The 15 Greatest DC Animated Movies of All Time, Ranked by Letterboxd

Updated Sep 8, 2026, 6:27 AM EDT Eddie Possehl is a dynamic and driven writer/director with a passion for the written word and all things film, television, comics, and games. His passion for storytelling led him to establish his own production company in hopes of achieving his dreams. His dedication to his craft has attracted renowned talent like Yuri Lowenthal to collaborate with him on his projects. As he grows and improves, Eddie is a shining example of a self-starter. Sign in to your Collider account If one thing has always been true, it's that DC Comics has always had a great time in the animated film realm. While not every one is perfect (the more recent Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths series being the best example), their batting average is much higher than Marvel Comics' and just generally high as it is. When it comes to the best-of-the-best of DC's animated flicks, it's safe to say that they go above and beyond. This is not including the likes of compilation movies that combine episodes from animated shows. Which ones soar the highest, though? If fans really want to know how the rest of the world thinks of DC's non-live-action ventures, the best place to look isn't necessarily the likes of review sites like Rotten Tomatoes, but actually the social media platform, Letterboxd. This is a spot on the internet that allows users to review the films they watch, make lists, and see what their friends are watching. This means there's no spot for critics, and it is a fan/general audience-centric review site. So if one is looking for the most accurate thoughts on what movie viewers think, Letterboxd is the way to go, and that happens to be the case with DC's animated projects, too. 15 'The Death of Superman' (2018) Letterboxd Score: 3.5/5.0 Image via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment One of the most famous DC Comics storylines is none other than that of The Death of Superman (1992). What happens when a hero like Superman—one that people never could think would actually die—meets his end? The comic story, and the film that brings it to the screen, The Death of Superman, answers that question with grace and engrossing action and emotion. The Death of Superman really pays attention to and shines a light on the emotional weight that comes with this story, with some people even thinking this is one of the best adaptations of the iconic crossover event. There are some genuinely amazing performances here, too, with the casting of Jerry O'Connell as Superman and the surprising but fitting casting of The Office's Rainn Wilson as Lex Luthor. 14 'Superman vs. The Elite' (2012) Letterboxd Score: 3.5/5.0 Image via Warner Bros. Animation Superman vs. The Elite is a movie that helps truly emphasizes why Superman (George Newbern) and his ideals are so important. The Elite and their most noted member, Manchester Black (Robin Atkin Downes), are a deconstruction of typical edgy comic book stereotypes, with Clark shining through as the antithesis. So much so that it births one of the most famous quotes from the hero of all time: "Dreams save us. Dreams lift us up and transform us into something better. And on my soul, I swear that until my dream of a world where dignity, honor, and justice are the reality we all share, I'll never stop fighting. Ever." Letterboxd user, friendofhagrid, puts it best when they say, "mandatory viewing for anyone who thinks Superman is the apathetic, self-centered character the mainstream media has presented him as over this past decade." This is what makes Superman vs. The Elite so special. It proves that the "cheesy" and "corny" parts of Kal-El are the very things that keep him being such an impactful hero that simply cannot be replaced by any other. 13 'Justice League: Doom' (2012) Letterboxd Score: 3.5/5.0 Image via Warner Bros. Animation It's quite well-known that Batman is a master planner—one of his most notable character traits, actually. It's in Justice League: Doom, where people get to see not just why this is a good thing, but how it can be a problematic one, as well. When it's discovered that the Batman (Kevin Conroy) in this story has contingency plans for every member of the Justice League—strategies to beat them, their weaknesses, etc.—those plans are utilized by their enemies to take them all down. This quickly becomes what feels like a horror story for the League, as Batman must rush around to help each member—all having been attacked at the same time—before they're murdered. This not only causes external conflict, but internal conflict within the League, too, as Bruce's peers aren't exactly pleased with the fact that he would do something like this. The dynamic with the heroes here is so well-done that Liam Quinn stated this in their Letterboxd review: "James Gunn take notes." 12 'Batman: Year One' (2011) Letterboxd Score: 3.5/5.0 The comic book story of the same name, Batman: Year One (1987) by Frank Miller, is one of the most popular Batman comic books of all time, and for very good reasons. The accurately titled 2011 film adaptation, Batman: Year One, finds a similar quality. Telling the story first told in the comic was a great choice on DC Comics and Warner Bros. Animation’s part, given not only how great the story already is, but how well it’s animated. Batman: Year One is a good adaptation. While not the perfect one—there’s so much to cover from the comic book—it is still a great example of how to accurately adapt the source material of a preexisting comic book. The Batman: Year One (1987)original story—made popular to modern, younger audiences thanks to this movie—was also a huge inspiration to Matt Reeves’The Batman, because this younger, more inexperienced version of Batman has quickly become a fan favorite. 11 'Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' (2019) Letterboxd Score: 3.5/5.0 Image via Warner Bros. Animation Everyone loves a good crossover story, and when it comes to recent DC Comics crossovers, it doesn't get too much better than the likes of Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. While not a pairing that many may initially think of when imagining crossovers, this one ends up being a great story. The dynamic between the Turtles and the Bat-Family is excellent and provides a great viewing experience with a fun story. Batman vs Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a rip-roaring ride that has so much fun knowing exactly what it is and leaning into it. 10 'Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two' (2021) Letterboxd Score: 3.6/5.0 Image via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment If there's one thing that DC Entertainment loves to do, it's produce its best or most popular comic book stories in animated film form. One of the most recent cases comes through the Batman: The Long Halloween duology. The story is so long (pun intended) that the studio had to split it into two, and while the first part is good, Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two is far better. Letterboxd user, alor, agrees: "Slightly better than part one in my opinion but both films were excellent." The one and only Jensen Ackles returns to the DC animated realm in this one, but not as his most iconic role, Red Hood, but, surprisingly, the Caped Crusader, and he actually does exceptionally well. He does so well, in fact, that people genuinely seem to want him to play the character in James Gunn's live-action DCU. It's clear that the finale of this duology had a positive impact on most viewers. It's not the best thing since sliced bread, but still a very good flick. 9 'Watchmen: Chapter II' (2024) Letterboxd Score: 3.6/5.0 Image via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment While the brand has always been popular in the comic book realm, movie audiences became very well aware of the team that is the Watchmen when Watchmen, directed by Zack Snyder, was released many years ago, which is considered one of his best movies. The Watchmen (1986) comic story is lengthy, though, so come the 2020s, DC decided they were going to retell the story in — much like Batman: The Long Halloween — a duology. While the two movies aren't nearly as popular as the previous live-action installment, people generally liked these two movies, with the favorite being the second chapter, Watchmen: Chapter II. It's still not a perfect adaptation, though, with André stating, "No adaptation of one of the greatest literary works of all time would do justice to the source material, of course. That said, these two chapters do a pretty decent job." So, while not perfect, it still does a relatively good job of being a fun watch and pleasing comic book fans. Collider Exclusive · Marvel Personality Quiz Which MCU Hero Are You? Spider-Man · Daredevil · Iron Man · Punisher · Thor · Cap Six heroes. One destiny. Answer 10 questions to discover which Marvel Cinematic Universe hero shares your personality, values, and fighting spirit. Will you swing, fly, or thunder your way to glory? 🕷️Spider-Man 😈Daredevil 🤖Iron Man 💀Punisher ⚡Thor 🛡️Cap FIND YOUR HERO → 01 What drives you to do what's right? Choose the answer that feels most like you. AWith great power comes great responsibility — I protect those who can't protect themselves. BMy faith and my conscience — I believe justice must be served, even in the dark. CLegacy and ego, honestly — but I've learned that others depend on me now. DThe system failed. Someone has to make sure the guilty actually pay. EDuty to the innocent and honour to my name — I was born to protect realms. FThe values I was raised with — freedom, decency, and never backing down from a bully. NEXT QUESTION → 02 It's 2 AM. Where are you? Your answer says more about you than you'd think. ASwinging between skyscrapers, keeping an eye on the neighbourhood. BRunning rooftops in Hell's Kitchen, listening for trouble. CIn my lab, upgrading my suit with a cold cup of coffee nearby. DStaking out a target I've been tracking for three weeks. ESomewhere between the stars, or at a feast that got out of hand. FOn a morning run — I was up at 4, actually. Couldn't sleep. NEXT QUESTION → 03 How do you handle a villain who keeps escaping justice? Every hero has a method. What's yours? AWeb them up and leave them for the police — again. BBuild an airtight case and dismantle their entire operation from the inside. CDeploy a containment system I designed specifically for them. Tech wins. DMake sure they don't escape a third time. Permanently. EChallenge them to single combat. Honour demands a decisive end. FRally allies, adapt the plan, and bring them in — by the book, even if it's hard. NEXT QUESTION → 04 How do you feel about keeping a secret identity? The mask — or the lack of one — says everything. AEssential — my loved ones would be in danger if anyone found out who I am. BCritical — the mask protects my mission as much as my face. COverrated — I announced myself to the world and I'd do it again. DI'm a ghost. The less people know about me, the better. EMy name is known across the Nine Realms. There's no hiding it. FI don't hide — but I understand why some need to. Transparency builds trust. NEXT QUESTION → 05 You've lost someone important because of your heroism. How do you carry that? Every hero pays a price. The question is how they pay it. AWith guilt that never fully goes away — it pushes me to do better, every single day. BI channel it into purpose — their memory is the reason I keep fighting. CI buried myself in work for years. I'm only recently learning to face it. DIt transformed me completely. I'm not the same person I was before. EWith warrior's grief — I honour them by fighting with everything I have. FI keep moving forward. Stopping means letting the loss win. NEXT QUESTION → 06 What's your role when working with a team? Who you are under pressure is who you actually are. AThe enthusiastic wildcard who somehow makes it work — and keeps the mood up. BThe strategist who works best alone but shows up when it matters most. CThe one who funds it, equips it, and occasionally takes over the whole operation. DI don't do teams. I'm more effective operating solo, on my terms. EThe heavy hitter — I crash in, draw fire, and turn the tide of battle. FThe leader — I earn trust, build the plan, and make sure no one gets left behind. NEXT QUESTION → 07 Where do you draw the line between justice and revenge? The answer defines what kind of hero you really are. AClearly — I don't kill, and I wrestle with that line constantly. BI try to hold the line, but I've come terrifyingly close to crossing it. CPractically — I do what's necessary to protect people, including hard calls. DI crossed that line long ago. What I do is justice — the system just won't admit it. EIn battle, victory is justice. Mercy is earned — not automatic. FFirmly. The moment we abandon our principles, we become what we fight against. NEXT QUESTION → 08 When you're not saving the world, what does life look like? The person behind the mask is always the more interesting story. ATrying to juggle school, a part-time job, and not failing my friends. BWorking as a lawyer by day, fighting for justice in court and on the streets. CRunning a global company, attending galas, and pretending I'm sleeping enough. DQuiet. Isolated. Surviving with a clear mission and no distractions. ENavigating a bizarre and fascinating mortal world — coffee is extraordinary. FAdapting to a world decades ahead of everything I knew. Quietly, stubbornly. NEXT QUESTION → 09 What keeps you up at night? Fear is useful data — if you're honest about what you're actually afraid of. AThe people I couldn't save — and the ones I might not reach in time tomorrow. BWhether the monster I fight every night is starting to live inside me too. CThe threats I can see coming and whether my tech is actually good enough. DNothing. Silence is the only peace I get. I've made my choices. EWhether I'm truly worthy — of the hammer, of the throne, of the people I protect. FA world where no one stands up anymore. Where good people do nothing. NEXT QUESTION → 10 The battle is lost. You're outnumbered, outgunned, and exhausted. What do you do? This is your tiebreaker — choose carefully. ACrack a joke to buy a second, then find the one web shot that changes everything. BBlock out everything except the sound of the next threat — and keep going. CActivate the emergency protocol I built for exactly this scenario. Always have a plan. DI don't accept that it's lost. I keep fighting until I physically cannot anymore. ECall the lightning. All of it. The storm answers to me. FPick up the shield. Stand up. Because as long as I can stand, it's not over. REVEAL MY HERO → Your Hero Has Been Identified Your MCU Hero Is…Based on your answers, the Marvel hero who matches your spirit, values, and instincts has been revealed. 🕷️ Spider-ManYou carry the weight of the world on shoulders that are younger than they should have to be — funny, loyal, and endlessly self-sacrificing. You do the right thing not because it's easy, but because no one else will. You understand that responsibility isn't a burden you choose — it's one that finds you. Whether it's a neighbourhood mugging or a multiverse crisis, you show up. Peter Parker's lesson — that great power demands great responsibility — isn't a slogan to you. It's the code you live by, even when it costs you everything. 😈 DaredevilYou fight in the shadows between law and chaos, guided by a fierce moral compass that refuses to let the guilty walk free. You use every tool available — your mind, your body, your faith — to protect those the system overlooks. You've looked into the darkness and chosen not to become it, though the line has never been easy. Matt Murdock's duality — champion in the courtroom, devil in the alley — mirrors your own. Relentless, conflicted, and unwilling to stop. That is exactly you. 🤖 Iron ManBrilliant, driven, and occasionally insufferable — but always the person who solves the unsolvable problem. You lead with your mind and back it up with resources, innovation, and a stubbornness that borders on heroic. You started out looking out for yourself, but somewhere along the way the world became your responsibility. Tony Stark's arc — from ego to sacrifice — is your arc too. You build, you plan, and when the moment comes, you're willing to give everything. Because in the end, you're Iron Man. 💀 The PunisherYou've been through fire that would break most people — and it did change you, completely. What's left is unyielding, relentless, and operating by a code forged in grief. You don't ask for forgiveness, and you don't expect gratitude. You see a corrupt, broken world and you've decided to do something about it, consequences be damned. Frank Castle's war is born from love twisted by loss — and so is yours. Uncompromising and unflinching — the world may not agree with your methods, but your conviction is absolute. ⚡ ThorPowerful, proud, and on a lifelong journey to become worthy of the legend you carry. You lead with strength but have learned — sometimes painfully — that true greatness comes from humility and growth. You're larger than life, yet more vulnerable than you let on. Thor's story is one of transformation: from arrogant prince to worthy king, from isolated warrior to beloved protector. You bring the storm when it's needed — and the warmth when it matters just as much. 🛡️ Captain AmericaYou believe in something bigger than yourself — and you fight for it even when the world has moved on and nobody else will. You don't bully the small guy, and you never stop when it gets hard. Steve Rogers didn't become a hero when he got the serum — he was always one. So were you. Your strength isn't in your fists; it's in your refusal to compromise what's right, no matter the cost. In a world full of people taking the easy road, you're the one who picks up the shield and stands up — every single time. ↻ RETAKE THE QUIZ 8 'Justice League Dark: Apokolips War' (2020) Letterboxd Score: 3.6/5.0 When it came to providing a finale to the old DC Animated Film Universe, the teams at Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment decided to deliver fans the likes of Justice League Dark: Apokolips War. Boy, did they decide to go out with a bang. This project is incredibly well-written, albeit a bit too dark for the sake of being dark, at times. Yes, this is supposed to be a dark story to wrap things up and make the conflict feel hopeless, but nattheratking puts it best when they say, "Raven saying 'oh for f**** sake' was funnier than it should've been I feel like a lot of the dark imagery was just for shock value (ie Starfire literally bisected on the ground) and didn't really have an emotional impact beyond that". Despite these failings, though, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War still provides a satisfying ending for this animated universe — one that spanned a long seven years, starting in 2013. It puts the DC heroes to the test in a way that they have never been before. Characters are either brutally murdered or, like Superman (Jerry O'Connell), turned into hollow shells of themselves for the main characters to save. It begs the question: "What if Darkseid won?" and does so very well. 'The 7 'Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo' (2006) Letterboxd: 3.7/5.0 Image via Warner Bros. Animation Ask literally any comic book fan, and they'll tell you that one of the greatest animated superhero series ever made is the legendary Teen Titans. It's so beloved that fans were, and still are, incredibly depressed that it came to an end. At least, however, it has a good finale in the form of a feature film titled Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo. Fred will prelude what makes it great in their review, "'Trouble in Tokyo' is vibrantly animated in the show's classic style and beautifully extends the spirit of the 'Titans' stories that so many of us loved and continue to hold in fond regard." This project has everything that made Teen Titans so good: wonderful vocal performances, stellar animation, phenomenal storytelling, and overall strong direction from directors Michael Chang, Heather A. Maxwell, and Matt Youngberg. So, despite people being understandably sad that the show was ending, they, at the very least, got a strong finale, which is more than other DC and Marvel animated shows can say (R.I.P. The Spectacular Spider-Man). 6 'Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1' (2012) Letterboxd Score: 3.8/5.0 Image via DC Entertainment The Dark Knight Returns (1986) is one of the most well-known and positively hailed DC Comics storylines ever written. Brought to life by the legendary Frank Miller, this story really shook the boat when it was released for the unique direction it took with the Batman character, bringing the story far into the future where he's a very old man and makes his comeback as the Caped Crusader for the first time in many years. This is explained pretty well by Marcos in his review of the film: "His return is framed as a cry for help from Gotham itself, born from Bruce's need to don the mask once more, unable to overcome the trauma of his parents' death." The story, without a doubt, deserves a two-part film story. DC Entertainment clearly was well aware of how important this story is to people and made sure they took the time and care to make this story a phenomenal film series — that much is clear from the first entry: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1. It's astoundingly animated, contains near-perfect performances (how has Peter Weller only played The Dark Knight here?), and tells the comic plot with grace, setting up for an even better second part.