Chronological Order to Watch Justice League Movies: Complete Guide to the DC Universe (2026)

If you want to fully understand the story of the Justice League, you need to know the correct chronological order to watch DC movies. This updated guide for 2026 includes all DCEU (DC Extended Universe) movies, TV series, and James Gunn's new DCU so you don't miss a thing.

In what order should DC movies be watched to understand the Justice League?

The answer depends on whether you prefer the release order or the chronological story order. For a first-time viewing, we recommend the release order. If you've already seen some movies, the chronological order allows you to enjoy the narrative in temporal sequence.

Complete Chronological Order of the DCEU (DC Extended Universe)

This is the chronological order based on the years in which the events take place:

Important: Zack Snyder's Version

We recommend ignoring the 2017 version and going directly to the Snyder Cut (2021). The differences are many: the Snyder Cut is 4 hours long, includes key scenes with Darkseid, and better explains the narrative.

Release Order (Recommended for First-Time Viewers)

If it's your first time watching DC movies, follow this order:

1. Man of Steel (2013)

2. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

3. Suicide Squad (2016)

4. Wonder Woman (2017)

5. Justice League (2017) → better Snyder Cut 2021

6. Aquaman (2018)

7. Shazam! (2019)

8. Birds of Prey (2020)

9. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

10. The Suicide Squad (2021)

11. Black Adam (2022)

12. Shazam!: Fury of the Gods (2023)

13. The Flash (2023)

14. Blue Beetle (2023)

15. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)

DCEU/DCU TV Series in Order

DCEU Series (Extended Universe):

• Peacemaker Season 1 (2022) - After The Suicide Squad

James Gunn's New DCU (Chapter One: Gods and Monsters):

James Gunn revealed the official chronological order of the new DCU:

Independent Films (Non-canonical to the DCEU)

Some DC films are not part of the extended universe:

What movies should you watch before Justice League?

To fully understand Justice League, you need to watch these first:

1. Man of Steel (2013) - Introduces Superman

2. Batman v Superman (2016) - Introduces Batman and Wonder Woman

3. Suicide Squad (2016) - Introduces Harley Quinn and context

4. Wonder Woman (2017) - Get to know Wonder Woman better

Upcoming DC Universe Films

Warner has several projects in the pipeline:

• Man of Tomorrow (2027) - Superman sequel

• The Authority (undated)

• The Brave and the Bold (undated) - Batman and Robin

• Swamp Thing (undated)

• Wonder Woman 3 (undated)

Differences between DCEU and DCU

Which order should I follow?

• First time: Release order

• Already watched some: Chronological order

• For Justice League: Man of Steel → Batman v Superman → Suicide Squad → Wonder Woman → Justice League (Snyder Cut)

• New DCU: Follow James Gunn's order from Creature Commandos

This guide is updated for 2026 with all DC universe movies and series, including James Gunn's new DCU.