While Marvel Studios has had a distinct leg-upward in live-action media over the past two decades, DC has been dominating the animated game since 1992. The DC Animated Universe has consistently produced highly-rated animated franchises consisting of direct-to-video characteristic films, shorts, and television set series that enrich and aggrandize the DC catechism.

DC continued this legacy in 2013 when the company launched the DC Animated Film Universe, an interconnected cinematic universe adapting classic DC storylines, as well as incorporating elements from the New 52 continuity. Creating compelling original storylines, the DCAMU remains an important part of DC's animated history.

Updated on June 15, 2022 by Scoot Allan: Later on the success of DC Universe's Original Animated Movies, the connected continuity of the DCAMU gave fans a new way to enjoy the storylines of the New 52. While the storyline seemingly ended in 2020, an animated short in 2022 starring John Constantine briefly explored the aftermath of the ballsy finale. A new continuity of blithe films was also launched that has continued DC's legacy of elevated animated stories.

xx The DC Universe Of Original Animated Movies Laid The Foundation For The DCAMU

Superman Doomsday and Justice League Crisis on Two Earths split image

Before the start of the DCAMU continuity, several feature-length animated films were released which adapted comic storylines and original plots. 2007's Superman: Doomsday kicked off the line with a very dissimilar adaptation of The Death of Superman storyline.

Comic adaptations like Superman/Batman: Public Enemies and the ii-function The Dark Knight Returns helped build the fanbase. Semi-connected stories from films like Justice League: Crisis on 2 Earths and Justice League: Doom as well began laying the foundation for what would get the DCAMU later Flashpoint Paradox inverse the timeline.

xix A New Animated Universe Was Created In Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox

Flash running from Justice League: Flashpoint Paradox

2013'south Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is the motion picture that established DCAMU. The motion-picture show depicts the well-known Flashpoint storyline from the comics, in which Barry Allen/Flash travels back in fourth dimension to end his mother'due south murder. The ripple effects of his actions culminate in a drastically different present where the earth is on the brink of destruction.

In this alternating timeline, Barry's in one case-wife is now married to someone else. Worse, the Justice League doesn't even exist. Wonder Woman is at war with Aquaman, Thomas Wayne becomes Batman after the death of his son, and the Flash is at the middle of it all.

18 The Heroes Of The DCAMU United To Cease Darkseid's Invasion In Justice League: War

Justice League: Was from the DCAMU

Justice League: State of war is an accommodation of Geoff Johns and Jim Lee'due south "Origin" storyline which kicked off the New 52. 2014s War is the second film in the DCAMU, but the first to really take the interconnectedness to heart. The film follows a series of strange occurrences in Gotham City, all of which pb to the discovery of several Parademons difficult at work on a mysterious project.

Batman, Green Lantern, and Superman worked together, discovered Darkseid was behind the Parademon invasion, so joined Flash, Wonder Woman, and Shazam in battle. War also served as a solid origin story for Victor Rock/Cyborg, whose body became fused with Mother Box applied science. A post-credits scene also promised a future advent from Aquaman.

17 Damian Wayne Was Introduced In Son of Batman

Batman & Robin from Son Of Batman

Son of Batman fulfills the titular promise of introducing Bruce Wayne'southward son Damian, whose mother is Talia al Ghul, daughter of the Demon's Head. Slade Wilson/Deathstroke has been vying to become the League of Assassins' head and leads to an attack which ends with Ra's al Ghul's decease.

Damian's entire life upward until that point was spent training to be a more-than-efficient assassin, dissolving about of his humanity in the procedure. Afterwards they were introduced, Bruce and Damian butted heads at every turn. Information technology's but through their shared mission of rescuing Talia from Deathstroke's clutches that they began to run across eye-to-eye. Damian then chose to get the new Robin.

16 Justice League: Throne of Atlantis Introduced Aquaman And A State of war With Ocean Master

Scene from Justice League: Throne of Atlantis

2015'south Justice League: Throne of Atlantis served every bit a one-off sequel to 2014's Justice League: State of war. The previous film included a mail service-credits scene in which Ocean Principal vowed revenge against country-dwellers for the demise of the Atlantean king. Throne of Atlantis adapted Geoff Johns' arc of the same proper noun from the New 52.

Mera was sent to teach Arthur Back-scratch about his Atlantean heritage while Prince Orm was manipulating a war to secure the throne of Atlantis with Black Manta. This standalone entry marked Aquaman's decision to officially join the Justice League, establishing his role in futurity installments.

15 Nightwing & Robin Is A Quick Animated Short Setting Upwards The Adjacent DCAMU Movie

Nightwing and Robin from the DCAMU

The 45-second curt Nightwing and Robin is set parallel to the events of Throne of Atlantis, as Batman's partners were sent on a mission to take down Scarecrow. Nightwing and Robin swoop into a warehouse, beat upwardly a couple of baddies, then take down Scarecrow with a couple of well-placed batarangs and a swift kick to the head.

Although the flick is just 45 seconds long, it's the concluding few seconds that reveal a mysterious stranger watching the events from a skylight. Nightwing and Robin is intended as an titbit for the next feature-length blithe film in the DCAMU which reveals the silent watcher is a member of the Court of Owls.

14 Talon And The Court Of Owls Set The New Dynamic Duo Against Each Other In Batman Vs. Robin

Scene from Batman vs Robin

In its adaptation of the Court of Owls storyline, 2015's Batman vs Robin paired downwardly the narrative to its nigh essential parts: Batman, Robin, and the Court of Owls — the latter of who represents a feasible option for Damian to utilize his assassinator training.

Bruce and his son Damian reached a humid point of differing ideologies, straining their relationship. The mysterious figure teased in the 45-2d brusque was revealed every bit Talon, who tried to manipulate Damian. The film plant father and son trying to figure out how to work together and creating a lasting bond while dealing with those pesky Owls.

13 Batman: Bad Blood Introduced Batwoman And Batwing After The Apparent Decease Of The Night Knight

Characters from Batman: Bad Blood

2016's Batman: Bad Blood takes place 6 months afterwards the events of Batman vs Robin. Following the apparent decease of Batman after an explosion caused by a villain known as Heretic, Nightwing and Robin squad up with Batwoman and Batwing to get to the bottom of the mystery and end a shadowy threat.

What they discover involves Damian's female parent, Talia al Ghul, and a cloning experiment to create the perfect soldier. The Mad Hatter also has a hand in the dirty dealings and a plan that will have an impact on the entire globe. Bad Blood also serves as Batgirl's introduction, which occurs at the end of the film, promising a future team-up.

12 Justice League Vs. Teen Titans Introduced The Younger Team As They Faced Their Mentors

Characters from Justice League vs Teen Titans

Justice League vs Teen Titans brought together 2 of the most prominent DC teams. The film followed Robin as he's sent to "slum it" with the Teen Titans, following a blatant disregard for his male parent'due south orders. There, he found himself enmeshed in a tale involving demons and Raven's mysterious past.

Raven's father Trigon, a demonic entity, proves to be a formidable foe for the Justice League and possesses several of their ranks. It's and then up to the Titans to terminate the "evil" version of the League and Trigon's nefarious plans.

11 Batman, John Constantine, And Zatanna Put Together A Mystical Team In Justice League Nighttime

Characters from Justice League

Justice League Dark followed a special line-upward of heroes whose interests and talents align with the occult and macabre. Batman recruited this darker version of the Justice League to step in when a supernatural force started inflicting people with nightmarish hallucinations that had lethal consequences.

The team consisted of John Constantine, Deadman, Zatanna, Etrigan the Demon, Swamp Matter, and Blackness Orchid. Justice League Dark was a refreshing, magical take on the DC realm complete with dreamstones, Merlin, and several far-out elements that would otherwise have trouble finding a place in the DC universe.

The original Teen Titians in Teen Titans: The Judas Contract

2017's Teen Titans: The Judas Contract is a directly sequel to Justice League vs Teen Titans. The film retells the classic Titans storyline where the team is confronted with death and betrayal while uncovering a plot set against them by their persistent enemy, Deathstroke. The pic features a fun await at the original Teen Titans before following upwards with the mod team.

The Titans are eager to welcome new member Terra on lath, unaware she's a double-agent working for Deathstroke. However, Deathstroke is working for another big bad, and he later betrays Terra. While her appearance is all as well cursory, Terra is a great addition who shook the Teen Titans to their very core.

nine Suicide Team: Hell to Pay Set Task Strength X Against Other Villains For A Mystical Item

Suicide Squad - Hell to Pay - DCAMU

Suicide Team: Hell to Pay is a stand up-lone story in the DCAU canon. The film follows Task Strength X, the notorious team of villains gathered by Amanda Waller who are forced to exercise her behest under the threat of sure expiry.

The Squad is tasked with locating what's essentially a "Get out of Hell Gratuitous" carte, which a terminally ill Waller wants for obvious purposes. Opposing the charming anti-heroes is Vandal Savage and his crew, including his ain daughter Scandal, and many other villains from the Squad'south rogues' gallery. Reverse-Flash from Flashpoint likewise plays a role, farther connecting the film to the DCAMU.

8 Constantine: City of Demons Is A Spin-Off Of Justice League Dark That Was Tied To The Live-Action TV Series

Constantine fighting demons from City of Demons

Constantine: City of Demons — The Movie is the feature-length compilation of the curt-lived animated web serial which spun off from the 2017 DCAMU movie, Justice League Dark. The film follows John Constantine, the renowned occult detective demon hunter who also happens to be one of the most powerful sorcerers in the DCU canon.

When Constantine is tasked with helping out an old friend whose daughter is in a coma, the antihero must confront his inner demons and confront off against his powerful nemesis, Nergal. The animated spider web series starred Matt Ryan as Constantine, allowing the thespian to reprise his role from the Constantine Goggle box serial.

7 The Death of Superman Introduced Doomsday And Adapted The Iconic Storyline With A New 52 Twist

An iconic scene from The Death of Superman

2018's The Expiry of Superman is merely the latest iteration of the hero to fall to Doomsday. Unlike the previously animated version of the famous story (2007's Superman: Doomsday), Death of Superman is more faithful to the source fabric.

The film charts Clark Kent's relationship with Lois Lane, who feels similar Clark is keeping things from her. At this signal, Lois doesn't know Clark's true identity every bit Superman, and information technology takes a animal of seismic proportions to bring them together, admitting briefly. The film features an incredibly epic fight scene betwixt Doomsday, Superman, and the Justice League which set up a sequel.

half-dozen Reign Of The Supermen Introduced Characters Similar Steel And Superboy And Brought Back Superman

Cover to Reign of the Supermen

2019's Reign of the Supermen is the direct sequel to 2018'southward Expiry of Superman. The film takes place six months after Superman'south demise when several new "Supermen" show up nether mysterious circumstances. Among them is an boyish Superman named Superboy, a clone created past Lex Luthor.

A new Cyborg Superman starts causing trouble while others like Steel and Eradicator effort to fill the void Superman left. It's up to Lois Lane and Lex Luthor to bring dorsum the hero and uncover the truth nearly the new Supermen. Thankfully, Superman is able to return, and he teams upwards with Steel and Superboy to salve the solar day from Cyborg Superman and a mysterious threat.

5 Batman: Hush Adapted The Hitting Comic Storyline With A New Simply Divisive Twist

Scene from Batman: Hush

Batman: Hush followed Batman as his relationship with renowned cat infiltrator, Catwoman was further developed. Together, they set out to outsmart a crafty new villain who went by the name of Hush. However, Hush had the upper hand, as he seemed to know a lot about Bruce's personal life, including his identity.

What made Hush such an interesting flick in the DCAMU is that it changed Hush's story from the comics, creating a new identity behind the bandages. Additionally, the reveal had not 1, simply two major twists. It was a fleck divisive among fans, only information technology undoubtedly added something unexpected to the storyline.

4 Wonder Woman: Bloodlines Introduced Villainy, Inc. As They Attempted To Locate Themyscira

Scene from Wonder Woman: Bloodlines

2019'southward Wonder Woman: Bloodlines followed the titular heroine every bit she uncovered a new threat known equally Villainy Inc. The team included several enemies from her past, including Doctor Cyber and Silver Swan. When Wonder Woman defied the Amazonian "no human being" police, she was disowned by her mother Hippolyta, and exiled.

Suffering from a magical retentivity block, Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor tried to nullify the spell'south effects and locate Themiscyra. However, Villainy Inc. also wanted to locate the Amazonian country in social club to gain access to their mystical technologies. The Wonder Woman-centric picture show was one of the few animated movies not focused on Batman, Superman, or the League.

3 Justice League Dark: Apokolips War Brought A Violent And Bloody End To The DCAMU

The heroes of Justice League: Apokolips War

2020's Justice League Dark: Apokolips State of war was the final feature-length film within the DCAMU. Apokolips War was a culmination of every team established within the DCAMU, every bit members of the Justice League, Teen Titans, Justice League Dark, and Suicide Squad joined forces to save Earth later on a devastating boxing ended in Darkseid conquering the planet with multiple casualties.

After the fall of the League and other allies, the flick picked up 2 years later under Darkseid'due south dominion. Several of the heroes had fallen under his control, and information technology was upward to the motley few survivors to pick up the pieces. The final stand up and its fallout left the future of the heroes unknown equally reality was in one case over again rewritten by The Flash.

ii Constantine: The House Of Mystery Followed The Character In The Aftermath Of Apokolips State of war

Scene from Constantine and the House of Mystery

Constantine: The House of Mystery is a supplemental extension to the DCAMU. Information technology follows the Hellblazer himself, John Constantine in the aftermath of 2020'south Apokolips War. Thanks to his intervention in the proceedings — in which he meddled with the timeline past telling The Wink to alter history again — Constantine was thrown into the House of Mystery.

In that location, Constantine was doomed to spend the residue of eternity being hounded by demons. The curt flick featured Matt Ryan reprising his much-acclaimed role as the titular hero and served every bit a final epilogue to the DCAMU.

1 A New Connected Continuity Of DC Films Launched That Wasn't Tied Whatsoever Established Comic Canon

Superman and the Justice Society from the New DCAMU

After the finale of the DCAMU, the DC Universe of Original Animated Movies continued on with new original stories and a fresh blitheness style that separated it from the previous continuity. 2020's Superman: Man of Tomorrow launched the new continuity with an original story that was followed by films like Batman: Soul of the Dragon and Justice Society: World War II.

Comic adaptations continue to be released as well, tailored to fit in the new continuity — much like in the DCAMU. The 2-part Batman: The Long Halloween adapted the iconic serial while Injustice brought the hitting video game and comic series to the animated universe. The hereafter is looking brilliant for the new DCAMU.

Side by side: 10 DC Characters From The Comics Who Probably Won't Exist In The DCEU