Even though theaters are closed and films are being delayed, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything to tide you over if you’re waiting for Wonder Woman 1984. In fact, there’s plenty.
In this crazy time that is going on in the world right now, many just need a dose of escapism in their lives. For many, that escapism should have been going to theater and just being excited for any of the new films coming out this year. For DC fans in particular, there was a massive amount of excitement for Wonder Woman 1984 – the long-awaited sequel to 2017’s critically-acclaimed Wonder Woman. However, due to the circumstances outside of the film’s control, that release date has been pushed back tentatively to August 13.
But don’t despair, if you were looking for a healthy dosing of DC Comics films, but have only seen their live-action offerings, then there’s a whole new world that you can explore: Their animated world.
DC has consistently put out quality animated films for over a decade now, and their track record extends all the way back to 1992. So, while waiting for Wonder Woman 1984 to release, here are 10 DC animated films that you should check out.
10. Wonder Woman (2009)
If you thought that Wonder Woman (2017) was the first time that Diana of Themyscira had her own film, you’d be mistaken, as the first Wonder Woman solo film was released in 2009 and it is fantastic.
Based around George Perez’ wonderful reboot of the character, this animated film captures Wonder Woman pitch perfectly. Everything from her kindness to her warrior spirit is on display in here and it’s single-handedly one of the best portrayals of Diana outside of comics. Combine that with a great version of Steve Trevor and an excellent depiction of Ares, and it’s a recipe for success. Arguably, this film is just as good, if not better, than the live-action Wonder Woman film.
What truly brings the film to life though is the fantastic animation (a style which DC hasn’t returned to since) and the phenomenal voice cast. Anchored by Keri Russell as Wonder Woman, there really didn’t need to be anyone else of note because she portrays Diana perfectly and it would be great to see her reprise the role in some form one day.
Other than Russell though, Nathan Fillion acts as the voice of Steve Trevor, Alfred Molina (a.k.a. Doctor Octopus in Spider-Man 2) is Ares and Rosario Dawson – who would eventually voice Wonder Woman herself – voices Artemis. It’s a great voice cast that lifts up an already great film.
9. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
The only film on this list that actually received a theatrical release, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is one of the best superhero films in general, as well as being one of the best in DC’s catalogue alone.
Taking place within the timeline of Batman: The Animated Series, Mask of the Phantasm is a perfect film for fans of the animated series and newcomers alike. Often more of a doomed love story than a superhero film at times, everything about the tale will pull you in almost immediately.
What is often ignored about Mask of the Phantasm though is the fact that it is also a Batman origin story. Now, you may be rolling your eyes simply reading that sentence and asking “Why do I need to watch ANOTHER Batman origin story?” Well, the answer is: This Batman origin is different from the rest.
Not to spoil anything, but it’s so much more than Bruce deciding to become Batman after his parents are killed. This is a solemn, heart-breaking reinterpretation of Batman’s creation that adds so many layers to the character in some intriguing ways. There really was no specific reason for Mask of the Phantasm to be as good as it was, and yet, it’s great and you should absolutely check it out.
8. Justice League: Doom
Based on the “Tower of Babel” storyline, Justice League: Doom poses the question: “How do you truly defeat the Justice League?” When Vandal Savage steals files on the Justice League from Batman, the immortal supervillain goes on to answer that question with surprising ease.
This is one of the most straightforward films on this list in regards to its plot. Pretty much everything in the above paragraph makes up the entire story of the film. You don’t watch it for its intricate plot though, you watch it for its exciting fights and its stake-raising premise.
In almost every superhero film, there’s a general idea that the heroes will be okay in the end and that evil will ultimately be defeated. Here though, that is very much not the case. Every member of the League is taken to their wit’s end, raising the stakes immensely throughout the course of the film.
Justice League: Doom also sees plenty of actors from the DC Animated Universe reprising their roles, such as Kevin Conroy as Batman, Tim Daly as Superman, Susan Eisenberg as Wonder Woman, Carl Lumbly as Martian Manhunter, Michael Rosenbaum as The Flash, and more. Paul Blackthorne (a.k.a Quentin Lance in Arrow) also voices Metallo which feels like a coincidence as this film came out about 8 months before Arrow premiered.
7. Justice League vs. the Fatal Five
If you’re missing the DC Animated Universe in both style and voice cast, then Justice League vs. the Fatal Five is the perfect film for you. It’s basically a four-episode of arc from Justice League Unlimited and I mean that in the best way possible.
The trinity of Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman are all highlighted (voiced again by Kevin Conroy, Susan Eisenberg, and George Newbern), but new characters are introduced and focused on – the main ones being Starman and Jessica Cruz. Jessica though is the true highlight of the film.
Voiced by Doom Patrol’s Diane Guerrero, this version of Jessica is a perfect adaptation of the character. Racked with anxiety and fear, but still chosen to be a Green Lantern, this film is truly her story. This is the first time Jessica has been depicted in a way that isn’t directly aimed at kids (not that there’s anything wrong with the charming DC Superhero Girls), so there was an opportunity to portray her anxiety in a believable, and relatable, way – which the film does so. Seriously, if you are at all a fan of Jessica Cruz, like I am, you need to watch this film.
Beyond just Jessica though, Starman, along with Miss Martian, are massive parts of the film and have their own distinct, enjoyable character arcs. They aren’t quite as investing as Jessica’s, but they still add great character depth to an already great film.
6. Justice League Dark
Ever wondered how the Justice League would handle a magical threat? Well, the answer is simply that they’re ill-equipped to do so in most cases. And should they find themselves in cases such as this, there’s only one team to call: the Justice League Dark.
A film that acts as an origin story for the team, this may be the most controversial entry on this list because it isn’t as necessarily mainstream and it is the only one rated R, but that’s exactly why you should watch it. This doesn’t really feel like a conventional DC animated film in most ways. It dives head first into the supernatural and never wavers from its usage of it. This leads to some great action sequences in the back-half of the film, as well as some innovative (and odd) creations like a monster made out of sewage.
Not everything works, but what does work does so very well. Plus, if you’re a fan of Matt Ryan’s John Constantine in the Arrowverse, he reprises his role here, which is perfect as fans will already know that he plays Constantine perfectly. Camilla Luddington (Lara Croft herself) also voices Zatanna, so the voice cast alone is a draw.
If you’re at all interested in superheroes and the supernatural, you should give Justice League Dark a chance. After all, with a new live-action Justice League Dark series on the way, what better way to get acquainted with these characters?
5. Justice League: Gods and Monsters
In a world where Bruce Wayne, Clark Kent, and Diana Prince don’t exist, three others take the name of the Justice League, and decide to control the world in a brutal fashion.
One of the few “Elseworlds” films that DC has put out in animated form, Gods and Monsters is a very interesting take on the Justice League. Similar to the “Justice Lords” episodes of Justice League, Gods and Monsters portrays the League in a fascistic light, but goes even further. Instead of Bruce being Batman, Kirk Langstrom (normally Man-Bat) has turned himself into a vampire. Wonder Woman is the New God Bekka, the widow of Orion and daughter-in-law of Darkseid. And Superman is the son of General Zod. Basically, all bad choices to create a group called the Justice League.
What this film does is turn every notion that you have about the Justice League on its head. And since it’s an “Elseworlds” story, much more can be done with certain characters and drastic departures can be made – all of which keeps you on your toes while watching. This film is much darker than many of the other films on this list, but it will keep you interested throughout its runtime regardless, especially when it comes to Bekka and Kirk Langstrom.
4. Justice League: The New Frontier
In an ode to the Silver Age of comics, Justice League: The New Frontier adapts one of the best DC series of all-time, DC: The New Frontier. Set in the 1960s, Justice League: The New Frontier chronicles the origins for Hal Jordan, Martian Manhunter and the Justice League.
There’s just something about this film that makes it so good, but it’s hard to clearly state why. It’s a faithful adaptation of the source material that embraces the wackiness that was the Silver Age of comics, while also updating it with a more modern feel. That in itself ensures it’s an enjoyable ride, but there’s so much more to it than just that.
At its core, this is a film about hope, perseverance, and comradery in the face of overwhelming odds. It’s about overcoming fear whenever possible and using your gifts, whatever they may be, to help someone.
It’s a heartfelt film that embraces much of what people like about comics and superheroes in general. There’s an earnestness combined with an underlying darkness that shouldn’t work and yet, it does so wonderfully. If you need something that will just make you feel good at the end of it, Justice League: The New Frontier is for you.
3. Batman: Under the Red Hood
Adapted from the Under the Hood storyline in the comics, Batman: Under the Red Hood is the probably the best animated film that DC has released other than Mask of the Phantasm. It has everything that you could ever want a Batman story to have: Mystery, intrigue, interesting characters, and great action. And we get to see Black Mask being treated horribly, which is always great.
Pretty much everything about this film is a masterclass. From the excellent voice acting by Bruce Greenwood and Jensen Ackles, to the gorgeous animation (which is almost a combination of Batman: The Animated Series, Young Justice, and The Batman), everything comes together perfectly here.
Every technical aspect of the film, every emotional aspect, every performance, all of it comes together like peanut butter and chocolate. Yup, Under the Red Hood will suck you in immediately with its brutal opening and not let go until the credits roll.
This writer won’t spoil anything even though most people reading probably know the twists already, but he will say this: Even after multiple viewings, the film never loses its punches, especially in the final act. Every time you watch it, it hits you right in the gut. And, for first time viewers who don’t know anything about the film, it will keep you on the edge of your seat.
1 & 2. The Death of Superman/Reign of the Supermen
So, this entry is going to be two films combined into one because that’s exactly what they are: Two films, one story. And the funny thing is that they aren’t even the first adaptation of the Death and Return of Superman storyline – that honor goes to the really bad Superman: Doomsday. Suffice to say, The Death of Superman and Reign of the Superman are a much better adaptation.
What both these films amount to most of the time though is slugfest between Superman and whatever he needs to stop – and sometimes, at the end of the day, that might be just what you need to watch. The action isn’t mindless though, there’s a lot of thought and great choreography put into the fights, and that’s what makes them even better. Couple that with some great moments between Lois Lane and Clark Kent? Well, that’s the makings of an enjoyable Superman duology right there.
Are these the most thought-provoking films on this list? Absolutely not, but not every film needs to be that, nor should every film be that. Sometimes, you just want to see monsters get beaten to a pulp and in that sense, The Death of Superman and Reign of the Supermen deliver in spades.
Are you looking forward to Wonder Woman 1984? Which DC animated films are you going to check out? Let us know in the comments below!