Unveiling the Ultimate Pre-Dark Knight DC Movie Champion

The Flash has received rave reviews, with many comparing it to the iconic movie, The Dark Knight. Fans of the DC universe are now debating which movie was the best before Christopher Nolan's blockbuster hit in 2008. The Dark Knight's critical and commercial success, along with Heath Ledger's unforgettable portrayal of the Joker, has made it the benchmark for all superhero movies. As a result, every new DC film is judged against it, with fans searching for the title of "best DC movie since The Dark Knight."

However, there have been few comparisons made between The Dark Knight and the movies that preceded it in the DC universe. A Reddit user, thePHEnomIShere, has sought to rectify this by starting a discussion, and other Reddit users share their opinions on the matter. Unlike with recent releases, fans seem to agree on a few pre-Nolan movies that are as good as The Dark Knight. Read on for their responses below.

Including movies such as A History of Violence and V for Vendetta is relevant to this discussion, as they are adaptations of comic books and graphic novels published by DC. Though they exist outside of the mainstream DC universe associated with superheroes like Batman, Superman, and the Justice League, their inclusion highlights the diversity of the DC filmography. While Batman and Superman have been popular for decades, it is important to consider factors such as official reviews, audience reception, box office success, and overall impact on the genre when comparing the two iconic characters.

Richard Donner's 1978 release, Superman, received rave reviews and shattered box office records. It was the first major live-action superhero film since the 1960s Batman TV show and its 1966 movie, paving the way for comic book adaptations to become a full-fledged genre. Even today, Christopher Reeve's portrayal of Superman continues to serve as a benchmark for casting decisions and the development of Superman's appearance and personality in all media.

Tim Burton's Batman revolutionized the superhero genre with its unique style, departing from Adam West's campy TV portrayal and introducing a darker, brooding character. Despite initial controversy surrounding Michael Keaton's casting, the film's massive promotional campaign and bold creative decisions led to its undeniable success, becoming the highest-grossing DC movie until The Dark Knight. While critically received similarly to Superman, certain choices, such as Batman breaking his no-killing rule and Joker murdering Bruce Wayne's parents, sparked criticism. With few universally disliked DC movies before The Dark Knight, Tim Burton's Batman and Richard Donner's Superman remain contenders for the title of "best DC movie before The Dark Knight," but Batman's enduring cultural impact and Michael Keaton's reprisal of the role make it a favorite among fans.