Classic DC Movies — Pre-DCEU Films

Before the DCEU launched in 2013, DC had produced more than thirty theatrical films across multiple disconnected continuities. The most celebrated entries include Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy (2005–2012), Tim Burton's gothic Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992), and Richard Donner's Superman (1978). Modern entries include Todd Phillips's standalone Joker (2019) and Matt Reeves's The Batman (2022) — both operating as independent Elseworlds branches outside the DCEU and DCU.

For complete actor rankings, see Every Batman Actor Ranked and Every Joker Actor Ranked.