Updated
DCU watch order: every DC Studios film and show
How to watch James Gunn's DC Universe in order, from Creature Commandos and Superman (2025) to Supergirl, Lanterns, Clayface and Man of Tomorrow.
The short answer
Watch the DCU in release order: Creature Commandos (Dec 2024), Superman (Jul 2025), Peacemaker season 2 (Aug 2025), Supergirl (Jun 2026), Lanterns (Aug 2026) and Clayface (Oct 2026), then Man of Tomorrow (9 July 2027).
Release order (recommended)
| # | Title | Type | Released | Superman? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Creature Commandos (season 1) | Animated series, HBO Max | December 2024 | No |
| 2 | Superman | Film | 11 July 2025 | Yes, the lead |
| 3 | Peacemaker (season 2) | Series, HBO Max | August 2025 | Connections |
| 4 | Supergirl | Film | 26 June 2026 | Yes, supporting |
| 5 | Lanterns | Series, HBO | 16 August 2026 (UK: 17 August) | Connections |
| 6 | Clayface | Film | 23 October 2026 | No |
| 7 | Man of Tomorrow | Film | 9 July 2027 | Yes, the lead |
The Superman-only route
Short on time? Watch Superman (2025), then Supergirl (2026), and you’re ready for Man of Tomorrow in July 2027. For the older Superman series, from Adventures of Superman to Superman & Lois, see Superman on TV.
Why DC started again
Warner Bros. hired James Gunn and Peter Safran to run the new DC Studios in late 2022, after the old DCEU produced uneven results. Their plan was a single, carefully planned continuity across film, live-action TV and animation, using some of the same actors throughout. Gunn has described the first stage of the slate as “Gods and Monsters”. Superman was always meant to be its foundation, which is why the Man of Steel sits at the centre of the timeline.
What’s not in the DCU
- Man of Steel, Batman v Superman and Justice League belong to the older DCEU. See all Superman films in order.
- Matt Reeves’ The Batman films and the Joker films are separate “Elseworlds” stories.
- My Adventures with Superman is its own animated continuity.
Coming later
Further DC Studios projects have been announced, including The Brave and the Bold, which will introduce the DCU’s Batman and Robin. We’ll add dates to our Superman release calendar as they’re confirmed.
Questions
What is the DCU?
The DC Universe is the shared film and TV continuity run by DC Studios co-heads James Gunn and Peter Safran. It began in December 2024 and replaced the older DC Extended Universe (DCEU) of Man of Steel and Justice League.
What is the first DCU project?
The animated series Creature Commandos (December 2024). The first live-action film is Superman (July 2025).
Do I need to watch every DCU show to follow the Superman films?
No. Superman (2025) is the essential one. Supergirl and Lanterns add context, and Peacemaker and Creature Commandos are optional for Superman fans.
Is The Batman Part II part of the DCU?
No. Matt Reeves' The Batman films are a separate 'Elseworlds' continuity. The DCU's own Batman will appear in a different film.
Are Superman & Lois or My Adventures with Superman part of the DCU?
No. Both are separate continuities. Superman & Lois (2021–24) grew out of the CW's Arrowverse, and My Adventures with Superman is a stand-alone animated series. The DCU's Superman is David Corenswet, starting with Superman (2025); the TV versions have their own actors and stories.