With the release of the DC Extended Universe’s newest instalment Aquaman due soon, it seems appropriate to rank the franchise’s films. The DCEU have caused controversy within the fanbase with some not being able to agree on films rankings so here is the (un)official ranking so far.
5. Justice League (2017)
At the beginning of its development, the ensemble film was set to be directed by Man of Steel‘s Zack Snyder. However, after the death of his daughter, Snyder had to step down, and director Joss Whedon was hired to take over. Although the majority of the movie had been filmed, many reshoots took place, and several scenes were cut. With two different directors, each with a different style and a different vision, the film Justice League fans watched in November 2017 was a very different film to what fans previewed at SDCC. Sometimes change is a good thing, but when it comes at the expense of quality, some things are better left alone.
4. Suicide Squad (2016)
Next up is Suicide Squad. Directed by David Ayer, the third instalment in the franchise held mixed reviews with fans: while some loved it, many thought it was “trash.” Suicide Squad was a mediocre film with likable characters, but as far as the story goes, it was hard to follow. In August 2016, Forbes listed the problems with Suicide Squad, from bad editing to plot holes, which didn’t sit well with most of the audience or critics. Suicide Squad was certified rotten by critics on Rotten Tomatoes, receiving only a 27% and only 60% of the audience liking it.
3. Wonder Woman (2017)
In 2017, Warner Bros gave us a Wonder Woman solo film directed by Patty Jenkins. Wonder Woman was fast on track to becoming a favourite when a female director was hired in the franchise’s fourth instalment. Wonder Woman gave us a great story with even more magnificent cinematography not to mention perfect cast with Gal Gadot, Chris Pine and Connie Nielsen and an almost perfect score, composed by Rupert Gregson-Williams. One Rotten Tomatoes review even said:
“Wonder Woman” is a superhero movie, and it fulfills the heroic and mythic demands of that genre, but it’s also an entry in the genre of wisdom literature that shares hard-won insights and long-pondered paradoxes of the past with a sincere intimacy.
Review by Richard Brody via Rotten Tomatoes, July 2017
2. Man of Steel (2013)
In 2013, we were given Man of Steel, the film that birthed the DCEU and gave us Henry Cavill and Amy Adams as the perfect Clark Kent and Lois Lane. Zack Snyder executed MoS with perfection and style as he presented us with an ideal origin story, one about a man trying to find his place in a world that isn’t his. MoS is not only a superhero film but a film about identity, family and underlying themes of nature vs nurture at its core. Clark Kent is genetically Kryptonian but is raised with human values and putting the needs of others before himself. Hans Zimmers score is the icing on top as Clark Kent is the best Superman yet. A score that can tell a story on its own is what makes Man of Steel iconic.
1. Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
This is a controversial opinion, but Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (or simply Batman vs Superman) is the DCEU’s greatest creation. With Snyder directing once again, the audience got a film with heart, soul and A+ character development. In BvS, we see Bruce witness the repercussions of the battle between Zod and Superman in Metropolis, where he sees Superman as a threat. Batman is then forced out of retirement, which occurs due to the death of Jason Todd. Since the murder of his parents, Bruce has been influenced by trauma in his decision making. We see throughout as well as unknowingly being influenced by Lex Luthor who also wants to eliminate Superman.
We look at the media vilify Superman and how that affects Clark as both Clark and as Superman. Lex Luthor was the perfect choice of villain for the blockbuster as throughout the film, as he plants the seeds for the manipulation of Bruce while slowly using the public and Bruce Wayne’s fear of Superman to his advantage. Snyder has a true talent for developing his characters as after the death of Superman. We witness Bruce Wayne return as not the Bat but as Bruce.
Snyder and Zimmer are back at it with the help of Junkie XL with a score that makes BvS the whole package. The introduction to the rest of the league members and the set-up for Justice League and Lois Lane are just a few of the many things that make Batman vs Superman the superior DCEU film.
Featured Image via ScreenRant
