It’s no secret that DC movies have been less than successful both critically and commercially than Marvel movies. As such, there’s no shame in admitting that quite a few DC movies have been given the title of polarizing, providing audiences with a film that some vehemently defend and some vehemently hate. Everyone has their own particular taste in comic book movies, and these will certainly challenge that.
With the DC world set to reboot its cinematic universe with James Gunn’s Superman on July 11, 2025, it’s a good time to look back at what could be considered the most polarizing DC movies over the decades, and hope that with a new Superman, everyone can come together and see the optimism that awaits in the dawn of a new DC.
5 Batman Forever (1995)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 41% | Audience Score: 32%
- Directed by: Joel Schumacher
- Release Date: 14 July 1995
The first Batman movie without Tim Burton and Michael Keaton, Batman Forever was always going to have a hard time proving itself to audiences and critics. Helmed by Joel Schumacher with the legendary Val Kilmer behind the cowl, Batman Forever embraced more of the camp elements that the comics were known for, which might not have been the soundest idea considering the gritty change that was occurring at the time.
The film itself follows Batman as he attempts to stop Two-Face and the Riddler from their joining schemes. Some love this depiction of Batman and still demand a Schumacher cut, whereas others cannot sanction the buffoonery of the villain roster, and want it to remain on VHS and no further.
4 The Flash (2023)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 63% | Audience Score: 83%
- Directed by: Andy Muschietti
- Release Date: 16 June 2023
After years of development troubles, The Flash finally ran to silver screens. Yet, there were a few issues worth mentioning, like how the public saw a tainted perception of Barry Allen after the many controversies surrounding Ezra Miller. On top of that, what could have been a solo-centric Flash film ended up being a multiverse-fest filled with insensitive CGI cameos from DC’s classic years. Issues with The Flash arise from the fact that it’s a closing door of the DCEU and one that ends with George Clooney instead of a happy ending.
The plot of The Flash involves Barry Allen learning to control his super speed, as he finds himself with the ability to travel back in time and attempt to fix the scars that made him who he is. The timeline fractures with a small change, causing Barry Allen and a retired Batman to team up to stop a Kryptonian invasion. The Flash felt like a movie that didn’t want to be a Flash movie, and instead, relied on Michael Keaton’s Batman to tell its story, but fans might like that.
3 Joker (2019)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 69% | Audience Score: 89%
- Directed by: Todd Phillips
- Release Date: 4 October 2019
A film less about superheroes and supervillains and more of a statement on mental illness and political differences in class and society, Joker essentially blended old-school films like Taxi Driver (1976) with comic books to create something memorable and dark for non-comic fans and comic fans alike. Yet, some might take issue with the subject matter and its familiarity with Scorsese movies.
Joker does away with Batman and the Clown Prince of Crime and instead presents a mentally-suffering down-on-his-luck comedian, Arthur Fleck, who walks the streets of Gotham City as a nobody. Joker has Arthur discover who he is, even if that discovery is made through deaths he can claim responsibility for.
2 Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 57% | Audience Score: 73%
- Directed by: Patty Jenkins
- Release Date: 16 December 2020
Wonder Woman presented a new hope for the DCEU thanks to its blend of action, serious themes, and comedy. This light tone would extend to Wonder Woman 1984, where Diana Prince lives quietly through the bustle of the 1980s, saving those in need as Wonder Woman whilst a magic stone presents a grand threat helmed by Cheetah and Maxwell Lord.
Whilst some might enjoy Wonder Woman 1984 for its decision to not take itself too seriously and embrace a layer of 80s nostalgia, others might warrant disinterest for its failure to respect the story of Diana Prince established in Batman v Superman, and the lackluster depiction of villains and a forced and involuntary romance that doesn’t make much sense.
1 Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 29% | Audience Score: 63%
- Directed by: Zack Snyder
- Release Date: 25 March 2016
There are few comic book movies as divisive as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Not only did the movie cause a course correction that resulted in a confused and fractured DCEU, but it also had two versions to add more context thanks to Batman v Superman: Ultimate Edition. The film is utterly beloved by some and despised by others for its depiction of a hopeless Superman and Batman, stuck in a world that doesn’t want them.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice deserves credit for attempting to discuss what is Superman, and what would the ramifications be for a man with unlimited power when he is not bound by a country. Meanwhile, Batman begins to break his one rule and starts to kill, all in an effort to murder Superman at the risk of him turning evil. Batman v Superman does suffer from its themes and runtime, attempting to involve and resolve too many plot points by the time the credits roll with an abundance of characters and threads that should have been spaced out with the allowance of time, but it’s still daring, bold, and filled with iconic action.
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