The idea of DC'sElseworld was born with Brian Augustyn's Gotham By Gaslight, a haunting period piece whereby Batman takes on Jack The Ripper (of which the adult animation is available on HBO Max.) So, what is the Elseworld? This phrase encapsulates anything directly inspired by DC content, but does not canonically fit within the DCEU (and, by default, James Gunn's all-new DCU, either.)
Similarly, Matt Reeves' The Batman (2022) is also classified as a stand-alone piece, joining Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Trilogy and several others in the DC grey area. However, to provide a more comprehensive coverage of Elseworld material, not all focus is going to be funneled towards Batman. This gives the DC cinematic "underdogs" a chance to shine.
8 The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is an eloquent example of "don't judge a book by its cover" because, at first glance, Sean Connery gives off some strong Indiana Jones vibes. However, fans of the occult will be quite comfortable here, as this film is less Raiders of the Lost Ark and more ABC'sOnce Upon A Time (but on steroids!)
Each member of this select group of superheroes is based on fan-favorite fictional characters, drawing inspiration from great icons like Dracula, Captain Nemo, Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Dorian Gray, and the like. The narrative takes a more silly than serious approach to storytelling. This might not bode well for some fans, but other viewers enjoy the premise with a pinch of salt.
7 Constantine (2005)
The legendary anti-hero with a death wish is perfectly suited for arguably the most dangerous job in the world. This exorcist takes no prisoners and has become immune to most intimidation techniques used by the demonic tricksters he hunts. He was not, however, prepared for the incredible impact that the Dodson sisters would have on his life (and impending death). This supernatural detective's dance with the devil has become a celebrated cult classic and is incomparable to NBC's television series.
Although everyone and their mother is thrilled that Keanu Reeves will be returning to fill Constantine's large shoes, the esteemed actor has expressed his doubts about the sequel, stating that DC Studios is "reevaluating" the idea. However, Warner Bros has made no mention of canceling or recasting Constantine 2, so fans can remain hopeful for now.
6 V for Vendetta (2006)
As Evey Hammond learns the hard way, it is quite easy to be swallowed by the system without even realizing it. Simply complying with illogical authoritarian rules is enough to keep the cogs of tyranny turning. Fortunately, she finds enlightenment is the most unlikely place. A harrowing kidnapping situation becomes a breath of fresh air, freeing Evey from the oppressive brainwashing that society loves to force-feed its sheeple.
V for Vendetta is arguably one of the most influential films of its time, as the inspiration behind the potent Anonymous hacking network that is still active to this day (and have officially declared war on Putin's Russia.) The cyber activists even resemble their "mentor," V, and have made Alan Moore's idealistic concept a reality.
5 Stardust (2007)
One of the best fantasy romantic comedies in existence takes worldbuilding to another level, as to be expected of the amazing Neil Gaiman (on whose novel the film is based). The young and inquisitive Tristan Thorn hasn't had much luck with the ladies, but believes his fate has finally changed when he happens upon a fallen star. It is not, however, a sparkling fragment of rock, but an exquisite, and rather stubborn, young lady.
Meanwhile, beyond the village of Wall, political turmoil rums rampant, as the royal family comedically kill each other off in an attempt to usurp the throne, while the witches have plans of their own. The dazzling Captain Shakespeare is put on the spot and is forced to choose sides, all the while Tristan is simply trying to return home, with his prized possession in tow.
4 The Losers (2010)
When a group of highly skilled U.S. soldiers is unceremoniously booted onto the fugitive list, best believe they won't go quietly and are willing to fight tooth and nail to seek justice. Good thing they're used to coloring outside the lines, and have no qualms with taking the traitorous Max down for good. Basically, The Losers is what it would look like if the A-Team got serious about playing dirty.
This star-studded cast delivers all the action and laughs that viewers could hope for, with top-notch talents such as Zoe Saldana, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Idris Elba, and Chris Evans at the wheel. Provoking the CIA has never looked so good, nor has payback seemed so seductive.
3 The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)
The LEGO movie franchise has delighted adults and children across the world with its witty content and eye-catching imagery, regularly featuring a hilarious version of Batman. This playful adaptation encapsulates Bruce Wayne's iconic brooding aura to a tee, to the point where he emanates a tantrum-throwing angsty teen who is used to getting his way. The charming narrative is speckled with adult-orientated Easter eggs, ensuring the whole family is entertained.
The black-and-yellow Dark Knight features in over eleven LEGO films, not to mention several video games, but sadly won't be returning to the big screens with the anticipated LEGO Batman 2 (by Dan Harmon and Michael Waldron), as the toy company has cut ties with Warner Bros.
2 The Joker (2019)
While there have been a handful of failed attempts to capture the essence of the Joker as eloquently as the late Heath Ledger did, nobody has come quite as close as Joaquin Phoenix. In this masterful rendition of an iconic villain, Arthur Fleck is humanized unlike ever before, emphasizing his struggles with mental health over sensationalizing his violent outbreaks. The Joker comes with a trigger warning, particularly concerning viewers struggling with self-harm.
The Oscar, BAFTA (and more) Award-winning Joker is due to return with Folie a Deux, a term which is yet another reference to mental illness. This highly anticipated sequel features the fan-favorite Phoenix, Lady Gaga, and Robert De Niro and is set to hit the screens on 4 October 2024.
1 DC League of Super-Pets (2022)
The cutest characters in the Elseworld lineup are brought to life by yet another memorable team-up by Hollywood's besties, Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson. Krypto the Super-Dog has been happily living his best life, but recently he keeps getting sidelined by Lois Lane.
As to be expected, Krypto's plan to rectify the situation backfires completely, and he is inadvertently forced to team up with a bunch of strays to rescue his beloved human. As fate would have it, he is no longer the only Super-Pet around, after these critters are conveniently bestowed with the Justice League's powers.