ScreenAge Wasteland Ranks the DC Extended Universe

ScreenAge Wasteland is proud to present our community’s ranking of the DC Extended Universe.

Seven people (whether it was staff, commenters, or Twitter followers) took part in sending us their personal rankings of the DCEU. We then assigned them points (top spot got 17, last spot got 1) and tallied the scores. In the event that someone hadn’t seen a DCEU project, a multiplier was added to bump that film’s score up to what it would have been if all seven people had seen it.

So put your super suit on and get ready to see where each installment in the DCEU ended up. And feel free to agree or disagree with where a film ranked in the comments below! You can also check out our previous ranking here.

17. Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) | 19 points

  • I know I watched this, but I don’t remember anything about it to give it any review. – Vincent Kane
  • This was an unnecessary sequel. It falls short of expectations, with a convoluted plot and lackluster character development. The excessive use of CGI feels overdone and detracts from the overall viewing experience. Disappointingly, the film fails to capture the charm and humor that made its predecessor enjoyable, making it a forgettable and underwhelming sequel. – Jinxy

16. Suicide Squad (2016) | 26 points

  • Us getting Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn is the only redeemable thing about this catastrophe. – Vincent Kane
  • This film was a disappointment from start to finish. The messy plot, weak character development, and jarring editing left viewers struggling to stay engaged. The overuse of flashing lights and loud music felt like a desperate attempt to distract from the lackluster script. Even the star-studded cast couldn’t save this film from being a disjointed and ultimately unsatisfying experience. It’s nothing but a forgettable mess of a movie. – Jinxy
  • Once upon a time, there was a group of B-list bad guys who were forced to team up to complete a task they weren’t supposed to complete. Toss in a few heavy-hitter superhero cameos and one A-list villain, and presto, you have the Suicide Squad in a nutshell! I feel that this film should have played better than it did. It’s a unique concept that has now given birth to the villain origin movie (which I despise). – Ralph Hosch
  • The Flash cameo was fun, and Jai Courtney is 100% a better actor when he’s playing a villain as opposed to a hero like John McClane’s son or Kyle Reese. But honestly, that’s about all I remember from Suicide Squad. James Gunn improved upon this concept in every way in the sequel. – Marmaduke Karlston

15. Justice League (2017) | 27 points

  • I don’t hate this movie as much as some. I don’t like it either but there were some moments I enjoyed. Joss Whedon’s attempt at Marveling it up just didn’t work. The much superior version would be released later on. – Vincent Kane
  • This one grew on me over the years. It’s not nearly as bad as I originally thought. BUT the director’s cut is actually better if you tone down all the slow-mo. – K. Alvarez
  • What a disappointing and underwhelming entry in the DC Extended Universe! The film suffered from a lackluster plot, shallow character development, and inconsistent tone. The noticeable reshoots led to choppy editing and disjointed storytelling, resulting in a messy final product that failed to live up to the potential of its iconic superhero team. Overall, Justice League was a missed opportunity to showcase the beloved DC characters in a meaningful and engaging way. – Jinxy
  •  Joss Whedon’s sanitized version of Zack Snyder’s masterpiece was tolerable, well, at least until the Snyder Cut was released. – Ralph Hosch

14. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) | 32 points

  • This should be dead last because it was god-awful. I would watch a thousand Suicide Squads before ever watching this pathetic attempt again. I didn’t even care for Gal Gadot or Pedro Pascal in this slop of a movie. – Vincent Kane
  • Absolute trash. I felt like I was watching The Amazing Spider-Man 2 all over again. – K. Alvarez
  • This was a disappointing sequel that fell short of delivering on the high expectations set by its predecessor. The overly convoluted plot, lackluster action sequences, and uneven pacing made for a tedious viewing experience. The performances felt uninspired, particularly from the main cast, and the film failed to capture the same magic and intensity that made the first Wonder Woman movie so successful. It was a major letdown and lacked the excitement and depth that fans were hoping for. – Jinxy
  • It’s ironic that this is called Wonder Woman 1984 because it feels like it was made in 1984 and that’s not a compliment. This feels like a forgotten superhero film from Cannon. From the laughable miscasting of Cheetah to the ridiculous plot to the forgettable action and mediocre CGI, almost nothing about this works. Even the always-reliable Pedro Pascal is utterly wasted. Every time a Snyderbro bitches about DCEU being dead, remind them that shit like this, not Gunn, killed the franchise. – Sailor Monsoon
  • This was not the superhero movie set in the 1980s that I was looking for. – Marmaduke Karlston

13. Black Adam (2022) | 33 points

  • One of the biggest letdowns of the DCEU and that’s saying something. Mainly it was due to how long ago The Rock said he wanted to be Black Adam and how all of us fans were eager to see this. It wasn’t bad. Just another sub-par and disjointed entry for the DCEU. – Vincent Kane
  • The Rock hyped this soooo much and it was a dud. Sorry dude, make another G.I. Joe for me though. – K. Alvarez
  • Black Adam is a disappointing film with lackluster storytelling and underdeveloped characters. The action sequences were generic and failed to make an impact, leaving me feeling bored and unengaged throughout. Additionally, the pacing of the movie was uneven, making it difficult to stay invested in the plot. Despite being such an iconic character, Black Adam fell short of delivering an exciting and compelling superhero experience. – Jinxy
  • Talk about a missed opportunity and perhaps one of the many nails in the DCEU coffin. Dwayne Johnson’s portrayal of Shazam’s arch nemesis Black Adam was good, but he was overshadowed by a badass Aldis Hodge as Hawkman and — perhaps one of the best DCEU casting decisions ever — Pierce Brosnan as Doctor Fate. So do we get a Shazam/Black Adam tease at the end? No, we get a Supermen/Black Adam tease. This film perfectly sums up the DCEU: so much potential that never came to fruition. – Ralph Hosch

12. Blue Beetle (2023) | 35 points

  • Blue Beetle is almost unwatchable. – K. Alvarez
  • Y’all hate on Blue Beetle like it’s the worst superhero movie to be released in the last decade. It wouldn’t even make the bottom 25. Xolo Maridueña deserves all the movie roles after his turn as Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle in this movie. He’s definitely the highlight (and for good reason). However, unlike other DCEU movies, this one actually has an emotional and grounded story with Jaime and his family being at the heart of this blockbuster. It’s not perfect, but it feels like a throwback to the early 2000s superhero movies, and that’s a compliment. It’s a nice, fun standalone superhero story that isn’t concerned with teasing the next big bad. – Marmaduke Karlston

11. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023) | 44 points

  • To say that this movie was disappointingly lackluster would be an understatement. The plot felt convoluted and forced, lacking the depth and coherence that made the first movie enjoyable. The dialogue was cheesy and the acting seemed uninspired. It provides nothing but the feeling of being both underwhelmed and unimpressive and will go down in history as one of the most unnecessary sequels of all time. – Jinxy
  • Caught this one on TV and it’s not a bad film. However, it doesn’t move the overall DCEU story forward and why should it? The DCEU was dead in the water by this time. No wonder it tanked at the box office. – Ralph Hosch
  • I like the Aquaman movies. Are they too long? Yes. Do they ooze bad in a good way? Yes. Did Jason Momoa’s Aquaman somehow become the best part of the DCEU, surprising everyone? Yes. The sequel has some entertaining action sequences and a good buddy-cop dynamic between Aquaman and his baby brother, Orm. Even though it couldn’t match the box office of its predecessor, Lost Kingdom still became the highest-grossing DCEU entry since its predecessor. So yeah, audiences loved Aquaman. I guess Entourage called it? – Marmaduke Karlston

10. Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020) | 48 points

  • Ewan McGregor chews up every scene he’s in and saves this film big time. – K. Alvarez
  • This film is a visually dynamic and fast-paced film that showcases Margot Robbie’s charismatic performance as Harley Quinn. The action sequences are well-choreographed and there is a good balance of humor and heart within the story. However, some may find the plot to be a bit chaotic and the pacing to be uneven at times. Overall, it’s an entertaining and empowering film that is a fun ride for fans of the DC comics and the Harley Quinn character. – Jinxy
  • I have a love-hate relationship with Birds of Prey. There’s some good stuff happening in this movie, I just don’t know why Harley Quinn is in it (besides the fact that Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn is one of the best parts of the DCEU). Did the pandemic impact its box office? Maybe. Would I have liked to have seen Batgirl (or Oracle) as part of the team? Definitely. Oh well, I would have liked a sequel, but maybe Gunn will do this team right in the DC Universe. – Marmaduke Karlston

9. Aquaman (2018) | 57 points

  • Aquaman is a visually stunning and action-packed superhero film that successfully brings the underwater world of Atlantis to life. Jason Momoa’s charismatic portrayal of the titular character adds depth and humor to the epic narrative. The film’s stunning special effects and thrilling battle sequences keep audiences engaged from start to finish. With a strong supporting cast, including Amber Heard and Willem Dafoe, Aquaman is a must-see for fans of the DC Extended Universe and superhero genre overall. – Jinxy
  • I’m not a big Aquaman fan, but I have grown to love Jason Mamoa’s take on the character. Mamoa turned a laughable character into a boisterous, jovial powerhouse. It’s an origin film that ties in nicely with the Justice League film (either version). – Ralph Hosch
  • It’s a fun movie that showed audiences that DC movies can balance comedic moments with more mature moments. I have no idea how this made $1 billion though. – Marmaduke Karlston

T7. The Flash (2023) | 63 points

  • I enjoyed the crap out of this and will not understand the hate people gave it when it was released. It was fun, Michael Keaton was badass again as the Dark Knight, and I thought Sashe Calle as Supergirl was really good. Barry’s weird running without his super speed is one of my favorite things from the entire DCEU. I was rolling. – Vincent Kane
  • I enjoyed this. Is it great? No. But, it does at least bring an end to the DCEU and opened the door for the Gunniverse. – K Alvarez
  • The Flash movie was a disappointing mess from start to finish. The storyline felt convoluted and lacking in coherence, the special effects were subpar and looked cheap, and the acting was unconvincing with awkward dialogue delivery. Overall, it was a forgettable and underwhelming experience that failed to capture the essence or excitement of the beloved comic book character. – Jinxy
  • The MCU truly fucked Hollywood. They created a math problem every studio tried to solve and none of them knew algebra. They were all so obsessed with the billion-dollar team-up movie that they forgot they actually had to make good stand-alone films, which was the ultimate failing of the DCEU. In many ways, The Flash is the poster child for the DCEU’s failures. It’s by no means their worst movie but it does exemplify all of their biggest mistakes. It’s a movie that comes so close to working but misses the mark in every way. This movie is the cinematic equivalent of pork rinds. You eat them because they’re not filling and because they have the hint of a much better flavor but once you’re done, the flavor evaporates immediately. – Sailor Monsoon

T7. Shazam! (2019) | 63 points

  • This film is a refreshing and hilarious take on the superhero genre that provides a perfect blend of heartwarming moments and action-packed sequences. The cast, particularly Zachary Levi as the titular hero, delivers fantastic performances that bring depth and humor to their characters. The film also does a fantastic job of exploring themes of family, friendship, and self-discovery. Shazam! is a must-see for both comic book fans and general audiences looking for a fun and entertaining movie experience. – Jinxy
  • Who would’ve thought that all DC had to do to right the ship was to make a film that was fun and not grim dark? Reminiscent in tone to the Raimi Spider-Man films, Shazam! is a big ol’ goofy comedy that fully embraces the inherent silliness of comics. Notice I said comedy and not superhero film because even though it’s a film about a man in tights with superpowers, the film is at its best when it focuses on the funny and not the Bang! Pow! fighty scenes. That’s not to say the fight scenes detract from the film, it’s just that they’re a far weaker element than the human element and humor. Much like how no one could’ve predicted that Iron Man—a character nobody knew before the film—would go on to create the MCU, Shazam, not Batman or Superman, should have been the character to save the DCEU. All because he was fun and not dour. Who would’ve thought that’s what fans want?*cough* Marvel *cough* – Sailor Monsoon

6. Peacemaker (2022) | 67 points

  • This says it all. – K. Alvarez
  • Peacemaker is an incredibly well-crafted and captivating series that seamlessly blends sharp humor with intense action sequences. The character development is exceptional, with John Cena delivering a standout performance as the titular character. The show’s unique mix of grittiness and humor sets it apart from other superhero series, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre. It’s a thrilling and entertaining ride that leaves viewers eagerly anticipating each new episode. – Jinxy
  • It’s impossible to watch this show and not think about how hard Marvel dropped the ball when it came to Gunn. We could’ve had at least three different shows written by him if they let him do what he wanted but for some reason, they shot down all of his ideas. Their loss is definitely DC’s gain. He’s made two of their best projects, one of which is easily better than 90% of every Marvel TV show. Peacemaker is a direct continuation of The Suicide Squad with Peacemaker once again teaming up with Waller’s cronies on a mission to save the world. John Cena is clearly the highlight of the show but the entire cast is fantastic. Freddie Stroma is a revelation as the scene-stealing Vigilante and Robert Patrick gives one of his best performances as Peacemaker’s piece-of-shit racist father. Oh, and that theme song is one of the best things ever. – Sailor Monsoon
  • So I forced myself to watch this over-hyped clown named John Cena play this over-the-top vigilante known as Peacemaker. Why? Maybe I’m a closet masochist. Just do yourself a favor, skip to the last few minutes of the last episode, and cry yourself to sleep tonight. Oh, what could have been! – Ralph Hosch

5. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) | 68 points

  • Man, I love this damn film. I can admit it’s not perfect and I could have used a little more BvS but I thought Ben Affleck was excellent as the Dark Knight (bummed he never got a solo film) and the story Snyder told was solid. I enjoyed Eisenberg’s take on Lex. I still get hyped every time Superman and Batman face off just like it’s the first time I watched it. This film also gave the greatest Batman action scene of any film. That warehouse scene was just amazing. Batman kicked all the ass, used different gadgets, killed some fools, and was simply at his most badassiness. “But what about Martha?” Get over it. It was a choice that wasn’t the best but wasn’t awful either. – Vincent Kane
  • The rush to catch up with the MCU is what caused this film to be a disappointment on multiple levels. The plot felt convoluted and disjointed, with too many characters vying for screen time. The film also suffered from poor pacing, with long stretches of dull exposition followed by rushed action sequences. Despite high expectations for the clash between two iconic superheroes, the final showdown felt anticlimactic and lacked emotional weight. Overall, the film failed to live up to its potential. – Jinxy
  • What a loud, ugly, disaster of a movie. Snyder clearly has zero idea what the appeal of Superman is and while I could argue the same thing about Batman, he at least nails some of the elements of that character, so it’s not a complete failure. In fact, I believe that if he just made a Batman movie instead of Justice League: The Prequel, the DCEU could potentially still be a thing. The casting of Affleck was inspired but man, it fucking works. He’s built like a shit brick house, has Wayne’s charm locked down, and perfectly captures Batman’s detective abilities without this ever feeling like a mystery. He gets the character in a way few other actors do. And Snyder gives him action set pieces no other actor has gotten. It’s a fantastic portrayal of a character stuck in a lousy movie. I hate the fact that the warehouse fight scene is wasted on a movie where Social Network makes Mrs. Incredible drink a cup of piss, the Super Friends flight a cave troll, and two sad boys yell at each other over Martha. – Sailor Monsoon

THE SUICIDE SQUAD (L-r) JOEL KINNAMAN as Colonel Rich Flag, ALICE BRAGA as Sol Soria, DANIELA MELCHIOR as Ratcatcher 2, KING SHARK, IDRIS ELBA as Bloodsport and JOHN CENA as Peacemaker

T3. The Suicide Squad (2021) | 71 points

  • Huge improvement from the first one but still ties it together. It really is one of the best films in the DCEU. – K. Alvarez
  • What an exhilarating and wild ride that delivers both action-packed sequences and quirky humor! The ensemble cast is fantastic, each member bringing their unique flair to their roles. Gunn’s vision translates into a visually stunning and entertaining film that keeps you engaged from start to finish. With unexpected twists and turns, it offers a fresh and daring take on the superhero genre that is sure to satisfy fans and newcomers alike. – Jinxy
  • There’s not a single review written about this movie that doesn’t hammer home the fact that JAMES GUNN is the man behind it. This is Gunn unleashed and, if this film is anything to go by, he needs every opportunity to run wild. Since the team is made up of nobodies, anyone could die, which creates stakes not found in any other superhero movie. You’re never worried that Batman might fail because he’s never going to die but Ratcatcher II or Polka Dot Man? They’re expendable as they come. Those stakes create an investment – I’m actually worried they might not make it and since I love most of ’em, I wanna see them succeed. I haven’t cared about a superhero mission in probably ever and while I’d be lying if I said I cared about this mission or their goals, I can say I was fully invested. Especially when that mission involves a giant alien starfish. The Suicide Squad is a thoroughly entertaining action romp filled with great characters, fun set pieces, and numerous laugh-out-loud moments. – Sailor Monsoon
  • Once upon a time, there was a guy named James Gunn who caught magic in a bottle with a film called Guardians of the Galaxy. Said director gets fired by a studio and then hired by a competitor to write and direct the new Suicide Squad film. Was this a soft reboot or a continuation? I’m still not sure. Did you really kill off most of the original team in the first 15 minutes of the film? Well, the goons at Warner Bros thought it was such a masterpiece of Western cinema that they hired James Gunn to manage the rebooted DCEU. I can tell you that I hate this film almost as much as I hate John Cena. – Ralph Hosch

T3. Man of Steel (2013) | 71 points

  • MoS is the best DCEU film from start to finish. Sorry, Wonder Woman. Henry Cavill is a perfect Superman and loved the journey Zack Snyder took us on with Clark as he became the Man of Steel. People who complain about Superman being dark and gloomy need to grow up. The man was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders alone on a foreign planet being different his whole life. We got to see Superman actually punch some motherfuckers in some of the best fight scenes of any superhero movie. Also, there were real consequences, unlike the MCU. The scene where Clark emerges in the blue and red and first takes flight is phenomenal. Lastly, I will never forget my reaction when he snapped Zod’s neck. It was a bold choice by Snyder that I absolutely loved that way too many crybabies complained about. I say snap all their necks, Superman! They deserve it. – Vincent Kane
  • The first time I saw Man of Steel, I thought it was just an okay film. But the second watch really opened my eyes to this new Superman and the world I hoped they were gonna build. – K. Alvarez
  • Man of Steel was a disappointment from start to finish. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, the characters were underdeveloped, and the excessive use of CGI made the action sequences feel over-the-top and unrealistic. The film lacked the heart and charm typically associated with Superman stories, resulting in a lackluster and forgettable adaptation of the beloved superhero. – Jinxy
  • I’m not a big fan of Zack Snyder’s darker take on Superman, but this film was pretty good with an excellent portrayal of General Zod by Michael Shannon. Let’s gloss over the Pa Kent death because that was really bad. Look, the point of Pa Kent having a heart attack was to show Superman the fragility of the human condition and that he couldn’t save everyone. Pa Kent walking into a tornado misses the mark. – Ralph Hosch

2. Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) | 75 points

  • We won! One of the greatest internet movements of all time led to the release of Snyder’s vision of the Justice League. The vision we deserved. Every character is better than the theatrical cut in every way, especially Cyborg. Give me all the dark, give me all the slow-mo, give me the damn post-apocalyptic movie this movie teased damn you! After viewing the Snyder Cut, Martin Scorsese took out his journal and wrote down one word about it: “Cinema.” – Vincent Kane
  • As a viewer, it was disheartening to see Zack Snyder’s Justice League fall short of expectations. The four-hour runtime felt excessive and only served to highlight the film’s lack of coherent storytelling and character development. The overuse of slow-motion sequences, muddled plotlines, and uninspired visual effects all contributed to a sense of disappointment in a film that was supposed to be the director’s triumphant return to the superhero genre. It felt bloated and self-indulgent, failing to deliver on the promise of a truly epic superhero film. – Jinxy
  • Due to my disdain for Batman v Superman, I assumed everything bad about the original cut was Snyder and that Whedon only helped get it across the finish line. I truly didn’t believe there was an alternate cut, let alone a whole other movie but I was wrong. I was wrong about all of it. This is a radically different movie than the Whedon cut. Scenes are moved around, extended scenes are added back in and everything just feels different. There’s a different tone. I have to give it to Snyder, he really knew what he was doing. That isn’t to say it’s great, far from it but it’s not the disaster I thought it was. I’m grading this against the previous one and in that regard, I think it’s a success but I still hate the fact that this exists and I have to eat crow from fucking fanboys. And God help me, I desperately want that post-apocalyptic sequel. – Sailor Monsoon
  •  If BvS was the equivalent of Avengers than this is the Avengers: Infinity War of the DCEU. Watching this film after watching the Whedon Justice League leaves you wanting more and scratching your head. You really want to see what Snyder had planned, but then it all goes downhill from here. As far as action sequences go, this film is the best! – Ralph Hosch

1. Wonder Woman (2017) | 78 points

  • Wonder Woman is a fun film for sure, but it feels like a mash-up of other films we’ve already seen. I mean, the alley scene is taken straight up from the OG Superman movie. But whatever, it’s a really enjoyable film so I’ll let it slide. – K. Alvarez
  • Gal Gadot shines in the lead role, portraying the fearless warrior princess with heart and conviction. The film is a thrilling origin story that explores themes of justice, courage, and the strength of women. With stunning action sequences, a touching love story, and a message of hope and resilience. It’s a true testament to the power of heroism and compassion. – Jinxy
  • The first Wonder Woman film was an amazing period piece spectacle. Sure it felt almost like Captain America: The First Avenger, but come on, it was Wonder Woman! Plenty of action and it showed that a female superhero could own the box office! – Ralph Hosch
  • Before the pandemic impacted the DCEU, the franchise was sort of finding its feet. Wonder Woman kicked off a wave of pretty great solo films (Aquaman and Shazam! followed in 2018 and 2019, respectively). Gal Gadot made for a great Diana Prince/Wonder Woman and Chris Pine was as amazing as Steve Trevor. I don’t think the 1984-set sequel was necessary and would have preferred a sequel set in the present day. Oh well, we’ll always have this movie at least to fall back on. – Marmaduke Karlston

Wonder Woman lands at the top of the community ranking, with Zack Snyder’s Justice League coming in at #2. Then it’s a tie for the Top 3, with Man of Steel and The Suicide Squad, which is quite humorous considering one launched the DCEU and the other arguably led to its downfall.

Thank you to everyone who participated in SAW’s thirteenth community ranking!

How does your ranking of the DCEU look? Share your ranking in the comments below!