With Zack Snyder's Justice League released on HBO Max, it provides four hours of epic superhero content. A majority of the film features new footage unseen in the original 2017 version by Joss Whedon. However, it is so well-paced and sets up for more stories to come to the DC Extended Universe.
As a result, most fans will be left with an itch for more DC content. To satisfy that itch, there are many outlets: comics books for one, video games like the Arkham series, and, of course, animation. There are seemingly endless amounts of DC animated films to enjoy, especially after witnessing Zack Snyder's film.
Updated on August 26th, 2021 by Melody MacReady: The world of DC animated original movies is ever-expanding with new films released almost every year, sometimes multiple in the same year; this makes it impossible to stop at just ten movies to talk about. Though Zack Snyder's Justice League can be viewed on both HBO Max and on Blu-ray/4K, it can be hard to find the time to watch it due to its four-hour runtime. Even the longest animated DC films barely make it past the 90-minute mark, making them the perfect alternatives for those with too busy of a schedule to watch or rewatch the massive DC Extended Universe epic.
15 Superman Doomsday (2007)
- Watch for free on HBO Max or for rent on Vudu, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
Rather than a direct adaptation of The Death Of Superman storyline, Superman Doomsday uses that as a foundation but takes a different turn. For example, instead of a cybernetic Superman with the brain of Hank Henshaw, Superman is replaced with a clone who descends into madness.
Despite nearly identical art style, this is not a part of the DC Animated Universe and is more of an Elseworld story. What made Superman Doomsday stand out on the initial release was how dark it was compared to other Bruce Timm and Paul Dini animated films whereas these days, it's considered the norm.
14 Batman: Under The Red Hood (2010)
- Watch for free on HBO Max or for rent on Vudu, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
Ben Affleck's Batman showcased a veteran Batman, broken by the loss of Robin who was killed by the Joker. Batman: Under The Red Hood featured a similar kind of Batman played by Bruce Greenwood. As Batman deals with loss, a new villain comes to Gotham and takes over all the crime families and gangs in the city.
Featuring the Joker, Black Mask, and the mysterious Red Hood, Under The Red Hood is often considered one of the best animated DC films. From the action sequences to the mystery of the Red Hood to performances of Greenwood, Neil Patrick Harris, and Jensen Ackles, fans have flocked to this animated film many times, rivaling even live-action films.
13 Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths (2010)
- Watch for free on HBO Max or for rent on Vudu, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
William Baldwin, James Woods, Gina Torres, and Mark Harmon provide a unique voice cast in Crisis On Two Earths, the story in which the Justice League fight their evil counterparts from another universe. These days, thanks to the likes of Crisis On Infinite Earths, the DC Multiverse of movies and TV shows is normal but Crisis On Two Earths was one of the first animated films to delve into the concept.
One of the standouts about this film is James Woods as the nihilistic Owlman who showcases how lucky the world is that Batman stands for justice. Owlman is a soulless monster that seeks to destroy the Multiverse just because he can. However, both the League and their counterparts shine in this action-packed thriller.
12 Superman VS The Elite (2012)
- Available for rent on Vudu, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
The art style for Superman VS The Elite is very different but that shouldn't keep anyone from seeing this surprising Superman film. New villains known as the Elite come to Metropolis and push Superman to his limits. Without spoiling what happens, Superman VS The Elite deals with a similar concept as Henry Cavill's Superman, showcasing how Superman deals with his rage and emotion.
There are events that will shock viewers and make them appreciate why Superman being an optimistic idealist is a good thing. Superman VS The Elite is also a film that shows that Superman is much smarter than most people think.
11 Justice Society: World War II
- Available for rent on Vudu, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
The second film of the newly established DC animated universe alongside Superman: Man Of Tomorrow and Batman: The Long Halloween. Justice Society: World War II takes from the Golden Age of comics as well as the first Wonder Woman movie starring Gal Gadot while still telling an original story.
The Justice Society themselves have been rebooted in a respectful way while still updating them for the modern age. Stana Katic shines as a new addition to the many actresses to voice Wonder Woman, there are some twists and turns, and it continues to establish this new DC universe in an organic way.
10 Superman/Batman: Apocalypse (2010)
- Watch for free on HBO Max or for rent on Vudu, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
For those that felt that Superman and Darkseid did not get enough screentime, this one does the trick. Showing Supergirl's origin story, Superman/Batman: Apocalypse also features Darkseid as the main villain. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, and Big Barda must work together to stop him.
Sure, Batman still steals the show but it's very much a Superman-centric story. The highlight of the film is when Darkseid comes to the Kent family farm in Smallville to fight Superman and Supergirl. Tim Daly of Superman: The Animated Series makes a great return to Superman and as always, Kevin Conroy is a delight as Batman.
9 Justice League War (2014)
- Watch for free on HBO Max or for rent on Vudu, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
Zack Snyder's Justice League takes inspiration from many comics. One of them is New 52's Justice League which features a nearly identical lineup of heroes coming together after the Parademons attack. This was also the direct inspiration for another universe: the DC Animated Movie Universe.
It all began with Justice League War which features a brand new (at the time) cast of voices for the Justice League. With characters like Cyborg being introduced along with the attack from Apokolips' forces, it's basically a much more condensed version of the DCEU movie.
8 Suicide Squad: Hell To Pay (2018)
- Watch for free on HBO Max or for rent on Vudu, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
Suicide Squad: Hell To Pay features Task Force X going after a mystical artifact that many villains want. With James Gunn's The Suicide Squad now released, Hell To Pay is a good dessert for those that enjoyed the meal that is James Gunn's film.
One of the best R-rated DC films, there is plenty of refreshing blood, violence, and mature content to marvel at. Suicide Squad: Hell To Pay also features famous voices like Christian Slater, Vanessa Williams, Tara Strong, Liam McIntyre, and more. On top of it all, Hell To Pay is a rather unpredictable movie with many twists.
7 Wonder Woman (2009)
- Watch for free on HBO Max or for rent on Vudu, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
Those that enjoyed the first Gal Gadot movie will likely find enjoyment with this overlooked gem. It's a familiar story: Steve Trevor meets Princess Diana and the two must work together to stop the God of War, Ares. Much like the 2017 movie, Wonder Woman takes what fans love about the character's origin and revitalizes it while respecting it.
Keri Russell provides the voice of Diana and she nails the character just like Susan Eisenberg and the now-iconic Gal Gadot. It's a fun fantasy superhero film that the character deserved after years of being overshadowed by Batman and Superman.
6 Justice League: Doom (2012)
- Watch for free on HBO Max or for rent on Vudu, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
Heavily based on the Tower Of Babel from DC, Justice League: Doom features the League being destroyed by their enemies. It is a result of Batman's contingency plans being warped by villains. Not only does the story give the Legion Of Doom more grit to make them imposing but shows how dangerous Batman's intelligence is.
Voices like Kevin Conroy, Susan Eisenberg, and Tim Daly all excel once more. The animation is some of the best of the DC movies and the fight scenes are a lot of fun. Justice League: Doom also features one of the first and greatest times Cyborg became a Justice League member.
5 Justice League Dark (2017)
- Watch for free on HBO Max or for rent on Vudu, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
DC's second-ever animated movie to be R-rated features John Constantine and Batman taking on demonic forces. It leads to the forming of Justice League Dark with Zatanna, Deadman, Etrigan, and more taking on a threat that the Justice League cannot.
John Constantine is voiced by Matt Ryan in his first big return to the character after the Constantine series was canceled. Of course, he is pitch-perfect and brings Constantine to life well but the other members of the team are great, too. It's a dark and disturbing movie that shows that not every superhero adventure is not going to be clean.
4 Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2011)
- Watch for free on HBO Max or for rent on Vudu, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
Zack Snyder's Justice League showcased Barry Allen's capabilities with altering time very well but this was only a small taste. For a more expansive look at The Flash's time-traveling abilities, look no further than The Flashpoint Paradox. An alternate timeline where Barry's mother never died.
With DC, one change creates a ripple that affects many things across time. That can lead to changes like Thomas Wayne as Batman or a third World War with Aquaman and Wonder Woman destroying the world. It's dark, epic, and sets a new bar for DC's animated filmography.
3 Justice League: The New Frontier (2008)
- Watch for free on HBO Max or for rent on Vudu, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
This DC universe exists in a post-Korean War era where heroes are outlawed. With the Cold War on the horizon and the space age at its height, the world is in shambles. Within all that, a powerful kaiju entity of the DC universe known as The Centre is attempting to destroy humanity.
The New Frontier features similar themes as Zack Snyder's Justice League, especially leaving behind a dark past for a brighter future. The period piece angle and political side of the story hark back to Watchmen. On top of it all, it features well-done origin stories for Martian Manhunter and Green Lantern.
2 The Death And Return Of Superman (2011)
- Watch for free on HBO Max or for rent on Vudu, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
Based on one of Superman's most iconic storylines, the DCAMU split the Death Of Superman and Reign Of The Supermen into two movies. The first obviously showing how Superman dies at the hands of Doomsday and the second is about his return along with the rise of characters like Steel, Superboy, and Cyborg Superman.
Jerry O'Connell really gets his chance to shine with his Superman. It certainly makes changes to the story to fit in the DCAMU but only enough to make it work. This story was also an influence for Zack Snyder as he too featured Superman's resurrection and the black suit.
1 Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020)
- Watch for free on HBO Max or for rent on Vudu, YouTube, Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play
The epic finale of the DCAMU shows a future where Darkseid has conquered Earth. Superman, John Constantine, and a few surviving heroes and villains need to work together to stop him. This story features a lot of elements connecting to previous films; in that way, it is similar to Avengers: Endgame.
In animated form, it is a spectacle to see how all the movies of the DCAMU tie together. Constantine and Superman are great leads together and the movie provides a dark and epic R-rated Justice League movie much like Zack Snyder did. If one has already started watching the DCAMU, it is best to see them all then finish off with Apokolips War.
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