Top 20 Best DC Animated Movies That Pack a Punch

DC's animated flicks are straight fire—raw, unfiltered superhero stories that hit harder than most live-action capes. From shadowy Batman thrillers to multiverse-smashing Justice League sagas, these movies nail the comics' spirit without the budget bloat. If you're diving into the best DC animated movies, this top 20 (ranked by a mix of critic love and fan hype) is your ultimate watchlist. Grab the popcorn, dim the lights, and let's roll.

The Top 20 Best DC Animated Movies, Ranked

1. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)

This time-bending beast kicks off the DC Animated Movie Universe with Barry Allen zipping back to save his mom, only to warp reality into a war-torn hellscape where Aquaman and Wonder Woman are at each other's throats. Directed by Jay Oliva, it's a pulse-pounding adaptation of the iconic comic event that reboots the League, blending heart-wrenching personal stakes with massive-scale destruction. What makes it the GOAT? Cillian Murphy's chilling Superman and the non-stop action that feels like a comic page exploding to life—pure adrenaline with emotional gut-punches.

2. Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)

Bruce Timm and Brandon Vietti craft a noir masterpiece where a mysterious vigilante in a red helmet starts taking down Black Mask's empire, forcing Batman to confront a ghost from his past: the second Robin, Jason Todd, back from the dead and out for blood. Packed with moral dilemmas on vengeance versus justice, it dives deep into Batman's psyche while delivering brutal, bone-crunching fights. Fans rave about Jensen Ackles' seething Red Hood and John DiMaggio's Joker—it's the definitive animated take on Batman's darkest family drama, blending tragedy and triumph in equal measure.

3. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 (2012)

Frank Miller's legendary comic roars to life as an aging Bruce Wayne hangs up the cowl, only to don it again when a new Mutant gang terrorizes Gotham, clashing with a hotheaded Superman who's become the government's lapdog. Jay Oliva's direction captures the gritty '80s vibe with shadowy animation and Peter Weller's gravelly narration that chills the spine. It's a slow-burn character study on heroism's toll, exploding into iconic brawls—essential for seeing Batman as the brutal, unyielding force he was meant to be.

4. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 2 (2013)

Picking up right where Part 1 left off, this sequel unleashes all-out war as the government deploys Superman to stop Batman's Mutant crusade, while the Joker returns for a twisted media-fueled rampage that tests the Dark Knight's limits. Oliva amps the stakes with mech suits, atomic threats, and a finale that redefines hero versus hero clashes. Michael Emerson's maniacal Joker steals scenes, making this duo a must-watch for its unflinching look at power's corruption and Batman's unbreakable will.

5. Batman: Hush (2019)

A shadowy mastermind pulls Batman's greatest foes—Joker, Poison Ivy, even Superman—into a deadly game targeting his loved ones, all while a new player named Hush lurks in the wings with a personal grudge tied to Bruce's childhood. Justin Copeland's adaptation stays faithful to the comic's twisty mystery, layering in romance with Catwoman and visceral Gotham grit. Rainn Wilson's Riddler and Jennifer Morrison's Talia al Ghul add star power; it's a fan-service feast that balances brainy puzzles with bone-snapping action.

6. Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020)

In this bloody capstone to the DCAU, Darkseid conquers Earth after a failed League invasion, leaving survivors like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman to launch a desperate counterstrike amid betrayals and body counts. Matt Peters directs a R-rated bloodbath that's equal parts epic crossover and tragic fallout, with Constantine's ragtag magic squad stealing the show. Tony Todd's Darkseid booms with menace—it's the sendoff fans deserved, raw and relentless on heroism's cost.

7. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

Gotham's guardian faces a vigilante spirit haunting the mob, dredging up Bruce's pre-Batman romance and forcing him to question if he's become the monster he hunts. Eric Radomski and Bruce Timm's feature debut for the Animated Series blends romance, mystery, and mobster noir in stunning cel animation. Kevin Conroy's brooding Batman and Mark Hamill's cackling Joker shine; it's a timeless love letter to the Caped Crusader's origins, more emotional than explosive.

8. Superman vs. The Elite (2012)

When a rogue team of anti-heroes called The Elite starts executing villains with public cheers, a conflicted Superman must decide if his no-kill code still holds in a world craving brutal justice. Michael Chang's tale flips the Man of Steel's idealism on its head, delivering philosophical punches alongside laser-eyed showdowns. George Newbern's earnest Supes and Pauly Shore's cocky Manchester Black clash brilliantly—it's a smart, subversive spin that elevates Kal-El beyond boy-scout tropes.

9. Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014)

Amanda Waller's Suicide Squad—Harley Quinn, Deadshot, and King Shark—infiltrates Arkham Asylum to extract Riddler's secrets, but the Joker's breakout turns it into a chaotic bloodbath with Batman hot on their tails. Jay Oliva's tie-in to the Arkham games is a gritty heist gone wrong, full of betrayals, black humor, and Arkham's iconic insanity. Troy Baker's Joker and Kevin Conroy's Batman ground the madness; it's the Squad's best animated outing, tense and twisted.

10. Justice League Dark (2017)

Occult threats like Etrigan and Deadman team with John Constantine to battle a magical force turning everyday folks into rampaging demons, pulling in reluctant allies like Zatanna and Swamp Thing. Jay Oliva weaves a supernatural horror yarn that's equal parts exorcism and team origin, with moody visuals that ooze otherworldly dread. Matt Ryan's chain-smoking Constantine anchors the chaos—perfect for fans wanting DC's mystic side without the spandex overload.

11. The Death of Superman (2018)

Superman collides with the unstoppable Doomsday in a Metropolis-shattering brawl, as the Justice League rushes to aid while Lois Lane grapples with the Man of Steel's mortality. Sam Liu's faithful comic adaptation builds to an iconic, tear-jerking climax with non-stop destruction and hero cameos galore. Jerry O'Connell's heartfelt Clark and Rebecca Romijn's fierce Lois make it resonate; paired with its sequel, it's Superman lore at its most epic and emotional.

12. Reign of the Superman (2019)

In the wake of Superman's "death," four mysterious replacements rise—Steel, Superboy, The Eradicator, and Cyborg Superman—each vying to fill the void while Lois uncovers a Luthor-fueled conspiracy. Sam Liu flips the script with identity twists and clone drama, ramping up the action to god-level feats. Jerry O'Connell returns as the real deal; it's a thrilling resurrection tale that honors the '90s comic hype with heart and havoc.

13. All-Star Superman (2011)

A solar overdose grants dying Superman a year to tie up loose ends—saving Lois with super-serum, battling Bizarro, and facing his ultimate foe, Lex Luthor—in a poignant farewell to the ultimate hero. Sam Liu's whimsical yet profound adaptation captures Grant Morrison's poetic vision with vibrant animation and heartfelt moments. James Denton's warm Clark shines; it's a love letter to Superman's optimism, more uplifting than angsty.

14. Batman: Year One (2011)

Fresh from training, Bruce Wayne becomes Batman amid Gotham's corrupt cops and mob wars, forging an uneasy alliance with straight-arrow DA Harvey Dent while clashing with Catwoman. Sam Liu's streamlined take on Frank Miller's origin pulses with '70s grit, focusing on raw detective work over gadgets. Bryan Cranston's noble Gordon steals it; essential viewing for Batman's grounded, street-level roots.

15. Superman: Red Son (2020)

What if Kal-El crash-landed in Cold War Russia? This alternate-history epic follows a communist Superman reshaping the world, clashing with American Batman and Luthor in a ideological showdown spanning decades. Sam Liu's bold reimagining thrills with spy intrigue, rocket races, and moral quandaries on power's price. Jason Isaacs' icy Superman commands; it's a brainy "what if" that rivals the best Elseworlds tales.

16. Justice League: The New Frontier (2008)

In the dawn of the space age, a shadowy "Centre" national force hunts metahumans, forcing icons like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman to unite against an ancient Martian menace threatening humanity. Dave Bullock's retro-styled homage to Silver Age comics bursts with period flair, jazz scores, and star-spangled heroism. Kyra Sedgwick's Martian Manhunter adds depth; it's a nostalgic team-up that celebrates DC's golden era.

17. Wonder Woman (2009)

Exiled Amazon princess Diana sneaks to Man's World to stop Ares from igniting global war, teaming with pilot Steve Trevor and facing godly trials in a mythical origin packed with swordplay and sorcery. Lauren Montgomery's epic blends Greek legend with WWII vibes, showcasing Diana's compassion amid brutal battles. Keri Russell's fierce Diana and Nathan Fillion's charming Steve spark; a empowering standalone that nails the Amazon's warrior spirit.

18. Green Lantern: First Flight (2009)

Test pilot Hal Jordan crash-lands on Oa, earning a power ring from dying Abin Sur and training under Sinestro to thwart the villainous Kanjar Ro's invasion. Lauren Montgomery's space opera dives into GL lore with cosmic visuals, oath-reciting montages, and ring-slinging creativity. Christopher Meloni's gritty Hal and Victor Garber's wise Sinestro anchor it; the perfect intro to the Corps' emerald glory.

19. Son of Batman (2014)

After assassins slaughter the League of Shadows, Talia al Ghul drops vengeful son Damian on Batman's doorstep, sparking a father-son clash while Deathstroke hunts the boy for Ra's al Ghul's secrets. Ethan Spaulding's dark family drama mixes assassin training montages with Gotham grit, exploring legacy's burdens. Stuart Allan’s bratty Damian evolves touchingly; it's a solid Batman-and-Robin primer with killer action.

20. The Lego Batman Movie (2017)

In brick-built Gotham, playboy Bruce builds walls against Alfred and Dick Grayson while Joker assembles a villain multiverse army for the ultimate prison break. Chris McKay's meta comedy skewers Batman tropes with stop-motion charm, pop culture nods, and Will Arnett's hilarious gravelly Bat-voice. It's a joyous, self-aware romp that proves even the Dark Knight needs family and fun to save the day.

The Best DC Animated Movies Compared