Summary
- Some DC animated superhero films may fly under fans' radar, offering unique stories with diverse characters.
- Animated films connected to the Arrowverse, like Vixen and Freedom Fighters: The Ray, offer unique tie-ins.
- Even Batman has more obscure titles, like Merry Little Batman and The Batman vs.Dracula.
Numerous animated films based on DC Comics characters have been released over the years, and some more obscure titles may have escaped fans' attention. The DC brand has been thriving with their animated slate of films for years, and many fans feel that they are often better than some live-action releases. The list of beloved titles is lengthy and varied, including Batman: Under the Red Hood, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies, and Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox.
DC has also branched out with unique titles like Justice League X RWBY and Batman Ninja. With dozens of movies and bold choices, there are bound to be a few gems that slipped past some fans. New audiences can still watch and enjoy those DC animated superhero movies thanks to streaming and rentals.
Batman: Riddler's Best Riddles
Over the years, the Riddler has posed quite a few interesting conundrums for Batman to solve. These are the best of the bunch.
Vixen: The Movie
A Little-Known Entry Of The Arrowverse
Vixen: The Movie
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- May 8, 2017
- Runtime
- 75 minutes
- Director
- Curt Geda
Vixen might not be the best title for a superhero film centering on a female protagonist, even if it is meant to be empowering. Despite the title, though, this movie is worth watching. The story follows Mari, who can tap into animal powers through a family totem passed down to her. Vixen began as a web series that was compiled into a movie, which is part of the Arrowverse.
The movie even features appearances from other DC heroes, including Black Canary, The Flash, and Green Arrow, with the live-action Arrowverse actors, like Grant Gustin and Stephen Amell, voicing the roles. Vixen proved to be a lot of fun for DC fans looking for a unique character, and it serves as another tangent Arrowverse completists need to track down. Vixen is available to rent or buy on Amazon, Google Play, YouTube, and more.
Scooby-Doo! And Krypto, Too!
The Justice League Goes Missing, So Scooby and The Gang Step Up
Scooby-Doo! And Krypto, Too!
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- September 26, 2023
- Runtime
- 79 minutes
- Director
- Cecilia Aranovich
Scooby-Doo has had crossovers with the DC universe in the past. However, 2023's Scooby-Doo! And Krypto, Too! Proves to be another team-up that raises the stakes for the sleuths while embracing the heart of what makes both franchises work well. The movie sees Metropolis overrun by several DC villains, featuring big names like the Joker, Harley Quinn, and Lex Luthor, when the Justice League goes missing. Thankfully, Scooby and the gang are on the case, with the help of Superman's dog, Krypto, making a humorous mishmash of puppy personalities.
While the crossover film may not appeal to those who don't enjoy Scooby-Doo, the animated feature finds its groove, perfectly adding the sleuths to the comic book universe. Scooby-Doo! And Krypto, Too! Is available to rent or buy on Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and more.
LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash
The Flash Is Caught In A Time Loop
Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- February 13, 2018
- Runtime
- 78 minutes
- Director
- Ethan Spaulding
While audiences may be familiar with The LEGO Batman Movie, which hit theaters, the LEGO-themed DC animated films have produced several lesser-known yet entertaining entries, including LEGO DC Batman: Family Matters and LEGO DC: Shazam! Magic and Monsters. However, one installment proved more emotional than many assumed : LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash.
This movie sees Reverse-Flash manipulating the Speed Force for nefarious purposes, trapping The Flash in a time loop. The story's stakes are dire, and despite being inspired by LEGO, the movie proves to be an impactful take on Flash that even older fans can enjoy. LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash is perfect family viewing, and it is available to rent or buy on Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and more.
Merry Little Batman
Damian Wayne Saves Christmas
Merry Little Batman
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- December 8, 2023
- Runtime
- 92 Minutes
- Director
- Mike Roth
Merry Little Batman is a holiday tale inspired by DC Comics that embraces a unique animation style. The movie focuses on Damian Wayne, who idolizes his father, Batman. Damian hopes to one day fight crime like his dad, but his young age sees him sidelined. However, when Batman is out fighting crime on Christmas Eve, Damian discovers a plot to steal Christmas from Gotham's citizens, spurring the young hero to action.
While the distinct animation may be off-putting to some, the family-friendly holiday plot is a winning formula thanks to the fun and often humorous antics throughout. Merry Little Batman is the type of film that could become standard holiday viewing for many. It is available to stream through Prime Video and rent or buy through Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and more.
Constantine: City of Demons - The Movie
A DC Web Series Compiled Into A Movie
Constantine: City of Demons - The Movie
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- October 4, 2018
- Runtime
- 90 minutes
- Director
- Doug Murphy
Constantine: City of Demons started as a web series that was edited together into a movie. Matt Ryan, who played the character on the short-lived TV series, reprises his role as the occult detective, voicing the animated iteration. It tells a more mature story, leaning into darker themes that see a desperate father enlisting John Constantine to help with his daughter's mysterious coma. However, far more sinister forces are at play, leading to horrific confrontations and unbearable decisions.
While the movie may not be for everyone, playing like a horror film in some instances rather than your typical hero tale, those looking for a darker foray into DC's mystical characters will find plenty to enjoy. Constantine: City of Demons - The Movie is available to rent or buy on Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and more. However, it may return to HBO, where it was available to stream for a time.
Freedom Fighters: The Ray
Heroes Fight For Justice On An Alternate Earth Where Nazis Won World War II
Freedom Fighters: The Ray
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2017 - 2018-00-00
- Network
- CW seed
- Directors
- Ethan Spaulding
Freedom Fighters: The Ray is another Arrowverse entry, featuring connections to the larger TV franchise through The Flash and Green Arrow. Like a few other DC animated movies, it began as a web series that was edited together to make the movie, and it features numerous heroes fans may not be familiar with. The story takes place on Earth-X, which features a world where the Nazis won World War II and a Justice League-style group of superheroes called the Freedom Fighters who are leading the battle against them. The Ray is the hero at the forefront of the group, leading characters like Red Tornado, Black Condor, and Phantom Lady.
One of the most distinct aspects of Freedom Fighters: The Ray is that the central protagonist, Raymond Terrill, is a gay character who makes a powerful statement in a fascist-ruled universe. Given that it doesn't feature bigger-name heroes, the movie is often written off, but proves to be a bold entry in superhero cinema. Freedom Fighters: The Ray is available to rent or buy on Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and more.
The Batman vs. Dracula
The Caped Crusader Takes On The Notorious Vampire
The Batman vs. Dracula
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- October 18, 2005
- Runtime
- 83 Minutes
- Director
- Michael Goguen
The Batman vs. Dracula was released in 2005, and the plot sees Gotham fall under the spell of the infamous vampire. While Batman has his hands full attempting to bring the Joker and the Penguin to justice, he soon finds himself dealing with a bigger problem, as Dracula can sway anyone to his cause. The movie features a fun matchup that posits what would happen if Dracula were a character in Batman's world.
Capitalizing on what makes Batman work and incorporating well-known vampire lore, Batman vs. Dracula is a different style of DC animated film that embraces fun horror elements without going too far into mature territory. It is available to rent or buy on Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, and more.
Marvel: Strongest Comic Villains Of All Time, Ranked
The world of Marvel Comics is an unforgiving place, what with these villains constantly wreaking havoc.