DCEU Ranked: Revisiting the 8 Films Before Fandome

With only five days left until the highly anticipated DC Fandome virtual event, the excitement and optimism for the future of DC films continue to grow. Although reception of the earlier films were mixed, the franchise has received more consistent critical and commercial success in the past few years. Under the leadership of Walter Hamada, the new President of DC Films at Warner Bros., the studio looks to keep the successful streak going and deliver a diverse slate of superhero action. 

With the future of the DCEU about to be revealed in a few days, it is worth revisiting the films that started it all. From worst to best, here is how the eight films of the DC Extended Universe rank against each other:

(Spoilers ahead)

8. Suicide Squad

An example of how a great concept can be ruined in its execution, Suicide Squad marks the low point of the franchise so far. A fun cast with the likes of Will Smith, Margot Robbie, and Viola Davis aren’t enough to save this film from poor editing and a weak story. The set up and first act present an interesting idea. Having a group of expendable villains attempt a do or die mission, where any misbehavior will trigger a bomb implanted in their necks, is a great concept. Unfortunately, the film wastes its potential with disorienting editing, distracting and cringe-worthy song choices, a remarkably bland villain, and an underwhelming final act. 

Worst of all, one of the film’s most intriguing aspects, the inclusion of the Joker, is completely mishandled. Chopping up most of his scenes and diluting his impact on the overall plot, Suicide Squad manages to take one of the most engaging comic book characters and turn him into a boring, one-note plot device. It is unclear if Jared Leto will ever return to the role or if a director’s cut of this film may exist, which is a shame considering the character barely had any time to shine in the DCEU. 

 

7. Justice League

Zack Snyder’s Justice League, to be released on HBO Max in 2021, will hopefully be the definitive, epic vision that is expected of the first ever live action Justice League movie. The version that audiences got in 2017, however, was an underwhelming and forgettable mess of a film, largely due to the results of studio meddling and misguided reshoots. 

Wasted potential is the best way to describe this film. Following the dark and serious tone of Batman v Superman, the humor and forced lightheartedness in this film are incredibly jarring. Although it is neat seeing the likes of legendary DC heroes Aquaman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Cyborg, and Batman on screen together for the first time, none of it feels earned. This is a film that deserves a longer runtime to balance the introductions of so many new characters and explain the mythology of Steppenwolf and the mother boxes. Weak visual effects and a poor script only bring the experience down. Not even Superman can save this film.

6. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (Ultimate Edition)

Part sequel to Man of Steel, part Batman film, and part Justice League set up, Batman v Superman tries to tackle a lot in its three hour runtime. It manages to succeed in a few key ways, but ultimately fails in its final act, proving that maybe the Dawn of the Justice (League) was not necessary to cram into an already stacked film. 

For the most part, the first two acts are actually quite strong. By seeing the destruction of Metropolis from Bruce Wayne’s perspective, the audience is able to understand early on why he would choose to make Superman his enemy. Lex Luthor capitalizes on Bruce’s fears and the media’s scrutiny of Superman to ultimately pit the two against each other, boosting his own ego and providing himself with a sense of power after the abuse he suffered from his father as a child. Ben Affleck and Jesse Eisenberg do well with the material they are given, providing unique interpretations of these characters. The world-weary and pessimistic Bruce provides a nice mirror to the violent and rage filled Batman. The warehouse scene in particular is a great example of this new brutal take on the caped crusader. 

The extended cut provides necessary Clark Kent reporter scenes and more clearly explains Luthor’s plan. This is a long movie and so much happens even before the final act. The inclusion of Doomsday, the death of Superman, and the set up for the Justice League team in the last act end up making the film feel too bloated. Killing off Superman after only two films is a bold move, one that doesn’t completely pay off. Ending the film not long after the warehouse scene could have made for a tighter and more impactful superhero film. 

5. Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)

With a ridiculously fun tone and a unique style, Birds of Prey took the few things that worked in Suicide Squad and fully embraced its wacky characters and kinetic energy. Although the birds precede her in the title, this is definitely a Harley Quinn movie. From her hilarious and unreliable narration to the poppy song choices and stylized action scenes, this film is completely in synch with Harley and her style. 

Possibly the funniest film in the DCEU (tied with Shazam!), the film wastes no time establishing itself as an R-rated, bloody, Tarantino-esque, colorful adventure with an equally colorful set of characters. The cast is excellent and incredibly likeable. Although Harley does frequently tend to overshadow the birds, it is still great to finally see characters such as Black Canary, Huntress, and Renee Montoya on screen. Ewan McGregor as Black Mask was a pleasant surprise in a role that manages to ride the line between completely over the top villain and creepy sociopathic narcissist. 

One of the film’s biggest strengths lies in its action sequences. The fights are creative and violent while still being stylized and cartoonish. The final fight in the abandoned amusement park is a lot of fun and manages to show each of the characters’ unique fighting style. 

The pacing can be a little fast and the structure of the story holds the film back at times. Telling the film out of order is initially fun, but it causes the story to slow down a little in the second act. The music, unlike Suicide Squad, fits the tone well and does add a bit more flavor to some scenes. However, there may be one too many needle drops and some songs really stand out as just being awkward.. Was a somber, slow version of Hit Me With Your Best Shot really necessary?

4. Aquaman

The unexpected mega-success of the DCEU, Aquaman had the difficult task of following up the poorly received Justice League. Under James Wan’s direction and Jason Momoa’s infectious charisma, DC reimagined Arthur Curry as a badass, beer-chugging, brute force of nature. By stripping away the “goofier” side of Aquaman and implementing some of Jason Momoa’s own traits, the character finally became just as interesting and intimidating as Batman and Superman. 

Regardless of Momoa’s performance or Wan’s smooth direction, the script is just plain bad. Jokes don’t always land and dialogue can be extremely cheesy. The desert sequence is the biggest offender, with flat humor and cringe-inducing dialogue between Arthur and Mera. Fortunately, the weak script is frequently overshadowed by the sheer ambitious scope and incredibly fun tone. James Wan knows how to balance out the cheese with inventive action scenes, deep world building, and signature visual flair. The CGI looks incredible and Atlantis is a mesmerizing, textured world that is a joy to explore. Everything from the sets to the costumes is designed with attention to detail. The green and gold Aquaman suit looks amazing on Momoa, who is able to somehow pull off the legendary comic look that would look ridiculous on anyone else. Black Manta’s suit is jaw dropping, looking as if he walked right out of a comic panel. 

Wan is also able to play on his strengths as a horror director, providing a scary and visually breathtaking sequence with the Trench. It is nice touches like this that prove directors should be given more creative freedom over DC films. The final act solidifies this film as a true epic of superhero action. The huge underwater battle scene is chaotic but still easy to follow. Orm and Arthur’s fight is emotionally charged and visually striking, ending the film on a high note.

3. Wonder Woman

Arguably the first true critical and commercial success of the DCEU, Wonder Woman is an inspiring and important film in superhero cinema. Patty Jenkins inserts heart and a powerful message into an often grim story of war and violence. 

The fish-out-of-water trope has been done many times before, but because of Gal Gadot and Chris Pine’s chemistry and the thoughtful script, it feels fresh and fun. Putting Diana in the heart of World War I allows the film to show Diana’s heart and heroism. The No Man’s Land sequence is powerful, providing both a showcase for the director’s visual style and the emotional impact of Diana’s character. The wonderful score by Rupert Gregson-Williams also adds another powerful level to many scenes. 

Sure, Ares may not be one of the more memorable superhero film villains, and the last act loses a little bit of steam, but Wonder Woman is one of the most consistently impactful films DC has produced. It is an incredible achievement and an inspiring story for many.

2. Man of Steel

The film that started it all. With a story originally conceived by Christopher Nolan and David Goyer, Man of Steel looked to take the darker tone of Nolan’s Batman trilogy and appropriately translate it into a modern Superman film. Zack Snyder was picked to helm the project, bringing a unique visual feel and epic action to the iconic character’s first film since 2006. Paired with the incredible talent of Hans Zimmer and a solid cast, Snyder reshaped the man of tomorrow. 

Utilizing flashbacks dispersed between the present day story of a young Clark Kent lost in the world, the familiar origin of Kal-El is shown while also keeping the main plot moving along. Each flashback has a thematic significance to the overall story, touching upon themes of loneliness, greater purpose, and the obligation vs will to help others around you. Clark struggles with his Jonathan Kent’s wish to remain hidden to the world. This film shows a realistic and complex Clark that past Superman films have mostly avoided. This is not the typical boy scout, perfect Superman from the comics. In order to bring Superman into the modern world, the filmmakers had to fill him with insecurities and inner conflict, making him more relatable and sympathetic than ever before. 

Although the destruction may be a bit much at times, the action is incredible. This is the first film to truly show the incredible sheer power of Superman. From his first flight to his violent battle with Zod, this is a Superman who is just discovering how high his potential truly is and Snyder ensures that audiences feel every impact of his strength. 

Man of Steel still remains a divisive film in the wide landscape of comic book films. There is a lot to unpack in this film and its dark tone may turn some off. For others, this is the quintessential modern retelling of Superman and possibly the best film to actually show what makes the character so interesting.

1. Shazam!

 

With a gigantic heart and laugh out loud humor, Shazam! is possibly the purest representation of wish fulfillment and pure joy in a superhero film. A near perfect cast, smart script, and important message about family elevate this film above the rest of the DCEU. 

Director David F Sandberg, like James Wan, makes the film his own, incorporating humor and horror. The boardroom scene is terrifying and might be a little much for younger viewers, but Mark Strong’s delivery keeps the humor in the incredibly dark scene, allowing it to serve as a great setup for his character’s revenge arc. 

Zachary Levi and Jack Dylan Grazer are fantastic in the film. Their chemistry is perfect and allows the audience to fully believe that Levi is playing a kid. The scenes where Feddy helps Billy explore his power set are so fun. The film truly shows what having super powers at that young of an age would be like. 

Although the first act is a little slow, as soon as the title character makes his appearance the film never slows down. Balancing humor with serious themes about family and foster care, Shazam!, like Wonder Woman, is able to entertain and inspire. 

What do you think? Tell us your DCEU ranking down below! 

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