15 Longest DC Movies, Ranked

DC Comics has a long history of bringing its iconic superheroes to the big screen. Over the years, these cinematic adventures have varied greatly in length, with some clocking in at well over two hours. As the DC film universe has expanded, so too have the runtimes of many of its movies, allowing for more complex stories and deeper character development. This list explores the longest of these films, from epic team-ups to gritty standalone stories.

From the sprawling narratives of Zack Snyder’s vision to the detailed character studies of Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, these longer films have given filmmakers the space to explore the vast lore of the DC universe. We will count down the 15 longest DC movies, starting from the shortest of the long and moving to the absolute lengthiest. Each entry represents a significant investment of time for both the creators and the audience, offering a deeper dive into the world of heroes and villains.

15. ‘Black Adam’ (2022) – 125 minutes

Nearly 5,000 years after he was granted the powers of the Egyptian gods, Teth-Adam is freed from his tomb. His brutal approach to justice catches the attention of the Justice Society of America. The heroes try to stop his rampage and show him how to be a hero instead of a villain.

Dwayne Johnson stars as the powerful and uncompromising antihero in this action-heavy film. The movie introduces live-action versions of Justice Society members like Hawkman and Doctor Fate. It explores the thin line between being a savior and a destroyer, packed with large-scale action sequences.

14. ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ (2023) – 130 minutes

This sequel follows teenager Billy Batson and his foster siblings as they continue to navigate life as adult superheroes. Their abilities are challenged when the Daughters of Atlas, a trio of ancient and vengeful goddesses, arrive on Earth seeking to reclaim the magic they believe was stolen from them. The Shazam Family must unite to prevent them from destroying the world.

Building on the family-centric themes of the first film, the sequel increases the scale of the action and mythology. It continues to mix humor with heartfelt moments, focusing on the challenges of growing up while also carrying the weight of superhero responsibilities.

13. ‘The Suicide Squad’ (2021) – 132 minutes

In this darkly comedic action film, a team of incarcerated supervillains known as Task Force X is sent on a perilous mission. Deployed to the remote island of Corto Maltese, the squad must destroy a secret laboratory to earn time off their sentences. The mission is filled with unpredictable dangers and a giant alien threat.

Director James Gunn offers a fresh and violent take on the team of antiheroes. The movie features a large, eclectic cast of mostly obscure comic book characters, many of whom meet brutal fates. It was noted for its unique humor, surprising heart, and over-the-top action sequences.

12. ‘Wonder Woman’ (2017) – 141 minutes

This origin story follows Diana, an Amazonian princess who lives on the sheltered island of Themyscira. When American pilot Steve Trevor crashes on her shores and tells her about the massive conflict of World War I, she leaves her home to join the fight, convinced she can stop the god of war, Ares.

The film was a critical and commercial success, praised for its hopeful tone and thrilling action. Gal Gadot’s performance as the compassionate and powerful hero was widely acclaimed, and the film’s “No Man’s Land” sequence became an iconic moment in superhero cinema.

11. ‘Aquaman’ (2018) – 143 minutes

The film tells the origin story of Arthur Curry, a man who is half-human and half-Atlantean. He is pushed to embrace his destiny when his half-brother, King Orm, plans to unite the underwater kingdoms and declare war on the surface world. Arthur must find the legendary Trident of Atlan to claim his rightful place as king and prevent a devastating war.

Directed by James Wan, ‘Aquaman’ is a visually stunning and action-filled adventure. Jason Momoa’s charismatic portrayal of the lead character was a highlight, and the film successfully built out a vibrant and detailed underwater world, expanding the DC cinematic universe in a major way.

10. ‘Man of Steel’ (2013) – 143 minutes

This film reboots the Superman story, presenting a modern take on his origin. It follows Clark Kent as he grapples with his extraordinary abilities and tries to find his place in the world. When General Zod, a survivor from his home planet, threatens Earth, Clark must become the hero he was born to be.

Zack Snyder’s direction brought a more serious tone and visceral action to the Superman character. Henry Cavill’s portrayal gave the hero a new level of internal conflict and physicality. The film served as the foundation for the DC Extended Universe, paving the way for future films.

9. ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ (2020) – 151 minutes

Set in the vibrant 1980s, this sequel finds Diana Prince living a quiet life. Her world is turned upside down by a powerful ancient artifact that grants wishes. She must contend with a power-hungry businessman and a former friend who gains incredible power, all while dealing with the unexpected return of Steve Trevor.

The film offers a colorful and hopeful adventure that is ten minutes longer than its predecessor. It explores themes of truth, desire, and sacrifice, putting Diana’s compassion and heroism to the ultimate test.

8. ‘The Dark Knight’ (2008) – 152 minutes

In this critically acclaimed sequel, Batman faces his greatest challenge in the form of the Joker, a chaotic and unpredictable criminal mastermind. The Joker’s reign of terror pushes Gotham to the brink and forces Batman to confront the limits of his own rules in his quest to save the city.

‘The Dark Knight’ is often hailed as one of the best superhero films ever made due to its complex themes and intense, practical action. Heath Ledger’s posthumous Oscar-winning performance as the Joker became one of the most iconic villain portrayals in cinema history, elevating the genre to new heights.

7. ‘Superman Returns’ (2006) – 154 minutes

Serving as an homage to the Christopher Reeve films, this movie picks up after Superman has been absent from Earth for five years. Upon his return, he finds that Lois Lane has moved on with her life and the world has learned to live without him. He must re-establish his place as a hero while stopping Lex Luthor’s latest evil scheme.

Directed by Bryan Singer, the film captures the classic tone and style of the earlier movies. Brandon Routh played a vulnerable and thoughtful version of the Man of Steel. The movie is a more character-driven and introspective take on the hero, focusing on his personal struggles and connection to humanity.

6. ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ (2012) – 165 minutes

The final film in Christopher Nolan’s trilogy takes place eight years after the events of ‘The Dark Knight’. A retired and broken Bruce Wayne is forced to become Batman once more when a powerful terrorist named Bane arrives with a plan to destroy Gotham City.

At nearly three hours long, this epic conclusion provides a definitive end to this iteration of Batman’s story. It explores themes of pain, fear, and sacrifice, introducing characters like Selina Kyle and John Blake. The film was praised for its ambitious scale and emotional finale.

5. ‘The Batman’ (2022) – 176 minutes

This noir-style thriller follows a younger Bruce Wayne in his second year of fighting crime. Batman investigates a series of murders of Gotham’s elite by a sadistic killer known as the Riddler. The investigation uncovers a web of corruption that connects to his own family’s past.

Director Matt Reeves delivered a grounded and gritty detective story, with Robert Pattinson portraying an intense and brooding version of the character. The film was praised for its dark tone, compelling mystery, and strong performances, making it the longest standalone Batman movie to date.

4. ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’ (Ultimate Edition) (2016) – 182 minutes

The Ultimate Edition of this film adds 30 minutes of footage, creating a more comprehensive story. Fearing that Superman’s powers are unchecked, Batman decides to confront the Man of Steel. While the two heroes clash, the manipulative Lex Luthor engineers a new threat that forces them to unite with Wonder Woman to save the world.

This extended cut provides more context for the characters’ motivations and fleshes out the plot, particularly regarding the investigation into Superman’s actions. It deepens the narrative and sets the stage for the future of the DC Extended Universe, offering a richer and more detailed version of the epic confrontation.

3. ‘Watchmen’ (Ultimate Cut) (2009) – 215 minutes

The ‘Ultimate Cut’ of ‘Watchmen’ is the most comprehensive version of Zack Snyder’s adaptation of the celebrated graphic novel. It integrates the animated ‘Tales of the Black Freighter’ comic-within-a-comic into the main narrative. Set in an alternate 1985, the story follows a group of retired vigilantes investigating the murder of one of their own, uncovering a conspiracy that could change the world forever.

This version is a dense and layered film that deconstructs superhero archetypes while exploring complex moral and philosophical themes. The inclusion of the animated tale adds another layer to the story’s commentary on heroism and society. It is a long, dark, and thought-provoking film that remains very faithful to its source material.

2. ‘Superman’ (1978) – 222 minutes

The three-hour-plus “Salkind International Extended Cut” is the longest version of this classic film. It tells the definitive origin of Superman, from the final days of Krypton to his heroic debut in Metropolis. The story covers his idyllic childhood in Smallville, his discovery of his powers, and his first major battle against the criminal mastermind Lex Luthor.

This extended version, prepared by the original producers, adds nearly 40 minutes of footage not seen in the theatrical release. While the 151-minute special edition is more common, this mammoth cut offers the most complete look at Richard Donner’s original vision, further cementing its status as a landmark in cinema.

1. ‘Zack Snyder’s Justice League’ (2021) – 242 minutes

Topping the list is the long-awaited director’s cut of ‘Justice League’. After the death of Superman, Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince assemble a team of metahumans to protect the world from the alien warlord Steppenwolf and his master, Darkseid. The film is a massive, four-hour epic that fully realizes Zack Snyder’s original vision.

This version significantly expands on the theatrical release, with new scenes, storylines, and a much deeper development for its characters, especially Cyborg. The tone is more epic and serious, and the visual style is distinct. It stands as a testament to a director’s vision and a passionate fan movement, delivering the longest and most ambitious DC film to date.

Which of these lengthy DC epics do you think makes the best use of its runtime? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.