Ranking the New 52 DC Animated Universe Movies: From Worst to Best

The New 52 DC Animated Universe brought together 16 movies with a shared continuity, creating a compelling narrative from start to finish. With the animated films ranging from personal Batman stories to epic Justice League showdowns, the ranking of these films can vary depending on personal preference. Here’s a detailed ranking, from the least impressive to the absolute best.

16. Wonder Woman: Bloodlines (2019)

Wonder Woman: Bloodlines focuses on Wonder Woman’s origins and her complex relationship with both the Amazons and the world of men. While the movie delivers action and introduces key villains like Silver Swan,  Cheetah and Medusa, it falls short of being a standout. The storyline feels disjointed, as it tries to cover too much ground, from Diana’s origin to her battle against multiple foes, leaving little room for character development. Although it gives Wonder Woman her solo moment in the universe, it doesn’t capture the same epic scale or emotional depth that some of the other movies do.

15. Batman: Bad Blood (2016)

Batman: Bad Blood is a continuation of the Damian Wayne saga, introducing new characters like Batwoman and Batwing. It explores the Bat-family dynamics as they deal with Batman’s disappearance. However, the film’s attempt to juggle multiple characters means that no one gets enough focus. The inclusion of Batwoman is refreshing, but the villain and the plot twist feel underwhelming. While it’s entertaining, it doesn’t pack the emotional punch that other Batman-centered stories deliver in this universe.

14. Son of Batman (2014)

Son of Batman introduces Damian Wayne, the son of Batman and Talia al Ghul, and centers on his introduction to Batman’s world. While it’s interesting to see Batman handle fatherhood and face the League of Assassins, Damian’s character is initially unlikeable, which makes the movie tough to connect with. The action scenes are strong, but the relationship dynamics feel rushed, making it one of the weaker entries in the series.

13. Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay (2018)

Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay is one of the more violent entries in the series, with Task Force X going on a mission to retrieve a mystical item. The movie features darker humour and brutal action scenes typical of the Suicide Squad, but its plot feels relatively self-contained compared to the rest of the shared universe. While it has its moments, especially the reappearance of Flashpoint characters, the film doesn’t have the same lasting impact or depth as other entries.

12. Constantine: City of Demons (2018)

Constantine: City of Demons focuses on the mystical side of the DC Universe, following John Constantine as he fights supernatural threats. This movie is darker and dives deep into the realm of demons and magic. While the animation and supernatural elements are well done, it’s a more niche film. It stands out for its eerie atmosphere and twisted storyline, but its pacing and connection to the larger New 52 universe feel minimal, leaving it slightly isolated.

11. Batman vs. Robin (2015)

A follow-up to Son of Batman, Batman vs. Robin deals with Damian Wayne’s internal struggle to accept Batman’s moral code. The film introduces the Court of Owls, one of Batman’s most recent and sinister enemies. The conflict between Batman and Damian is more emotionally grounded than in “Son of Batman,” and the action is intense. However, while it brings new layers to the father-son relationship, the plot occasionally feels disjointed, as it tries to juggle Damian’s personal conflict with the larger conspiracy of the Court of Owls.

10. Justice League vs. Teen Titans (2016)

Justice League vs. Teen Titans introduces the Teen Titans to the New 52 universe. The story focuses on Damian Wayne joining the Titans and the team facing off against a Trigon-controlled Justice League. The movie is fun, especially in how it captures the youthful energy of the Teen Titans, but the battle between the two teams feels more like a marketing gimmick than a central plot. The animation and action sequences are solid, and Damian’s character development continues to be a focus, but the film lacks the gravitas of some of the more epic Justice League entries.

9. Reign of the Supermen (2019)

A follow-up to “The Death of Superman,” Reign of the Supermen explores what happens after Superman’s death, with several characters trying to fill his shoes. The film introduces Superboy, Steel, Cyborg Superman, and the Eradicator. It’s packed with action and moves the overarching plot forward, but the story feels a bit crowded with so many new characters competing for attention. While it provides a satisfying conclusion to the “Death of Superman” saga, it doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of its predecessor.

8. Batman: Hush (2019)

Based on one of Batman’s most popular storylines, Batman: Hush adapts the original comic arc with some notable changes. The introduction of the mysterious villain Hush, who manipulates Batman’s rogues gallery, is thrilling. The film does a decent job at creating tension and keeping the audience guessing, but the changes to the original plot may disappoint hardcore fans. Nonetheless, the animation and fight scenes make it a worthy Batman entry.

7. Justice League Dark (2017)

Justice League Dark introduces the mystical side of the DC Universe, bringing characters like John Constantine, Zatanna, and Deadman into the spotlight. The film delves into darker themes, with magical threats that the main Justice League cannot handle. Its eerie atmosphere and unique characters set it apart from other films in the universe. The movie’s pacing and action are solid, though its darker tone may not appeal to everyone.

6. Teen Titans: The Judas Contract (2017)

Teen Titans: The Judas Contract is one of the best Teen Titans stories ever adapted. It introduces Terra, a new member with questionable loyalty, and brings back Deathstroke as the main villain. The movie balances the personal dynamics of the team with action, creating an engaging and emotional storyline. The betrayal at the heart of the story is powerful, and it cements the Teen Titans’ place in the New 52 universe.

5. Justice League: Throne of Atlantis (2015)

Throne of Atlantis is Aquaman’s origin story, exploring his rise to the throne of Atlantis. The film does a great job of balancing Aquaman’s personal journey with the larger Justice League storyline. It expands on the New 52 version of Aquaman, who is powerful and conflicted about his heritage. The underwater action sequences are beautifully animated, and the movie builds momentum for Aquaman’s role in the Justice League.

4. Justice League: War (2014)

As the official start of the New 52 animated universe, Justice League: War is a thrilling introduction to the new versions of DC’s iconic heroes. The film adapts the “Justice League: Origin” comic, where the team comes together to fight Darkseid. The action is relentless, and the interactions between the newly-formed Justice League members are entertaining, though some of the characters, particularly Superman and Wonder Woman, are portrayed as more aggressive than in previous versions.

3. The Death of Superman (2018)

The Death of Superman is one of the most emotional and impactful films in the New 52 universe. It faithfully adapts the classic storyline of Superman’s battle with Doomsday, leading to his heroic sacrifice. The movie’s pacing is excellent, and the fight scenes are brutal, but it’s the emotional weight of Superman’s death that makes it truly memorable. The film also sets up the events of Reign of the Supermen, making it a key part of the overall storyline.

2. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)

Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is a fan-favourite, and for good reason. The story is intense, emotional, and dark, with Barry Allen (The Flash) altering the timeline and creating a dystopian reality. The alternate versions of characters like Batman and Wonder Woman are fascinating, and the movie’s stakes feel incredibly high. The animation is top-notch, and the story’s pacing is perfect. As the film that sets up the entire New 52 universe, it’s a must-watch.

1. Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020)

The grand finale of the New 52 DC Animated Universe, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War is an epic, emotional, and devastating conclusion to the shared universe. Darkseid launches a full-scale attack on Earth, and the consequences are dire. The movie doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal destruction of many heroes, and the stakes have never been higher. The film brings together the Justice League, Teen Titans, and Justice League Dark in an all-out war, making it the most ambitious and intense entry in the series. The emotional weight of the losses, combined with the high-octane action, makes Apokolips War the best movie in the New 52 universe.