DC fans are counting the weeks until The Flash hits theaters on June 16, 2023 – the next superhero movie that explores the concept of the multiverse.
The Flash adapts the famous Flashpoint arc from the comics and will reference many films in the DCEU. It will also tie into a few older films, thanks to Michael Keaton reprising his role as Batman.
Therefore, you’ll get the most out of this movie if you’ve seen some of the older ones. We’ve rounded up all the movies you should watch before The Flash, so you don’t have to spend hours searching (and risk being spoiled).
We also have a similar article for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which is currently in theaters. You can also find out everything we know about movie tickets for The Flash here.
What DC movies should I watch to understand The Flash?
We’re basing this guide solely on the trailers – but we should know more once The Flash comes out. Here are all the movies you should watch:
- Batman (1989)
- Batman Returns (1992)
- Man of Steel (2013)
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
- Justice League (2017)
- Optional – Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)
The Flash follows the story of Barry Allen’s DCEU version. He first appears in Justice League. However, this story is influenced by Man of Steel and Batman v Superman. Additionally, these films feature Ben Affleck’s Batman, who also appears in The Flash.
As the trailers reveal, Michael Keaton is back as Bruce Wayne from another universe. He appears in Batman and Batman Returns – so watching those two movies will give you a better idea of his backstory.
There are two versions of Justice League to choose from. The original 2017 film is technically the “canon” version of the DCEU, and much shorter if you’re planning a frenetic ride.
If you want additional content from The Flash, you can watch the Snyder Cut of Justice League, which many fans consider the best version. However, the story isn’t technically canon, and with a running time of over four hours, it’s a major commitment.
How to Watch All the DC Movies Needed for The Flash
US viewers can catch all of these films on HBO Max, which will be renamed Max later this month. HBO Max currently costs $9.99 per month for ad-free viewing and $14.99 for ad-free viewing — though prices will change when the rebranding takes place on May 23, 2023.
In the UK, you can watch most of these movies through Now’s Cinema Membership. It costs £9.99 a month, and new customers can also get a bundle with the Entertainment subscription, which also includes streaming access for Succession, The Last of Us and The White Lotus.
Man of Steel, Justice League and Zack Snyder’s Justice League are not available on any UK streaming service at the time of writing, but you can buy or rent them from Amazon, Google, YouTube and Apple. Alternatively, you can sign up for HBO Max from the UK using a VPN and a smartphone.
