The Evolution of DC Movies: From Box Office Bombs to Cult Classics

The Rise of Cult Classics

Compared to Marvel, DCEU movies and their earlier ancestors don't typically have the same mainstream appeal, but many of their films have fostered fanbases that have grown over time. Despite having a loyal base of dedicated viewers, movies based on DC comics have often struggled to achieve critical success. That being said, time has been kinder to some DC movies, being fondly remembered as cult classics despite being lambasted upon their initial release.

Dwayne Johnson as Black Adam sitting on his throne in Black Adam

There are several different ways DC's films have grown exponentially in popularity. Sometimes, DC's admittedly bad films gain an ironic appeal over time as so-bad-it's-good ironic entertainment that provides a good time on a re-watch, even if perhaps not in the way the filmmakers intended. Yet more DC movies simply tend to work better as in-home streaming successes rather than blockbuster events, providing more value as a solid choice for a movie night with a streaming service rather than a showing worth going out to the theaters for.

From Box Office Failure to Streaming Success

The journey of DC movies from box office bombs to streaming successes has been a fascinating one. Let's take a closer look at some of the most notable examples.

One such example is 'Black Adam,' which represented the beginning of the end for the franchise's box office success. A dual-pronged failure both critically and financially, new life was breathed into the Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson-led blockbuster's Netflix run, with Black Adam cracking the top ten on Netflix a year after its theatrical release. Not a terrible film by any means, it seems Black Adam was always destined to be a moderate streaming success rather than the flagship franchise-carrier Warner Bros. wanted it to be.

Another film that defied initial critical reception is 'Suicide Squad.' Widely reviled as one of the DCEU's weakest films, it put up impressive numbers on Netflix, charting in the top five most-watched films on the platform a whopping seven years after its initial debut. It's unclear whether morbid curiosity has drawn new eyes to Suicide Squad in the wake of its reputation, or if the same unwavering fans that made the film a box office success simply never stopped loving it.

Captain Boomerang, Killer Croc, Harley Quinn, Deadshot, and Rick Flag in Suicide Squad 2016

Similarly, 'Birds Of Prey' faced challenges upon its release, but in the years since, DC fans have recognized it as an underrated entry in the DCEU, despite the poor advertising and character changes. In a vacuum, Birds Of Prey is a solid, fun, brightly-colored action flick, and its streaming success has contributed to its growing popularity.

Birds of Prey DCEU Poster Image

The Power of Ironic Enjoyment

Some of the most notorious DC movies have found a new life through ironic enjoyment. Films like 'Batman & Robin' and 'Catwoman,' initially criticized for their tasteless performances and lack of respect for the source material, have become great choices for group movie nights, providing a level of negative enjoyment that is unparalleled.

poster for Batman & Robin (1997) and Val Kilmer as Batman in Batman Forever (1995)

Batman & Robin, infamous for being the single worst live-action Batman movie, has found a place in the hearts of fans who appreciate the sheer strangeness and unapologetic cash-grab nature of the film. Similarly, Catwoman has become a pinnacle of ironic enjoyment, a testament to a simpler time of cheesy music videos, hammy performances, and laughably terrible SFX, culminating in a triumph of a deliciously watchable mess.

The evolution of these films from critical failure to ironic enjoyment showcases the enduring appeal of DC movies, even in their most flawed iterations.

Catwoman crouching

Resurgence of Legacy

Finally, the resurgence of legacy has played a significant role in the evolving perception of DC movies. Films like 'Man of Steel' and 'Superman Returns' have undergone a shift in how they are viewed over time.

Henry Cavill's Superman prepares to protect Earth in Man of Steel

Zack Snyder's 'Man of Steel' was divisive from the very beginning, but now, the film that began the DCEU is being looked on more favorably than ever before. Similarly, 'Superman Returns' has gained more acclaim as the last version of a Superman that truly feels like a bastion of hope.

Brandon Routh As Superman Rising Out Of The Water In Superman Returns Movie

The evolving perception of these films reflects the enduring impact of DC characters and their ability to resonate with audiences across different eras.