DC Canon & Continuity
DCU vs DCEU: What’s the Difference?
Separate the older DCEU, the newer DCU and Elseworlds, including what returning Peacemaker characters do and do not imply.
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Enter the DC multiverse
DC Movies and Shows in Chronological Order
Cross the multiverse. Know which Earth you are on.
Explore DC stories in order across the new DCU, the completed DCEU and separate Elseworld or legacy continuities, without forcing different universes onto one false timeline.
Explore 154 ordered records across the DCU, DCEU and the directly adjacent screen continuities tracked by this guide.
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Universe explored
Every mapped DC branch in one view
The complete DC map opens first. Each story appears once, with its available versions, canon status and continuity shown on the same card.
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Story chronology · Full mapped list
Each continuity follows its own internal story sequence. The DCU, DCEU, Arrowverse and tracked Elseworld or legacy branches are grouped instead of falsely interleaved on one calendar.
Showing 154 of 154 released stories.
- SeriesCanon
Lanterns — released 2016 storyline, Episodes 1–3
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonMain narrative of the currently released episodes
- Animated seriesCanon
Creature Commandos — Season 1
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonReferences Project Starfish and the exposure of ARGUS
- NovelCanon unclearI/A
Superman: Welcome to Metropolis
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearOfficial film-inspired original prequel novel; do not treat as hard DCU canon
Goodreads - Promotional comicCanonI
Superman: A Friendship Unleashed
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanonOriginal Superman/Krypto promotional story
- FilmCanon
Superman (2025 · Film)
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanonMain live-action DCU launch film
IMDb - SeriesCanon
Peacemaker — Season 2
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonExplicitly moves Peacemaker into the DCU
- FilmCanon
Supergirl (2026 · Film)
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanonFollows the DCU Superman era
IMDb - SeriesCanon
Lanterns — released 2026 framing material
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSame series as D1; represented as a split multi-era work
- ComicCanonI
Peacemaker Presents: The Vigilante/Eagly Double Feature! #1–5
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanonPlaced Inspired interquel after Peacemaker S1; not hard DCU canon. Source status: I.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
Man of Steel Prequel
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearPromotional prequel centered on Kryptonian history and Kara Zor-El long before Clark's modern story
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
Black Adam: The Justice Society Files — Teth-Adam backup storyline, ancient portions
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearMulti-era backup narrative
- Film segmentCanon
Black Adam — ancient Kahndaq prologue
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanonPart of the film; do not create a second film entry in UI unless supporting split chronology
- FilmCanon
Wonder Woman
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanonDiana's First World War origin is the earliest major chapter in DCEU chronology.
IMDb - ShortCanon unclearC/A
Epilogue: Etta's Mission
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearPlaced 1918 ~. Source status: C/A.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
Wonder Woman 1984: Museum Mayhem
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearOnly the film-prequel story in the issue belongs here; the second story is unrelated
- Promotional digital comicAlternate continuityI/M
Serving Up Justice #1–4
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicAlternate continuityWonder Woman 1984-inspired promotional multiverse story; keep visibly separate from hard canon
- NovelCanon unclearA
Aquaman: Undertow
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearOriginal prequel about young Arthur Curry before his Justice League/Aquaman career
Goodreads - FilmCanon
Man of Steel
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanonPlayGameCanonThe beginning of the DCEU and the foundation for its Superman, Batman and Justice League arc. The supplied chronology also indexes a game version with this story. The supplied chronology also indexes an additional game version with this story.
IMDb - NovelCanon unclearA
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice — Cross Fire
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: A.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice — Batman
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice — Lois Lane
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice — Senator Finch
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice — Superman
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice — Lex Luthor
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
Playground Heroes
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
Field Trip
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
Picture Proof
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
Lights Out
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice — Upstairs/Downstairs
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- FilmCanon
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanonContinues directly from Man of Steel and introduces the DCEU versions of Batman and Wonder Woman.
IMDb - ComicCanon unclearC/A
Suicide Squad: Suicide Blonde
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- In-universe / companion narrativeCanon unclearA
Secret Files of the Suicide Squad
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: A.
- FilmCanon
Suicide Squad
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanonIntroduces Amanda Waller, Harley Quinn and the first Task Force X lineup.
IMDb - FilmCanon
Justice League
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanonThe theatrical version completes the immediate story begun by Batman v Superman.
IMDb - Promotional comicCanon unclearC/A
Mercedes-Benz Presents: Justice League — Joyride
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- Promotional comicCanon unclearC/A
Mercedes-Benz Presents: Justice League — Guiding Lights
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- Promotional comicCanon unclearC/A
Mercedes-Benz Presents: Justice League — Fast Food
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- Promotional comicCanon unclearC/A
Mercedes-Benz Presents: Justice League — Shifting Gears
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- Promotional comicCanon unclearC/A
Mercedes-Benz Presents: Justice League — Pit Stop
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- Promotional comicCanon unclearC/A
Mercedes-Benz Presents: Justice League — Winner Drives
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- VR gameCanonI
Justice League VR: The Complete Experience
Direct link to this storyPlayGameCanonSource status: I.
- FilmAlternate continuityM / alternate DCEU telling
Zack Snyder's Justice League
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieAlternate continuityAn alternate, expanded version of Justice League. Choose this or the 2017 cut; you do not need both.
IMDb - FilmCanon
Aquaman
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanonArthur Curry's full origin follows the League's formation and builds out Atlantis.
IMDb - Animated miniseriesAlternate continuityI / alternate derivative
Aquaman: King of Atlantis — Chapters 1–3
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingAlternate continuitySource status: I / alternate derivative.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Special — three stories
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- Digital comicCanon unclearC/A
Aquaman: Through Fire and Water
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- FilmCanon
Shazam!
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanonA mostly self-contained corner of the DCEU with a lighter tone and direct sequel.
IMDb - Motion comicCanon unclearC/A
Superhero Hooky
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- Graphic novelCanon unclearC/A
Shazam! Thundercrack
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
Goodreads - ComicCanon unclearC/A
Shazam! Fury of the Gods Special: Shazamily Matters — anthology stories
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- FilmCanon
Shazam! Fury of the Gods
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanonThe direct conclusion to Billy Batson's two-film DCEU story.
IMDb - FilmCanon
Birds of Prey
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanonContinues Harley Quinn's story after Suicide Squad and introduces several Gotham antiheroes.
- FilmCanon
The Suicide Squad
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanonA soft continuation of the 2016 film and the direct setup for Peacemaker.
IMDb - SeriesCanonC in DCEU / LC in DCU
Peacemaker — Season 1
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonWatch after The Suicide Squad. It is also the useful, imperfect bridge into Peacemaker Season 2's DCU story.
IMDb - ComicCanon unclearC/A
Black Adam: The Justice Society Files — Hawkman
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
Black Adam: The Justice Society Files — Cyclone
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
Black Adam: The Justice Society Files — Atom Smasher
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
Black Adam: The Justice Society Files — Doctor Fate
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- FilmCanon
Black Adam
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanonA largely standalone DCEU chapter with ties to Shazam's magical corner.
IMDb - ComicCanon unclearC/A
The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive — Stronger Than Steel
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive — A New Phase
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- ComicCanon unclearC/A
The Flash: The Fastest Man Alive — Team Flash
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: C/A.
- FilmAlternate continuityC / M
The Flash
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieAlternate continuityA multiverse-heavy late DCEU chapter that revisits several generations of DC film.
IMDb - Audio drama / fiction podcastAlternate continuityM/A
The Flash: Escape the Midnight Circus — Episodes 1–6
Direct link to this storyListenAudiobook / audioAlternate continuityReadBook / comicAlternate continuitySource status: M/A.
- FilmCanon unclearC/A
Blue Beetle
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanon unclearA self-contained origin released at the end of the DCEU era; its hero may continue beyond it.
IMDb - FilmCanon
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanonThe sequel to Aquaman and the final theatrical release of the DCEU run.
IMDb - Web seriesCanon unclearX/A
Blood Rush — 6 webisodes
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanon unclearSource status: X/A.
- SeriesCanon unclearX/A
Constantine — Season 1
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanon unclearSource status: X/A.
IMDb - TV crossoverCanonX
Flash vs. Arrow crossover
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
- Animated web seriesCanon unclearX/A
Vixen — Season 1
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanon unclearSource status: X/A.
- SeriesCanonX / initially Earth-38
Supergirl — Season 1
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X / initially Earth-38.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Legends of Tomorrow — Season 1
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - TV crossoverCanonX
Heroes Join Forces crossover
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
- Web seriesCanon unclearX/A
Chronicles of Cisco — 4 webisodes
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanon unclearSource status: X/A.
- In-universe web blogCanon unclearX/A / Multi-Era
The Chronicles of Cisco
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: X/A / Multi-Era.
- Animated web seriesCanon unclearX/A
Vixen — Season 2
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanon unclearSource status: X/A.
- SeriesCanonX
Supergirl — Season 2
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Legends of Tomorrow — Season 2
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - TV crossoverCanonX
Invasion! crossover
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
- SeriesCanonX
Supergirl — Season 3
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Legends of Tomorrow — Season 3
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX / separate Earth at this point
Black Lightning — Season 1
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X / separate Earth at this point.
IMDb - Animated web seriesCanon unclearX/A
Freedom Fighters: The Ray
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanon unclearSource status: X/A.
- TV crossoverCanonX
Crisis on Earth-X
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
- SeriesCanonX
Supergirl — Season 4
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Legends of Tomorrow — Season 4
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Black Lightning — Season 2
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - TV crossoverCanonX
Elseworlds crossover
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
- SeriesCanonX
Batwoman — Season 1, pre-/post-Crisis portions
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Supergirl — Season 5
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Black Lightning — Season 3
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - TV crossoverAlternate continuityX / M
Crisis on Infinite Earths
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingAlternate continuitySource status: X / M.
- SeriesCanonX
Legends of Tomorrow — Season 5
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Batwoman — Season 2
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Supergirl — Season 6
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Legends of Tomorrow — Season 6
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Black Lightning — Season 4
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Batwoman — Season 3
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Legends of Tomorrow — Season 7
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - Flash crossover eventCanonX
Armageddon
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanonSource status: X.
- Film connectionAlternate continuityM/X
The Flash — Keaton/Clooney multiverse bridge
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieAlternate continuitySource status: M/X.
- FilmLegacy continuityReleased
Superman (1978 · Film)
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieLegacy continuityRichard Donner's 1978 Superman begins the Christopher Reeve film continuity. It is a legacy DC screen continuity and is separate from the modern DCU Superman.
IMDb - FilmLegacy continuityReleased
Supergirl (1984 · Film)
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieLegacy continuityThe 1984 Helen Slater Supergirl belongs to the Christopher Reeve / Helen Slater legacy film continuity. It is not the modern DCU Supergirl film.
IMDb - FilmCanonX
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - Film connectionAlternate continuityM/X
The Flash — multiverse montage (Release year not listed in source · Film connection)
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieAlternate continuitySource status: M/X.
- Film connectionAlternate continuityM/X
The Flash — multiverse montage (Release year not listed in source · Film connection)
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieAlternate continuitySource status: M/X.
- SeriesCanonX
Adventures of Superman — Season 1
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Adventures of Superman — Season 2
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Adventures of Superman — Season 3
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Adventures of Superman — Season 4
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Adventures of Superman — Season 5
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - SeriesCanonX
Adventures of Superman — Season 6
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: X.
IMDb - Film connectionAlternate continuityM/X
The Flash — multiverse montage (Release year not listed in source · Film connection)
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieAlternate continuitySource status: M/X.
- NovelCanon unclearE / A / Contradicted
Before the Batman: An Original Movie Novel
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: E / A / Contradicted.
Goodreads - ComicCanonE / C
The Riddler: Year One #1–6
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanonSource status: E / C.
- FilmCanonE / C
The Batman
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieCanonThe beginning of Matt Reeves' separate Gotham continuity.
IMDb - SeriesCanonE / C
The Penguin — Season 1
Direct link to this storyWatchTV / streamingCanonSource status: E / C.
IMDb - ARG / in-universe websiteCanon unclearE / A / Multi-Era
Rataalada.com / You Are El Rata Alada campaign
Direct link to this storyReadBook / comicCanon unclearSource status: E / A / Multi-Era.
- FilmAlternate continuityE
Joker
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieAlternate continuityA standalone interpretation with no story connection to the DCEU, DCU or The Batman.
IMDb - FilmAlternate continuityE
Joker: Folie à Deux
Direct link to this storyWatchMovieAlternate continuityA direct sequel to Joker and the second chapter of that isolated Elseworld.
IMDb
Not part of the checklist
Announced and unreleased
These records are tracked for context but are excluded from chronology numbers, filters and progress until release.
- Clayface2026Upcoming — 23 Oct 2026
From the Library
Explore DC
Make sense of the timeline, then find your next story.
DC Before You Watch / Read / Play
Do You Need to Watch the DCEU Before Starting the DCU?
Start the new DCU without an entire DCEU marathon, and understand when earlier Peacemaker viewing adds useful context.
Watch
DC Canon & Continuity
What Are DC Elseworlds?
Understand what Elseworlds means in DC comics and DC Studios, and why Elseworlds projects should not be forced into the main DCU timeline.
Watch · Read
Find your route
DC order guide
Use one authoritative timeline, then choose the view that matches how you want to experience the universe.
DC Watch Order
Use the chronology for story sequence, then switch to release order when you want the original viewing experience.
DC Games in Order
Game entries stay in the same researched timeline, with adaptations and side stories labelled so they do not distort the play sequence.
DC Books in Order
Books, comics and other reading material are placed by story chronology while publication order remains available as a separate view.
DC Release Order
Release order re-sorts the same mapped stories by first publication or release instead of creating a duplicate guide page.
What Order Should You Watch DC Movies and Shows?
Start with the guide’s recommended route if this is your first time. Use the full chronology when you want the complete cross-media timeline.
Explore more DC worlds
The DC timelines connect here, not inside one continuity.
Move between the wider DC map and its animated and Arkham game universes without mixing their timelines.
Batman: Arkham
Explore nine principal Arkhamverse stories plus DLC, VR, film and optional comic and novel tie-ins.
Open this DC guideDC Animated Universe
Explore the shared Batman, Superman, Justice League and Batman Beyond continuity, plus clearly labelled tie-ins.
Open this DC guideDC Animated Movie Universe
Watch the Flashpoint-to-Apokolips movie continuity in order. One optional expanded aftermath record is kept separately.
Open this DC guideQuick answers
DC continuity, decoded
The word “DC” describes the publisher, not one uninterrupted screen universe.
Why are DC branches grouped instead of interleaved?
The DCU, DCEU, Arrowverse and tracked Elseworld or legacy stories do not share one literal calendar. Each branch therefore keeps its own internal chronology.
How are the DCEU and new DCU related?
The DCU is a new shared continuity. A few actors and character histories carry over in altered form, while the DCEU remains visible as its own completed branch.
Should I watch Justice League or Zack Snyder's Justice League?
Choose one. The 2017 theatrical film is the version later DCEU releases technically followed; the 2021 cut is a longer alternate telling.
Is The Batman part of the new DCU?
No. The Batman and The Penguin form their own Elseworld, separate from the DCU and Joker films.
Editorial standard
Branches checked at the source.
DC's official studio announcements and title pages anchor the new-universe distinction and current release status.
