HBO Max is one of the best streaming services for anything related to DC Comics. A large chunk of their library is devoted to both live-action and animated movies involving Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Justice League, and other heroes. In short, there's something for every DC fan on HBO Max.
DC's collection of animated movies is rather diverse and grows every year. Although not every film has been a slam-dunk, several of them are definitely worth a watch. Furthermore, many of these animated movies represent pretty faithful adaptations of DC's most popular storylines. Fans can't go wrong with this selection.
Updated August 18, 2022 by Mark Hospodar: HBO Max is the most convenient streaming service to experience the DC animated library. Plenty of live-action films are also available. DC's animated movies can be a mixed bag in terms of quality, although a few clear winners stand at the front of the pack.
Whether fans enjoy watching Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, or the whole gang teaming up as the Justice League, there's something for everyone to find. This list has been updated to include a few more worthwhile entries that DC fans may find interesting.
10 Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm (1993)
One of the most beloved Batman television series, especially for the kids who grew up watching it, is Batman: The Animated Series. The series' voicework alone is enough to evoke pleasant memories of nostalgia. Kevin Conroy's Batman and Mark Hamill's Joker are hard performances to forget.
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm was the first DC animated movie ever produced. The movie recounts Batman's origin story via flashbacks, while in the present, the Dark Knight confronts the mysterious "Phantasm," a figure who murders several of Gotham City's most prominent gangsters. Any fan of The Animated Series shouldn't skip Mask of the Phantasm.
9 All-Star Superman (2011)
The All-Star Superman comic series, written by Grant Morrison, is one of the most critically-acclaimed Superman stories ever written. Due to massive amounts of solar radiation, Superman is informed that he's dying. Faced with his own rapidly-diminishing mortality, Superman embarks on a quest to leave the world in a better state, while also making clear his love for Lois Lane.
In 2011, this story received an animated film adaptation, also titled All-Star Superman. Although it strays from the source material in certain spots, the movie still tells an emotionally-captivating tale that's hard not to enjoy. Watching Clark come to terms with his fast-approaching death is too intriguing a concept to ignore.
8 Wonder Woman (2009)
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Fans of the 2017 Wonder Woman movie starring Gal Gadot as Diana of Themyscira may want to check out this animated adventure. Wonder Woman (2009) takes much of its inspiration from George Pérez's reboot of the character from the late 1980s. The film is also co-written by Gail Simone, a comics writer famous for her work involving the Birds of Prey, Batgirl, and Wonder Woman.
The plot of Wonder Woman (2009) revolves around Diana's desire to leave Themyscira and explore the wider world. She gets the chance to do so after meeting Steve Trevor. The two then embark on a quest to stop the Greek god of war, Ares. Although the film's violence may be a turn-off for some, Wonder Woman fans should still find plenty to keep them entertained.
7 Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)
The Flashpoint crossover event, which was published in 2011, was one of DC's most important story arcs. It revamped the concept of the multiverse and served as the springboard for 2011's New 52 continuity. The story revolves around Flash's attempts to go back in time in an effort to prevent his mother's death, which leads to some pretty drastic consequences.
The new timeline that Barry Allen creates as a result of his actions is a strange one. Aquaman and Wonder Woman wage a destructive war against each other, Batman is actually Thomas Wayne, and Superman never became a hero. The Flashpoint Paradoxfaithfully adapts these events into animated form and features several famous voice talents, such as Justin Chambers, Kevin McKidd, C. Thomas Howell, Cary Elwes, and Nathan Fillion.
6 Superman: Doomsday (2007)
Superman: Doomsday adapts a well-known story arc from the Man of Steel's history, aptly titled "The Death of Superman." When the monstrous Doomsday cuts a bloody path of destruction through Metropolis, Superman engages him in a climactic battle, one that leaves the Man of Steel seemingly dead.
Fans of the comic story arc, however, should be warned that the movie contains a substantial number of deviations from the source material, which can be a turn-off for some viewers. Nevertheless, it's still an entertaining Superman tale, and Adam Baldwin's portrayal of the titular superhero should keep fans invested.
5 Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (2012-2013)
Much like the previous entry, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 and Part 2 is an adaptation of Frank Miller's seminal graphic novel of the same name. The story revolves around an older Batman who comes out of retirement to rid Gotham City of its reemerging criminal elements. The incomparable Peter Weller lends his steely-edged voice to this older Dark Knight.
Both parts, which have a combined runtime of 152 minutes, represent a faithful adaptation of the source material. Fans of the legendary graphic novel will see their favorite scenes play out in satisfying detail. Not only is The Dark Knight Returns one of the best Batman comics ever written, but it's also one of the best DC animated movies ever produced.
4 Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker (2000)
Longtime fans of Batman: The Animated Series no doubt remember the Batman Beyond TV series, which followed the exploits of Batman's successor, Terry McGinnis. Although Batman Beyond was overshadowed somewhat by its lofty predecessor, the show is still fondly remembered. Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker is also a highlight.
The movie focuses on the return of Bruce Wayne's greatest nemesis, voiced by the incomparable Mark Hamill. However, not everything is as it seems. Fans of both Batman Beyond and The Animated Series shouldn't miss out on this intriguing mystery tale.
3 Superman: Red Son (2020)
Superman: Red Son is an adaptation of a popular Elseworlds tale of the same name, published in 2003. DC's Elseworlds label told stories that occurred outside the mainstream continuity. In the universe of Superman: Red Son, Kal-El escapes from Krypton and crash-lands in the Soviet Union instead of Kansas.
Rather than becoming a hero who fights for truth and justice, this Superman is an agent of communism. The movie (and the comic) present an interesting "what if" scenario, portraying Superman in a more villainous light. Fans who love stories from the multiverse should certainly check out this intriguing twist on DC's most popular characters.
2 Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths (2010)
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Speaking of DC's multiverse, fans interested in more interdimensional escapades should give Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths a shot. This movie highlights one of the multiverse's alternate "Earths." The alternate Earth shown in the film depicts a world where familiar heroes are villains, while traditional villains are the heroes.
The antagonists of the movie are the Crime Syndicate, composed of Ultraman (Superman), Owlman (Batman), Superwoman (Wonder Woman), Johnny Quick (Flash), and Power Ring (Green Lantern). The Justice League from the mainstream continuity must stop the Crime Syndicate's plan to erase all of existence. It's a fun romp that also includes a star-studded voice cast, such as William Baldwin, Mark Harmon, and James Woods.
1 Batman: Under The Red Hood (2010)
Batman: Under the Red Hood is yet another example of an animated film adaptation of a famous comic book story arc. In this case, the movie adapts the similarly-titled Batman: Under the Hood, written by Judd Winick. Both the movie and the comic arc revolve around arguably the most controversial member of the Bat Family, the Red Hood.
The story takes place several years after the events of Batman: Death in the Family, the story arc in which Jason Todd is killed by the Joker. When Jason unexpectedly reappears as the murderous Red Hood, Batman and Nightwing set out to stop him. Any fan of the Red Hood character should treat this story as essential viewing!