The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) is a popular franchise that has drawn in viewers with its remarkable clashes, iconic heroes, and complex narratives. However, with so many films released in the franchise, it can be challenging to determine the proper watching sequence. Many fans prefer watching the movies in the order of release, while others argue that following the chronological order of events is the way to go.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the release order and chronological order of the DCEU films, providing guidance on which one to follow. By examining these two orders, we aim to provide a better understanding of the DCEU’s overall storyline and character arcs.
But before we proceed, it’s important to mention that a reliable and high-speed internet connection is necessary for smooth streaming of these movies. So, let’s dive into the world of DC movies and uncover the proper watching sequence.
DCU vs. DCEU
DCU (DC Universe) is a term commonly used to refer to the shared universe of DC Comics characters in various media, including comic books, animated TV shows, and video games. DCEU (DC Extended Universe), on the other hand, specifically refers to the shared universe of DC Comics characters in live-action films produced by Warner Bros. Pictures.
The DCU encompasses a much broader range of media and storylines than the DCEU, which is a relatively recent development that began with the release of Man of Steel in 2013. While the DCU has been around for decades and includes classic storylines like Crisis on Infinite Earths and The Dark Knight Returns, the DCEU is a more limited universe that has so far only included a handful of films, such as Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Wonder Woman, Justice League, and Aquaman.
So in short, DCU is a vast universe that includes a wide range of media, from comic books to video games, while DCEU is more focused on the live-action film universe.
Release Order
The DC Universe has been adapting beloved superheroes and villains from comics to the big screen for decades. Since 2013, a series of interconnected DC movies have been released, forming the DCEU. So, here’s a compilation of the DC movies in the sequence of their release date.
- 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)
- Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
- The Suicide Squad (2021)
- Peacemaker, season one (2022)
- Black Adam (2022)
- Shazam: Fury of the Gods (2023)
The release order of DC movies provides a helpful guide for fans trying to follow the continuity of the DCEU. The films were released in a particular order, but the series of events within the DCEU may not necessarily match up with that order. Despite this, knowing the release order can still help fans gain a better understanding of the overarching narrative of the universe. By watching the movies in this sequence, fans can track character development, thematic patterns, and storylines, culminating in the spectacular team-up film Justice League.
It’s important to keep in mind that having a consistent and fast internet connection from either cable or fiber internet is necessary when streaming DC movies. Slow internet speeds can cause buffering, interruptions, and an unsatisfying viewing experience, especially for high-quality video formats.
Chronological Order
To watch the DC movies in chronological order, it is important to carefully consider the timelines of each film. Although the release order of the movies can provide an understanding of the development of the franchise, watching them chronologically can offer a distinct outlook on the DC universe. Here’s a list of DC movies in chronological sequence, from the first events in the universe to the latest.
- Wonder Woman (2017)
- Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
- Man of Steel (2013)
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- Suicide Squad (2016)
- Justice League / Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2017)
- Aquaman (2018)
- Shazam! (2019)
- Birds of Prey (2020)
- The Suicide Squad (2021)
- Peacemaker, season one (2022)
- Black Adam (2022)
- Shazam: Fury of the Gods (2023)
The chronological order of DC movies encompasses the sequence of events within the DCEU timeline, regardless of the release date of the films. This order can sometimes differ from the release order, as some films may take place before or after others within the DCEU continuity.
The DCEU’s chronological order starts with Wonder Woman which depicts the origins of Diana Prince during World War I. In Man of Steel, the narrative of Superman’s arrival on Earth and his clash with General Zod is portrayed. However, the story in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice happens 18 months following the plot of Man of Steel and displays the disagreement between Batman and Superman. Meanwhile, Suicide Squad fights a supernatural enemy, and Justice League battles Steppenwolf’s army.
If you plan to watch DC movies in chronological order and you are located in a rural area, having a fast internet connection, like satellite internet can improve your streaming experience. Rural areas often have limited internet connectivity options, and satellite internet may be a reliable option to stream movies in high quality.
Does Watching DC Movies in Order Matter?
Watching DC movies in order can enhance your viewing experience, but it is not absolutely necessary. The DC movies, particularly those in the DCEU, are connected and share a continuity, meaning that events from one movie can impact and be referenced in subsequent films. Watching the movies in order can help you better understand the characters, their relationships, and the overarching storylines.
The Bottom Line
Both the release order and chronological order of the DC movies offer unique viewing experiences for fans. The release order provides a sense of how the franchise evolved over time and how each film contributes to the overall universe. On the other hand, watching the movies in chronological order presents a different perspective by following the events in chronological sequence. Regardless of the sequence you choose to watch, it’s crucial to recognize that the DC movies depict a vast and intricate universe that is worth exploring.
