10 Best DC Animated Movies, Ranked

For decades, while live-action adaptations have seen their share of hits and misses, DC's animated universe has been a bastion of consistent quality, delivering some of the most compelling and faithful superhero storytelling ever put to screen. These direct-to-video and theatrically released films have often surpassed their big-budget counterparts in depth, emotional resonance, and sheer comic book reverence. From gritty, noir-infused detective tales in the heart of Gotham to sprawling cosmic epics that decide the fate of entire realities, DC animated movies have explored the vastness of this beloved universe with unparalleled creative freedom. They have brought iconic comic book arcs to life with stunning accuracy and have also crafted original narratives that stand as definitive takes on legendary characters. For fans, these films are more than just cartoons; they are a celebrated and essential part of the DC Comics legacy. This list sets out to definitively rank the absolute best of the best, the animated features that have set the standard for what superhero storytelling can and should be. These are the films that continue to captivate audiences, proving that sometimes, the most powerful stories come in animated form.

10. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010)

Kicking off our list is a dimension-hopping adventure that pits the Justice League against their evil counterparts, the Crime Syndicate. Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths is a masterclass in superhero ensemble storytelling, offering a thrilling narrative that explores fascinating moral questions.

The Ultimate "What If?" Scenario

The core premise of the film—a heroic Lex Luthor from an alternate Earth seeking the Justice League's help to save his world from the tyrannical Crime Syndicate—is immediately compelling. This setup allows for a fascinating exploration of familiar characters in radically different roles. The morally inverted versions of our heroes, such as the ruthless Ultraman, the cunning Owlman, and the manipulative Superwoman, are not mere caricatures of evil. They are complex and formidable antagonists, making the conflict all the more engaging. The film expertly showcases the stark contrast between the two teams, highlighting the fine line that separates a hero from a villain.

Owlman's Existential Threat

While the action sequences are spectacular, the film's philosophical underpinnings truly set it apart. The standout character is Owlman, Batman's nihilistic counterpart, voiced with chilling conviction by James Woods. His discovery of the multiverse and his subsequent plan to destroy all of existence by targeting the original Earth is a terrifyingly logical conclusion for his character. This elevates the stakes from a simple battle for one planet to a fight for all of reality. Batman's intellectual and physical confrontation with Owlman is one of the most memorable sequences in any DC animated film, a battle of ideologies that is as captivating as any fistfight.

9. Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000)

A direct continuation of the beloved animated series, Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker is a dark, emotionally charged mystery that bridges the gap between two generations of Batman. It's a bold and often disturbing film that solidifies the legacy of both Bruce Wayne and his successor, Terry McGinnis.

A Shockingly Dark Narrative

The film's greatest strength lies in its willingness to explore genuinely mature and unsettling themes. The central mystery surrounding the Joker's sudden reappearance in Neo-Gotham decades after his supposed death is masterfully handled. The movie was so dark, in fact, that it was initially released in a heavily edited form, with the uncut version later released to fan acclaim. The uncensored flashback sequence detailing the final, horrific confrontation between the original Batman, Batgirl, and the Joker is one of the most harrowing scenes in DC animation history. It provides a gut-wrenching explanation for the Joker's absence and the fractured relationship between Bruce and his former partners.

The Passing of the Torch

Beyond the shocking return of Batman's greatest nemesis, the film is a powerful story about legacy and trauma. It forces Terry McGinnis to confront a villain he has only known through Bruce's stories, pushing him to his absolute limit. It also delves deep into the psychological scars the Joker left on the Bat-Family. The dynamic between an aging, haunted Bruce Wayne and the determined, hot-headed Terry is the heart of the film. Return of the Joker proves that the mantle of Batman is more than just a costume; it's a burden, and Terry's ultimate triumph over the Joker solidifies his worthiness to carry it.

8. The Death of Superman (2018)

Adapting one of the most famous comic book storylines of all time is no small feat, but The Death of Superman manages to do so with incredible fidelity and emotional weight. A previous attempt, Superman: Doomsday (2007), condensed the epic saga, but this 2018 version gives the story the space it needs to breathe, resulting in a far more impactful film.

A Modern Take on a Classic Tale

This film, which kicked off the latter half of the DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU), succeeds by focusing on the Man of Steel's personal life and his relationships, particularly with Lois Lane. We see a Clark Kent who is struggling to balance his duties as Superman with his desire for a normal life. This character-driven approach makes his eventual sacrifice all the more poignant. The voice cast, including Jerry O'Connell as Superman and Rosario Dawson as Wonder Woman, brings a powerful chemistry to the Justice League, making them feel like a genuine team facing an unprecedented threat.

The Brutal Arrival of Doomsday

The film's centerpiece is the prolonged, city-leveling battle between Superman and the monstrous Doomsday. The animation is fluid and visceral, capturing the sheer destructive power of both combatants. Every punch has weight, and the devastation feels real. The fight is not just a physical spectacle; it's a test of Superman's unwavering resolve. As he pushes himself beyond his limits, sustaining horrific injuries, the film powerfully conveys the meaning of his sacrifice. The final moments, as he lands the killing blow at the cost of his own life, are heartbreaking and beautifully executed, cementing this as the definitive animated adaptation of the iconic story.

7. Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020)

The epic conclusion to the 16-film DCAMU arc, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is the animated equivalent of Avengers: Endgame—a dark, brutal, and utterly devastating finale that pulls no punches. It's a bleak but unforgettable capstone to years of interconnected storytelling.

A Universe in Ruins

The film opens with a shocking failure. The Justice League's preemptive strike on Apokolips goes horribly wrong, leading to the death or enslavement of most of Earth's heroes. Two years later, Darkseid has conquered Earth, and the remaining heroes are broken and scattered. This dystopian setting creates an atmosphere of desperation and raises the stakes to an unimaginable level. The film lives up to its "Dark" title, featuring graphic violence and the horrific fates of many beloved characters, from Batman being brainwashed into Darkseid's strategist to Wonder Woman being turned into a cybernetic Fury.

A Story of Hope in Desperation

Despite the overwhelming darkness, the film is ultimately about the resilience of the heroic spirit. The narrative shifts focus to John Constantine, Raven, and a depowered Superman as they attempt to rally the remaining forces for one last, desperate assault. The integration of characters from across the DCAMU—including the Suicide Squad, the Teen Titans, and the Justice League Dark—makes the finale feel truly earned. It’s a bold and brutal conclusion that respects the universe it was built upon, delivering a finale that is as emotionally resonant as it is action-packed.

6. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (2012/2013)

Frank Miller's seminal 1986 graphic novel is one of the most influential comic book stories ever written, and its two-part animated adaptation does it justice. Directed by Jay Oliva, The Dark Knight Returns is a faithful and powerful translation of Miller's gritty, dystopian vision of Batman's future.

Part One: The Return of the Bat

The first part reintroduces us to a 55-year-old Bruce Wayne, ten years retired from being Batman. He is a bitter, aging man in a Gotham that has decayed into chaos. The film perfectly captures the dark, neo-noir aesthetic of the comic, using Bruce's internal monologue to drive the narrative. The animation style mirrors Miller's artwork, and Peter Weller's gruff, world-weary voice performance as Batman is nothing short of perfect. His brutal return to crime-fighting and his confrontation with the grotesque leader of the Mutant gang is a visceral and thrilling re-establishment of his terrifying presence.

Part Two: The Ultimate Confrontation

The second part raises the stakes exponentially with the re-emergence of the Joker and the inevitable, government-sanctioned confrontation with Superman. The Joker's horrifically violent final act is adapted with chilling accuracy, while the climactic battle between Batman and Superman is one of the most iconic fights in comic book history, brought to life with brutal and heartbreaking animation. The two-part structure allows the complex political and philosophical themes of the original work to be fully explored, resulting in a masterpiece of animated storytelling that stands as one of the most faithful comic book adaptations ever made.

5. Wonder Woman (2009)

Long before her live-action blockbuster, the 2009 animated Wonder Woman film delivered a spectacular origin story that remains a high watermark for the character. It's a perfect blend of Greek mythology, thrilling action, and sharp, character-driven storytelling.

A Mythic Origin

The film masterfully introduces the world of the Amazons on Themyscira, weaving a rich tapestry of mythology and history. The conflict between Queen Hippolyta and her daughter Diana is compelling, as is Diana's determination to venture into "man's world." The plot, which sees the god of war, Ares, escape his Amazonian prison to wreak havoc on the modern world, is a perfect vehicle for exploring Wonder Woman's core mission: to bring peace to a world consumed by conflict.

Character and Action in Perfect Harmony

Keri Russell's voice performance as Diana is superb, capturing her strength, compassion, and initial naivety. However, it's the dynamic between her and Steve Trevor, voiced by Nathan Fillion, that truly shines. Their witty, often hilarious banter provides a perfect counterbalance to the epic, mythological stakes. The action sequences are brilliantly choreographed and brutally effective, showcasing Diana's incredible power and skill as a warrior. This film not only respects its source material but elevates it, delivering a definitive take on Wonder Woman's origin that is both empowering and immensely entertaining.

4. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)

This is the film that started it all for the DCAMU, and it did so with a reality-shattering bang. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox adapts the pivotal 2011 comic storyline that rebooted the entire DC Universe, and it does so with breathtaking action and devastating emotional consequences.

A World Twisted Beyond Recognition

When Barry Allen travels back in time to save his mother, he returns to a present that has been transformed into a dystopian nightmare. The world is on the brink of annihilation, torn apart by a brutal war between a vengeful, militant Wonder Woman and a grim, empire-building Aquaman. Bruce Wayne is dead, and his father, Thomas Wayne, is a violent, gun-wielding Batman, while his mother, Martha, has become the Joker. This dark, alternate reality is a shocking and brilliant canvas for the story, showcasing the butterfly effect of Barry's seemingly selfless act.

High-Stakes and Emotional Consequences

The film is relentless in its pacing and unflinching in its violence. The war between the Amazons and Atlanteans is depicted with brutal clarity, and no character is safe. Yet, beneath the epic battles lies a deeply personal story for Barry Allen. He is forced to confront the catastrophic consequences of his grief and make an impossible choice to restore the timeline, even if it means losing his mother all over again. The letter from Thomas Wayne that Barry delivers to Bruce at the end is a powerful, emotional gut-punch that resonates long after the credits roll, making this one of the most impactful and best DC animated movies ever produced.

3. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

The first theatrically released film from the creators of the iconic Batman: The Animated Series, Mask of the Phantasm is not just a great animated movie; it's one of the greatest Batman movies ever made, period. It's a tragic, noir-infused masterpiece that delves deeper into the psyche of Bruce Wayne than almost any other adaptation.

A Haunting Noir Mystery

The film introduces a mysterious new vigilante, the Phantasm, who is systematically murdering Gotham's old crime bosses. Batman is mistakenly blamed for the killings, forcing him to solve the mystery while on the run from the police. The story is a perfectly crafted detective tale, filled with atmosphere, suspense, and a genuinely surprising twist. The art deco-inspired animation, a signature of the animated series, is elevated for the big screen, creating a timeless, moody Gotham.

The Tragedy of Bruce Wayne

What truly elevates Mask of the Phantasm is its exploration of Bruce Wayne's past. Through a series of flashbacks, we see a young Bruce on the verge of abandoning his vow to fight crime after falling in love with Andrea Beaumont. His heartfelt plea at his parents' grave to be released from his promise is one of the most humanizing and heartbreaking moments in Batman's history. The film tragically argues that Bruce Wayne died in that alley with his parents, and Batman is all that remains. This focus on the man behind the mask provides an emotional depth that makes the action and mystery all the more resonant.

2. Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)

An adaptation of the "Under the Hood" comic storyline, this film is a powerful and emotional gut-punch that confronts Batman with his greatest failure: the death of the second Robin, Jason Todd. Batman: Under the Red Hood is a dark, action-packed, and character-driven masterpiece.

The Ghost of the Past

The film opens with the brutal, infamous crowbar murder of Jason Todd at the hands of the Joker. Years later, a new, ruthless vigilante known as the Red Hood appears in Gotham, taking over the city's criminal underworld with lethal efficiency. His methods directly challenge Batman's moral code, and his intimate knowledge of Batman's tactics creates a deeply personal conflict. The mystery of the Red Hood's identity unfolds with masterful pacing, leading to a devastating reveal that rocks Bruce Wayne to his core.

A Moral and Emotional Showdown

The film's climax is one of the most powerful and well-acted confrontations in superhero cinema. With stellar voice work from Bruce Greenwood as Batman, Jensen Ackles as Red Hood, and John DiMaggio as the Joker, the final three-way standoff is electric. Jason's rage, pain, and desperate plea for understanding—"Why is he still alive?"—forces Batman to defend his unshakeable no-kill rule in the face of his greatest failure. It's a raw, complex, and emotionally draining conflict with no easy answers, cementing Under the Red Hood as an essential and unforgettable Batman story.

1. Justice League Dark (2017)

While many other films focus on the capes and cosmic threats, Justice League Dark carves its own unique space by delving into the supernatural underbelly of the DC Universe. This film stands at the pinnacle for its bold introduction of a different kind of team, masterfully blending horror, magic, and superheroics into a uniquely compelling narrative.

A New Kind of Threat

When a wave of inexplicable, violent supernatural events grips the world, the traditional Justice League finds itself powerless against a threat it doesn't understand. Batman, ever the detective, realizes the problem is magical in nature and seeks out the help of John Constantine, a cynical and roguish occult detective. This premise immediately sets the film apart, shifting the focus from physical altercations to a war of magic and mysticism. The horror elements are genuinely effective, creating a sense of unease and dread that is rare in superhero animation.

The Definitive Constantine

The true star of the show is Matt Ryan's pitch-perfect portrayal of John Constantine. Having already played the character in live-action, Ryan embodies the scouse sorcerer with unparalleled charisma, wit, and world-weariness. He is the perfect anchor for this ragtag team of magical misfits, which includes the powerful sorceress Zatanna, the ghostly Deadman, and the monstrous Etrigan the Demon. The team's dysfunctional dynamic is a constant source of entertainment and drama. By bravely exploring a darker, more magical corner of its universe and assembling a cast of fascinating anti-heroes, Justice League Dark not only tells a fantastic standalone story but also enriches the entire DC animated mythos, making it the definitive best of the best.

In conclusion, the vast library of DC animated movies offers a rich and diverse collection of stories that stand as a testament to the enduring power of these characters. From tragic noir to brutal action and supernatural horror, these films have consistently pushed the boundaries of animated storytelling, often providing the most definitive and beloved adaptations of iconic comic book arcs. They remain an essential cornerstone of the DC universe.