10 Most Underrated DC Animated Movies

The release of DCEU’s Black Adam on October 21, 2022, has received much hype for The Rock’s debut as the antihero. While many will no doubt be watching Black Adam, the animated landscape of DC films tends to be hit-and-miss in terms of popularity.

Entries like Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox and Justice League Dark: Apokolips War have received popularity, but there are plenty of others that are underrated. These range from Batman films that were well-received but underpromoted to Justice League movies that didn’t receive as much acclaim as they should have.

Justice League Vs. The Fatal Five (2019)

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The DCAMU had been going on for a decade by the time Justice League vs. the Fatal Five was released, which is set in the DCAU. The latter universe’s long hiatus and the DCAMU’s popularity meant that Justice League vs. the Fatal Five slipped under the radar. It’s a shame since the film has a rare theme of how superhero exploits affect mental health.

The story follows the futuristic Star Boy coming to the past and befriending Green Lantern Jessica Cruz to stop the Fatal Five from destroying the world. Both characters’ personal trauma is interesting to follow, as the film takes a sensitive approach to show this and display their humility. The presence of core Justice League members serves as an instant hook for viewers as well.

Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero (1998)

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Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is frequently touted as among the greatest DC animated films yet. This had the effect of undermining the follow-up, which is a powerful movie in its own right. Mr. Freeze is one of the best Batman foes of all time due to being a sympathetic villain, and SubZero follows his kidnap of Barbara Gordon to use her blood to revive his dying wife.

SubZero features a complex story of Freeze doing whatever it takes to save his loved one at the cost of potentially taking someone else’s life. This Batman family adventure is one of those where they all come together as a team, making it compelling to see how they handle the matter with Freeze. Unfortunately, not many know of SubZero’s existence.

Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker (2000)

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Batman Beyond is an underrated TV series in itself, with its cyberpunk and futuristic atmosphere unprecedented in the superhero genre at the time. Return of the Joker was similarly downplayed in importance at the time since the Justice League TV show was on the horizon. But the film still delivered on all fronts and continues to do so.

It follows Terry McGinnis’ Batman facing off against a seemingly resurrected Joker, who vows to haunt Gotham City once more. Return of the Joker has elements of horror to go along with the action, as the Joker’s true brutality comes to the forefront. It’s a fascinating film that pushed the boundaries of the animated landscape.

Justice League: Crisis On Two Earths (2010)

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Although Crisis on Two Earths is rated among the better Justice League movies, it didn’t receive much hype at the time of its release due to its uncertain canonicity within the DC animated movie universes. Still, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone feature that brings the best out of the team.

Crisis on Two Earths shows the collision of two DC universes, where the counterparts of the heroes are drastically different in identity. They nevertheless team up to ensure that their respective universes can survive the imminent threat approaching.

Batman: The Long Halloween (2021)

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The imminent release of The Batman meant that other works about the Dark Knight weren’t highlighted as much; this included The Long Halloween. While the film didn’t get as much promotion, its quality holds up very well, bringing a dark and twisted premise to life.

The Long Halloween is a two-part story about Batman navigating Gotham City under complete control of the Falcone crime family, at a time when the mysterious Holiday killer is starting to terrorize the underworld through their own brutal vigilantism. The Long Halloween is perfect for fans who like the see Batman’s detective proficiency highlighted.

All-Star Superman (2011)

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All-Star Superman isn’t generally included among the best Superman works in film and TV, which doesn’t do justice to its emotional depth. The story follows Superman in his final days after he realizes he’s been poisoned by sun radiation, prompting him to live life to its fullest and make amends.

All-Star Superman’s had a low-level release that meant only diehard Superman fans really know about it. But the film can be enjoyed by the casual DC fan as well, providing a different outlook to the Man of Steel as his character takes a turn for what is his last hurrah in this universe.

Wonder Woman (2009)

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Prior to the live-action DCEU film, Wonder Woman was largely known to be part of the Justice League in animated DC content, which meant the animated movie wasn’t a big success. But it’s interesting to see just how similar the 2017 blockbuster is to the 2009 film, both of which see Diana accompanying Steve Trevor to a war that is backed by Ares.

Watching Wonder Woman now will make fans appreciate it better after the renewed popularity of the character. The film also took liberties with the violence on display that DC viewers weren’t as prepared to check out back then as they will be now.

Injustice (2021)

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The Injustice film was released when fatigue around “Evil Superman” stories started to set in, which undermined its impact. But the story deserves credit for deviating from the source material, as the film tries to surprise viewers with twists that weren’t present in the 2013 video game.

Injustice is set in an alternate universe where Superman is disillusioned by Lois Lane’s death instigated by the Joker – his killing of the Clown Prince of Crime turns Superman himself into a totalitarian supervillain. The film delivers on such complex themes, especially due to how Injustice was brushed aside when it was released.

Batman: Assault On Arkham (2014)

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There are great villains in the Batman: Arkham video games, many of whom take the lead role in Assault on Arkham. Although titled as a Batman film, it’s actually about the Suicide Squad’s infiltration of Arkham while Batman appears in a supporting role.

Assault on Arkham wasn’t a big deal at the time of release due to the lack of mainstream knowledge of the Suicide Squad. Moreover, its status as a prequel meant many fans didn’t appreciate the stakes on hand. However, the film does a good job at portraying the dysfunctional and twisty nature of the Suicide Squad and how Batman fits into this dynamic.

Teen Titans: Trouble In Tokyo (2006)

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The Teen Titans TV series is much appreciated by fans, but not everyone is aware that the true series finale comes through Trouble in Tokyo. The film serves as the final story for the team, which sees them evade capture in Tokyo after they are falsely accused.

Knowledge of Teen Titans: Trouble in Tokyo’s existence has gotten low further after the rebooted Teen Titans Go! series. But the movie should be seen for viewers to appreciate that the team used to be presented in a far more serious light before the comedic style they’re known for today.