DC Comics has done well over the past couple of years in film and television. With new superheroes taking on the big screen and fan favorites dominating television, how well are they doing exactly? In today's entertainment age it's all about scores and ratings. A bad score can sway audiences the wrong way.
When a film gets a high score on IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes, its won the jackpot. While Marvel has dominated in getting high rankings, there are DC Comic films that can compete. So far, DC Comics has won top points for bringing its heroes to life on the small screen. Let's take a look at which films and shows reign supreme and which ones hang its head in shame.
WORST: Batman & Robin (1997): 3.7
Batman & Robin has a bad rep amongst all other live-action Batman films. This time Batman was played by no other than George Clooney and Chris O'Donnell Played Robin. While the film had major stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr.Freeze, it still bombed in ratings.
The film now has more of a cult following but when it first premiered audiences were not happy and neither was Warner Bros. The film's director and producer were under pressure to make the film family-friendly. Years later, Clooney and Alicia Silverstone, Batgirl, still have regrets over taking part in the film.
BEST: Watchmen (2019-): 8.1
The HBO show Watchmen kicks off the top five best list. Fans and audiences loved the show for its not so typical hero storyline that mimicked the popular comics. Sadly, the series was short-lived and was canceled after one season. Despite the short run, it has one of the highest rankings when it comes to DC Comics television shows.
The overall critical response for the show was high with critics praising it for its bold approach. While the show is far from PG-13 and has its tough scenes, the complex storyline is what had fans on edge. The storyline interweaved cultural context, societal issues, and a new form of hero that is rooted in reality.
WORST: Batman Forever (1995): 5.4
It's hard to believe that the earlier live-action Batman films got such bad ratings when they have a cult following today. Despite having such a well-known cast, the dynamics of the film just didn't work. Batman Forever got halfway in ratings with a 5.4 from IMDb. The film got overall mixed reviews from audiences.
Audiences didn't have a problem with Val Kilmer as Batman or Jim Carrey as The Riddler. Some felt the movie was more lighthearted and colorful but still lacked anguish. Above all fans couldn't understand the decision to include nipples on Batman's suit.
BEST: V For Vendetta (2005): 8.2
One of the most acclaimed DC Comic adaptation is the political thriller film, V for Vendetta. While this film doesn't tie into the rest of the DCEU in any way, it' still a popular comic book character. The film was based on the DC/Vertigo Comics limited series by the same name.
Since 2005, it has amassed a huge cult following for its message on corrupt politics in a dystopian society. Many critics gave praise for its thought-provoking moments, will others disliked its poor dialogue and cinematography.
WORST: Green Lantern (2011): 5.5
Compared to the ranking of Batman & Robin, Green Lantern takes the cake. While Ryan Reynolds wore the green suit as the Green Lantern, it didn't lead to a successful franchise. The film only made $219 million in the box office from its $200 million budget. After its premiere, it received mostly unfavorable reviews.
While the film had a good sense of comedy due to Reynolds, some thought it still lacked a sense of heroism and didn't take advantage of the comic book storyline. The film did receive some high praise for its visual effects. Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times explained the film as being, "more science-fiction space opera than superhero epic."
BEST: Batman Returns (1992): 8.2
Thankfully there is one Batman film from back in the day that makes the top five list. This time is starred Michael Keaton in the batsuit. Batman Returns had more success in the box office compared to the other films. It might be due to the fact that Tim Bruton had more creative control over the film.
To this day, the film has the best live-action portrayal of Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) and The Penguin (Danny DeVito). The film received great reviews seeing as Burton's dark and broody film style fit well with Keaton's anguished portrayal of the character.
WORST: Suicide Squad (2016): 6
Fans were hyped for Suicide Squad because it was an opportunity to see villains take center stage. Could the villains be a new needed good guy when the world's heroes aren't available? The audience and ratings answered with a meek maybe.
The film had star-studded cast that audiences adored and felt suited to the DC Comics characters well. While the film did garner some success, it still didn't make it on the top list as a great film. Critics couldn't get past the shotty lines, choppy directing, and not so entertaining storyline. Entertainment Weekly described it as, "Suicide Squad kicks off with fizzy, punk-rock ferocity before turning flat and spiraling into familiar formulas."
BEST: The Dark Knight Rises (2012): 8.4
One of the highest-ranked Batman movies comes in The Dark Knight Rises with Christian Bale as Batman. The Dark Knight film franchise became the most highly successful Batman adaptation on screen. Many regard the film as one of the best superhero films of all-time.
Not only were the film's actors above par, but the overall film dazzled in an exceptional superhero film. It was praised for being dynamic, enchanting, and hypnotic with superb visuals and cinematography. "Nolan's film is a reminder that superheroes aren't merely a frivolous distraction, but an embodiment of our best selves," exclaimed the London Film Review.
WORST: Black Lightning (2018): 6.1
Finishing the lowest-ranked list is the highest-ranked entry. It happens to be the CW show Black Lightning. The show is one of many DC Comics successful television shows. It first aired in 2018 and has since gotten critical success. Fans and audiences praised the show for being the first live adaptation of an all-black cast and superhero team.
Black Lightning has a good formula that has fans hooked. There is a strong and dynamic relationship between Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) trying to raise his family while simultaneously saving the world. Many have given the show praise for its down to earth storylines while still having authenticity. Audiences also appreciated the show tackling societal issues rooted in real-life.
BEST: The Dark Knight (2008): 9
Having an almost perfect score on IMDb is The Dark Knight. The film is the sequel to Batman Begins and is one of the rare times that a sequel outranks the first film. The film is highly praised by fans and critics for its dark and unforgettable storyline. It's also titled as one of the best superhero films of the 2000s.
The Chicago Sun-Times described the film as a "haunted film that leaps beyond its origins and becomes an engrossing tragedy." The film also created an unforgettable story arch and adaptation of the beloved Joker played by Heath Ledger. For the first time, a villain took over the big screen and mesmerized fans.