Marvel Studious undoubtedly rules the box office, but DC is superior in almost every other competition. Be it graphic comics, video games or animated movies. DC has the upper hand in all of them, and even Marvel fans agree on that.
Almost all of the DC animated movies are direct-to-video films, and only a few go to the theater. There is obviously an ever-expanding universe for DC animated movies called DC Animated Universe (DCAU) that has over 34 films and even more on the sheets.
Today, we have decided to do what we do the best, and enjoy the most, rank them all. All animated movies by DC are mostly enjoyable, but some really stand out, so if you are planning on watching some of the best DC Animated superhero movies, then this list can help you massively.
Before going forward, we would like to say that there are some really good Marvel animated movies that deserve more attention from the fans. Check out our picks for the top 10 Marvel Animated Movies.
Down below, we have listed out the best DC Animated movies that deserve more attention.
Batman: Year One
There are way too many DC comics and Animated Movies that are led by the caped-crusader Batman. And you can be certain that most of the movies mentioned here would also feature our favorite detective as the lead.
We can’t lie though, Batman is undoubtedly the most interesting and engaging superhero in the DC catalog. Superman comes close for sure, but the fact that he is an almighty god reduces his likability.
Among the massive plethora of Batman films, “Batman: Year One” surely secures a spot in this list, but is only alright at best. It is another movie based on Batman’s origin. The story largely focuses on the brooding relationship between Jim Gordon and Bruce Wayne.
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox
Finally, a good movie that does not have Batman as the leading character. “Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox” revolves around Barry Allen, who grieves the death of his murder. He travels back in time to create an alternate reality with twisted characters.
In this grim and dark territory, a war is about to begin between Amazons and Atlantians. It was very easy for the movie to get too involved in the grim-dark territory, if not for Barry. Barry is an enthusiast and empathic superhero who plays a great role in depicting a dystopian reality.
Wonder Woman
If you loved Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman in 2017, then you would obviously adore the DC Universe’s 2009 Wonder Woman. The story of this DC animated movie is similar to that of the movie, in fact, the movie was largely based on this animated movie.
This animated movie also features Diana’s journey out of Themyscira with Steve Trevor to find and kill Ares. The film smartly shifts from Diana’s introduction to the modern world at the same time when the world is at the brink of collapse.
Justice League: Doom
Mark Waid’s JFA: The Tower of Babel is the major inspiration for Justice League: Doom. It is a direct sequel to the impressive “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” that marks the beginning of a DC animated movie universe.
The movie does a superb job in depicting the detailed weaknesses of Justice League members while also pitting the team against their most challenging rival yet: Vandal Savage.
Sure, Batman takes center stage in this DCAU movie, but that does not overshadow the fact that this is one of the best-animated superhero movies.
All-Star Superman
Based on Frank Quietly and Grant Morrison’s seminal comic book series, the animated Superman movie was nothing short of a bold move by DC execs. The reason being, almost all DC animated movies are known for being dark, gritty, and all-out serious.
However, the movie that was supposed to act as a foundation for these future flicks was an unorthodoxly slow-moving, superman-animated movie. But it worked. It showed us the human side of our beloved Superman, who was previously seen as an almighty god and not as a half-human.
It is a very moving and beautiful DC animated movie that stays true to its source material and delivers the expected greatness.
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths
The main objective of “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” was to bridge the gaps between “Justice League” and “Justice League Unlimited” TV series. The film ended up being way more than that. It is by far one of the best DC animated movies that the studio has ever put out.
The story features some of the best action in the DCAU universe and revolves around menacing villains from Earth 3. The movie is like a super-fun adventure as the superheroes fight side by side with Bizzaro alternate versions of themselves.
Fans of the DCEU are demanding a true-to-original remake of this iconic movie in live-action. The CW’s Arrowverse tried to do so, but it was alright at max, just like most of the other DC TV shows on The CW.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
If you are a fan of the big bat, then this movie will leave you completely speechless. It is often considered as the best Batman Film ever – even better than the largely adored “The Dark Knight”.
The film revolves around the early Batman’s life and his interesting encounters with love. This tale of love, betrayal and tragedy is based on the story arc of Mike W. Barr’s Batman: Year Two. It is directed by Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm’s.
Batman: Under the Red Hood
One of the most famous storylines of Batman is the “Death of Jason Todd.” This is one of the earliest DC Universe Original Movies series. The story of the movie is based on the Doug Mahnke and Judd Winick’s original comic storyline by the same name.
The infamous but complicated relationship between Batman and his second robin Jason Todd is the main baseline of this DCAU film. This is surely a dark and tragic movie, but that does nothing but compliment the theme of this utterly fraught and emotional movie.
Despite being very old, “Batman: Under the Red Hood” still maintains the position of best DC Animated Movie to date.
Conclusion
There have been many great DCAU movies, and out of all the DC animated movies, we have listed some of the best DC Animated superhero movies. Batman surely stars as the key in most of these flicks, but he surely deserves this status, in our opinion.
There have also been some best Superman animated movies that are worth a watch. Regardless, as a hardcore fan, if you find the list misguiding and are of the opinion that some other movies deserve a spot in our list, you are more than welcome to share those thoughts using the comments section down below.
