10 Best DC Movie Posters Of All Time, Ranked

Posters remain a crucial part of any movie campaign, and superhero movies are no exception. Across all mediums, the DC Multiverse is vast and varied, with their movies ranging from bold and distinct to dark and gritty in tone, partially due to the rich cast of characters they have to work with.

Regardless of the tone and particular property being adapted, these movies had to be captured convincingly in their posters, and some of these did so brilliantly. Whether it was through a use of recognizable icons, a bold color palette, or eye-catching artwork, ten DC movie posters did it the best.

10 Suicide Squad (2016)

One of the most anticipated movies of 2016 was Suicide Squad. This is most likely because it would be the first time for fans to see the ensemble team of villains-turned-anti heroes bought to the big screen. So, as a result, the poster had to meet that hype, and this one was successful. With unconventional bold and neon colors, an eye-popping comic book style, and the amusing slogan “Worst. Heroes. Ever.,” the Suicide Squad poster is fun and anarchic, much like the Squad themselves.

9 Aquaman (2018)

Whilst instantly recognizable, earlier incarnations of Aquaman would be considered by some as a little bit corny, due to his trim blonde hair and green tights. However, director James Wan and Jason Mamoa give the water-based superhero a raw breath of fresh air, turning Aquaman into a rugged and dynamic powerhouse.

This poster captures this new powerful Aquaman perfectly, the hero wielding the trident in front of a vast view of Atlantis and a massive array of sea creatures. If this poster is anything to go by, this Aquaman definitely means business.

8 Man Of Steel (2013)

In Man of Steel, director Zack Snyder attempted to recreate the story of Superman in a darker tone similar to Batman, but it did not quite work. Having said that, one of its posters does capture this feel whilst keeping the true tone of Superman. Whilst not the main movie poster, this alternative poster above remains simple yet striking. Most of Superman is hidden in shadow, with the light revealing his signature “S” logo – all that is needed to identify him.

7 Birds Of Prey (2020)

Birds of Prey was a spin-off of Suicide Squad and focuses on the manic Harley Quinn’s adventures with a newfound team of heroines. The main posters of the movie, whilst beautifully done, were rather out of place to promote a movie about someone like Harley Quinn. The alternative Birds of Prey poster above, however, captures the movie much more effectively. With her trademark mallet to one side and sprawled on a smashed police car in a carefree manner, this poster visualizes the spirit of Harley Quinn perfectly.

6 Swamp Thing (1982)

The movie Swamp Thing is perhaps a lesser-known DC movie compared to the others, but the Alan Moore’s comic books are certainly some of the most thought-provoking.  The artwork for the movie’s poster, created by fantasy artist Richard Hescox, is striking and bold, reminiscent of a pulp horror comic book or a 1950s sci-fi B movie. But unlike those, the woman Swamp Thing is carrying (Adrienne Barbeau) is not screaming in terror, a nice indication that he is actually the good guy. Although not as famous, this poster remains timeless.

5 Joker (2019)

Directed by Todd Phillips, the critically acclaimed Joker was one of the most influential movies in 2019, and it’s very clear why.  Joaquin Phoenix gives a fresh and original twist on the renowned Batman villain, depicting the comedian-turned-criminal in a somewhat sympathetic light. So as a result, this teaser poster is the perfect introduction to the disturbing and touching origin story. Dark, simplistic, and hauntingly beautiful, the poster sums up the overall tone of the movie whilst remaining a wonderful piece of artwork.

4 Watchmen (2009)

The dystopian Watchmen is arguably DC’s grittiest movie to date. The movie posters are rather bleak yet also bold, using distinct yellow text and neon lights against the dismal blues of the cold city. The teaser poster is not only an example of this but perhaps the best one. It not only gives an action-packed look into the gritty world of Watchmen but it also looks more like a still from the movie and invites people in more than the standard group shot of the main poster.

3 Superman Returns (2006)

Directed by Bryan Singer, Superman Returns bought the Man of Steel flying back to the big screen after nearly twenty years. So, as with any movie, the promotional marketing had to help make sure that Superman came back with a bang.

The poster captures everything that Superman is – heroic and powerful. The view of Superman looking down on Earth is extremely dynamic, and the red of the “S” and his billowing cape help him to stand out even more. It ultimately encompasses everything that makes a good classic superhero movie.

2 The Dark Knight (2008)

There is no question as to who the star of The Dark Knight really is, and it isn’t Batman. The late Heath Ledger gave a deliciously nasty performance, becoming perhaps the most iconic version of the Joker in mainstream movie history. This poster effectively offers a glimpse into how twisted and terrifying Ledger’s Joker is by using the recognizable smeared blood-red smile, the face blurred yet with the makeup clearly visible, and the chilling catchphrase “Why so serious?”

1 Batman (1989)

Tim Burton’s Batman was the second movie ever made about the Caped Crusader and the first to bring Gotham to the dark side where it truly belongs. This might be why its movie poster has remained such an icon among movie fans everywhere. Created by production designer Anton Furst, this poster is a classic example of less is more. By simply updating Batman’s trademark logo to match the dark futuristic aesthetic of the movie, this is considered to be part of one of the greatest movie campaigns of all time.

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