Superhero movies really took off in the 2010s, but the 2000s laid the groundwork for their success, being instrumental in building their popularity. Marvel is known for having the best superhero movies, but its main competitor, DC, is slowly gaining ground, with Superman kicking off the new DCU. However, what was this studio like when superhero movies were just becoming popular?
The 2000s weren’t the most successful decade for DC, but they still produced some cult classics and revolutionary films. This list will rank DC’s best films of the 2000s based on writing, popularity, fan opinion, critical acclaim, entertainment value, and how well they represented the 2000s.
10
‘Constantine’ (2005)
Directed by Francis Lawrence
DC has many failed franchise attempts, and Constantine is one of them. However, director Francis Lawrence and star Keanu Reeves remain confident that a sequel to Constantine will happen. The titular hero knows he won’t have a happy afterlife, so to earn goodwill with the man upstairs, he helps solve crimes while also stepping into the supernatural realm.
Constantine isn’t the best movie by a long shot, but it earns a spot on this list because it was culturally popular, becoming a beloved cult classic. The film is a critical disaster with messy storytelling, but fans love it regardless due to its visual appeal, nostalgia, style, beautiful cinematography, and entertainment value.
9
‘Superman Returns’ (2006)
Directed by Bryan Singer
After the final two original Superman films bombed, DC decided to retcon those two films and start fresh with Superman Returns decades later. After coming out of a long hiatus, Superman (Brandon Routh) plans to foil Lex Luthor (Kevin Spacey) and his devious plan to rid the world of the Man of Steel once and for all.
Superman Returns isn’t a perfect film, but it does the job of delivering an entertaining return for the best superhero of all time. The film embodies the character perfectly, capturing his ideals with superb acting from Routh. Superman Returns has many remarkable moments that encapsulate the character, culminating in a decent DC film that fans shouldn’t miss.
8
‘Road to Perdition’ (2002)
Directed by Sam Mendes
DC Comics encompasses more than just superheroes, which may shock fans when they realize movies like Road to Perdition are from DC. After his client’s son murders his family, a mobster and his son go on a hunt for revenge, delivering a chilling and captivating mobster story.
With a star-studded cast of Tom Hanks, Daniel Craig, and Jude Law, that is enough to warrant a great film. Road to Perdition is one of DC’s highest-rated films on IMDb, proving that fans love its gritty story, excellent acting, and mature themes. This underrated classic proves DC’s versatility and highlights the interests of this decade.
7
‘Watchmen’ (2009)
Directed by Zack Snyder
Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons‘ iconic comic book is a testament to superhero stories; however, opinions are divided on the adaptation of Watchmen. In an alternate future, a group of retired superheroes must reenter their crime-fighting personas and relive the past after they are mysteriously murdered.
Watchmen is a mature film with polarizing reviews, as some critics dislike the adaptation and the loss of themes, while others appreciate the stylized action and cinematography. The 2000s were all about gritty superhero films, and Watchmen only proves this opinion, as its captivating story and engaging characters were grounded in dark storytelling.
6
‘Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker’ (2000)
Directed by Curt Geda
While fans were probably expecting only live-action films, DC has an impressive catalog of animated movies, including Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, a sequel to the beloved animated series, Batman Beyond. After the Joker (Mark Hamill) returns to Gotham after decades, it is up to Terry McGinnis (Will Friedle), the new Batman, to stop him.
Fans were surprised to see the Joker return in Batman Beyond, but this unexpected treat created one of the darkest animated movies yet. From twisted moments to uncomfortable plot points, this movie took Batman to the next level, and in turn, became a cult classic due to its vibe, atmosphere, and outstanding voice acting.
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker
- Release Date
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December 12, 2000
- Runtime
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76 minutes
- Director
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Curt Geda
- Writers
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Glen Murakami, Bob Kane, Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Jerry Robinson
5
‘A History of Violence’ (2005)
Directed by David Cronenberg
Like Road to Perdition, A History of Violence is yet another DC property that isn’t a superhero film, but instead a thrilling crime drama. When a seemingly innocent diner owner, Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen), kills two robbers, it brings a storm of news coverage, including two men from his past who assume he is the former mobster they are looking for.
A History of Violence is a unique film that balances its aspects perfectly, including just as many tropes as necessary to hook fans, but enough differently to keep them watching. It is a brutal film but also has a quiet side, switching between the two to create a distinct vibe that makes it one of DC’s best films of the 2000s.
- Release Date
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September 23, 2005
- Runtime
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98 minutes
- Writers
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John Wagner, Vince Locke, Josh Olson
4
‘Batman Begins’ (2005)
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan‘s Batman trilogy is one of the best of all time, and it starts out with the grounded origin story, Batman Begins. Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has spent years becoming the titular hero, but when his former master, Ra’s al Ghul (Liam Neeson), threatens Gotham’s peace, he needs to put an end to his madness.
Batman Begins is one of Nolan’s best films, with fans loving the authentic origin of Batman and the grounded approach that would become a staple of the character. It can feel boring at times and have some disagreeable moments. Still, for the most part, this is a beloved film that nails the character and delivers a riveting superhero experience.
3
‘V for Vendetta’ (2005)
Directed by James McTeigue
Alan Moore returns for a second time on this list, this time adapting his political thriller, V for Vendetta. Set in a post-apocalyptic London where free will is all but extinguished, a mysterious anarchist (Hugo Weaving) rises to destroy the corrupt system and liberate the people from England’s oppressive rulers.
While the creator may not like the adaptations of his work, fans seem to love adaptations of Moore’s comics, as V for Vendetta is a classic drama that explores themes of anarchism, fascism, and politics. It may not be a perfect adaptation, but fans love it nonetheless, making it a beloved cult classic and DC’s most popular movie that isn’t a superhero film.
2
‘Justice League: The New Frontier’ (2008)
Directed by Dave Bullock
DC is the king of superhero animation, and Justice League: The New Frontier was just the tip of the iceberg, paving the way for their movie universe. Set at the end of the Korean War, the world is divided and in turmoil, but the mysterious entity known as “The Centre” only spreads more chaos, leaving the Justice League to contend with it.
This may be a weird movie to have so high, but The New Frontier proved to be a perfect adaptation of one of DC’s best comic books. The blend of classic takes on characters and a refreshing setting makes this film daring to include political unrest and mystery, creating a unique narrative. The New Frontier is one of the best animated Justice League movies, demonstrating that DC excels in animation.
1
‘The Dark Knight’ (2008)
Directed by Christopher Nolan
At long last, number one on this list is none other than The Dark Knight, a film that fans knew would be there, as it is arguably the greatest superhero film of all time. The Joker (Heath Ledger) is tearing Gotham apart when trying to prove his theory, causing Batman (Christian Bale) to stop the madman, putting him at risk.
The film is carried by the superb acting of Bale and Ledger, the latter of whom stole the show with his performance, earning an honorary Oscar. It’s hard to encapsulate everything The Dark Knight did well since it did everything right, creating an unbelievably perfect action movie with entertaining fights and philosophical debate.