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10 Times DC Movie Heroes Acted More Like Villains

By Richard Craig

Published Feb 21, 2025

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The DCU timeline has provided several instances where its heroes acted in ways that made audiences question their morality.

Superheroes operate under the pretense of upholding justice and protecting the innocent, but their actions sometimes stray into morally ambiguous territory. The DC Universe has particularly leaned into this theme, portraying its heroes as deeply flawed figures struggling with the weight of their powers and responsibilities. Unlike the traditionally optimistic portrayals found in other superhero franchises, DC’s best movies often present their heroes as willing to compromise their ethics in pursuit of what they believe is right.

10 Batman Spies On Gotham City

The Dark Knight

Batman is often considered the world's greatest detective, but in The Dark Knight, he takes his surveillance methods to a disturbing new level. After the Joker’s reign of terror escalates, Bruce Wayne deploys a city-wide sonar surveillance system using every cellphone in Gotham. This invasive technology allows him to monitor private conversations and track every individual in the city, a move that crosses major ethical and legal lines.

Batman Gotham Knight with The Dark knight poster

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While Batman’s goal is to locate the Joker, his actions mirror those of a dystopian dictator rather than a heroic protector. Even Lucius Fox, one of Batman’s most trusted allies, is horrified by the decision, stating that it is too much power for one person to wield. Although Batman ultimately destroys the system after using it, the sheer level of control and disregard for privacy raises questions about how far he is willing to go in his war on crime.

9 Clark Kent Tries To Expose Batman

Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice

Clark Kent, a journalist at the Daily Planet, is known for his pursuit of truth, but his attempts to expose Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice are driven more by personal bias than objective reporting. Rather than seeking justice, Clark becomes obsessed with tearing down Batman, whom he views as a dangerous vigilante. His reports in the Daily Planet frame Batman as a menace rather than exploring the nuances of his actions.

While Bruce Wayne’s methods are extreme, Clark’s vendetta is fueled by a sense of superiority, as he believes his form of heroism is more legitimate than Batman’s. This moral high ground is undermined by his hypocrisy – Superman himself causes significant destruction in Man of Steel, yet he refuses to acknowledge the collateral damage his own actions have caused. Clark’s crusade against Batman feels less like an act of journalistic integrity and more like a power move designed to remove a rival.

8 Batman Tries To Kill Superman

Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice

Batman’s paranoia and fear of Superman lead him down a dark path in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Convinced that Superman poses an existential threat to humanity, Bruce Wayne prepares for battle with the intent to kill him. He forges kryptonite weapons, dons an armored suit, and systematically weakens Superman before attempting to deliver a fatal blow. This level of premeditated violence is more in line with a supervillain than a hero, as Batman’s actions are not about justice but about eliminating a perceived threat.

Captain America, Yelena Belova, and Professor Xavier in Marvel movies

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Unlike most of his battles, this one is fueled by vengeance rather than necessity. His disregard for diplomacy and his refusal to see Superman as anything other than a danger make him appear more like a ruthless assassin than the Caped Crusader. It is only the infamous “Martha” revelation that snaps him out of his murderous rage, but the fact that he was willing to cross that line in the first place is deeply unsettling.

7 The Flash Collapses Multiple Universes

The Flash

Barry Allen’s attempt to save his mother in The Flash leads to catastrophic consequences that rival the destruction caused by the DCEU’s greatest villains. By traveling back in time to prevent his mother’s murder, Barry inadvertently shatters the timeline, creating a domino effect that destabilizes multiple universes. His selfish decision to alter the past results in the erasure of entire worlds, unleashing a chain of events that no hero could possibly justify.

The sheer scale of the destruction is on par with the actions of cosmic threats like Darkseid or the Anti-Monitor. While Barry’s intentions are understandable, his reckless abuse of time travel demonstrates a level of hubris that turns him into an unintentional villain. Even when confronted with the devastating consequences of his actions, he continues to push forward, hoping to fix his mistakes – only to make things worse. This moment cements The Flash as one of the most well-meaning yet dangerously irresponsible heroes in DC’s cinematic history.

6 Superman Erases Lois Lane's Memories

Superman II

Superman has long been a symbol of truth and justice, but one of his most questionable moments came at the end of Superman II. After revealing his true identity to Lois Lane and sharing a deep romantic relationship, Superman realizes that she cannot handle the burden of knowing the truth. Instead of having an honest conversation or finding another solution, he uses an unexplained version of his Kryptonian powers to erase her memories with a kiss.

Henry Cavill's Superman with Joker from the Killing Joke

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This act is deeply unethical, as it removes Lois’s autonomy and forces her into ignorance without her consent. While Clark's intentions may have been noble, the fact that he manipulates her mind like a villain would is troubling. The moment implies that Superman is willing to control others' lives if he deems it necessary, a trait more commonly associated with antagonists than heroes.

5 Superman Destroys Metropolis While Battling Zod

Man Of Steel

In Man of Steel, Superman is still coming into his own as Earth's protector, but his battle against General Zod turns Metropolis into a war zone. Rather than trying to move the fight to a less populated area, Superman engages in a destructive battle that levels entire city blocks. Buildings collapse, innocent civilians perish, and the skyline is left in ruins.

While some collateral damage is inevitable in a superhero battle, Superman’s lack of concern for the people of Metropolis makes him appear reckless rather than heroic. His actions are reminiscent of villains who destroy cities to achieve their goals, rather than the Superman audiences expect – one who prioritizes saving lives. By the end of the battle, Metropolis is left in a catastrophic state, raising the question of whether Superman was truly acting like a hero or simply another force of destruction.

4 Aquaman Leaves Black Manta's Father To Die

Aquaman

Arthur Curry may be a hero, but his treatment of Black Manta's father in Aquaman is undeniably ruthless. During an early confrontation aboard a submarine, Arthur defeats Black Manta and his father, Jesse Kane. As the submarine floods, Jesse is trapped under debris and begs for Arthur’s help. Instead of saving him, Arthur coldly declares, "You killed innocent people, you ask the sea for mercy," and leaves him to die.

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While Jesse was a pirate and had committed crimes, superheroes are traditionally expected to rise above vengeance. Arthur’s decision not to intervene directly fuels Black Manta’s vendetta against him in Aquaman, essentially creating a new villain when he could have taken both into custody. This moment blurs the line between hero and antihero, as Arthur’s actions mirror the kind of cold-blooded decisions typically associated with the antagonists he fights against.

3 Superman Fights The Justice League

Justice League

When Superman is resurrected in Justice League, he doesn’t return as the hopeful hero the world re. Instead, he emerges as a violent force of destruction, immediately attacking the Justice League. His battle against Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Flash, and Cyborg is not only brutal but also demonstrates just how dangerous he can be when unchecked. The most unsettling moment comes when he physically dominates Wonder Woman and nearly kills Batman.

While Superman’s aggression is partly due to confusion, the sheer intensity of his attack makes him seem more like a villain than a hero. His willingness to incinerate Batman with his heat vision is reminiscent of Zod’s attack on Metropolis in Man of Steel. Though he eventually regains his heroic nature, the sequence highlights how terrifying Superman can be when he loses control – echoing the very threats he was resurrected to stop.

2 Wonder Woman Exploits Steve's Resurrection

Wonder Woman 1984

In Wonder Woman 1984, Diana makes a morally dubious choice when she wishes Steve Trevor back to life using the Dreamstone. Instead of resurrecting him directly, the magic places Steve's consciousness into another man's body, effectively erasing that man's autonomy. Diana and Steve proceed as if nothing is wrong, even engaging in a romantic relationship without acknowledging the ethical implications.

George Reeve Superman with 1940s Batman and Congo Bill

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This means the man, whose body Steve occupies, has no control over his actions and is forced into a situation against his will. Diana, usually portrayed as a beacon of truth and integrity, never questions the morality of the situation. If a villain had done something similar, it would be seen as a horrific violation of free will. This storyline casts a shadow over Diana's heroism, as it shows her prioritizing her personal desires over basic ethical considerations.

1 Superman Instigates The Knightmare Sequence

Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice & Zack Snyder’s Justice League

The Knightmare sequences in Batman v Superman and Zack Snyder’s Justice League paints a horrifying picture of Superman turning into a tyrant. While Darkseid’s corruption plays a role, it is ultimately Superman’s choices that lead to this dystopian future. After Lois Lane's death, Superman succumbs to his grief and rage, aligning with Darkseid and becoming an unstoppable dictator.

Superman murders former allies and hunts down resistance fighters with an iron fist. While this is an alternate future, it showcases how easily Superman could become the very thing he fights against. His descent into tyranny mirrors classic villain arcs, where a tragic loss pushes a hero into darkness. The Knightmare timeline serves as a warning that even the most virtuous hero can fall from grace, making Superman’s role in this DC movie sequence more akin to that of a villain than a savior.

DC Movie Releases

Superman

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Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

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The Batman Part II

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