Cinopsys
DC on film is really two stories: the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) that ran from 2013 to 2023, and the rebooted DCU that James Gunn kicked off in 2024. For a first watch, the easiest path is simply the order the DCEU films were released.
Watch in release order for your first run — the DCEU has almost no flashbacks, so the story flows cleanly. The only timeline quirks are the two Wonder Woman films, which you can watch first if you prefer a chronological start.
The DCEU in release order (2013–2023)
Man of Steel2013Zack Snyder's grounded reboot of Superman's origin launches the universe.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice2016The two icons clash before a bigger threat forces them together.
Suicide Squad2016Imprisoned villains are drafted for a deniable black-ops mission.
Wonder Woman2017Diana leaves Themyscira for the battlefields of World War I.
Justice League2017The heroes unite against Steppenwolf — also see the 2021 Snyder Cut.
Aquaman2018Arthur Curry fights for the throne of Atlantis.
Shazam!2019A foster teen gains a superhero's powers with a single word.
Birds of Prey2020Harley Quinn cuts loose in Gotham after splitting with the Joker.
Wonder Woman 19842020Diana faces Cheetah and Maxwell Lord in a neon-bright 1980s.
The Suicide Squad2021James Gunn's gory, funny soft-reboot of the squad.
Black Adam2022Dwayne Johnson's antihero awakens after 5,000 years.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods2023The Shazam family takes on the vengeful Daughters of Atlas.
The Flash2023Barry Allen shatters the multiverse trying to save his mother.
Blue Beetle2023Jaime Reyes bonds with a powerful alien scarab.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom2023The final DCEU film closes out the era.
The new DCU in order (2024 onwards)
In 2024, DC Studios rebooted everything as the DCU — a brand-new continuity. It begins with an animated series and a fresh Superman, with more on the way.
Creature Commandos2024The animated series that officially opens the new DCU.
Superman2025James Gunn reboots the universe with a brand-new Man of Steel.
Supergirl2026UpcomingKara Zor-El's big-screen debut in the new continuity.
How to watch DC in chronological order
The DCEU is almost entirely in release order already, so a chronological rewatch only needs one tweak:
- Start with Wonder Woman (set in 1918) as the earliest story, then Wonder Woman 1984.
- Pick up Man of Steel and continue through the rest in release order.
- Treat the new DCU as a clean slate — it doesn't connect to the DCEU, so watch it separately whenever you like.
For a first watch, release order is still the easiest way through.
Track DC in Cinopsys
Keeping two timelines straight is exactly what a tracker is for. In Cinopsys you can build a DC list, tick films off as you watch, and see how far through each era you are — plus total hours and your top-rated entries. It's free, with no ads.
Start the saga
Press play on Man of Steel, and let Cinopsys keep score of the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Should I watch the DC movies in release or chronological order?
Release order is the simplest way to watch the DCEU, since the films were made to be seen as they came out and there are very few flashbacks to worry about. Chronological order mainly matters for Wonder Woman (set in 1918) and Wonder Woman 1984 (set in the 1980s), which can be watched first as prequels.
What is the difference between the DCEU and the new DCU?
The DCEU ran from Man of Steel (2013) to Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023). In 2024 James Gunn and Peter Safran rebooted the franchise as the DCU, a fresh continuity that began with the animated Creature Commandos and the 2025 Superman film.
How many DCEU movies are there?
There are 15 theatrical DCEU films, from Man of Steel (2013) to Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023). The new DCU then starts a separate count.
How can I track which DC movies I've watched?
Use Cinopsys: build a DC list, mark each film as watched, and see your progress and stats. It's 100% free with no ads.