Even though he may not be the breakthrough movie for the kind of superhero some have been waiting for, director Andy Muschietti and DC Studios’ the flash is a solid, fun adventure and introduction to the upcoming DCU that continues the trend of comic book movies playing with the concept of the multiverse.

And if fans are still eager to get their sci-fi superhero fix after watching it, there’s a solid catalog of movies to stream. In the DC Comics corner of the genre, animated gems like Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox and live-action classics like Batman hold on well. On the other side of the “Big Two”, Marvel’s latest animated blockbuster, Spider-Man: Through the Spider-Verseis another must-have.

Batman (1989)

Among the most relevant films for the flashby Tim Burton Batman is a great addition to DC Studios’ latest blockbuster. While it’s not exactly reminiscent of the comic book source material – even for the era – it’s a quintessentially Burton version of the Caped Crusader. The director and Michael Keaton’s portrayal of the hero effectively revived the Batman brand in a theatrical fashion, shifting from the zany campiness of the 1950s and 1960s to a darker version.

The iconic Jack Nicholson Joker is a major highlight, with his quirky personality bouncing off the brooding vigilante nicely. Batman also has all the gothic styling and art direction that Burton fans would want and expect. Even after nearly 34 years, it’s still one of the best batman movies to watch NOW.

Batman is available to stream now on Max.

Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013)

For a slightly more Flash-centric story, the crossover film Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is a clear choice after watching Scarlet Speedster’s (sort of) single-player blockbuster. Based on Breaking point cartoon bow – and the inspiration for the flash – this animated movie sees the hero nearly ruin the timeline after going back in time to save his mother’s life.

The result is an exciting half seasonElsewhere tale depicting a dystopian world and alternate versions of classic characters, including Thomas Wayne’s murderous anti-hero Batman. The animation is smooth and the performances complete a tasteful adaptation of a landmark story. It’s a shame that DC is animated neither are the films recognised, with director Jay Oliva’s epic as the highlight.

Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is available to stream now on Max.

Batman Returns (1992)

Following the breakthrough success of his debut effort, Burton went even bolder with 1992’s Return of Batman. Although controversial at the time due to angry parents surprised by what they saw, the film was an inventive macabre take on the world of Dark Knight. Michelle Pfeiffer and Danny DeVito joined the cast for unforgettable versions of catwoman And penguinrespectively.

The latter’s take on Gotham’s mob boss combined the general comic book design of the villain with a gruesome, literal take on his penguin motif. Return of Batman was an inventive pseudo-Gothic horror take on the hero’s world, with the Christmas setting fitting in perfectly. It was also the last time Batman would thrive in live-action until the arrival of Christopher Nolan, with the disappointments of batman forever And batman and robin almost kill him.

Return of Batman is available to stream now on Max.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League (2021)

While the now-retired DCEU’s rocky rollout, controversial creative decisions, and studio drama are the collective elephant in the room, Zack Snyder’s Justice League is an admirable shipment. After batman versus superman and led by a ghost of Joss Whedon Justice Leaguethis director’s cut tells the team’s showdown against Steppenwolf more tastefully and coherently.

He can admittedly feel a bit complacent with his execution and pacing, but Zack Snyder’s Justice League arguably succeeds as the first solid live-action Justice League movie. Likewise, it features a touching Cyborg storyline and a swappable Batman, and it’s the next best live-action spot to see the Scarlet Speedster in action.

Zack Snyder’s Justice League is available to stream now on Max.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse/Spider-Man: Through the Spider-Verse (2018/2023)

Outside the DC Comics, Sony Animation Pictures and Marvel’s Wheelhouse Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a fantastic superhero and multiversal-themed crossover film. Meanwhile, the recently released Through the Spider-Verse builds on the acclaimed foundation of its predecessor.

Both films are great showcases of the strengths of animation as a visual medium, and they pay wonderful homage to the aesthetics of the comic book source material. Aside from the striking visuals, however, there are a pair of emotionally resonant stories. The coming-of-age theme goes beautifully with the fanservice of delving into the Spider-Verse’s myriad of colorful characters. THE spider worms movies are undoubtedly the most topical, but an obvious honorable mention goes to the MCU Spider-Man: No Coming Home.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is available to stream now on Fubo TVAnd Through the Spider-Verse now playing in theaters.

DC Studios’ the flash now playing in theaters.

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