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DC Extended Universe (DCEU) Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the DC Extended Universe movies in order

Last updated: April 15 2026

Written by: ChronoAlice

The DC Extended Universe is Warner Bros.' ambitious shared superhero universe featuring iconic characters like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman. With sixteen films released between 2013 and 2023, the DCEU has a watch order that can be tackled by release date or in-universe chronology.

Warner Bros. launched the DC Extended Universe in 2013 with Zack Snyder's Man of Steel, establishing a darker, more grounded take on DC's legendary superheroes. Over the following decade the universe expanded to include a Justice League, multiple solo hero stories, and beloved ensemble films. The DCEU concluded with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in 2023, making way for James Gunn's relaunched DC Universe. With sixteen films in the catalogue, it's one of the most ambitious superhero cinematic universes outside the MCU.

🕐 Release Order

Release order is the most widely recommended way to experience the DCEU — it follows the universe's expanding scope and ensures the character arcs and crossover moments land as intended.

  1. Man of Steel (2013)
  2. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
  3. Suicide Squad (2016)
  4. Wonder Woman (2017)
  5. Justice League (2017)
  6. Aquaman (2018)
  7. Shazam! (2019)
  8. Birds of Prey (2020)
  9. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
  10. Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
  11. The Suicide Squad (2021)
  12. Black Adam (2022)
  13. DC League of Super-Pets (2022)
  14. Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
  15. The Flash (2023)
  16. Blue Beetle (2023)
  17. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)

A note on Justice League: both the 2017 theatrical cut and Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021) exist. Many fans prefer the Snyder Cut for its expanded story, but both are technically part of the DCEU. You don't need to watch both.

📖 Story Chronology

In terms of in-universe story time, Wonder Woman takes place during World War I and is the earliest-set film, while Wonder Woman 1984 is set in the 1980s. All other films take place in the modern era and largely follow release order.

  1. Wonder Woman (2017) — set in 1918 during World War I
  2. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) — set in 1984
  3. Man of Steel (2013) — modern day; Superman's origin
  4. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
  5. Suicide Squad (2016)
  6. Justice League / Zack Snyder's Justice League (2017/2021)
  7. Aquaman (2018)
  8. Shazam! (2019)
  9. Birds of Prey (2020)
  10. The Suicide Squad (2021)
  11. Black Adam (2022)
  12. DC League of Super-Pets (2022)
  13. Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
  14. The Flash (2023)
  15. Blue Beetle (2023)
  16. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)

Which Order Should You Choose?

For the best first-time experience, watch in release order starting with Man of Steel. If you're primarily a Wonder Woman fan, starting with her 2017 film before jumping to Man of Steel is also a great option. The Snyder Cut of Justice League is highly recommended over the 2017 theatrical cut if you can invest the four-hour runtime — it provides far more character development and a more complete vision. The DCEU films vary widely in tone, from the dark and operatic Man of Steel to the colorful and comedic Shazam!, so there's something for every kind of DC fan.

🔗 Related Guides

  • Marvel Cinematic Universe Watch OrderGuide
  • X-Men Watch OrderGuide
  • Spider-Man Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!