performance, but I must admit that more Tilda Swinton as the archangel Gabriel in Constantine would have made this movie even more captivating.
31. Joker (2019)
The number of Oscars won’t persuade me that this grim origin tale for Batman’s chief adversary is anything other than a wild tribute to Scorsese gone astray. Indeed, Joaquin Phoenix delivers an intense and frightening performance as the downtrodden character Arthur Fleck, but he has shown greater skill elsewhere, particularly in roles akin to this one about tormented individuals with mental health issues resorting to violence. Moreover, we can easily name at least two Joker characters from films that are more captivating than this one. I appreciate the effort, but I’d rather pass.
30. Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
In my view, I can’t help but admire, albeit reluctantly, the audacity of this movie that intentionally provokes the audience who found joy in Arthur Fleck’s metamorphosis into Gotham City’s vigilante hero. Instead of continuing his chaos and pain, it offers prolonged courtroom scenes and extensive musical performances. Staging a trial (and featuring Lady Gaga as a mentally unstable Joker admirer) are innovative concepts, but the movie fails to explore them thoroughly, and the songs (perhaps intentionally?) lack impact.
29. Black Adam (2022)
Dividing Black Adam from Shazam leaves you with a gloomy, grouchy anti-hero lacking the bright, optimistic character of Billy Batson. Dwayne Johnson spent decades waiting for his opportunity to portray this character, and he undeniably possesses the physique capable of destroying a jet with mere hand strength. However, Black Adam primarily offers just a few dramatic visuals set against a dismal superhero origin narrative hinting at the idea that power leads to righteousness.
When Black Adam is separated from Shazam, we’re left with a grumpy and serious anti-hero instead of the cheerful Billy Batson. Dwayne Johnson has waited for years to play this character, and he looks powerful enough to smash a jet with his bare hands. Unfortunately, that’s about all Black Adam provides – some flashy scenes amidst a dull origin story, with just a hint of a message suggesting that power equals righteousness.
28. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
In the DC Extended Universe, age-old comrades find themselves squabbling for the first time, with Ben Affleck’s Batman accusing Henry Cavill’s Superman of Metropolis’ destruction during the incidents of “Man of Steel”. While there may be some justification in his claim, the testosterone-filled rivalry between these two titans reaches ludicrous levels in “Batman v Superman”, causing the most cringe-worthy moments to border on self-mockery. The character named Martha will forever be tarnished by this film.
27. Man of Steel (2013)
Clark Kent, still young, complains to his mother that the world is too vast. She suggests making it smaller instead. Ma Kent’s advice, unfortunately, was ignored by Zack Snyder in the movie ‘Man of Steel.’ The film is filled with numerous World Engines, crumbling structures, and belligerent Kryptonians, yet it struggles to capture the essence of its namesake hero, Superman. Perhaps this was Snyder’s intention; portraying Superman not as a symbol of hope or inspiration, but as an alien force whose presence could potentially pose more of a danger than a blessing to humanity. At the very least, this approach offers a fresh perspective on the character.
26. Superman III (1983)
In an era dominated by blockbuster superhero films that threaten the universe’s survival with grandiose spectacles and stunning visual effects, there is merit in a film as simple and comedic as “Superman III”. The movie incorporates elements reminiscent of Tati-style comedy, interweaving these moments seamlessly within the narrative, much like adapting a unique comic book issue from “The World of Metropolis”. Additionally, it offers subtle yet poignant commentary on capitalism, a system that Superman has frequently engaged in combat since his initial adventures. To top it off, the film presents an intriguing twist where Superman becomes villainous, with his first malicious act being the straightening of the Leaning Tower of Pisa – a move seemingly intended to antagonize a humble souvenir vendor. What a self-centered superhero!
25. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
In this rephrasing, I’ve tried to make the language more natural and easy to understand while maintaining the original meaning:
“This is how the DCEU concludes – not with an exciting climax, but with Aquaman, and unfortunately not even a great one. This disjointed and inconsistent sequel manages to elicit some laughs from the complicated sibling dynamic between Arthur (Jason Momoa) and Orm (Patrick Wilson), but it feels as if two separate films were spliced together and presented in theaters without proper cohesion. (One may question Amber Heard’s Mera’s absence, or wonder why Nicole Kidman’s Atlanna vanishes for the initial 45 minutes only to reappear abruptly with no explanation.) It’s not the DCEU finale fans were hoping for, but given its overall performance, it’s somewhat fitting.
24. Superman II (1980)
Fans are so enamored with Terence Stamp’s Zod and their affection for the iconic phrase “Kneel before Zod!” that they tend to overlook the chaotic nature of the film as a whole. Even aspects that were effective in the original Superman, such as the screwball-comedy chemistry between Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder, seem out of place this time around. Superman becomes so preoccupied with showing Lois his Fortress of Solitude that he seems oblivious to three Kryptonian supermen overtaking Earth! With super-hearing as one of his powers, shouldn’t he have noticed? The movie features magic amnesia kisses, teleportation, and projectile chest emblems, but the absence of super-hearing seems conspicuous. (Both versions of the film lack quality.)
23. Superman and the Mole Men (1951)
The initial DC Comics movie served as a precursor to the 1950s “Adventures of Superman” TV series, with George Reeves portraying Superman. Although the special effects are generally poor (the menacing “Mole Men” are merely small individuals in black turtlenecks and bald caps), it successfully conveys Superman’s moral principles, as evidenced by his defense of a very literal little person against mob violence. Furthermore, George Reeves embodies Clark Kent’s essential compassionate goodness better than any other performer in history.
22. Birds of Prey (2020)
As a cinephile, I’d say that if “Suicide Squad” aimed to emulate the offbeat humor of “Guardians of the Galaxy,” then “Birds of Prey” is Warner Bros.’ attempt at creating their own R-rated, irreverent, and fourth-wall-breaking DC superhero in the mold of Deadpool. Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn provides a fresh take on an amoral, profane antiheroine who learns to be less villainous while protecting an innocent child, all with the help of an eclectic group of misfits. While Harley makes for an engaging protagonist and the film has a cool punk-rock vibe, it would have been great if more attention was given to character development. The frequent references and discussions about the Joker give the movie an odd, almost Poochie-like feel, as though we’re watching characters who are constantly talking about someone who is not actually present in the film.
21. Watchmen (2009)
Zack Snyder’s adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ pioneering comic book series resembles Gus Van Sant’s “Psycho” in terms of the movie adaptation: It remains true to the original, yet it lacks the dynamic energy that makes it less captivating. However, the opening credits, which depict how the superheroes from the Watchmen universe might have influenced 20th-century history, remain compelling. Unfortunately, much of what follows has been surpassed by Damon Lindelof’s more impressive HBO series that was released subsequently.
20. The Flash (2023)
The Flash movie was intended to bring the DC Extended Universe to an end, but instead, it turns out to be a heartfelt tribute to its finest aspects. It features a commendable performance by Ben Affleck as Batman, and it cleverly connects various DC properties extensively. Rather than just focusing on The Flash himself, this movie is more like a grand interdimensional team-up of DC characters. Ezra Miller convincingly portrays two different Barry Allens, but Michael Keaton’s return as Batman leaves the most lasting impression, having been absent from the role for 30 years.
19. Swamp Thing (1982)
The trailers proclaimed excitedly, ‘The comic book legend continues!’ Two years prior to ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’, Wes Craven directed this adaptation of DC’s well-known horror figure. Ray Wise portrayed the scientist who metamorphosed into a sentient mass due to a dreadful lab accident in this film. Although Craven’s aspirations surpassed his budget – the Swamp Thing costume was more striking in the subsequent, lesser sequel – his ‘Swamp Thing’ offers an appealing blend of fright, silliness, and even a touch of poetry about the environment.
18. Blue Beetle (2023)
In many ways, the fighting styles of Blue Beetle felt reminiscent of other DC and Marvel films such as Shazam! and Iron Man. However, what set it apart from some DCEU productions was its emphasis on the title character’s family, particularly Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) and his Nana (Adriana Barraza). Unlike other superhero tales that focus on the hero hiding their identity from their loved ones, Blue Beetle explored how the discovery of a mystical scarab affected everyone around Jaime. While Maridueña played Jaime Reyes competently, I found Adriana Barraza’s performance so captivating that it made me wish she had been given the chance to play the superhero instead.
17. Aquaman (2018)
As a devoted cinematic enthusiast, let me say with excitement that James Wan and Jason Momoa truly transformed Aquaman from a character I thought might be just another run-of-the-mill superhero, into an unexpectedly thrilling, and even slightly trippy journey around the world! Hooray!
16. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
15. Teen Titans Go! To the Movies (2018)
Pay attention, enthusiasts of meta-humor: The live-action adaptation of the long-running Cartoon Network series featuring DC’s teen sidekicks could potentially scrutinize the concept of producing superhero films even more ruthlessly than “The LEGO Batman Movie”. (Notably, Will Arnett provides the voice for the villain Slade.) When Robin expresses his frustration over only DC heroes except him getting their own movie (he’s not mistaken!), his team ventures to Hollywood. They are informed that the only way they can have their own spinoff is if no other heroes exist. Naturally, like any exceptional superheroes in this predicament, they journey through time to prevent Superman, Batman, and the rest of the Justice League from ever putting on a cape or mask. Additionally: Nicolas Cage portrays Superman! This film has been undervalued.
14. Batman (1966)
In the time frame between the initial and second season of the Adam West television series, the 1966 film Batman feels like a collection of the most impressive moments from that captivating show. It features Adam West and Burt Ward as the lively duo, the Dynamic Duo, facing off against an elite group of villains such as Lee Meriwether’s Catwoman, Burgess Meredith’s Penguin, Frank Gorshin’s Riddler, and Cesar Romero’s Joker. Critics who dismiss Batman for its comical aspects may not realize that the show and movie are intentionally satirical, primarily parodying the two 1940s Batman serials they likely haven’t watched. There are two categories of individuals in this world: Those who find it amusing that Batman always carries a bottle of Bat-Shark Repellent, ready for any situation, and those who are mistaken.
13. The Suicide Squad (2021)
Marvel committed a significant error when they temporarily dismissed James Gunn from directing Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Immediately, Gunn switched allegiances and reinvigorated the struggling Suicide Squad franchise for DC, turning it into one of their most thrilling properties. Instead of sticking to the problems created by Warner Bros in the past, Gunn salvaged the strongest characters such as Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller, while discarding the rest (apologies to Jared Leto). In their place, Gunn injected more humor and introduced several new standouts like Idris Elba’s Bloodsport and John Cena’s Peacemaker. The latter possesses a superb physique and a twisted sense of humor that suits the absurd portrayal of overzealous patriotic heroes. Brutal, hilarious, and surprisingly beautiful, The Suicide Squad is the film everyone hoped the initial Suicide Squad would be.
12. The Batman (2022)
In Matt Reeves’ dark and intelligent film titled “The Batman,” Bruce Wayne (portrayed by Robert Pattinson) embarks on his second year as Gotham City’s vigilante, the Caped Crusader. He crosses paths with Paul Dano’s Riddler, a villain who is murdering prominent members of Gotham City as part of a twisted game that only Batman can decipher. Previous Batman movies have undoubtedly taken the character seriously, but none seem to have contemplated what the character signifies – for his devoted fans and the fictional citizens of Gotham City – with as much depth, until the thoughtful exploration presented in “The Batman.” Particularly noteworthy are its complex concluding sequences, which share a resemblance to the epic finale of “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.
11. The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)
In a twist that could be the Stockholm syndrome at play after being compelled to watch this film over 20 instances within a two-year period by my daughter, I’d venture to say that The LEGO Batman Movie might just be the most hilarious superhero movie ever made. Will Arnett’s self-absorbed Batman learns the importance of friendship being like family (that darn song is stuck in my head) and flaunts his six-pack, all while mocking and honoring nearly every iteration of Batman throughout his lengthy career in this hilarious parody.
10. Wonder Woman (2017)
In this collaboration, Gal Gadot’s captivating portrayal of Princess Diana blended seamlessly with Patty Jenkins’ dynamic action scenes. As Wonder Woman, Gadot journeys from her secluded homeland on Themyscira into the devastated battlefields of World War I Europe. Along the way, she forms an attraction with a charming spy (Chris Pine), demonstrating both strength and subtleness in combat. The character of Diana presents challenges due to her innocence and bravery without excessive aggression, yet Gadot’s performance exceeded expectations.
Gal Gadot brought together the enchanting charm of Princess Diana with Patty Jenkins’ powerful action sequences in this collaborative effort. As Wonder Woman, Gadot navigates from her peaceful home on Themyscira to the brutal trenches of World War I Europe. Throughout her journey, she develops feelings for a dashing spy (Chris Pine) and shows off some impressive fighting skills. The character of Diana is complex – she’s innocent yet strong, brave without being aggressive – but Gadot handled it with ease.
9. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
It’s quite surprising to think that the character portrayed in the 1966 Batman and The Dark Knight Rises are essentially the same, demonstrating the remarkable adaptability of the Batman character. The Dark Knight Rises served as the spectacular yet somewhat inflated finale to Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. In an effort to surpass The Dark Knight, it may have stretched itself a bit too far. Nevertheless, if more comic-book films aimed for something greater than mere entertainment, we would all benefit.
8. Shazam (2019)
When it appeared that the DC Extended Universe had reached its end, Warner Bros. astonished everyone with a creative and unexpected spin on comics’ original Captain Marvel (now known as Shazam). This film reimagines the storyline as a body-swap comedy similar to the movie Big. Asher Angel portrays Billy Batson, an orphan who morphs into the powerful yet awkward figure of Zachary Levi upon uttering the phrase “Shazam!”. Featuring well-developed villains, a humorous tone, and an action-packed conclusion filled with unexpected twists, Shazam could very well be the best movie in the DCEU.
7. Superman (2025)
Many people find it blasphemous to compare the two Superman films. While I lean towards Richard Donner’s 1978 movie, the newer one directed by James Gunn has its advantages. The latter boasts an outstanding Lex Luthor portrayed by Nicholas Hoult, a captivating supporting cast featuring Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific and Krypto as the mischievous superpup.
The new Superman film also presents a sympathetic Superman, played by David Corenswet, who is relatable and endearing. The movie is entertaining, action-packed, romantic, and even manages to inject some social commentary, making it enjoyable and thought-provoking. It sets a promising benchmark for future DC films, as it’s intended to be the first in a series of movies within an entire universe.
6. Batman Begins (2005)
5. Superman (1978)
Apologizing to Marlon Brando, Glenn Ford, and those who mispronounce “Krypton,” this film could have been more impactful by eliminating the initial 45 minutes and beginning when Clark Kent arrives in Metropolis. In 1978, audiences were already familiar with Superman’s origin story, so understanding the rest of the movie was not a challenge. Despite the aging special effects, the film still holds merit due to Christopher Reeve’s remarkable portrayal of both Clark Kent and Superman. His performance stands out as one of the best in comic book movies, consistently delivering excellence in both roles.
4. Batman (1989)
In a nod to timelessness, even if Tim Burton’s “Batman” appeared disjointed or outdated three decades later, its groundbreaking influence on Hollywood and comic-book films would earn it a prominent place on this list. Surprisingly, however, Burton’s “Batman” remains impressively relevant. While Jack Nicholson’s Joker garnered the majority of initial praise, it’s Michael Keaton’s Batman who continues to resonate. As Bruce Wayne, Keaton portrays a convincingly disturbed eccentric (“Wanna get crazy? Let’s do it!”). As Batman, his rigid movements, stemming from an unyielding costume, lend him an imposing, almost ethereal presence that intensifies the foreboding when he emerges onscreen.
3. Batman Returns (1992)
Somehow, director Tim Burton managed to persuade Warner Bros. to grant him the opportunity to create a sequel to the original ‘Batman’ movie, which was even more somber, peculiar, and melancholic than its predecessor. In this installment, Michael Keaton confronts two iconic villains from Gotham City: Danny DeVito’s Penguin, who spouts sewage instead of dialogue, and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman, encased in vinyl. Unfortunately, ‘Returns’ is the final Tim Burton Batman film rather than the second installment in a series of five.
2. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
In a time preceding “The LEGO Batman Movie,” the animated film “Batman: Mask of the Phantasm” compellingly demonstrated that animation was an ideal format for the Dark Knight. Produced by the creators of the renowned “Batman: The Animated Series,” “Mask of the Phantasm” distilled all the elements that made that show exceptional – stunning visuals, smooth animations, and iconic voice actors – into a nearly flawless 75-minute presentation. Over two decades old now, this film has held up remarkably well due in part to the timeless Art Deco-influenced design and futuristic technology of the artwork in the classic Batman: The Animated Series, which intentionally transcended temporal boundaries even back in 1993. None of the emotional romantic stories from the live-action Batman films surpass the one shared between Bruce Wayne and Andrea Beaumont.
1. The Dark Knight (2008)
Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” continues to set the benchmark for not just every Batman film, but possibly every superhero movie as well. It offered an abundance of visual splendor, especially in IMAX, a format it pioneered in mainstream cinema, and left viewers with numerous deep moral and philosophical discussions to ponder over. The film has also contributed several phrases that have become commonplace in our daily conversations, one of which (“You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain”) is so powerful and widely quoted it’s surprising it originated from a Batman movie in 2008. Between Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker, Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard’s legendary soundtrack, and the undeniable coolness of the Bat-pod, the film is simply one memorable feature after another. Over a decade later, “The Dark Knight” remains unmatched in greatness.
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2025-08-21 20:36