Guide to Viewing DCEU Movies in Chronological Order

Get up to speed on the latest in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) now that Jaime Reyes, the Blue Beetle, has joined the fray.

As Batman Day approaches, it’s not just about the Dark Knight. It’s a perfect time to shine a spotlight on the broader DC Universe, its heroes, and villains. With recent releases like Blue Beetle and The Flash, which, while acknowledging Batman, delve into stories beyond the Caped Crusader, it’s an opportune moment to revisit the diverse offerings of the DC film universe.

The combination of The Flash and Blue Beetle provides an ideal occasion to reflect on the past decade of DC movies. While the latter hints at the future of the DCU on screen, the former acts as a multi-layered celebration, resurrecting iconic characters like Michael Keaton’s Batman and Nicolas Cage’s Superman in a nostalgic nod to the cinematic legacy. The DCEU, or DC Extended Universe, has undergone complexity in recent years due to the release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League, hybrid theatrical and streaming releases, and the impending introduction of the DC Multiverse.

Change is on the horizon as newly appointed DC Studios CEOs, James Gunn and Peter Gunn, unveil an ambitious 10-project slate of movies and TV shows spanning the next five years. The goal is not only to deliver exceptional experiences but also to foster cohesion among DC movies, TV shows, and games.

Now might be the perfect time to navigate the intricate history of the DCEU as you prepare for the forthcoming DC era. Whether you prefer to watch the films in release order, chronological order, or explore their connections, we’ve got you covered. But first, let’s address the elephant in the room: Zack Snyder’s Justice League.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League, often dubbed the ‘Snyder Cut,’ adds a layer of complexity to the DCEU watch order. Director Zack Snyder initially helmed Justice League but stepped down during post-production. Joss Whedon took over, reshooting and reworking much of the film. Discontent among fans led to calls for Snyder’s original vision, eventually resulting in the release of Zack Snyder’s Justice League on HBO Max. While DC considers the theatrical cut more canon, some directors, like Patty Jenkins, argue for Snyder’s vision.

Here’s your guide to watching the DCEU films:

How to Watch the DC Movies in Release Order

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 (2020)
9. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
10. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
11. The Suicide Squad (2021)
12. Peacemaker, season one (2022)
13. Black Adam (2022)
14. Shazam: Fury of the Gods (2023)
15. The Flash (2023)
16. Blue Beetle (2023)
17. Up next: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (December 25, 2023)

How to Watch the DC Movies in Chronological Order

1. Wonder Woman
2. Wonder Woman 1984
3. Man of Steel
4. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
5. Suicide Squad
6. Justice League / Zack Snyder’s Justice League
7. Aquaman
8. Shazam!
9. Birds of Prey
10. The Suicide Squad
11. Peacemaker, season one
12. Black Adam (2022)
13. Shazam: Fury of the Gods (2023)
14. The Flash (2023)
15. Blue Beetle (2023)

While this list aligns the primary story of each film chronologically, be aware that some movies incorporate scenes and flashbacks set at different points in the timeline.

How to Watch the DC Movies by Franchise

Justice League

1. Man of Steel
2. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
3. Wonder Woman
4. Justice League / Zack Snyder’s Justice League
5. Aquaman
6. Wonder Woman 1984
7. The Flash

Note: Alternatively, watch Wonder Woman 1984 directly after Wonder Woman.

Harley Quinn and the Suicide Squad

1. Suicide Squad
2. Birds of Prey
3. The Suicide Squad
4. Peacemaker, season one

Note: Look out for potential sequels and future Peacemaker seasons.

Shazam!

1. Shazam!
2. Black Adam (2022)
3. Shazam: Fury of the Gods (2023)

Other Batman Films?

The introduction of the multiverse concept in The Flash complicates things for the upcoming Batman films. While Robert Pattinson’s The Batman is currently not considered canon, plans for a sequel are in motion. To prepare for Michael Keaton’s return in The Flash, watch Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992).

The dynamic landscape of the DCEU promises an exciting future, with a diverse array of projects set to unfold over the next few years. As the universe expands, fans can anticipate fresh narratives, character developments, and the exploration of the multiverse’s possibilities. So, grab your popcorn and immerse yourself in the captivating world of the DC Extended Universe!

We bring out some of the most well-known DCEU collection, all of which are available at reasonable costs. Visit our link now if you are interested in the DCEU collection

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