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Superhero fandom is a machine that’s constantly hijacked by debate. The allure of being “super” is often captivating on its own. That said, the need to compare is always present; as much as we love to see our favorite caped crusader disrupt the machinations of a popular villain, it’s the speculative nature surrounding a proposed fight that often leads to debate. Why else would the first movie to feature both Batman and Superman be a versus film? I mean, Frank Miller already showed the world that Batman could beat the breaks off of the Man of Steel in a “fair” fight. All jokes aside--Batman would win--these comparisons don’t just stop at individual heroes or villains. Thanks to the current blockbuster infused landscape, these debates stretch beyond the comics to include whole groups of movies. Take the DCEU for example. Is Zack Snyder's Justice League actually better than the original? Was Wonder Woman the best standalone DCEU movie or did Shazam snag that crown? How many of us really enjoyed Aquaman (be honest)? And what about Joker and The Batman--movies that are set in different continuities, but remain part of the modern DC pantheon? Eager fans want to know debate. While it would be impossible to get all DC fans to agree on which movies were the worst/best, it is possible to gauge how our favorites did critically. To help in this regard we’ve used Metacritic to rank every modern DC movie from worst to best. Because ultimately, that’s how we prove to naysayers that we were right all along.
13. Suicide Squad
Score: 40 53 reviews Suicide Squad is arguably the worst DCEU movie. The 80s vibe, dope soundtrack, and Harley Quinn, played by the ever-talented Margot Robbie, wasn’t enough to save it. Suicide Squad certainly had its moments, some of which were comical. Unfortunately, most of them were forgettable.
12. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Score: 44 51 reviews Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice isn’t bad per say. It just isn’t as good as it could have been--something that’s noted given how much better the uncut version is plot-wise. The solid action sequences and introduction of Batfleck help to negate some of the more incoherent aspects of the movie.
11. Justice League
Score: 45 52 reviews The original Justice League is mediocre at best. Beyond getting to see this assortment of heroes share the big screen for the first time, there isn’t much to praise here. Bad pacing, inconsistent CGI, and other issues ultimately ruined what could have been a decent experience.
10. Zack Snyder's Justice League
Score: 54 46 reviews Zack Snyder's Justice League is the version of JA that fans wanted. And by all accounts, the DCEU is better for its existence. The Snyder version, while still a heavily flawed and incredibly long movie, offers better pacing, character growth, and better CGI (in places).
9. Man of Steel
Score: 55 47 reviews Man of Steel suffers thematically, with ideas that are introduced but never fully realized. There are also plot issues that muck up decent performances from the cast. One thing the Man of Steel has going for it though are the action sequences. These hyper kinetic skirmishes are a treat to witness on the big (and small) screen.
8. Aquaman
Score: 55 50 reviews Aquaman survives mostly off of the fact that it made this hero seem less corny to the masses. This is done by being an entertaining, comical, and lighthearted (when compared to DC’s grittier counterparts) movie. It isn’t the best plot/pacing wise. Still, Aquaman offers a better experience than some of the other movies on this list.
7. Joker
Score: 59 60 reviews While the Joker isn’t a part of DC’s extended universe, it is certainly worth mentioning. If for nothing else than Joaquin Phoenix’s stellar performance. The merits of the themes on display (and overall necessity of the film itself) are debatable. Regardless, Joker is still one of the most memorable DC films ever made.
6. Wonder Woman 1984
Score: 60 58 reviews Wonder Woman 1984 just wasn’t everyone's cup of tea. Not only does it overstay its welcome with some questionable choices plot-wise, it has one of the weakest final encounters in all of the DCEU. That said, most seemed pleased with the movie’s positive messaging, heartfelt story, and nods to classic superhero/pop entertainment.
5. Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)
Score: 60 59 reviews Birds of Prey is the Harley Quinn show for better or worse. Thankfully, the good far outweighs any of the conceived bad. It’s like Deadpool--a comedic, yet violent story told from the perspective of an odd duck, resulting in a fun and campy ride for DC fans.
4. Shazam!
Score: 71 53 reviews Shazam! is definitely a fan favorite DCEU movie. Beyond the solid pacing and humor is a classic sentiment that elevates what’s onscreen; the dire circumstances never overpower the child-like wonder of being a superhero. Shazam is a feel good/coming of age film that just so happens to take place within the DCEU.
3. The Suicide Squad
Score: 72 55 reviews The Suicide Squad is a crass, violent, goofy satire that’s also somehow, full of heart. James Gunn specializes in character growth, often bending tropes in an unexpected fashion. The result: movies about a band of misfits that are more than just one liners and violent tendencies.
2. The Batman
Score: 72 68 reviews The Batman, like the Joker, lives in its own space in the DC movies universe. Unlike Joker though, it is more widely accepted. Critics have praised the script, Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz portrayal of Batman and Catwoman respectively, and the grounded, film noir treatment. It’s the most well received Batman film since The Dark Knight (and The LEGO Batman Movie).
1. Wonder Woman
Score: 76 50 reviews Wonder Woman is arguably the best “standalone” DCEU film (before Shazam!). It features a good plot, decent pacing, a dope superhero, and a solid cast. The action sequences are also pretty good, with only one iffy CGI based scene. Essentially, Wonder Woman is the best that the DCEU has to offer at the moment.
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