DC Extended Universe Watch Order (2013-2023)

Starting in 2013, DC tapped director Zack Snyder to create an extended universe of films to rival the MCU. Instead of getting tighter as they go on, however, the continuity becomes more and more loose, featuring references to previous films instead of direct connections. Snyder would direct the three main films - Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, and Justice League - which form a tight trilogy. There is also a connected Wonder Woman duology and a group of films and series based around the Suicide Squad. Minor spoilers for the DCEU.

Quality:★★☆☆☆ Cohesion:★☆☆☆☆ Accessiblity:★★★★★

1. Man of Steel (2013)
2. Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
• The first two films in the saga, both directed by Zack Snyder and showing the life and impact of Superman.
3. Wonder Woman (2017)
4. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
• Following her appearance in Batman v Superman, the Wonder Woman films showcase Diana's adventures before the arrival of Superman. WW84 has no impact on the rest of the series.
5. Suicide Squad (2016)
• The titular Suicide Squad is created in response to Superman's death, so fitting it here works. It also helps contrast the team against the Justice League.
6. Justice League (2017) OR Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
• The DCEU can basically be divided into films before and after Justice League. What makes this complicated is that there are two versions of Justice League. Zack Snyder's arguably fits the rest of the films better, but it is also much longer. Either way, you just need to watch one version.
7. Aquaman (2018)
8. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
9. Shazam! (2019)
• These three films take place after Justice League, with the Aquaman films taking place shortly after and following Aquaman from that film. Shazam! shows the positive influence of the Justice League and introduces a new hero, Shazam. The two films can reasonably be watched in any order.
10. Birds of Prey: And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn (2020)
11. The Suicide Squad (2021)
12. Peacemaker Season 1 (2022 series)
• These films and show form a sort of loose trilogy, anchored by The Suicide Squad. Birds of Prey follows Harley Quinn a year after the first Suicide Squad, and her arc continues into The Suicide Squad, which is a loose sequel to the first one. Peacemaker then follows the titular character after his appearance in The Suicide Squad, making his series a spin-off of that film.
13. Black Adam (2022)
14. Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
• These two movies focus more on the magical side of the DCEU, although continuing the theme of questioning what it means to be a hero.
15. The Flash (2023)
• The last film in the DCEU, providing a decent enough send-off for the franchise.