DC Extended Universe · Completed run
The complete DCEU watch order.
Watch the older shared DC film universe from Man of Steel to Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom in release order, with one clearly labelled alternate Justice League cut.
Before you begin
What this route gets right.
- The DCEU is a completed continuity and is separate from the new DCU.
- Choose either Justice League (2017) or Zack Snyder’s Justice League; the second is a longer alternate telling of the same central event.
- Peacemaker Season 1 belongs after The Suicide Squad and later serves as optional bridge context for the new DCU.
The complete route
DCEU release order
Seasons are listed separately when another story belongs between them. Numbering here is the viewing sequence, not the in-universe year.
- 01Essential2013MovieDCEU
Man of Steel
The beginning of the DCEU and the foundation for its Superman, Batman and Justice League arc.
- 02Essential2016MovieDCEU
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Continues directly from Man of Steel and introduces the DCEU versions of Batman and Wonder Woman.
- 03Recommended2016MovieDCEU
Suicide Squad
Introduces Amanda Waller, Harley Quinn and the first Task Force X lineup.
- 04Essential2017MovieDCEU
Wonder Woman
Diana's First World War origin is the earliest major chapter in DCEU chronology.
- 05Essential2017MovieDCEU
Justice League
The theatrical version completes the immediate story begun by Batman v Superman.
- 06Essential2018MovieDCEU
Aquaman
Arthur Curry's full origin follows the League's formation and builds out Atlantis.
- 07Recommended2019MovieDCEU
Shazam!
A mostly self-contained corner of the DCEU with a lighter tone and direct sequel.
- 08Recommended2020MovieDCEU
Birds of Prey
Continues Harley Quinn's story after Suicide Squad and introduces several Gotham antiheroes.
- 09Recommended2020MovieDCEU
Wonder Woman 1984
A 1980s-set Diana story that sits between her origin and the modern DCEU.
- 10Optional2021MovieDCEU
Zack Snyder's Justice League
An alternate, expanded version of Justice League. Choose this or the 2017 cut; you do not need both.
- 11Essential2021MovieDCEU
The Suicide Squad
A soft continuation of the 2016 film and the direct setup for Peacemaker.
- 12Essential2022SeriesDCEU
Peacemaker — Season 1
Watch after The Suicide Squad. It is also the useful, imperfect bridge into Peacemaker Season 2's DCU story.
- 13Recommended2022MovieDCEU
Black Adam
A largely standalone DCEU chapter with ties to Shazam's magical corner.
- 14Recommended2023MovieDCEU
Shazam! Fury of the Gods
The direct conclusion to Billy Batson's two-film DCEU story.
- 15Essential2023MovieDCEU
The Flash
A multiverse-heavy late DCEU chapter that revisits several generations of DC film.
- 16Recommended2023MovieDCEU
Blue Beetle
A self-contained origin released at the end of the DCEU era; its hero may continue beyond it.
- 17Recommended2023MovieDCEU
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
The sequel to Aquaman and the final theatrical release of the DCEU run.
Quick answers
Common questions.
Short answers for the decisions that usually make this order confusing.
What is the first DCEU movie?
Man of Steel is the franchise's first release and the recommended starting point. Wonder Woman is set earlier but works better after its modern-day introduction.
Which Justice League version should I watch?
Choose one. The 2017 theatrical cut is the version later releases technically followed; Zack Snyder's Justice League is the fuller alternate version preferred by many viewers.
Is Peacemaker part of the DCEU or DCU?
Season 1 follows The Suicide Squad inside the DCEU era. Season 2 moves into the new DCU with selected history carried forward and other details changed.
Do I need the DCEU before Superman and the new DCU?
No. The new DCU is designed as a fresh start, so this completed route can be watched independently.
Keep exploring
Related Story Order routes
Primary references
Official sources anchor release status and broad chronology. Story Order independently decides the spoiler-light viewing recommendation.