A Complete Guide to the DC Animated Universe

While Marvel dominates the feature film space, DC has forged its own path with a big roster of unforgettable animated shows and films. The DC Animated Universe (DCAU) stretches back to the 1990s, so it can be difficult to know the continuity of films and shows. There have been several animated timelines and standalones, but when most people think of the DCAU, they think of the shows created by the team helmed by Bruce Timm. Fans lovingly refer to these interconnected films and TV shows as the Timmverse. We’ll explore the Timmverse in depth, as well as honorable mentions from other timelines.

Batman: The Animated Series (1992 – 1995)

Batman: The Animated Series, Image credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment

The DC Animated Universe kicks off with an absolute classic, Batman: The Animated Series. The series was intended to support the vision of Batman’s world, which Tim Burton presented in his live-action Batman movies. The show is full of dark themes and a noir aesthetic. While the show is episodic in nature, it’s recommended to watch it before diving into the Batman animated movies.

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)

It can be difficult to place this film within the animated series continuity, so the best bet might be to watch it after season one of the animated series. The film includes several flashbacks to Bruce Wayne’s first year as Batman, enabling it to function independently. This is one of the most critically acclaimed animated Batman films.

Batman and Mr. Freeze: Subzero (1998)

Batman and Mr. Freeze: Subzero, Image credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment

Witness the origins of the famous Batman villain, Mr. Freeze, in another critically lauded animated Batman film. Fans loved the Mr. Freeze backstory presented in the animated series, which portrayed a sympathetic character with complex motives as he fought to save his wife’s life. This film follows up on the Mr. Freeze storyline from the animated series.

Superman: The Animated Series (1996 – 2000)

After the huge success of Batman: The Animated Series, Warner Bros. tried to capture that formula in a Superman animated series to great acclaim. The show captures many of the classic elements of Superman’s story and personality while introducing new elements that make him feel fresh. The show aired simultaneously as The New Batman Adventures (which some platforms and collections have lumped into the original Batman animated series), so bear in mind that these two series have some crossover. Superman and Batman meet for the first time in the three-part arc in Superman called “World’s Finest.”

Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman (2003)

Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman, Image credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment

This animated film works well on its own, taking place far into the future of the typical Batman: The Animated Series timeline. It centers on Barbara Gordon and her journey to becoming Batwoman. The film also suggested a romance between Barbara and Bruce Wayne, a divisive decision among fans. While the film can stand alone, it’s important viewing to prep for the classic story, The Killing Joke.

Justice League (2001 – 2004)

Justice League brings the whole DC Animated Universe into one super team, including Batman, Superman, The Flash, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, Green Lantern, and Hawkgirl. This epic series took on some of DC’s biggest storylines, touching other worlds and timelines.

Static Shock (2000 – 2004)

Static Shock, Image credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment

The Static Shock series introduced Virgil Hawkins, a new hero to the DC Animated Universe. The show starts following the antics of this electric-powered teen hero, but eventually involves other members of the Justice League, tying some storylines together.

Justice League Unlimited (2004 – 2006)

This show continues from the end of the earlier Justice League series but expands to a much larger scale. It includes many new members and characters that comic book fans recognize but are new to animated series fans. You might want to skip episode 26 and watch it at the end of the list, as it’s the closest thing to an ending the DCAU has offered.

Batman and Harley Quinn (2017)

Batman and Harley Quinn, Image credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment

This film stars fan-favorite character, Harley Quinn, voiced by Melissa Rauch, as she teams up with Batman. This film is only loosely connected to the DCAU timeline, but you will find hints that it takes place shortly after the events of Justice League Unlimited.

Justice League vs. The Fatal Five (2019)

This film was a nice callback to the Justice League Unlimited series. Since it was created so long after the show ended, it was a nice bit of nostalgia for fans. The art style is similar to the originals and remains true to the DCAU or “Timmverse.”

Batman Beyond (1999)

Batman Beyond, Image credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment

This exciting and imaginative show introduced us to a new Batman, Terry McGinnis. The show is meant to take place far into the future in a new twist on Gotham, full of cyberpunk aesthetics and storylines. Batman Beyond earned tons of loyal fans with fond memories of the innovative show.

The Zeta Project (2001)

This show is for the die-hard Batman Beyond fans since it’s a short spin-off series of only 26 episodes. Although it features Terry McGinnis, it has no other major connections to the DCAU and can stand on its own or even get skipped if you aren’t that into Batman Beyond.

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000)

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, Image credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment

This film is a must-watch for fans of the clown prince of crime, as we see Mark Hamill returning to voice him. The Joker faces off against Terry McGinnis in a classic clash that many consider a staple of the DCAU.

Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part 3 (2024)

This film is technically a continuation of a key storyline in the “Tomorrowverse” series of animated films, but because it’s a multiverse-hopping story, part three involves characters and storylines from the “Timmverse.” You have to include this film if you want the full experience of the Timmverse with every storyline.

Films in the Tomorrowverse

Batman: The Long Halloween – Part One, Image credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment

The Tomorrowverse shares a consistent art style, the same voice actors, and a shared storyline. A multiversal story that also includes classic storylines, like Batman: The Long Halloween, this set of films is worth a watch for DC fans. Here’s the watch order:

Superman: Man of Tomorrow
DC Showcase: Adam Strange
Justice Society: World War II
DC Showcase: Kamandi: The Last Boy on Earth!
Batman: The Long Halloween – Part One
Batman: The Long Halloween – Part Two
Green Lantern: Beware My Power
Legion of Super-Heroes
Justice League: Warworld
Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths – Parts One through Three

Other DC Animated Shows Worth Watching

The shows on this list are generally standalone episodes but are also critically acclaimed, and I recommend them. Exceptions include Kiteman: Hell Yeah!, a spin-off of the Harley Quinn show.

Teen Titans
Teen Titans Go!
My Adventures with Superman
Harley Quinn
Young Justice
Creature Commandos
Suicide Squad Isekai
Kite Man: Hell Yeah!

See also:

Featured image photo credit: Warner Bros. Entertainment