10 Worst DCEU Movies Ranked – According to Fans

As a die-hard DC fan who’s been following these movies since their inception, I must say that watching some of these cinematic disasters has been like a rollercoaster ride through a turbulent storm – exciting at first but quickly turning into a nauseating experience.

The DCEU started out intending to rival the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s success by having Warner Bros. introduce famous DC characters onto the silver screen over a ten-year period. However, while Snyder’s gloomier take on these characters was financially successful, it didn’t strike a chord with viewers, ultimately leading to a reboot under James Gunn’s DCU. Although some DCEU movies were popular, others were deemed major disappointments.

Critics on Ranker have assembled their choices for the bottom 10 films from the DC Extended Universe. Let’s explore their recommendations!

10. ‘The Suicide Squad’ (2021)

Following the varied responses to David Ayer’s Suicide Squad (2016), there was a lot of anticipation for James Gunn’s version of the series. Yet, some viewers were let down as the film didn’t live up to their hopes or match their taste. The offbeat humor and flamboyant style that Gunn used effectively in films such as Guardians of the Galaxy didn’t appeal to everyone, which is one reason it ended up on “worst top 10” lists.

9. ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ (2016)

Many viewers felt that the storyline of “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” was complex and overflowing, as it attempted to balance several narratives. It featured the clash between Batman and Superman, the debut of Wonder Woman, and hints towards the formation of the Justice League. This mix led to fragmented story development and inconsistent tempo. The depictions of Batman (played by Ben Affleck) and Superman (portrayed by Henry Cavill) received criticism for straying from their comic book personas. Specifically, Batman’s character was perceived as overly grim and violent, mirroring the concerns about Cavill’s Superman in “Man of Steel.

8. ‘The Flash’ (2023)

In my opinion, I don’t align with this particular ranking because “The Flash” didn’t encounter the same problems as its preceding movies. To me, it was a well-made film overall, but it was held back by two significant factors. Firstly, Ezra Miller, who was facing legal troubles and grooming accusations (which were eventually dismissed), starred in the movie at the time of its release. Secondly, it debuted when the DCEU was in a state of turmoil, with an unclear future, which made the film seem less significant. If “The Flash” had been released earlier and with a different lead actor, it might have garnered more favorable reactions.

7. ‘Black Adam’ (2022)

It came as a surprise when Black Adam, featuring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, didn’t live up to expectations. With his powerful screen presence and charm, fans anticipated it would be a hit. However, despite a star-studded cast and generous budget, the movie garnered unfavorable feedback from critics. They criticized its lack of originality, excessive CGI action, and insufficient story depth. Furthermore, there were whispers that Johnson aimed to dominate the DCEU with his portrayal of Black Adam, but this aspiration failed to materialize.

6. ‘Blue Beetle’ (2023)

In much the same way as The Flash, the character Blue Beetle encountered difficulties, largely stemming from the downfall and anticipated demise of the DCEU. This background cast a shadow over what was essentially a strong and touching origin story. On a personal note, I found the movie quite enjoyable. Considering its focus on an obscure character, it achieved success in its own right. Interestingly, it appears that James Gunn feels the same way, as Blue Beetle is set to continue with an animated sequel in the form of a series that will become an official part of the DCU.

5. ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ (2023)

The success factors that propelled the original Shazam didn’t carry over to its follow-up. Critics pointed out the absence of character development in the sequel, which left fans disappointed because they felt that Shazam (portrayed by Asher Angel and Zachary Levi) and his foster family didn’t grow much compared to the first film. This stagnation made the characters seem uninteresting and less engaging, which was ironic considering the intricate plot and ending of the movie. Although I personally found the film enjoyable, the sparse audience during my viewing experience highlighted its lack of appeal and the challenges it may face in the future.

4. ‘Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)’ (2020)

Frankly speaking, it’s puzzling to me why Warner Bros. chose to proceed with this film given its modest initial interest. Despite Margot Robbie’s successful portrayal of Harley Quinn, the other characters such as Black Canary (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), Huntress (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez) were perceived as not being fully fleshed out.

The movie’s mood and jokes sparked controversy among viewers. Its playful and unconventional approach, intended to be entertaining and daring, didn’t appeal to many spectators. Some found the humor contrived and out of sync with the serious elements of the plot, resulting in an uneven viewing experience.

3. ‘Suicide Squad’ (2016)

Instead of the other “Suicide Squad”, let’s discuss David Ayer’s version, which has been criticized heavily, often even by DC Extended Universe (DCEU) standards. I personally believe it deserves a more favorable placement on the rankings.

2. ‘Justice League’ (2017)

The making of “Justice League” was marked by turmoil. The movie underwent extensive re-filming and modifications following Zack Snyder’s departure due to a personal crisis, with Joss Whedon stepping in to complete it. Whedon’s alterations resulted in a major change in mood and aesthetic, resulting in a final product that was often criticized for being disconnected and incongruous. Fortunately, the emergence of the Snyder Cut offered a glimpse into the film’s original concept.

1. ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ (2020)

As a die-hard fan, I must admit that my anticipation for the second “Wonder Woman” was sky-high following its impressive debut. However, I can’t help but feel let down as the sequel didn’t quite live up to expectations. The movie received a fair share of flak across various fronts, including the storyline, pace, character development, action sequences, special effects, and overall aesthetic. Frankly, it stumbled out of the gates from the start. Although I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s worse than “Suicide Squad,” it certainly didn’t reach greatness.

2024-09-08 15:14