Ever since Richard Donner made audiences believe that a man could fly in Superman and Tim Burton established a darker knight in Batman, fans have flocked to see their favorite DC heroes tear up the big screen in action-packed spectacles. As the DC catalog has expanded (and contracted) on film in recent years, their biggest draw remains the scenes which portray how their rich characters interact with one another, with themselves, and interpret the world around them.
Despite the heightened realities of the superhero setting, the quieter, non-action moments are what audiences can relate to the most and what engages people to return each year for a new chapter.
Bruce & Selina's Dance (Batman Returns)
Selina Kyle is arguably Batman's most important love interest, and Burton does a great job exploring the conflict between Bruce and Selina as they discover each other's identities in Batman Returns. After being hinted at throughout the film, the inevitable reveal manages to resonate well due to the implications it carries.
The scene plays on Burton's theme of duality well, as Bruce and Selina both arrive at the masked ball as the only attendees without one, hinting that their public personas are their masks. The pair begin dancing and Selina announces her plan to kill Max Schrek, which Bruce attempts to dissuade her from doing. As Selina begins to break down and Bruce consoles her, they unwittingly recite dialogue they'd spoken to one another earlier as their alter egos. The looks on their faces speak more than words could say.
The Funeral (Batman Begins)
There are a number of beautiful, character-driven moments in Batman Begins which add layers to Bruce's journey towards Batman, but it's hard to top the emotion of his parents' death and subsequent funeral proceedings.
At the funeral, Alfred guards Bruce as they stand quietly in the rain, surrounded by strangers. Afterward, Bruce appears as a ghost-like image in the window of his mansion as his best friend Rachel waves to him from below. Alfred brings Bruce some food, only to console him when Bruce finally breaks down under the weight of his loss. The moment helps the audience understand that Bruce is forever that broken child who desperately just wants his parents back.
Diana & Steve (Wonder Woman)
Pick any scene in Wonder Woman between Diana Prince and Steve Trevor and the response will likely be "awww." The pair exudes chemistry in a way that feels so real for a big-budget movie, which is why this spot goes to multiple scenes featuring the charismatic actors.
Upon leaving Themyscira, Diana and Steve share a wonderful "get to know you" conversation in their boat which exemplifies Diana's curious charm towards the outside world. After the "No Man's Land" battle, the pair happily dance on a snowy night, something Diana has never experienced, as she continues to explore the good in humanity through Steve.
Inside The Batmobile (Batman)
Burton's Batman may be evidence of style over substance, but when he gets the style right, he does it very well. This is particularly evident in the iconic Batmobile ride with Batman and Vicki Vale.
After rescuing Vicki from The Joker, Batman steers them towards the Batcave. Hurtling through twisted forest roads, Vicki stares at Batman cautiously, as if she's attempting to figure him out. Batman catches her and flicks his eyes towards her and then away quickly. As she draws nearer, he glances at her once more before engaging the cave entrance, shocking Vicki. The scene is exciting despite no dialogue being spoken, thanks largely to Danny Elfman's rising score and Michael Keaton and Kim Basinger's performances.
Harvey Dent's Demise (The Dark Knight)
Despite being a Batman movie, The Dark Knight is actually Harvey Dent's story. As the film's protagonist, Harvey becomes consumed by the actions of the Joker and unleashes the inner darkness he's long kept at bay as Two-Face.
The ending features an emotional stand-off between Harvey, Commissioner Gordon, and Batman, mirroring their meeting earlier in the film around the Bat-signal. Harvey admonishes Batman and Gordon for not listening to him or stopping the Joker while Batman attempts to reason with Harvey's goodness. Harvey reveals he knows there's no coming back from his actions and that the only thing left for him is his coin, the unprejudiced "fair," which he plans to use on Batman, Gordon's son, and himself.
"You Are My Son" (Man Of Steel)
After saving a busload of students, teenage Clark Kent sees how fearfully others view his unnatural powers. His surrogate father Jonathan explains that people are afraid of what they don't understand. Jonathan decides to reveal the truth that Clark is an alien, with another father somewhere in the universe. Clark asks why he can't just be Jonathan's son, to which his father replies he is.
Despite the mixed opinions the movie received, Man of Steel has an incredible amount of heart. The father-son relationship with both dads is explored much greater than in any other Superman film and it believably establishes why Clark is capable of feeling such alienation from humanity.
Bathroom Dance (Joker)
Twenty years ago, a scene like Arthur Fleck's bathroom dance would not have been allowed in a comic book movie. Thankfully, the art form has evolved so much so that the audience is allowed to explore the mind of a man who's slowly cracking under the weight of systemic societal issues.
What makes the scene play so well is the complete lack of flair. Juxtaposed against Arthur's bright clown makeup is the dim lighting and absence of dialogue. Icelandic composer Hildur Guðnadóttir allows a simple cello melody to play along to Arthur's rhythmic dancing, signaling the birth of his true self.
Meeting The Family (Shazam!)
2019's Shazam! helped usher in a lighter, yet still well-made, side of the DC universe. Underneath its powerful joy lies a story about abandonment, longing for connection, and the human heroes that open their arms to those in need.
When foster child Billy Batson is brought into the Vasquez home at age 14, he's understandably put off by the notion of anyone caring for him, considering he was orphaned at such a young age. After arriving at his home, the personalities of each of the adopted Vasquez children are steadily revealed in such a way that pays off later in the film. The scene establishes the core of what will drive and help Billy succeed in understanding how heroism works.
Alfred Leaves Bruce (The Dark Knight Rises)
Alfred is, more often than not, Bruce's conscience, something the Dark Knight trilogy explores in great depth. When he sees the weakened Bruce biting off more than he can chew against Bane and reality, Alfred makes the heartbreaking decision to leave Wayne Manor permanently.
In a film that features a show-stopping stadium explosion and an opening plane heist to end all heists, it's the quiet moment between a surrogate father and his only family that steals the show. Alfred comes clean over Rachel's letter, implores Bruce to accept the truth, and tearfully acknowledges that leaving Bruce will incur his wrath, but it's worth doing if he's able to save his life.
Lois Interviews Superman (Superman)
There are many great and emotional moments in comic book movies, but few scenes are worthy of being considered truly "magical." The scene between Lois and Clark on her apartment balcony is simply that: a love letter to great characters, great story, and movie magic.
As Superman lands on Lois' balcony, startling her, the battle of charm begins. The scene is choreographed beautifully, with the intrepid Lois interviewing the respectful Superman as they maneuver throughout the garden setting. Their dialogue explores the scenery as much as their emotions do, resulting in a scene that feels more like a stage play. In the end, the iconography of the film could be traced back to the amazing writing, direction, acting, and chemistry of this magical moment.