While DC is known for entertaining on the big screen with massive hits like DC has also steadily been releasing animated films once or even multiple times a year with consistent and dependable quality that makes every one of them worth at least one viewing, if not multiple.
The DC Universe animated original movies are comprised of a multitude of films set in different parts of the DC multiverse, including the classic DC Animated Universe by Bruce Timm, the DC Animated Movie Universe of the 2010s, and all the stuff in between.
Updated on July 15th, 2021 by Melody MacReady: The DC multiverse is vast and as a result, ten movies set within the said multiverse are just not enough to showcase. Fans all over the world have so many fan-favorites out there and IMDb's ratings showcase that there is a multitude of highly-rated DC animated films spanning back to almost thirty years. From solo standalone films to entries of long-running universes to animated adaptations of iconic storylines from the large history of comics. The animated DC films have become a cult phenomenon with fans anticipating the releases of new films either straight-to-video or the rare time when they hit theaters.
Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero (1998) - 7.2
The second film that was made in Bruce Timm's DC Animated Universe set between Batman: The Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures. Mr. Freeze returns to Gotham in order to use Barbara Gordon as the key for curing his terminally ill wife.
While Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero doesn't quite reach the same level as other DCAU films, it was still a strong entry. Mr. Freeze remains as tragic as ever that it's hard to hate him, Kevin Conroy's Batman is great as always, and it manages to keep the tension and suspense throughout.
Justice League: War (2014) - 7.3
Light on story and heavy on action, Justice League: War is an entertaining but surface-level movie. The characters you know and love all have their moments to shine, but don't expect much development or growth for them.
This movie is simply about the formation of the the best scenes being highly memorable.
Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths (2010) - 7.3
Taking a dive into the DC multiverse, Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths earns the love it receives from the fanbase for pushing the boundaries of the DC Universe Animated original movies at this point in time and exploring alternate dimensions and evil versions of the Justice League.
The movie is bold and wastes no time covering information and backstory its audience already knows, quickly setting the plot in motion and letting fans enjoy seeing their favorite heroes fight their evil counterparts. Crisis On Two Earths is often praised for its main villain Owlman played brilliantly by James Woods.
Wonder Woman (2009) - 7.3
Serving as a clear inspiration for Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman, that film and this animated movie are nearly identical to each other. Changing the WWI setting for present times, and making Ares a prisoner of the Amazonians for a large portion of the story, there isn't much else that separates these two.
Many fans have been calling for the live-action DC films to borrow more from the well-received animated movies, and Patty Jenkins took that advice to heart. Keri Russell brings as much heart and soul to Wonder Woman as Gal Gadot does, creating one perfect heroine.
Batman: Year One (2011) - 7.4
The animated movie version of Batman's first year as the Dark Knight and dramatizes the struggles he faces during that time as he figures out the hero he wants to be.
Where Batman: Year One shines, in particular, is the dual protagonist role between Batman and Commissioner Gordon, giving Gordon just as much screentime and showing a much rougher side of the Commissioner in his quest to clean up Gotham.
The Death Of Superman (2018) - 7.4
The Death of Superman is an interesting movie in the collection because DC had already made Superman: Doomsday, which is an adaptation of The Death of Superman comic arc. DC essentially remade their own movie so that they could follow it up with the conclusion to the story, The Reign of the Supermen.
All in all, The Death of Superman is a superior and more faithful adaptation of the comic arc of the same name, outperforming DC's first attempt at adapting the story with Superman: Doomsday.
Justice League: Doom (2012) - 7.5
In this movie, Batman's secret plans for killing of the Justice League, if they ever turned evil, are stolen by powerful villains and used against them. If that sounds like an awesome concept for a movie, that's because it is.
It's an intense and exciting plotline that sees Batman having to outsmart himself and save his companions from attacks of his own design. Justice League: Doom deserves credit for its superb usage of Martian Manhunter, a criminally underused character in this collection of movies.
Batman: Assault On Arkham (2014) - 7.5
Batman: Arkham videogame universe.
Following Deadshot, as he leads a siege into the largely populated Arkham Asylum under orders from Amanda Waller, this movie has it all: great characters, awesome action, and an exciting story with a few twists and turns. If you haven't seen this movie, do yourself a favor and watch it.
Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm (1993) - 7.8
It all began with Mask Of The Phantasm, the first theatrically released DC animated film that sparked the many straight-to-video films seen on this list. Dealing with Batman's origins and a new villain in the DCAU, Mask Of The Phantasm is often considered one of the greatest comic book movies ever made.
The animated film managed to push the limits of animation, adding genuinely scary elements with the Joker, violence, blood, and a dark story featuring the new villain known as the Phantasm.
Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker (2000) - 7.8
In 2000 came the ultimate crossover of Batman: The Animated Series and Batman Beyond. Mark Hamill's return to the Joker role had fans clamoring to check out this straight-to-video film. Over the years, Return Of The Joker has been praised for its shockingly dark revelations.
There is an unrated cut that can be watched on HBO Max and most fans will suggest watching that. It manages to create an intriguing story that honors both shows.
