The 15 Best DC Movies, Ranked by IMDb Score

DC movies have a long history, offering a wide range of stories and characters. From the bright hope of Superman to the dark streets of Gotham, these films have captured the attention of audiences for decades. The DC universe is filled with powerful heroes, complex villains, and epic battles between good and evil. These movies explore themes of justice, sacrifice, and what it means to be a hero in a world that often fears what it doesn’t understand.

Over the years, many different directors and actors have brought these iconic characters to life. Each has offered their own unique vision, leading to a diverse collection of films. From blockbuster action movies to serious character studies, the world of DC on screen is always changing. This list looks at the 15 best DC movies as ranked by IMDb users, showing which films have made the biggest impact on viewers.

Superman II (1980) – IMDb Score: 6.8

In this sequel, Superman faces a new and formidable threat when three Kryptonian criminals, led by the ruthless General Zod, are accidentally freed from the Phantom Zone. Possessing the same powers as Superman, they arrive on Earth with plans for conquest, forcing the Man of Steel to face his past.

Meanwhile, Clark Kent’s relationship with Lois Lane deepens, and he considers giving up his powers to live a normal life with her. Superman must make a difficult choice between his personal happiness and his duty to protect the world from Zod’s devastating ambitions.

Aquaman (2018) – IMDb Score: 6.8

This film explores the origin story of Arthur Curry, a man born to a human lighthouse keeper and the queen of the underwater kingdom of Atlantis. As a half-human, half-Atlantean, Arthur has always felt caught between two worlds. He is a reluctant hero, hesitant to embrace his royal heritage.

When his half-brother, King Orm, plots to unite the seven underwater kingdoms and wage war on the surface world, Arthur must embark on a quest to find the legendary Trident of Atlan. With this powerful artifact, he can claim his rightful place as king and protect both the land and the sea.

Man of Steel (2013) – IMDb Score: 7.1

This film rebooted the Superman story for a new generation, offering a more modern and action-packed take on the hero’s origin. The story follows Kal-El from his birth on the dying planet of Krypton to his upbringing in Smallville as Clark Kent, where he struggles with his extraordinary powers.

When General Zod, a military leader from Krypton, arrives on Earth, Clark must embrace his destiny as Superman to protect humanity. The film features large-scale action sequences and explores the challenges of being a god-like figure in a world that might not be ready to accept him.

Shazam! (2019) – IMDb Score: 7.1

This film brings a lighter and more comedic tone to the DC universe. The story centers on Billy Batson, a streetwise 14-year-old foster kid who is granted the powers of an ancient wizard. By shouting the word “SHAZAM!”, he can transform into an adult superhero.

With the help of his superhero-obsessed foster brother, Freddy, Billy begins to test the limits of his new abilities with a sense of childish fun. However, he must learn to master his powers quickly to fight the deadly forces of evil controlled by the villainous Dr. Thaddeus Sivana.

The Suicide Squad (2021) – IMDb Score: 7.2

This film offers a gory and darkly comedic take on the team of supervillains. A new Task Force X, also known as the Suicide Squad, is assembled by the ruthless Amanda Waller. The team, featuring characters like Bloodsport, Peacemaker, and Harley Quinn, is sent to the remote island of Corto Maltese.

Their mission is to destroy a secret laboratory housing a mysterious and dangerous experiment known as “Project Starfish.” The film is a chaotic and violent adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously, filled with unexpected twists and a high body count.

Batman (1989) – IMDb Score: 7.5

Tim Burton’s gothic take on the Dark Knight brought a new level of darkness and seriousness to the character on the big screen. The film pits Batman against his arch-nemesis, the Joker, a deformed and sadistic criminal who unleashes a wave of terror on Gotham City.

As Batman tries to protect the city and its citizens, including reporter Vicki Vale, he must also confront the man who murdered his parents. The film’s unique visual style and dark tone set it apart from previous adaptations and had a major influence on superhero movies that followed.

Watchmen (2009) – IMDb Score: 7.6

Set in an alternate 1985, this film deconstructs the superhero genre. In a world where costumed vigilantes are a part of everyday life, one of them, the Comedian, is murdered. This prompts his former colleague, the masked detective Rorschach, to investigate, uncovering a plot that could change the course of history.

As Rorschach reconnects with his retired former teammates, a group of flawed and all-too-human “heroes,” they are confronted with the moral complexities of their past actions. The film explores themes of power, morality, and the nature of heroism in a world on the brink of nuclear war.

Superman (2025) – IMDb Score: 7.7

This film launches a new DC Universe, focusing on a younger Superman who is already established as a hero. The story sees Clark Kent balancing his life as a reporter for the Daily Planet with his duties as the Man of Steel. He finds himself in a world that sometimes sees his kindness as old-fashioned.

Superman’s values are tested when the brilliant and manipulative billionaire Lex Luthor works to turn public opinion against him. The hero must reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing to protect a world that is beginning to fear him, all while building relationships with other emerging heroes.

The Batman (2022) – IMDb Score: 7.8

This film introduces a new, younger version of Batman in his second year of fighting crime. The story is a gritty, noir-style detective tale that sees Batman investigating a series of brutal murders of key political figures in Gotham City. The killer, known as the Riddler, leaves a trail of cryptic clues for Batman to solve.

As Batman delves into Gotham’s criminal underworld, he uncovers a web of corruption that connects to his own family’s past. He must forge new relationships, unmask the culprit, and bring justice to the abuse of power that has long plagued the city, all while confronting the darkness within himself.

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993) – IMDb Score: 7.8

This animated film is often hailed as one of the best Batman stories ever told. The story sees Batman wrongly accused of a series of murders of Gotham’s most notorious gangsters. The true killer is a mysterious new vigilante known as the Phantasm, who has a personal connection to Bruce Wayne’s past.

As Batman works to clear his name and stop the Phantasm, he is also forced to confront his past when a former lover, Andrea Beaumont, returns to Gotham. The film is a dark and emotional tale that explores the tragic nature of Batman’s existence and the sacrifices he has made.

Batman Begins (2005) – IMDb Score: 8.2

This film rebooted the Batman franchise with a focus on realism and the character’s origins. It explores the story of Bruce Wayne, from the murder of his parents to his journey across the world to train in combat and understand the criminal mind. He seeks the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful.

Returning to a corrupt Gotham City, Bruce Wayne unveils his alter ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect, and an arsenal of high-tech gadgets to fight the city’s sinister forces. The film lays the foundation for a new, darker take on the iconic hero, exploring the motivations and fears that drive him.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) – IMDb Score: 8.2

This version of the Justice League story presents director Zack Snyder’s original vision for the superhero team-up. Following the death of Superman, Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince work to assemble a team of metahumans to protect the world from a catastrophic threat. They must unite to face the powerful Steppenwolf and his army of Parademons.

The film delves deeper into the backstories of its heroes, including Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg, giving them more significant character arcs. With a longer runtime, it expands on the mythology of the DC universe and presents a darker and more epic-scale battle for the fate of humanity.

The Dark Knight Rises (2012) – IMDb Score: 8.4

The final film in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy picks up eight years after the events of The Dark Knight. Batman has disappeared, and Bruce Wayne has become a recluse. Gotham City is enjoying a period of peace, thanks to the tough anti-crime laws enacted after Harvey Dent’s death.

This peace is shattered by the arrival of Bane, a powerful and ruthless terrorist with a mysterious past. Bane’s plan to destroy Gotham forces Batman out of retirement to face his most physically and mentally challenging opponent. The film is a story of sacrifice, redemption, and the enduring symbol of Batman.

Joker (2019) – IMDb Score: 8.4

This film offers a dark and gritty origin story for one of Batman’s most famous enemies. Set in 1981, the story follows Arthur Fleck, a mentally ill party clown and aspiring stand-up comedian living in a crime-ridden Gotham City. Disregarded by society and struggling with his own inner demons, Arthur’s life is a series of misfortunes.

As Arthur’s mental state deteriorates, a series of violent events sets him on a path to becoming the infamous “Joker”. The film is a character study that explores themes of mental illness and the consequences of a society that neglects the vulnerable. It presents a grim and realistic look at how a villain can be created.

The Dark Knight (2008) – IMDb Score: 9.0

The second film in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy is often considered one of the greatest superhero movies ever made. The story follows Batman as he tries to stop the Joker, a chaotic new villain who wants to watch Gotham burn. With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman works to dismantle the city’s criminal organizations.

The partnership proves effective at first, but they soon find themselves in a battle against the Joker’s unpredictable and violent schemes. As the Joker’s reign of terror pushes Gotham to the brink of chaos, Batman must confront the limits of his own moral code. The film explores themes of order versus chaos and the fine line between being a hero and a vigilante.