While it took some stumbles trying to catch up to the MCU, the DCEU has assembled an interesting and varied collection of superhero movies with plenty of other exciting projects in the works. With so many iconic characters to play with, it's no surprise these movies have delivered some big moments.
From the amazing action sequences to the crowd-pleasing comic book references to huge character moments, the DCEU is filled with some unforgettable scenes. Even if some of their movies might not be as popular as others, there are certain moments all fans love to revisit.
The Darkseid Flashback - Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
One of the most-talked-about additions to Zack Snyder's Justice League was the iconic villain Darkseid. Though mentioned in the theatrical release, Snyder's cut makes him a looming threat and even gives him an epic action sequence.
The scene is similar to one seen in the theatrical cut, but replaces Steppenwolf with the much more exciting Darkseid. The sequence has a lot to blow fans' minds besides the villain, with appearances from DC gods as well as the first inclusion of a Green Lantern in the DCEU in this giant battle.
The Funhouse Fight - Birds Of Prey (2020)
As the first DCEU movie to receive an R-rating, Birds of Prey had a lot of fun embracing its wildness with more freedom. And while Margot Robbie continues to shine in the role of Harley Quinn, she is also joined in this movie by a great ensemble of badasses.
The cultivation of this fun cast and wild R-rated movie comes with a climactic battle in a funhouse. Seeing these characters finally come together is very satisfying and there is some truly incredible action choreography. Its wild, bloody, and colorful energy seems to sum up the entire tone of the movie.
Sicily Battle - Aquaman (2018)
There was a lot of question as to how a solo Aquaman movie would turn out, but the result was a whole lot of fun. It was another vibrant DCEU adventure that really embraced the comic book feel with some huge sequences. One of the best comes when Aquaman and Mera face-off with the villainous Black Manta in Sicily.
The extended fight sequence showcases the movie's amazing action in the hands of director James Wan. Black Manta also makes for a terrific adversary who proves more than a match for Aquaman. The result is a wonderful bit of comic book action fun that thrills audiences.
First Flight - Man Of Steel (2013)
Man of Steel was the movie that kickstarted the DCEU and introduced a new take on the story of Superman. While audiences were more than familiar with this origin tale, Snyder and Henry Cavill in the heroic lead role managed to deliver some unforgettable moments.
The most breathtaking sequence is when Superman takes his first flight. In many ways, it is the classic superhero movie scene of the protagonist testing their newfound powers. But it is also surprisingly moving as Superman is also coming to terms with who he and his powers will mean for humanity.
The Family Comes Together - Shazam! (2019)
Though he's one of the lesser-known characters in the DCEU, Shazam! was one of the most enjoyable of the movies thus far. It was a funny superhero tale that followed a teenage boy who basically becomes Superman. The movie has a lot of fun with that premise, but it also tells a touching story of a family.
The most rewarding moment comes when Shazam's adopted family comes together to defeat the villains, with all the other kids turning into superheroes as well. It is a wonderful crowd-pleasing moment that will no doubt be explored more in the sequel.
Battle Of The Ocean - Aquaman (2018)
While some of the DCEU movies were criticized for being overly serious, that is not a problem Aquaman had. The movie focuses on an underwater world of kingdoms, wars, and monsters, so the movie knows not to take itself too seriously and just have fun with all the mayhem.
This is especially true of the climactic battle sequence that really throws everything at the audience in a gloriously fun way. With people riding into battle on seahorses and sharks, Aquaman showing up in his classic comic book costume, and a giant Kraken joining the fight, it's hard not to smile throughout the whole sequence.
Destruction Of Metropolis - Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016)
The destruction of Metropolis at the end of Man of Steel was a fairly controversial moment as it seemed like mindless collateral damage. However, it was used to interesting effect in the opening sequence of Batman v Superman as the movie gave a ground-level look at the battle from Bruce Wayne's perspective.
The image of Bruce running towards the collapsing building was both eerie and heroic, helping to establish this version of Batman. It was made Superman seem like a genuinely terrifying threat which made Bruce's distrust of him pretty understandable.
The Knightmare Sequence - Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
Not only did Zack Snyder's Justice League give fans the filmmaker's original vision for the epic movie, but it also hinted at how he saw the future of the DCEU. The best example of this is in the so-called Knightmare sequence that teases Snyder's eventual plans.
The sequence is short and it's looking less likely that Snyder will be able to fully explore this idea at Warner Bros. in the future. However, the post-apocalyptic setting, the ragtag group of survivors, and a memorable interaction between Batman and Joker made this a highlight of the Snyder Cut for many fans.
Warehouse Attack - Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice (2016)
There were a lot of things people criticized about Batman v Superman, but Ben Affleck's portrayal of the new Batman was seen as a highlight. And the moment that really sold him to fans as an exciting new version of the Caped Crusader was his warehouse fight.
To date, this is the best Batman action sequence that movies have delivered. It is very well choreographed with brutal and fast-paced action. It really makes Batman seem like the kind of vigilante who has been doing this for a long time and really knows how to handle himself in a fight.
No Man's Land – Wonder Woman (2017)
By the time Wonder Woman was released, the DCEU was struggling. Despite box office success, the movies were received with mostly mixed responses, putting the whole franchise into question. However, Wonder Woman proved this film universe was still capable of being great, and it proved it with one iconic moment.
When faced with the horrors of war, Diana picks up her shield and steps out into the "No Man's Land" of the battlefield. Watching this powerful and courageous woman stand against an onslaught of bullets and bombs while continuing to move forward was not only a highlight of the DCEU, but the superhero genre overall.