There are many underrated DC Movies, and they deserve more love from the audience. The DCEU was the herald of a controversial time for DC in live-action. Many of the franchise’s movies failed to connect with audiences at first, as shown by poor box office returns, especially in the final run of the shared universe. However, among all the DCEU movies there are some underrated gems that deserve better.
Likewise, DC’s non-DCEU live-action history has spawned many movies that didn’t always connect with audiences right out of the gate. However, there are many films that deserve a second chance. Perhaps DC’s most popular movie character, Batman, has quite a few films that are underratedAnd just like him, other DC characters also had movie outings that were better than their box office, the overall public reception, or otherwise led to believe. The DC Universe’s slate of movies could use what worked on DC’s most underrated as inspiration.
10
Batman Forever
Released in 1995
1995s Batman Forever was wildly different from what the Dark Knight’s franchise had been like in theaters before. Due to the positive reception of Michael Keaton’s Batman and the darker tone of director Tim Burton’s Batman movies, the new, Broader iteration of the franchise under director Joel Schumacher was met with negative reception. It is true that the movie never reaches the high points of its predecessors.
however, Batman Forever Stands as one of DC’s underrated entries for the Dark Knight. Val Kilmer’s version of Batman is often forgotten Among the more popular ones like Christian Bale’s or Ben Affleck’s and the more controversial George Clooney Bruce Wayne. The actor deserves more love for his time in the role, injecting more emotion and personality into the character than perhaps even Keaton. Batman Forever Also brought fun villain performances from Jim Carrey’s Riddler and Tommy Lee Jones’ Two-Face, with Chris O’Donnell’s Robin being a tough and emotional addition.
9
Birds of prey
Released in 2020
The first DCEU movie on the list is Birds of prey. The film tried to go for a different kind of superhero entry. There aren’t many live-action superhero projects focused on female characters, let alone a team of them like this Birds of prey Presented. The movie succeeds in presenting a cast of characters from different backgrounds with great chemistry. Birds of prey Has some of the most inventive action sequences in superhero films.
This (being R-rated) was also what led to the film’s lack of box office success, as it limited the film’s target audience.
It helped that The DCEU film has an R ratingWhich allows it to include intense fights that have a lot of bloody action. However, this was also what led to the lack of the film’s lack of box office success, because it limited the target audience of the film. Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn shines like the star of her own movie, leading the ensemble. Harley’s story of separating herself from the Joker and becoming her own person was perfectly handled. generally, Birds of prey Has great action, hilarious moments, a roster full of chemistry, and Ewan McGregor’s electric villain performance as Black Mask.
8
Man of style
Released in 2013
Zack Snyder’s DCEU movies have proven to be very controversial. It started from his first, 2013 Man of Steel. The movie has moments that warrant greater discussion, as scenes such as Clark Kent letting his father die in a tornado or later Superman killing Zod in his DCEU debut don’t work as intended. Although the movie is divisive, it’s not really as bad as some think.
With impressive visuals and action, as well as a heartfelt performance from Cavill, Man of Steel is a solid superman movie.
Man of Steel Features Henry Cavill’s Superman at his most hopeful. The hero’s first flight sequence is one of the best and most inspiring in any superhero movie. The film does a great job of establishing Superman as Earth’s ultimate protector and all the tension that comes from a new savior suddenly showing up to the world. With impressive visuals and action, as well as a heartfelt performance from Cavill, Man of Steel is a solid superman movie.
7
The Dark Knight Rises
Released in 2012
The Dark Knight Rises received mostly positive reviews and ended its global box office run with more than $1 billion worldwide. Still, the movie is one of DC’s most underrated, as it’s often given the cold shoulder when compared to the other two entries in director Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight trilogy. like 2008s The Dark Knight is one of the best superhero movies of all time, The Dark Knight Rises Faced a lot of judgment.
The movie had to follow the genre-defining second entry in the franchise, which was a daunting quest. yet, The Dark Knight Rises Managed to be the epic finale that Bale’s Batman trilogy deserved. Bone broke Bruce physically and mentally before Catwoman, Alfred, and more helped Batman get back in the saddle. A war for Gotham City’s fate was the perfect ending to the trilogy, and many twists and turns made the conclusion worth it.
6
The Suicide Squad
Released in 2021
Before being named the co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn directed The Suicide Squad and created its spinoff series, peace maker. While the John Cena-starring show was a hit, Gunn’s DC film, which is one of the best DCEU movies, failed to have good numbers at the worldwide box office. The Suicide SquadIt’s poor box office And the state of the DCEU is pushing an otherwise fantastic film down.
This movie deserves to be seen as one of the best live-action offerings DC has had. The Suicide Squad Works just like Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy movies at MarvelWith a focus on mostly dark characters, exciting action, many laugh-out-loud moments, impressive CGI and practical effects, a story that is both heartwarming and tragic at the same time, and more. Its $168.7 million box office is too low.
5
Blue bug
Released in 2023
Blue bug is one of the last DCEU movies that ended up failing at the box office after it was announced that the franchise would be rebooted with Gunn’s new DCU. The fact that the DCEU was divisive and that the franchise was ending joined up Blue Beetle’s unknown status to most non-comic book readers As reasons that led to the movie was not watched by many.
However, those who saw the film were treated to a fun adventure that packed a surprising emotional punch. Jaime Reyes of Xolo Maridueña and his family are the true stars of the filmWith the representation of the Latino community and the natural bond between the characters Blue bug A fresh entry in a packed genre. The movie does a great job of setting up the character for his adventures in the new DCU, again played by Maridueña.
4
The LEGO Batman Movie
Released in 2017
It may be a shocking thought to some, however The LEGO Batman Movie is one of the best entries for DC’s Dark Knight. The animated feature stars Will Arnett as Batman. Although the project is one of the most comedic entries for the character who is known for being dark and brooding, Arnett’s work makes Bruce Wayne one of the most nuanced he has been Beyond the film’s initial layer of silliness.
The LEGO Batman Movie Does a great job of Explore some critical relationships the Dark Knight has Featuring characters like Dick Grayson, the Justice League heroes, Alfred, and his nemesis, the Joker. Bruce’s interactions with the characters lead to impactful and emotional moments that make the Dark Knight a layered hero. Beyond what one might expect from a LEGO movie lies one of the best Batman films.
3
The bottle
Released in 2023
The bottle is one of the DCEU’s most controversial entriesWith the film initially poised to be a major success before its release, only to become the franchise’s biggest box office fiasco. There are undoubtedly problems with The bottleRanging from his bad CGI to his cameo choices and how to deal with them to his controversial lead star. Still, the film provides a strong emotional core that few live-action DC films have come close to.
Every scene with Barry and his mom is filled with love and sadness that makes the audience relate to Barry.
Barry Allen mainly time travels due to his mother’s deathWhich is one of the biggest events of DC Comics. While the film changes many of the epic aspects of the comics’ Flashpoint story, the strong emotional core remains intact. Every scene with Barry and his mom is filled with love and sadness that makes the audience relate to Barry. Apart from the tragic aspect, The bottle Also has a lot of funny moments and great character interactions that make it better than it is thought to be by most.
2
Shazam! Wrath of the Gods
Released in 2023
Shazam! Wrath of the Gods was another ill-fated 2023 DCEU release. The movie was a fun family film that allowed more screen time for Billy Batson’s adoptive family to shine. Now with powers from the beginning of the movie, the Shazam family has to meet a major enemy to fight. The film found quite a few such enemies in the form of the daughters of Atlas.
The trio of villains – not all of them evil as the movie moved along – are aided by mythological creatures and monsters in their mission. The result was a fantastic adventure movie that presented a fine balance between moments of more levity and gripping emotional stakes. Asher Malach once again delivered a moving performance as Billy BatsonAnd the exciting story of the film was better than tanking at the box office.
1
Constantine
Released in 2005
Finally, Keanu Reeves’ Constantine Closes the list of DC’s most underrated movies. The project is often talked down for Not bringing a comic book-accurate version of DC’s Hellblazer to life. Reeves’ John Constantine is not blonde, British, or part of the magical world. Instead, The American Exorcist is involved with a story that examines angels and spirits with more interest than going full-on with the comics’ magical and supernatural aspects.
Although not what a comic book fan might have hoped to see from a Constantine movie, the 2005 film finally brings a tragic take on the character that Reeves enhances the spirit of the classic John ConstantineEven if there are different aspects to how he is presented. The actor’s passion for the role shines through, and the dark affair raises some interesting questions about life, mortality, and more. with Constantine 2 This way, Reeves can improve on what worked in the original and show these DC Franchise’s huge potential.
Upcoming DC Movie Releases