The Most Controversial DCEU Movies

The Flash: A CGI Extravaganza

The Flash, a mind-bending facet of DC lore, divided critics and audiences with its heavy use of CGI and raucous entertainment. While critics scored it at 63%, audiences enjoyed it far more at 83%. The movie's frivolous take on the superhero world earned it nods of approval from fans, despite the messy execution. The cavalcade of cameos, including Michael Keaton's return as Batman, struck a chord with fans and added a layer of nostalgia and excitement to the movie. However, the excessive use of CGI was a point of contention among critics and audiences alike, leading to a significant divide in opinion.

The Flash running, and preparing to run, in the 2023 movie.

The Flash's CGI-heavy approach drew mixed reviews, with some praising its visual spectacle and others criticizing it for being too over-the-top. The movie's blend of humor, emotion, and mind-bending storytelling appealed to fans, but it fell short of critical acclaim due to its messy execution and reliance on CGI. Despite the divide in opinion, The Flash managed to capture the essence of DC's rich lore and provide an entertaining experience for superhero enthusiasts.

Ezra Miller As Barry Allen Eating In The Flash Movie

Black Adam: A Spectacle of Originality

Dwayne Johnson's portrayal of Black Adam received widespread praise from audiences, earning the movie an impressive 88% audience score. However, critics were less enthused, giving it a 38% score. The divide in opinion stemmed from the movie's use of CGI and its muddled plot. While critics criticized the movie's reliance on visual effects, audiences lauded its originality and the introduction of previously unseen heroes. Fans were particularly enthusiastic about the promise of a 'new direction' for the DCEU, expressing excitement for the upcoming DCU reboot. The impassioned embodiment of the role by Dwayne Johnson and the movie's fresh take on antihero storytelling resonated strongly with audiences, despite the critics' reservations.

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

Black Adam's bold approach to storytelling and its portrayal of previously unseen heroes struck a chord with audiences, leading to overwhelming support and a high audience score. Despite criticism from some quarters, the movie's promise of a new direction for the DCEU and Dwayne Johnson's powerful performance as Black Adam garnered widespread praise from fans. The divide in opinion between critics and audiences highlighted the movie's ability to captivate audiences with its originality and spectacle, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in the DCEU.

Dwayne Johnson in Black Adam

Shazam! Fury Of The Gods: A Family-Friendly Romp

Shazam! Fury Of The Gods, the sequel to the popular Shazam!, divided critics and audiences with its family-friendly romp. While critics scored it at 49%, audiences embraced it with an impressive 86% score. The movie's lighthearted and family-friendly approach resonated strongly with audiences, who appreciated the harmless fun it offered. Despite the critics' reservations, audiences found joy in the movie's ability to deliver an entertaining and heartwarming experience. The divide in opinion highlighted the movie's ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level while falling short of critical acclaim.

Zachary Levi's Shazam looking scared in Shazam! Fury of the Gods

Shazam! Fury Of The Gods' family-friendly romp and lighthearted storytelling captured the hearts of audiences, earning it a high audience score. The movie's emphasis on fun and entertainment, coupled with its family-friendly themes, struck a chord with fans, leading to overwhelming support. While critics raised concerns about the sequel's departure from the original, audiences celebrated its ability to deliver a heartwarming and enjoyable experience. The divide in opinion underscored the movie's ability to resonate with audiences on a personal level, establishing it as a beloved addition to the DCEU.

Wonder Woman speaks back over her shoulder to Billy Batson in Shazam: Fury of the Gods

Justice League: A Tale of Tonal Inconsistency

Justice League, the iconic ensemble movie, faced a significant divide in opinion between critics and audiences. While critics scored it at 39%, audiences were more generous with a 67% score. The movie's tonal inconsistency and switch-up of creative visions drew criticism from both critics and audiences, highlighting the challenges of bringing together iconic heroes in a live-action setting. Despite the divide, audiences defended the movie as a popcorn blockbuster that delivered entertainment and spectacle, finding solace in the novelty of seeing their favorite heroes unite on the big screen. The divide in opinion shed light on the movie's ability to evoke nostalgia and excitement among audiences while facing critical scrutiny for its execution.

Justice League DCEU Movie Poster featuring the full cast together

Justice League's ambitious attempt to unite iconic heroes faced mixed reception from critics and audiences, resulting in a significant divide in opinion. The movie's blend of nostalgia, spectacle, and popcorn entertainment resonated strongly with audiences, earning it a respectable audience score. Despite the critics' reservations, audiences celebrated the movie's ability to bring their favorite heroes to life on the big screen, emphasizing its role as a thrilling and nostalgic blockbuster. The divide in opinion underscored the movie's ability to evoke a sense of unity and excitement among fans, despite facing critical scrutiny for its execution.

Batman in his special suit faces off against Superman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Man Of Steel: A New Spin on Superman

Man of Steel, the superhero debut that sparked a wave of opinions, faced differing perspectives from critics and audiences. While critics scored it at 56%, audiences were more enamored with a 75% score. The movie's darker tone and fresh take on the Superman character divided opinions among audiences and critics, highlighting the challenges of reimagining a beloved superhero. Despite the initial divide, audiences embraced the movie's portrayal of Henry Cavill as Superman and the darker, more complex storytelling, leading to a significant gap in scores. The divide in opinion shed light on the movie's ability to spark debates and discussions about the evolution of superhero storytelling.

Henry Cavill's Superman stands stoically in Man of Steel

Man of Steel's bold reimagining of the Superman character and its darker tone sparked debates and discussions among audiences and critics, resulting in a significant divide in opinion. The movie's attempt to offer a new spin on the iconic superhero resonated strongly with audiences, who praised Henry Cavill's portrayal and the movie's ambitious storytelling. Despite facing criticism from some quarters, Man of Steel succeeded in sparking conversations about the evolution of superhero storytelling and the reinterpretation of classic characters. The divide in opinion underscored the movie's ability to challenge conventions and reimagine a beloved superhero for a new generation.

Superman (Henry Cavill) prepares for his first flight in Man of Steel

Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice: A Spectacle of Power

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the clash of DC powerhouses, faced a significant divide in opinion between critics and audiences. While critics scored it at 29%, audiences were more generous with a 63% score. The movie's ambitious portrayal of the iconic clash and the introduction of Wonder Woman resonated strongly with audiences, leading to a significant gap in scores. Despite the critics' reservations, audiences celebrated the movie's spectacle and the promise of future plots, emphasizing its role as a thrilling and ambitious superhero epic. The divide in opinion highlighted the movie's ability to captivate audiences with its grandeur and set the stage for a new era of superhero storytelling.

Composite image of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice's Superman and Batman looking in each other's direction.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice's ambitious portrayal of the clash of DC powerhouses sparked debates and discussions among audiences and critics, resulting in a significant divide in opinion. The movie's bold approach to introducing Wonder Woman and setting the stage for future plots resonated strongly with audiences, who praised its grandeur and ambition. Despite facing criticism from some quarters, Batman v Superman succeeded in capturing audiences' imagination and setting the stage for a new era of superhero storytelling. The divide in opinion underscored the movie's ability to challenge conventions and pave the way for a new chapter in the DCEU.

Batman and Superman fight in Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice.

Suicide Squad: A Messy Yet Entertaining Outing

Suicide Squad, the first cinematic outing of Waller's Task Force X, faced criticism from critics and audiences alike. While critics scored it at 26%, audiences were more forgiving with a 58% score. The movie's messy plot and insubstantial characters drew criticism from critics, highlighting the challenges of bringing a diverse cast of antiheroes together. Despite the divide, audiences appreciated the movie's sheer entertainment factor and the performances of Margot Robbie and Will Smith, leading to a significant gap in scores. The divide in opinion shed light on the movie's ability to provide sheer entertainment and cultivate a loyal fan base despite its shortcomings.

Will Smith as Deadshot in Suicide Squad

Suicide Squad's messy yet entertaining portrayal of Waller's Task Force X resonated strongly with audiences, resulting in a significant gap in scores between critics and audiences. The movie's emphasis on sheer entertainment and the standout performances of Margot Robbie and Will Smith captivated audiences, leading to a loyal fan base. Despite facing criticism for its messy execution, Suicide Squad succeeded in establishing a unique niche within the DCEU and cultivating a dedicated following. The divide in opinion underscored the movie's ability to provide unapologetic entertainment and resonate with audiences on a personal level.

A close-up of Killer Croc wearing a hood in Suicide Squad

Zack Snyder's Justice League: A Triumph of Vision

Zack Snyder's Justice League, the culmination of a director's vision, faced a significant divide in opinion between critics and audiences. While critics scored it at 72%, audiences were overwhelmingly supportive with a 93% score. The movie's sprawling cut and expanded vision resonated strongly with audiences, who praised its faithfulness to the director's original intent. Despite the divide, audiences celebrated the movie as a triumph of vision and a testament to the power of fan-driven storytelling, leading to a significant gap in scores. The divide in opinion highlighted the movie's ability to inspire and unite audiences in support of a director's creative vision.

Zack Snyder's Justice League Cast After Battle

Zack Snyder's Justice League's triumph of vision and sprawling cut resonated strongly with audiences, resulting in a significant gap in scores between critics and audiences. The movie's unyielding commitment to the director's original vision and the inclusion of fan-driven storytelling captivated audiences, leading to overwhelming support. Despite facing criticism from some quarters, Zack Snyder's Justice League succeeded in uniting audiences in support of a director's creative vision and inspiring a new wave of fan-driven storytelling. The divide in opinion underscored the movie's ability to harness the power of fan-driven narratives and unite audiences in support of a singular vision.

Wonder Woman in 2021's Zack Snyder's Justice League