Best DC Animated Movies
You’ve heard about the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the horrendous efforts from DC to compete with this successful franchise. However, there is something that DC does very well… comics! Adapting those comic books into animated movies seems to be where DC shines in the movie business. In this article we are going to be taking a look at the best DC animated movies, including a brief synopsis of each film.
2. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox
3. Justice League Dark: Apokolips War
7. Batman: Dark Knight Returns
Batman: Under The Red Hood
Image by Warner Bros. Animation Inc.
This 2010 animated film is my personal favourite out of all the DC animated movies. In Under the Red Hood, we see the aftermath of the single most important DC comics of all time, A Death in the Family. It starts with Batman rushing into action in an attempt to try and save Jason Todd (Robin), from The Joker. Despite his efforts Batman is too late and is left pulling Jason’s body from rubble to cradle him in his arms.
This was a turning point for Batman, the caped crusader now adamant to work alone, refusing help from his first sidekick Dick Grayson. When an old villain emerges, Batman journeys to Arkham to visit the person he believes to be responsible, The Joker. However, Batman soon discovers, a different person has now taken on this alias.
If you are new to DC’s animated movies, Under The Red Hood is undoubtedly sure to get you hooked.
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox
Image by Warner Bros. Animation Inc.
This movie is the first movie of the 16 movie series known as the DC Animated Movie Universe. The theory of changing one thing in the past to completely changing the future is the premise for this 2013 hit. After a run in with his arch nemesis, Zoom, Barry Allen (The Flash) finds himself in an alternate timeline in which his mother is still alive, His wife Iris is married to someone else, and worst of all… The Justice League does not exist.
In this animated adaptation, we see alternate versions of our favourite members of The Justice League at the brink of war between the Atlantians and the Amazonians after Wonder Woman killed Aquaman’s wife, Mera. Barry knows without his powers, he is unable to fix what has been done. So, in a desperate attempt, Barry finds this universe’s Batman but is shocked to find a different person wearing the cowl… Thomas Wayne.
This movie is full of twists right to the end, and shows a very interesting take on what these beloved heroes would be like as villains.
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War
Image by Warner Bros. Animation Inc.
This Animated film is the official conclusion of the DC Animated Movie Universe, and sequel to 2017’s Justice League Dark. All the films in this series are worth a watch, but this has to be one of the best. You don’t need to watch all the DCAMU movies in order to enjoy this one, but I highly recommend you at least watch a few to see key character development and gain some context!
In an attempt to stop Darkseid once and for all, The Justice League devise a plan to infiltrate Apokolips. However, Darkseid learns of their plans after spying on the League, giving him the upper hand in defeating the Justice League, killing most and enslaving those who survived including Batman. 2 years later, Superman manages to escape Apokolips and reunites with Raven. They then seek out John Constantine whose magic is essential for them to help Batman and save the planet.
With the longest runtime in the series of 90 minutes, you can expect an action packed adventure in this film.
Batman: The Killing Joke
Image by Warner Bros. Animation Inc.
The fourth film in this list, is one of the darkest stories in the Batman universe. This 2016 adaption, manages to show how unhinged and crazy The Joker really is, whilst still making you laugh with some really great scenes and even a music number from The Joker himself.
When Batman investigates a murder scene with Detective Harvey Bullock, he soon concludes that The Joker might be behind it. Upon arriving at Arkham Asylum to question The Joker, Batman quickly learns that he has escaped, leaving a decoy in his place. It’s at this moment The Joker attacks Barbara Gordon and take Commissioner Gordon hostage
With both Kevin Conroy (Batman) and Mark Hamill (The Joker) reprising their roles, new and old fans can expect nothing but brilliance with The Killing Joke.
Batman Year One
Image by Warner Bros. Animation Inc.
Based on the comic of the same title, written by Frank Miller, this gritty 2011 adaption is not like anything else on this list. This is the very story which inspired Matt reeves live action ‘The Batman’. In Year One, as the title suggests, we follow Batman’s journey in his first year fighting crime.
After 12 years abroad training, Bruce Wayne (Batman) returns to Gotham to put a stop to crime in the city once and for all. At the same time, Detective James Gordon transfers to Gotham city and quickly notices the corruption within the force.
This animated film cleverly follows both these beloved characters in the lead up to their long term alliance.
Superman: Doomsday
Image by Warner Bros. Animation Inc.
Not only is this 2007 film an adaptation of yet another very important comic for DC fans everywhere, The Death of Superman, Superman: Doomsday was the first animated DC film to be aimed at a more adult audience. This masterpiece really paved the way for every film in this list.
In Doomsday, we see Superman and Lois Lane romantically involved, though she has yet to learn his secret identity. Whilst the two are alone in the Fortress of Solitude, Superman is alerted to havoc in Metropolis – a genetically-engineered super-soldier is destroying everything. This is where Superman is forced to fight this super-soldier, Doomsday. Though the fight is not easy, Superman eventually defeats Doomsday but at the cost of his own life… Or though it seems.
Though this title is the oldest in the list at over 16 years old, it holds up against modern movies and will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time.
Batman: Dark Knight Returns
Image by Warner Bros. Animation Inc.
Dark Knight Returns is a 2 part animated adaptation of another Frank Miller classic. Set in the same continuity as Batman: Year One, fans can expect a dark gritty experience with this title. Though it was released in 2 parts, the end of 2013 saw us the Deluxe Edition – merging both parts into one seamless movie with a HUGE runtime of 152 minutes.
The Dark Knight Returns follows the story of a much older retired Batman following the death of the second robin, Jason Todd. Ten years later, in 1986, Bruce Wayne has no choice but to put on his old cowl and become the Dark Knight once more. Not long after his return, Batman meets Carrie Kelley, who quickly becomes the first ever female robin.
This movie showcases a unique narrative featuring a much wiser, more gritty, older Batman and Bruce Wayne – somehow more lovable than the regular bachelor often depicted in Batman animated movies.
Justice League: Doom
Image by Warner Bros. Animation Inc.
And here we are… The final entry on our list of Best DC animated movies. There is a reason why I am closing the list with this title, and this is simply because it is absolutely bonkers, for lack of a better word.
This 2012 standalone sequel to Crisis on Two earths, sees the justice league pushed to their absolute limits – Batman buried alive in his fathers coffin, Wonder Woman in an endless fight with anyone she sees until stress-induced death, the Flash carries a bomb which will explode if he decreases speed, whilst the Green Lantern is merely forced into retirement. This movie has so much going on, but it is executed so well.
For all fans of DC comics and the DC Animated Universe, new or old, I can guarantee you will love this movie. Out of all the Justice League Animated Movies in this list, it is the best.
Conclusion
DC has a large collection of great animated films for both its young and mature fan base with many more to come. All of the titles mentioned here are available to watch on HBO Max or available for purchase or rent on Amazon Prime. Though that concludes this list, get in touch to share your thoughts on movies you think were deserving of the title Best DC Animated Movies! We will do our best to review them and include them in an appropriate article at a later date.
Aramis Mason
I’m Aramis! A life long comic book fan and Twitch Partner. I first learnt SEO in 2020 writing articles to help other streamers, but have now decided to put those skills to good use, with my wife and our friend, for Nerdy Nook.
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