DC Universe in Live-Action: An Alternate Watchlist
by JonGorga | created - 11 months ago | updated - 3 weeks ago | PublicAn attempt to make a streamlined, inclusive, but not contradictory DC Comics live-action adaptation single-timeline watchlist.
If you are frustrated by multiversal stories, but also frustrated by these different takes not connecting like they do in the comic-book source material? This is an imperfect solution. Especially as regards tone. I've added as much as can fit, regardless of general public opinion or what I personally like.
I just drew the line at animation and black & white material as they seemed inappropriate for this.
- Instant Watch Options
- Genres
- Movies or TV
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1. Krypton (2018–2019)
TV-14 | 45 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
The untold story of Superman's grandfather as he fights for justice on his home planet.
Stars: Cameron Cuffe, Georgina Campbell, Shaun Sipos, Ann Ogbomo
Votes: 17,695
Takes place 200 years before the birth of Superman so the ~1780s.
2. Jonah Hex (2010)
PG-13 | 81 min | Action, Drama, Fantasy
The U.S. military makes a scarred bounty hunter with warrants on his own head an offer he cannot refuse: in exchange for his freedom, he must stop a terrorist who is ready to unleash Hell on Earth.
Director: Jimmy Hayward | Stars: Josh Brolin, Megan Fox, John Malkovich, Michael Fassbender
Votes: 61,786 | Gross: $10.54M
Takes place in the 1870s.
3. Pennyworth (2019–2022)
TV-MA | 60 min | Action, Crime, Drama
The origin story of Alfred Pennyworth, a former special-forces soldier living in London and how he came to work for Bruce Wayne's father.
Stars: Jack Bannon, Ryan Fletcher, Dorothy Atkinson, Ben Aldridge
Votes: 18,069
Takes place in the 1960s.
4. Smallville (2001–2017)
TV-PG | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
A young Clark Kent struggles to find his place in the world as he learns to harness his alien powers for good and deals with the typical troubles of teenage life in Smallville, Kansas.
Stars: Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum, Allison Mack, Kristin Kreuk
Votes: 138,043
Ideally, stop at the season 3 finale to avoid big contradictions.
5. Batman Begins (2005)
PG-13 | 140 min | Action, Crime, Drama
After witnessing his parents' death, Bruce learns the art of fighting to confront injustice. When he returns to Gotham as Batman, he must stop a secret society that intends to destroy the city.
Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Ken Watanabe, Liam Neeson
Votes: 1,578,118 | Gross: $206.85M
Bruce Wayne becomes Batman just before Clark Kent becomes Superman publicly.
6. Superman (1978)
PG | 143 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
An alien orphan is sent from his dying planet to Earth, where he grows up to become his adoptive home's first and greatest superhero.
Director: Richard Donner | Stars: Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando
Votes: 187,489 | Gross: $134.22M
Clark met Lex Luthor during “Smallville” but not as Superman. Batman is considered a myth and therefore isn't mentioned. (If preferred, this can be swapped with “Man of Steel”.)
7. Joker (I) (2019)
R | 122 min | Crime, Drama, Thriller
During the 1980s, a failed stand-up comedian is driven insane and turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City while becoming an infamous psychopathic crime figure.
Director: Todd Phillips | Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy
Votes: 1,487,951 | Gross: $335.45M
Flashback to the late 1980s from the Joker's point-of-view. The death of Bruce Wayne's parents is seen from his warped perspective.
8. Naomi (2022)
TV-14 | 40 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Follows a young woman and her hero's journey.
Stars: Kaci Walfall, Cranston Johnson, Alexander Wraith, Mary-Charles Jones
Votes: 5,715
9. The Dark Knight (2008)
PG-13 | 152 min | Action, Crime, Drama
When the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.
Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine
Votes: 2,869,911 | Gross: $534.86M
Batman has been operating for under one year.
10. Superman II (1980)
PG | 127 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Superman agrees to sacrifice his powers to start a relationship with Lois Lane, unaware that three Kryptonian criminals he inadvertently released are conquering Earth.
Director: Richard Lester | Stars: Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Ned Beatty
Votes: 114,606 | Gross: $108.19M
Batman is still considered a myth outside of Gotham. (If preferred, this can be swapped with Donner's "Superman II" director's cut.)
11. The Batman (2022)
PG-13 | 176 min | Action, Crime, Drama
When a sadistic serial killer begins murdering key political figures in Gotham, Batman is forced to investigate the city's hidden corruption and question his family's involvement.
Director: Matt Reeves | Stars: Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Colin Farrell
Votes: 786,627 | Gross: $369.35M
Don't skip the deleted scene of the Joker in Arkham that specifies almost one year has passed since the Joker was captured. (If preferred, this can be swapped with "Batman Returns" then "Batman Forever" [after "Superman III"] then "Batman & Robin" [after Superman IV"].)
12. Superman III (1983)
PG | 125 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
Synthetic kryptonite laced with tar splits Superman in two: good Clark Kent and bad Man of Steel.
Director: Richard Lester | Stars: Christopher Reeve, Richard Pryor, Margot Kidder, Jackie Cooper
Votes: 74,755 | Gross: $59.95M
13. Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)
PG | 90 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
The Man of Steel crusades for nuclear disarmament and meets Lex Luthor's latest creation, Nuclear Man.
Director: Sidney J. Furie | Stars: Christopher Reeve, Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder, Jackie Cooper
Votes: 52,712 | Gross: $15.68M
14. Green Lantern (2011)
PG-13 | 114 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Reckless test pilot Hal Jordan is granted an alien ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers that inducts him into an intergalactic police force, the Green Lantern Corps.
Director: Martin Campbell | Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong
Votes: 296,097 | Gross: $116.60M
"Green Lantern" & the early seasons of the CW 'Arrowverse' shows fill a five-year gap between the Batman/Superman origin-story films and the DCEU films while Superman is searching for the remains of Planet Krypton, as explained at the opening of "Superman Returns".
15. Constantine (2014–2015)
TV-14 | 43 min | Crime, Drama, Fantasy
A man struggling with his faith who is haunted by the sins of his past is suddenly thrust into the role of defending humanity from the gathering forces of darkness.
Stars: Matt Ryan, Harold Perrineau, Charles Halford, Angélica Celaya
Votes: 56,260
A mystical "rising darkness" helps explain why things get much more supernatural, a bit chaotic, and generally darker from here on.
16. Arrow (2012–2020)
TV-14 | 42 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Spoiled billionaire playboy Oliver Queen is missing and presumed dead when his yacht is lost at sea. He returns five years later a changed man, determined to clean up the city as a hooded vigilante armed with a bow.
Stars: Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy, David Ramsey, Susanna Thompson
Votes: 445,992
Ideally, stop at the season 2 finale to avoid big contradictions.
17. The Flash (2014–2023)
TV-PG | 43 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
After being struck by lightning, Barry Allen wakes up from his coma to discover he's been given the power of super speed, becoming the Flash, and fighting crime in Central City.
Stars: Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Carlos Valdes
Votes: 368,162
Ideally, stop at the season 1 finale to avoid big contradictions. Barry Allen is embarrassed to admit he is just doing an internship with the Central City Police Department through his adoptive father Detective Joe West. Offscreen. (If preferred, this can be swapped with the 1990 "The Flash" TV show.)
18. Supergirl (2015–2021)
TV-PG | 43 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
The adventures of Superman's cousin and her own superhero career.
Stars: Melissa Benoist, Chyler Leigh, David Harewood, Katie McGrath
Votes: 129,551
Ideally, stop at the season 1 finale to avoid big contradictions. (If preferred, this can be swapped with the "Supergirl" film.)
19. Black Lightning (2018–2021)
TV-14 | 43 min | Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
A crusading school principal gets back into action as the original African-American electrical superhero.
Stars: Cress Williams, Nafessa Williams, Christine Adams, Marvin Jones III
Votes: 27,241
20. The Sandman (2022– )
TV-MA | 45 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Upon escaping after decades of imprisonment by a mortal wizard, Dream, the personification of dreams, sets about to reclaim his lost equipment.
Stars: Tom Sturridge, Boyd Holbrook, Patton Oswalt, Vivienne Acheampong
Votes: 170,926
John Constantine has been transformed into Johanna Constantine by some magic spell. He's bisexual so probably had a big laugh about it. Offscreen.
21. Lucifer (2016–2021)
TV-14 | 4,393 min | Crime, Drama, Fantasy
Lucifer Morningstar has decided he's had enough of being the dutiful servant in Hell and decides to spend some time on Earth to better understand humanity. He settles in Los Angeles - the City of Angels.
Stars: Tom Ellis, Lauren German, Kevin Alejandro, D.B. Woodside
Votes: 355,856
22. DC's Legends of Tomorrow (2016–2022)
TV-14 | 42 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
Time-traveling rogue Rip Hunter must recruit a ragtag team of heroes and villains to help prevent an apocalypse that could impact not only Earth, but all of time.
Stars: Caity Lotz, Amy Louise Pemberton, Dominic Purcell, Nick Zano
Votes: 110,033
Takes place across the timeline as well as outside of time itself but should be watched with the other 'Arrowverse' shows.
23. Swamp Thing (2019)
TV-MA | 60 min | Horror, Sci-Fi
Abby Arcane returns home to Marais, Louisiana to investigate a deadly swamp-borne virus, only to discover the dark, terrifying mysteries of the swamp.
Stars: Crystal Reed, Virginia Madsen, Andy Bean, Derek Mears
Votes: 27,723
The "rising darkness" first noticed in "Constantine" continues unabated. (If preferred, this can be swapped with the "Swamp Thing" film and "The Return of Swamp Thing" [after "Blue Beetle"].)
24. Blue Beetle (2023)
PG-13 | 127 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
An alien scarab chooses Jaime Reyes to be its symbiotic host, bestowing the recent college graduate with a suit of armor that's capable of extraordinary powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the superhero known as Blue Beetle.
Director: Angel Manuel Soto | Stars: Xolo Maridueña, Bruna Marquezine, Becky G, Damián Alcázar
Votes: 94,572
Batman, Superman, and the Flash are mentioned and this marks the point superhero weirdness generally stops being surprising to new characters.
25. Superman Returns (2006)
PG-13 | 154 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Superman returns to Earth after spending five years in space examining his homeworld Krypton. But he finds things have changed while he was gone, and he must once again prove himself important to the world.
Director: Bryan Singer | Stars: Brandon Routh, Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, James Marsden
Votes: 291,322 | Gross: $200.08M
Ideally, stop at the 2 hours and 21 minute mark to avoid big contradictions. (If preferred, this can be swapped with the 2016 film "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice" theatrical cut or Snyder's extended cut.)
26. Suicide Squad (2016)
PG-13 | 123 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
A secret government agency recruits some of the most dangerous incarcerated super-villains to form a defensive task force. Their first mission: save the world from the apocalypse.
Director: David Ayer | Stars: Will Smith, Jared Leto, Margot Robbie, Viola Davis
Votes: 722,198 | Gross: $325.10M
Don't skip the after-credits scene that sets up "Wonder Woman". (If preferred, this can be swapped with the extended cut.)
27. Wonder Woman (2017)
PG-13 | 141 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, Diana, an Amazonian warrior in training, leaves home to fight a war, discovering her full powers and true destiny.
Director: Patty Jenkins | Stars: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Lucy Davis
Votes: 699,517 | Gross: $412.56M
Flashback to 1918 from Wonder Woman's point-of-view. Don't skip the deleted after-credits scene that sets up "Justice League" (it is on the home video releases as well as YouTube).
28. Justice League (2017)
PG-13 | 120 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman's selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his new-found ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy.
Director: Zack Snyder | Stars: Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller
Votes: 478,568 | Gross: $229.02M
Batman has now been operating for almost twenty years. Don't skip the after-credits scene that does a great job of setting up "Titans". (If preferred, this can be swapped with Snyder's 2021 director's cut.)
29. Titans (I) (2018–2023)
TV-MA | 45 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Dick and Rachel, a girl possessed by a strange darkness, get embroiled in a conspiracy that could bring Hell on Earth. Joining them along the way are the hot-headed Starfire and lovable Beast Boy. Together they become a team of heroes.
Stars: Brenton Thwaites, Anna Diop, Ryan Potter, Teagan Croft
Votes: 112,746
Robin and Wonder Girl were trained in secret over previous years around the time of the Arrowverse shows' early seasons and formed the first Titans team around the time of "Blue Beetle". Offscreen. (If you swapped "The Batman" out for "Batman Forever", this show will make a little more sense.)
30. Aquaman (2018)
PG-13 | 143 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Arthur Curry, the human-born heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, goes on a quest to prevent a war between the worlds of ocean and land.
Director: James Wan | Stars: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson
Votes: 520,612 | Gross: $335.06M
31. Birds of Prey (2020)
R | 109 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
After splitting with the Joker, Harley Quinn joins superheroines Black Canary, Huntress, and Renee Montoya to save a young girl from an evil crime lord.
Director: Cathy Yan | Stars: Margot Robbie, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett
Votes: 264,651 | Gross: $84.16M
The Joker and Harley Quinn have recently split-up. Offscreen.
32. Doom Patrol (2019–2023)
TV-MA | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
The adventures of an idealistic mad scientist and his field team of superpowered outcasts.
Stars: Diane Guerrero, April Bowlby, Matt Bomer, Riley Shanahan
Votes: 59,707
Five years have passed since Cyborg's accident which means four years have passed since the formation of the Justice League and he hopes to fully and officially join them at some point. He wasn't made a full member because of his age and he's bitter about it. Offscreen.
33. Shazam! (2019)
PG-13 | 132 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
A newly fostered young boy in search of his mother instead finds unexpected super powers and soon gains a powerful enemy.
Director: David F. Sandberg | Stars: Zachary Levi, Mark Strong, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer
Votes: 384,846 | Gross: $140.37M
34. Superman & Lois (2021–2024)
TV-PG | 42 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
The world's most famous superhero and comic books' most famous journalist face the pressures and complexities that come with balancing work, justice, and parenthood in today's society.
Stars: Tyler Hoechlin, Elizabeth Tulloch, Alex Garfin, Erik Valdez
Votes: 39,592
Clark Kent and Lois Lane have adopted the child from "Superman Returns" (who's presumably his biological offspring anyway) and... another kid. Offscreen.
35. The Suicide Squad (2021)
R | 132 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
Supervillains Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, Peacemaker, and a collection of nutty cons at Belle Reve prison join the super-secret, super-shady Task Force X as they are dropped off at the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese.
Director: James Gunn | Stars: Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman
Votes: 409,455 | Gross: $55.82M
Don't skip the after-credits scene that sets up "Peacemaker".
36. Peacemaker (2022– )
TV-MA | 40 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
Picking up where The Suicide Squad (2021) left off, Peacemaker returns home after recovering from his encounter with Bloodsport - only to discover that his freedom comes at a price.
Stars: John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Jennifer Holland
Votes: 134,913
37. Black Adam (2022)
PG-13 | 125 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods--and imprisoned just as quickly--Black Adam is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra | Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Aldis Hodge, Pierce Brosnan, Noah Centineo
Votes: 273,847 | Gross: $168.15M
38. Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
PG-13 | 130 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy
The film continues the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word "SHAZAM!" is transformed into his adult Super Hero alter ego, Shazam.
Director: David F. Sandberg | Stars: Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, Rachel Zegler
Votes: 124,686
Don't skip the end scene that kind of sets up "Wonder Woman 1984". Kind of...
39. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
PG-13 | 151 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Diana must contend with a work colleague, and with a businessman whose desire for extreme wealth sends the world down a path of destruction, after an ancient artifact that grants wishes goes missing.
Director: Patty Jenkins | Stars: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal
Votes: 291,722 | Gross: $46.37M
Flashback to 1984 from Wonder Woman's point-of-view.
40. The Flash (I) (2023)
PG-13 | 144 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Barry Allen uses his super speed to change the past, but his attempt to save his family creates a world without super heroes, forcing him to race for his life in order to save the future.
Director: Andy Muschietti | Stars: Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton, Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon
Votes: 210,181
Barry Allen has started a proper 'job' job with the Central City Police Department after the events of "Justice League" in a different precinct than he did his internship during "The Flash" TV series. Offscreen. Don't skip the after-credits scene that sets up "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom".
41. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
PG-13 | 124 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Black Manta seeks revenge on Aquaman for his father's death. Wielding the Black Trident's power, he becomes a formidable foe. To defend Atlantis, Aquaman forges an alliance with his imprisoned brother. They must protect the kingdom.
Director: James Wan | Stars: Jason Momoa, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Amber Heard
Votes: 82,140
42. Steel (1997)
PG-13 | 97 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
A scientist for the military turns himself into a cartoon-like superhero when a version of one of his own weapons is being used against enemies.
Director: Kenneth Johnson | Stars: Shaquille O'Neal, Annabeth Gish, Judd Nelson, Richard Roundtree
Votes: 15,072 | Gross: $1.71M
43. Batwoman (2019–2022)
TV-14 | 45 min | Action, Adventure, Crime
Batwoman seeks justice for Gotham City.
Stars: Camrus Johnson, Rachel Skarsten, Meagan Tandy, Nicole Kang
Votes: 46,253
44. Birds of Prey (2002–2003)
TV-14 | 60 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
In the future, long after the Batman has driven himself into exile, his legacy lives on in the form of the Birds of Prey--Black Canary, Oracle, and the Huntress.
Stars: Ashley Scott, Dina Meyer, Rachel Skarsten, Shemar Moore
Votes: 5,558
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