The DC Extended Universe (DCEU) began in 2013 with Man of Steel and evolved into a sprawling, complex superhero world filled with gods, monsters, multiverses, and box office chaos. Whether you’re a fan catching up or preparing for James Gunn’s new DCU reboot, this blog will guide you through the complete DCEU timeline—in chronological order.
🔹 What Is the DCEU?
The DCEU refers to Warner Bros.’ cinematic universe based on DC Comics characters. While it started with interconnected storytelling like the MCU, it later shifted into multiverse and standalone stories. The timeline can be confusing—but we’ve laid it out clearly below.
🕒 Chronological Timeline of DCEU Movies
🦕 1. Wonder Woman (2017)
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Timeline Setting: World War I (1918)
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Diana of Themyscira enters the world of men during WWI to stop Ares, the god of war.
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The earliest DCEU film in terms of historical setting.
☄️ 2. Man of Steel (2013)
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Timeline Setting: Modern Day (~2013)
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Kal-El’s origin story. Clark Kent discovers his powers and fights General Zod.
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The true beginning of the DCEU in release order.
🤖 3. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
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Timeline Setting: 18 months after Man of Steel
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Bruce Wayne faces Superman as the world debates the god-like alien’s power.
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Introduces Wonder Woman and sets up Justice League.
🧟 4. Suicide Squad (2016)
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Timeline Setting: Shortly after Batman v Superman
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Government forms Task Force X to combat meta-human threats.
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Introduces Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Enchantress, and more.
⚔️ 5. Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
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Timeline Setting: 1984 (Flashback)
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Set decades after Diana’s first film but before modern DCEU events.
🌊 6. Justice League / Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2017/2021)
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Timeline Setting: After BvS
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The League comes together to stop Steppenwolf.
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Zack Snyder’s cut is the definitive version for DCEU continuity.
🌊 7. Aquaman (2018)
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Timeline Setting: After Justice League
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Arthur Curry claims the throne of Atlantis and fights for peace between ocean and surface worlds.
⚡ 8. Shazam! (2019)
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Timeline Setting: Around the same time as Aquaman
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A young boy gains god-like powers and becomes Shazam. Light-hearted addition to the DCEU.
🌪️ 9. Birds of Prey (2020)
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Timeline Setting: After Suicide Squad
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Harley Quinn breaks free from Joker and forms an antihero team with Black Canary and Huntress.
🔮 10. Black Adam (2022)
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Timeline Setting: Flashbacks to ancient Kahndaq + modern timeline
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Introduces the anti-hero Black Adam and the Justice Society of America.
⚡ 11. Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
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Timeline Setting: After Shazam!
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Billy Batson and the Shazamily face goddesses and powerful enemies.
🌀 12. The Flash (2023)
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Timeline Setting: Multiverse/Mixed timeline
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Barry Allen time-travels to save his mom, creating alternate realities.
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Ends with a soft reboot—setting the stage for the upcoming DCU.
🌊 13. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
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Timeline Setting: Post-Justice League, post-Flashpoint
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Sequel to Aquaman. Ends the original DCEU era as we know it.
🧠 Multiverse & Confusion: What Happened?
The DCEU eventually collapsed into a multiverse of timelines after behind-the-scenes changes, reshoots, and canceled plans (Batgirl, Snyderverse 2). The Flash served as a semi-reset button, paving the way for a new cinematic universe led by James Gunn.
🔄 What’s Next: Enter the DCU (2025+)
Starting with Superman (2025), the new DCU will begin:
| Phase | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Gods & Monsters (2025–2027) | Rebooted universe, not directly connected to DCEU |
| First Movie: Superman (2025) | Directed by James Gunn, starring David Corenswet |
| New Characters: Booster Gold, Supergirl, The Authority, Swamp Thing |
📢 Final Thoughts
Whether you loved Zack Snyder’s Justice League or enjoyed the lighter tone of Shazam!, the DCEU gave us a bold, experimental superhero saga. While it didn’t always stick the landing, it carved a unique legacy in comic-book cinema.
Now, with the DCU reboot around the corner, it’s the perfect time to revisit the timeline that started it all.
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