Top 20 DC Animated Movies of All Time

DC might not have a firm grounding over the live-action side of superhero films, but it has certainly managed to set decent standards with its animated titles.

DC Comics has produced several animated films through its time and continues to do so. We’ve seen multiple animated films being made on our favorite characters like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and more.

With that in mind, we have come back with a list of the top 20 DC animated films of all time. You are more likely than not to find titles of your liking. (The list goes from bottom to top.)

As we have said before, the rankings may vary from person to person. So grab some snacks to munch on as we take you through our guide to some of the best-animated films that DC has produced.

20. Superman: Doomsday (2007)

The film has impressive visuals despite not being highly rated. It has received a lot of mixed reviews, with some calling it fun but disappointing. The film’s ending is impressive and, honestly, a few of the only things that brought it on this list.

Superman: Doomsday | Trailer | Warner Bros. Entertainment
Superman: Doomsday Trailer

Superman: Doomsday is an animated superhero film based on the DC Comics series “The Death of Superman.” The film was released on September 18, 2007.

19. Justice League: Dark (2017)

The film is filled with gorgeous visuals for a dark themed storyline. It is quite imaginative and fun to watch. It is action-packed and intense with a pretty decent plot.

Justice League Dark: Apokolips War | Official Trailer
Justice League: Dark Trailer

Justice League: Dark is an animated superhero film based on the DC Comics team of the same name. It is the 27th title of the DC Universe Animated Original Movie series and part of the DC Animated Movie Universe. The film was released on February 7, 2017.

18. Justice League: Gods and Monsters (2015)

The film inches towards the darker themes of the spectrum. It is pretty fun and captivating, with memorable characters and an exciting plot. It was well received by the audience and critics alike.

Justice League: Gods & Monsters | Digital Trailer | Warner Bros. Entertainment
Justice League: Gods and Monsters Trailer

Justice League: Gods and Monsters is an animated superhero film that is a part of the DC Universe Animated Original Movie series. It features the DC Comics characters in an alternative universe. The film was released on July 28, 2015.

17. Superman/Batman Apocalypse (2010)

Despite being thoroughly undercooked, the film is still pretty enjoyable. The film had impressive artwork and graphics. Some of the scenes are stunning enough to keep the audience hooked until the end.

Superman Batman: Apocalypse - Trailer
Superman/Batman Apocalypse Trailer

Superman/Batman Apocalypse is an animated superhero film that is a stand-alone sequel to Superman/Batman: Public enemies. It is the ninth title in the DC Universe Animated Original Movie series. It was released on September 28, 2010.

16. Batman: Assault of Arkham (2014)

The film ventures on the darker and violent themes. It is an edgy and action-packed film. The plot manages to hold pretty well against a lot of other films. It may not be suitable for kids, but its adult fan base is quite strong and wide.

Batman: Assault on Arkham - Trailer (Official)
Batman: Assault of Arkham Trailer

Batman: Assault of Arkham is an animated superhero film based on the DC Comics character Batman. It is a part of the DC Universe Animated Original Movie series. The film is directed by Jay Olivia. It was released on August 12, 2014.

15. Justice League: War (2014)

It is an action-packed film filled with funny characters and quality humor. The film ends on a great note with a decent ending. Overall, is a pretty enjoyable film.

Justice League: War - Trailer
Justice League: War Trailer

Justice League: War is an animated superhero film featuring DC Comics superhero team Justice League. The film was directed by Jay Olivia. It is the 18th film in the DC Universe Animated Original Movie series. It was released on January 21, 2014.

14. Wonder Woman (2009)

It might be considered as one of the best-written Wonder Woman films. It portrays the character pretty well. The film is beautiful with eye-catching action scenes that will keep you engaged until the end.

Wonder Woman (Trailer)
Wonder Woman Trailer

Wonder Woman is an animated superheroine film based on the DC Comics character Wonder Woman/Diana Prince. It is the fourth title in the DC Universe Animated Original Movie series. The film was released on March 3, 2009.

13. All-Star Superman (2011)

Despite the critical review, the audience seems to have received it pretty well. It has an on-point story with a great climax scene. The film is well executed.

All-Stat Superman Trailer

All-Star Superman is an animated superhero film based on the DC comic series of the same name. It is written by Grant Morrison and Frank Quietly. It is the tenth title in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies. The film was released on February 22, 2011.

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

The film has a well-planned plot and storyline. It keeps you engaged till the very end. Even with comparatively low ratings, the film has managed to gain a strong fan base.

Justice League | Crisis on Two Earths Trailer | Warner Bros. Entertainment
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths Trailer

Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths is an animated superhero film written by Dwayne McDuffie. It is a prequel to Justice League: Doom (2012). The film was released on February 23, 2010.

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

The movie was well-received by critics and audience alike. If anything, it is underrated. The film has an exciting plot and memorable characters. The film also sports excellent voice acting.

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (Trailer)
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker Trailer

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker is an animated superhero film featuring Bruce Wayne/Batman as the lead character. The film was released on October 31, 2000.

10. Justice League: The New Frontier (2008)

The film deals with realistic problems that are not usually focused on in a superhero film. It is an exceptionally thrilling and fun film that you would not regret watching.

Justice League: The New Frontier | Commemorative Edition Trailer | Warner Bros. Entertainment
Justice League: The New Frontier Trailer

Justice League: The New Frontier is an animated superhero film adapted from DC Comics limited series DC: The New Frontier. It was released on February 26, 2008.

9. Batman: Year One (2011)

This animated film is a lot on the realistic and mature side of the spectrum. Batman: Year One closely follows the comics, with a dark and intense vibe, just like most Batman films.

Batman: Year One - Trailer
Batman: Year One Trailer

Batman Year One is an American animated film that re-tells the story of Batman’s first year as a crime fighter. It was written by Frank Miller. It premiered at Comic-con in July 2011. It was officially released on October 18, 2011.

8. Justice League: Doom (2012)

This movie has a well-planned story and plot details even though it is loosely based on JLA: Tower of Babel. It is evenly paced and enjoyable with well-drawn characters.

Justice League: Doom Trailer
Justice League: Doom Trailer

Justice League: Doom is an animated superhero loosely based on the DC Comics storyline called “JLA: Tower of Babel.” It is a sequel to Justice League: Crisis of Two Earths. It was released on February 28, 2012.

7. The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)

With its witty humor, the movie is an absolute delight to watch. The movie is hilarious and can be watched by people of all ages. It has excellent visuals. It came out as a much-needed film after the disappointing performance of Batman vs. Superman.

The LEGO® Batman™ Movie – Main Trailer – Warner Bros. UK
The LEGO Batman Movie Trailer

The LEGO Batman Movie is a computer-animated Batman comedy film produced by Warner Bros. in assorted with LEGO. The film is directed by Chris McKay. The film was released on February 10, 2017.

6. Teen Titans Go! To The Movies (2018)

It is an entertaining and hilarious movie which can be watched and enjoyed by people of all age groups. It is light-hearted, which makes it different from typical DC movies which tend to inch over to the darker themes.

OFFICIAL TRAILER | Teen Titans GO! to the Movies | Cartoon Network
Teen Titans Go! To The Movies Trailer

Teen Titans Go! To The Movies is an animated musical-comedy superhero film based on the animated TV series Teen Titans Go! The TV series is also based on the DC comic group of the same name. The film was released on July 27, 2018.

5. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1-2 (2012-2013)

Part 1

Much like the Dark Knight’s live-action film series, the animated movie was much appreciated by the audience and critiques alike. It is dark, intense, and intelligent.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 | Trailer | Warner Bros. Entertainment
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 Trailer

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 is an animated superhero series based on the DC Comics character Batman. It closely follows the 1986 comic book series plot, The Dark Knight Returns, by Frank Miller. It was released on September 25, 2012.

Part 2

This film is dark and brooding, much like the other Dark Knight series. Part 2 surprisingly managed to reach the bar set by part 1 or rather even cross it.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part II - The Warning (Trailer)
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 2 Trailer

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 2 is an animated superhero series based on the DC Comics character Batman. It closely follows the 1986 comic book series plot, The Dark Knight Returns, by Frank Miller. It was released on January 29, 2019.

4. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

The film managed to do better than a lot of DC live-action movies have. It has an intelligent and gripping plot that made the film successful and liked by the audience.

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm - Original Theatrical Trailer
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm Trailer

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is an animated superhero film. It is based on the DC Comics character Batman. It is directed by Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm. The film was released in theatres on December 24, 1993.

3. Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders (2016)

The animated comeback of the Caped Crusaders is a groovy watch and is well received by the audience. The film is full of energy and manages to keep you entertained throughout its run.

Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders - Trailer
Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders Trailer

Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders is an animated Batman film produced by Warner Bros. Animations. It is based on the 1960s TV series Batman. It hit the theatres on October 10, 2016.

2. Justice League: Flashpoint Paradox (2013)

This film was critically acclaimed and appreciated by audiences as well. It is intense and action-packed with a remarkable ending. A must watch.

Justice League - The Flashpoint Paradox - Trailer
Justice League: Flashpoint Paradox Trailer

Justice League: Flashpoint Paradox is an animated superhero film based on the comic book crossover series “Flashpoint” by Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert. The film was released on July 30, 2013.

1. Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)

The film is intelligent and strong. The story of Jason Todd coming back to life is breathtaking. The film is worth your time and you won’t regret watching it.

Batman: Under the Red Hood (Trailer)
Batman: Under the Red Hood Trailer

Batman: Under the Red Hood is an American animated superhero film based on the DC Comics character Batman. It is produced by Warner Bros. Animations. It is the eighth title in the DC Universe Animated Original Movie (DCUAO) series. It was released on July 27, 2010.

Honorable Mentions

  • Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018)
  • Justice League Vs. Teen Titans
  • Teen Titans: The Judas Contract
  • Batman Vs. Robin
  • Green Lantern: First Flight

The above-mentioned titles deserve the honourable mention and you get to them once you’ve done watching all the movies in the above list!

Epic Dope Staff

Epic Dope Staff

Our talented team of Freelance writers - Always on the lookout - pour their energies into a wide range of topics bringing to our audience what they crave - fun up-to-date news, reviews, fan theories and much much more.

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