What to watch before you go see Blue Beetle in theaters

Though Blue Beetle doesn’t require prior knowledge or viewing, here are five movies to get you ready for the movie’s release on August 18.

There’s nothing quite like the build-up to a new superhero movie, even if DC Studios hasn’t been lucky with their fast few entries. Blue Beetle is all set to debut on August 18, and the highly-anticipated movie marks a landmark moment as it introduces the first big Latinx representation within the big-screen DC Universe, featuring Xolo Maridueña from Cobra Kai as the newest incarnation of the main character, Jaime Reyes.

But what should one do while waiting for Blue Beetle? As James Gunn has already told us, the reboot of the DCEU starts with Superman: Legacy and the animated show Creature Commando – not with Blue Beetle. As disappointing as that may be, any dedicated fan knows that there’s no such thing as too much preparation when it comes to DC or Marvel movies.

Regardless of the fact Blue Beetle won’t be the first movie in the rebooted DCEU, there are still movies you should watch just to get an overall feel of what a DC movie is usually like, even if there aren’t any established connections. I am saying that no, you don’t need to watch anything prior to Blue Beetle as the story does not require prior knowledge. However, this is where we turn our attention to the cinematic build-up, the series of films that pave the way for the latest addition.

For those ready to be immersed in the world of superheroes once again, I did come up with a small list of movies to watch. Whether it’s to get pumped up for this new movie, or if you’re new to the DC universe and want to explore a bit, these titles below will do the job for you.

What to watch before Blue Beetle

1. The Flash (2023): I am probably one of the only people I know who have talked loudly about how much I really enjoyed this movie. Despite initially underperforming at the box office, The Flash is a multitiered exploration of time, space, and the art of redefining a universe. The movie brings the concept of multiverses into focus and is a pivotal step in the transition from the DCEU to the DCU.

2. Shazam! (2019): This light-hearted entry brings a fun element into the DC universe and may hint at the thematic similarities Blue Beetle could share with it.

3. The Suicide Squad (2021): Though definitely not one of my favorites, it introduces some new characters for the impending DCU and opens the door to Jaime Reyes’ possible interaction with some of these faces in the DCU.

4. Birds of Prey (2020): Fun and action-packed, this Harley Quinn-centered movie proves that DC can keep things light, fun, and fresh, and sparks hope that we’ll catch some of that same fun and excitement in Blue Beetle.

5. Aquaman (2018): This blockbuster gives us clues on how Blue Beetle could tackle the complexities of a character that straddles two worlds.

Again, though there’s no prior knowledge required to enjoy the upcoming Blue Beetle, I recommend embarking on this mini DC journey. It not only guarantees a higher appreciation for the universe where Blue Beetle takes place but also makes the wait for August 18 just a little bit more bearable.