If you want to watch DC movies in order, there are two main ways: chronological order (story timeline) and release order (how the movies were released). Below you’ll find both lists so you can pick the best viewing experience.
This guide shows the complete list of DC movies in order, including both a timeline-based order and the release order.
Quick answer: For first-time viewers, release order is usually the best. For rewatches, try chronological order.
The best way to watch DC movies in order is release order for first-time viewers and chronological order for rewatches.
DC Movies in Order – Table of Contents
- DC Movies in Chronological Order
- DC Movies in Release Order
- DC Movies Checklist (Printable PDF)
- Upcoming DC Movies
- FAQ
DC Movies in Chronological Order
Chronological order follows the story timeline (mainly for the DCEU). Some titles are multiverse/alternate cuts, so placement can vary slightly.
- Wonder Woman (set primarily in 1918)
- Wonder Woman 1984 (1984)
- Man of Steel (modern day)
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (after Man of Steel)
- Suicide Squad (after BvS)
- Justice League (after Suicide Squad)
- Zack Snyder’s Justice League (optional alternate cut of Justice League)
- Aquaman (after Justice League)
- Shazam! (after Justice League)
- Birds of Prey (after Suicide Squad)
- The Suicide Squad (soft reboot; after Suicide Squad)
- Black Adam (placement varies; generally after the Justice League era)
- Shazam! Fury of the Gods (after Shazam!)
- The Flash (multiverse story; timeline effects)
- Blue Beetle (modern day; standalone-friendly)
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (after Aquaman)
Note: DC has multiple universes and timelines. If you want the cleanest first-time experience, stick to release order below.
DC Movies in Release Order
Release order is the recommended way for first-time viewers.
- Man of Steel (2013)
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- Suicide Squad (2016)
- Wonder Woman (2017)
- Justice League (2017)
- Aquaman (2018)
- Shazam! (2019)
- Birds of Prey (2020)
- Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
- The Suicide Squad (2021)
- Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) (optional alternate cut)
- Black Adam (2022)
- Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
- The Flash (2023)
- Blue Beetle (2023)
- Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
DC Movies Checklist (Printable)
This checklist helps you track all DC movies in order while watching the main DCEU run.
- ☐ Man of Steel
- ☐ Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
- ☐ Suicide Squad
- ☐ Wonder Woman
- ☐ Justice League
- ☐ Aquaman
- ☐ Shazam!
- ☐ Birds of Prey
- ☐ Wonder Woman 1984
- ☐ The Suicide Squad
- ☐ Zack Snyder’s Justice League (optional)
- ☐ Black Adam
- ☐ Shazam! Fury of the Gods
- ☐ The Flash
- ☐ Blue Beetle
- ☐ Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Download printable checklist (PDF):
Upcoming DC Movies
DC plans can change, especially with new continuity. We update this section when dates are confirmed.
- Superman (upcoming)
FAQ
Should I watch DC movies in chronological order or release order?
If it’s your first time, choose release order. Chronological order is best for rewatches, but DC timelines can be tricky because of alternate cuts and multiverse stories.
Is Zack Snyder’s Justice League required?
No. It’s an optional alternate cut. If you want the standard experience, watch Justice League (2017). If you’re curious, watch the Snyder cut as a bonus.
Are The Batman and Joker included in this order?
Those are generally treated as standalone/Elseworlds stories, not part of the main DCEU movie run listed above.
Final Thoughts
Watching DC movies in order makes it easier to follow character arcs and crossover events. For the smoothest experience, start with release order, then try chronological order on a rewatch.
How long does it take to watch all DC movies in order?
Watching all DC movies in order takes roughly 35–40 hours depending on whether you include extended versions such as Zack Snyder’s Justice League. Most viewers complete the full DC movie marathon across a weekend or over several evenings. If you are watching the DC movies in order for the first time, release order is usually the easiest way to follow the story.
For official updates about DC movies, you can check the official DC movie page.