Guide to viewing DC movies in both release date and chronological order

Navigate the cinematic DC Extended Universe (DCEU) from Man of Steel to Aquaman 2 using our comprehensive watch order guide.

With the DCEU concluding and a new DC Universe (DCU) led by James Gunn and Peter Safran emerging in 2025, we provide insights into the ideal sequence for watching DCEU movies, encompassing Man of Steel, The Flash, Blue Beetle, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.

We also present a chronological watch order for those desiring a unique DC marathon experience, including a glance at non-canon DC films like Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Joker, and The Batman. Additionally, for Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) enthusiasts, we offer a guide on how to watch Marvel movies in order.

How to watch DC movies in order – 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. Joker (2019) [non-DCEU]
9. Birds of Prey (2020)
10. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
11. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) [non-canon]
12. The Suicide Squad (2021)
13. The Batman (2022) [non-DCEU]
14. DC League of Super-Pets (2022) [non-DCEU]
15. Black Adam (2022)
16. Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
17. The Flash (2023)
18. Blue Beetle (2023)
19. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)

Best for: Newcomers to DC

While films like Christopher Nolan’s Bat-trilogy and Constantine remain standalone entities, almost everything post-Man of Steel belongs to the DCEU. Exceptions include Joker and The Batman, which exist outside the DCEU. For the Snyder Cut, watching the 2017 theatrical release is recommended for ‘canon’ purposes, but Zack Snyder’s 2021 version provides a superior and more definitive take on characters.

How to watch DC movies in order – chronological order:

1. Wonder Woman (main story) (1914-18)
2. Wonder Woman 1984
3. Man of Steel
4. The Flash (alternate timeline scenes)
5. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
6. Wonder Woman (modern-day scenes)
7. Suicide Squad
8. Justice League (theatrical)
9. Aquaman
10. Shazam!
11. Birds of Prey
12. The Suicide Squad
13. Black Adam
14. Shazam! Fury of the Gods
15. The Flash
16. Blue Beetle
17. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

Best for: Rewatching the DCEU

The chronological order starts with Wonder Woman, though some films like Aquaman, Shazam!, and Birds of Prey are challenging to place precisely. It simplifies until The Flash, which creates some timeline complexity. Gunn’s DCU, launching in 2025 with Superman: Legacy, will render movies from 2013 to 2023 largely obsolete.

How does James Gunn’s DCU affect the DC watch order? James Gunn’s DCU doesn’t impact the current watch order but signals a new cinematic universe from 2025. The Aquaman sequel marks the end of the DCEU, with Gunn confirming that his DCU works will be ‘canon,’ creating a fresh cinematic universe with potential character and story transfers.

How does the Snyder Cut affect the DC watch order? Zack Snyder’s Justice League is not currently considered canon, but for fans, it concludes Snyder’s trilogy starting with Man of Steel and continuing through Batman v Superman.

Are The Batman and Joker connected to the DCEU? The Batman and Joker are standalone films, introducing their own versions of characters and existing outside the DCEU. Their Elseworlds nature means they take place in different universes, offering flexibility in viewing preferences.

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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