The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) has a complicated timeline. Multiple timelines and interconnected stories make it difficult to follow the chronological order of the films. This guide sorts through the mess, providing a clear chronological viewing order for all DC films, including those on HBO Max. We'll clarify the timeline and help you understand how the stories fit together.
Understanding the DCEU Timeline Challenges
The DCEU isn't a straightforward narrative. Some movies are direct sequels, while others exist in parallel timelines or even ignore previous continuity. This makes determining a truly definitive chronological order challenging. This list prioritizes internal consistency within individual storylines while acknowledging the inconsistencies between them.
The Chronological Order of DC Movies
This list presents a recommended chronological order, aiming for the most logical flow based on in-universe events. Note that some interpretations may differ, particularly regarding the placement of certain films.
Phase 1: The Beginning
- Man of Steel (2013): The origin story of Superman sets the stage for the DCEU. This is the foundational film.
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016): Picking up years after Man of Steel, this film introduces Batman and sets up the Justice League.
Phase 2: Expanding the Universe
- Wonder Woman (2017): A flashback-heavy origin story taking place during World War I.
- Suicide Squad (2016): This film occurs concurrently with Batman v Superman, featuring a team of supervillains.
- Justice League (2017): The Justice League unites to face a major threat. Consider the Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021) cut for a more complete and chronologically consistent experience within this phase. The theatrical cut is significantly different and less chronological.
Phase 3: Standalone Stories & New Directions
- Aquaman (2018): This solo film takes place mostly after Justice League, with some flashbacks.
- Shazam! (2019): A lighter-hearted entry that occurs concurrently with other DCEU films but doesn't heavily intersect.
- Birds of Prey (2020): Set after the events of Suicide Squad, Harley Quinn's story continues.
Phase 4 & Beyond: A Shifting Landscape
- Wonder Woman 1984 (2020): A sequel to Wonder Woman, taking place decades later.
- The Suicide Squad (2021): A standalone soft-reboot featuring some returning characters. It's essentially its own continuity.
- Black Adam (2022): Introduces Black Adam into the DCEU. Its exact placement remains somewhat ambiguous.
- The Flash (2023): A highly complex film that significantly alters the DCEU timeline and may necessitate a re-evaluation of the overall chronological order after its release.
HBO Max Additions and Spin-offs: This section includes films and series that exist in a somewhat separate continuity or are less directly connected to the main DCEU timeline. Their placement requires careful consideration. Their placement in a chronological order is debatable, and they might better be viewed separately.
Important Considerations:
- Timeline Inconsistencies: The DCEU has inconsistencies. This list prioritizes internal consistency within each film but acknowledges discrepancies between them.
- Alternative Cuts: The Zack Snyder's Justice League significantly impacts the overall timeline and is generally considered the more cohesive version compared to the theatrical cut.
- Future Films: This list will require updates as more DC films are released.
This chronological order provides a structured way to experience the majority of DC films. However, feel free to adjust it based on your preferences. Enjoy your DC cinematic journey!