Though their future in the DC Extended Universe is currently in a state of limbo – at least publicly – the Justice League has an extensive history in movies and television. Besides Justice League and Zack Snyder’s Justice League and the similarly organized groups in the Arrowverse or even Smallville, the team has been largely relegated to animation. That’s where they’ve really succeeded, whether independently or as part of different established universes such as the DC Animated Universe or the DC Animated Movie Universe. From their impressive and entertaining collection, these are the highest-rated Justice League films and TV shows. All are currently available to stream on HBO Max
Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths (2010) – 7.2
The Justice League has many formidable and iconic enemies, whether from the cosmos or Earth itself, though none are quite like the Crime Syndicate. That’s because they’re literally villainous analogs of the Justice League from another universe, and they serve as the antagonists of 2010’s Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths.
Having Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and more fight Ultraman, Owlman, and Superwoman, respectively, forces them to confront the darkest parts of themselves. Though it’s not part of the DCAU like the animated series, Justice League, it’s quite aesthetically and thematically reminiscent of it.
Justice League: War (2014) – 7.2
After decades of fantastic and intricate storytelling, DC Comics decided to reboot and relaunch their comics in 2011 to simplify their confusing, tangled web of continuity. This allowed changes to the Justice League roster, adding Cyborg, and led to the creation of the DC Animated Movie Universe. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox launched the DCAMU, while also establishing a new timeline, and Justice League: War followed to show this universe’s first true Justice League story.
The film focuses on an invasion by Darkseid and his forces from Apokolips, beat back by the Justice League and their two new members, Cyborg and Shazam. It packed together some exciting action with a fairly humorous tone and served as a sufficient launchpad for subsequent films.
Justice League: Doom (2012) – 7.4
Batman is never one not to be unprepared, though his natural distrust and skepticism even for his closest allies have led to some dangerous situations. That’s the crux of Justice League: Doom, in which Batman shows he has contingency plans for each of his teammates if they are ever compromised and/or go bad. Unfortunately, for Batman, those plans fall into the devious hands of Vandal Savage and the Legion of Doom.
Justice League: Doom is a sequel to Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths, and stands as one of the best animated films from DC Comics. Though it is not part of the DCAU, it does reunite the voice cast with Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly, Susan Eisenberg, Carl Lumbly, and more reprising their roles from Justice League.
Justice League Action (2016) – 7.5
Interestingly, Justice League Unlimited is not the only animated series featuring a giant-sized Justice League as there’s also Justice League Action. The classic members like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and the Flash, are joined by other heroes and villains from across the DC Comics canon including Mister Miracle, Stargirl, and Atrocitus.
It was naturally geared towards younger audiences akin to Teen Titans Go! with a lighthearted and amusing tone, though still not lacking in a sense of maturity. It technically only ran for one season, though that spanned over fifty-two episodes and twenty-two shorts. While reviews weren’t deemed high enough to renew the series, it still has a respectable place here.
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War (2020) – 7.7
What Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox started, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War ended. It took everything from the previous fifteen films in the DCAMU and ended it with a dark and thrilling twist. Featuring many characters perfect for the DCEU, the film brought together the Justice League, Justice League Dark, Teen Titans, Suicide Squad, and more to fight against Darkseid and his forces once more.
While that cast would certainly make it jam-packed and difficult to showcase compelling and thorough stories, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War was able to do it. Many characters were shown in unique lights and all of them are forced to confront their mortality. It was a strong and impactful end to a pretty stellar series of animated films.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021) – 8.0
It’s quite a shame that Justice League was so poorly mismanaged as it could’ve easily been something great. In a way Zack Snyder’s Justice League makes up for those mistakes and showcases the story as it was artistically and thematically intended. Though it is admittedly very long, it is still the version widely preferred by the fans.
Unfortunately, Zack Snyder’s full vision for the Justice League and the DCEU likely won’t come to fruition but this film was a worthy send-off. Hopefully, his impact isn’t eradicated going forward and what he set up can still work as a foundation for the franchise’s future. Particularly, fans are eager and nervous about how Henry Cavill’s Superman would ever return.
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013) – 8.1
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox stands as not only one of the best Justice League properties but specifically the best Justice League film on IMDb. It follows the Flashpoint storyline in which Flash goes back in time to save his mother from being murdered, inadvertently and drastically changing the future of his reality. In this new timeline the Justice League was never a thing, Superman was never raised by kind parents, Bruce’s father Thomas became Batman, and Wonder Woman and Aquaman are at war for global domination.
This film showcases the popular characters in an entirely unique fashion and embraces a mature sense of violence and gore. While some of the designs and stylings are changed in subsequent entries, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox established a concise and exciting series of movies.
Justice League (2001) – 8.6
It’s no surprise that the animated series Justice League ranks so highly. It is the culmination of the DCAU and series like Batman: The Animated Series and Superman: The Animated Series, featuring an ensemble cast of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Martian Manhunter. Whether actually related or not, ensuing Justice League movies and shows draw inspiration from what Justice League established.
Across the two seasons, each main character is given ample individual time and arcs, all while also showcasing all the different intricate relationships and groupings, including the delightful and unexpected love story of Hawkgirl and Green Lantern. The villains too served an important purpose and some even served as protagonists periodically.
Young Justice (2010) – 8.7
After a few decades focusing heavily on the headlining heroes in the Justice League, a new animated series was made about their sidekicks and protégés. Young Justice has a strange and unfortunate history since its premiere in 2010. After its second season, it was canceled, but thankfully due to dedicated fans, it was eventually renewed years later. It just concluded a compelling and fascinating season 4, but recently the Warner-Discovery merger restructuring has seemingly canceled the series for good.
Frankly, that’s a tragedy as it’s regarded as a seminal animated series and definitely one of DC’s very best. Especially in the later seasons, Young Justice has delved into some deep storylines, embracing wholeheartedly conversations about mental illness, sexuality, and gender identity. Though it might be over, the four seasons are accessible for a rewatch.
Justice League Unlimited (2004) – 8.7
The DCAU concluded on the TV front with Justice League Unlimited – though there have been few films released in later years. Importantly this series established the Justice League as massive organization, uniting heroes from all corners of DC Comics. Of course, original team members were still featured periodically, but it gave some expanded focus on characters like Green Arrow, Supergirl, Aquaman, and Black Canary.
The way Justice League Unlimited juggles all these stories and relationships is quite remarkable, and frankly, could’ve lasted well beyond its three seasons. Many series have sought to emulate Justice League Unlimited to varying success, and it will likely be a long while until something unseats it as the best Justice League project.
