Top 10 Greatest Animated Justice League Movies
#10: “Justice League: Throne of Atlantis” (2015)
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The fourth film in the DC Animated Movie Universe, "Throne of Atlantis" introduces a New 52-inspired Aquaman. In this origin story, a young Arthur gets fast-tracked to becoming Atlantis's King, and must face off against Ocean Master in Metropolis … with a little help of course. While the villain isn’t particularly memorable, and the story could have used a longer running time, it delivers plenty of engaging action scenes. The Justice League are side-lined for most of the film, but "Throne of Atlantis" does excel at showing the group's initial lack of solidarity and how their dynamic took shape.
#9: “Justice League vs. Teen Titans” (2016)
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Despite having first billing in the title, the Justice League plays second fiddle to the Titans in this 2016 film. And that is not inherently a terrible thing. Batman sends Damian to Titans Tower in hopes that the newest Robin will learn some teamwork. But things get complicated when Raven's father, Trigon, starts to possess League members. More than anything, this is Robin and Raven's story; the two characters form an unlikely but compelling bond throughout the film. The encounters between the possessed Justice League and the Titans are short but entertaining, while the finale is suitably epic. The Legion of Doom and Ra’s al Ghul also show up for a few fun scenes.
#8: “Justice League: The New Frontier” (2008)
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An adaptation of Darwyn Cooke's fantastic limited run, "The New Frontier" drops DC's iconic heroes in the '50s and '60s during the Cold War. The change in era allows for a more grounded tone and threat than some of the Justice League's other stories — even if the main villain is a sentient island. Tasked with serving as an origin story for this version of the Justice League, "The New Frontier" does spread itself a bit too thin as it tries to do right by its massive roster. That being said, out of all the characters, the film handles Martian Manhunter's and Green Lantern's hero journeys particularly well.
#7: “Justice League: Gods and Monsters” (2015)
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Elseworlds tales provide an opportunity to get away from the main continuity and tell self-contained narratives. "Gods and Monsters" envisions a universe with very different versions of Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Featuring a far more brutal Justice League with backstories that are all fantastic, "Gods and Monsters" is mature and captivating. While not quite as dark or epic as some of the comic's Elseworld stories, this 2015 movie delivers complex characters, a well-paced storyline, and a healthy dose of high-quality action. If "Gods and Monsters" is any indication, DC shouldn’t shy away from exploring the “Elseworlds”.
#6: “Justice League Dark” (2017)
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The Justice League can handle most threats, but Superman and friends are not especially great at that whole magic thing. When deaths with a supernatural edge begin to occur, Batman turns to John Constantine (TEEN) and Zatanna for assistance, leading to the assembly of the Justice League Dark. Released in 2017, "Dark" makes solid use of its eclectic cast of sorcerers, deadmen, and Swamp Things to deliver a satisfying adventure that pushes the DCAMU into stranger territory. Constantine is the star of the show, but "Dark" allows most of its characters a moment or two to shine.
#5: “Justice League: War” (2014)
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Splintering off from 2013's "The Flashpoint Paradox," "War" had the challenging task of introducing the younger New 52 versions of DC's heroes. The film also tried to establish Darkseid while serving as an origin story for the Justice League. With a lot to do and not much time to do it in, "War" focuses primarily on action but arguably shines the brightest during its more character-driven moments. Cyborg's fateful encounter with a Mother Box is a highlight, while Green Lantern and Batman's interaction brings a touch of levity to the film. "War" shows why these characters are worth following individually while also hammering home the appeal of the Justice League.
#4: “Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths” (2010)
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For better or worse, "Crisis" events tend to generate plenty of talking points. Originally conceived as part of the DCAU, "Crisis on Two Earths" manages to be a welcome throwback to the fantastic "Justice League" animated series while also functioning well as a stand-alone blockbuster. The central conflict revolves around the Justice League going up against the Crime Syndicate from another universe. The Justice League's alter-egos are unapologetically evil, with the nihilistic Owlman being especially entertaining. Its story might not hold many surprises, but "Crisis on Two Earths" still delivers a grand and timeless adventure.
#3: “Justice League: Doom” (2012)
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Batman has a contingency plan for every situation, and that includes the Justice League members catching a case of evil. When Bruce Wayne's plans for defeating the Justice League fall in the hands of Vandal Savage, however, the heroes soon find themselves suffering near-fatal defeats. "Justice League: Doom's" subject matter demands a darker tone, something the film manages to deliver without too much trouble. While the story still boils down to the heroes taking on a group of villains, the Batman angle adds a personal touch that raises the stakes not only in terms of the Earth's safety, but also the League's inherent vulnerabilities.
#2: “Justice League Dark: Apokolips War” (2020)
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After more than a dozen entries, "Apokolips War" brought the DCAMU to a close in excellent fashion. Going full circle, the Justice League sets out to put an end to Darkseid; unfortunately, the New God sees them coming. Packed with death, gore, and fallen heroes, "Apokolips War" is as devastating of a movie as DC has ever produced. Not only does it provide a satisfying, if not necessarily joyous conclusion to this version of the Justice League, but the Suicide Squad, Teen Titans, and John Constantine all get to play key roles in the story. For any fan tired of predictable animated films, this is the antidote.
#1: “Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox” (2013)
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An adaptation of the "Flashpoint" comic, this 2013 movie introduces the Justice League at its best before flipping things around. The opening sequence involves some good old fashioned Justice League teamwork against the Rogues. But Barry Allen later finds himself in an alternate reality where certain heroes are at war, some villains are good, and Batman carries guns. "The Flashpoint Paradox" moves at a blistering pace but rarely overwhelms, supplementing graphic violence and desperate action with emotional beats that hit hard. The 2013 film also paved the way for the DCAMU and a litany of other Justice League movies.
