7 Best DC Movie Plot Twists, Ranked

by

As a huge DC fan, I’ve always loved seeing these characters come to life on screen. It’s amazing how many different actors have played our favorite heroes over the years! Even though most of us already know the stories, the movies rarely play out exactly as you expect. In fact, some of the best DC films are full of surprises, constantly keeping you on the edge of your seat. Sure, we usually know the hero will win in the end, but it’s the journey – and the unexpected twists along the way – that really make these movies special.

As a moviegoer, I live for those plot twists that completely knock the wind out of you – the ones that feel surprising, but also like they were cleverly hidden in plain sight all along, sending the story in a direction you never saw coming. Superhero films, honestly, don’t usually pull off truly great twists, given how many familiar storylines they fall into. But when they *do* manage it, wow, it really lands. I’ve been particularly impressed with the twists DC movies have given us – they’re the kind that stick with you long after the credits roll.

7) Alpha Squad Were Sent to Their Death – The Suicide Squad (2021)

Many consider 2021’s *The Suicide Squad* to be a standout superhero sequel, mainly because it’s a significant improvement over the first film. The movie starts by introducing a fresh team of characters, including some familiar faces, but quickly subverts expectations. In a surprising and bold move, most of these characters are killed off during the very first mission. This unexpected twist immediately established *The Suicide Squad* as a daring and unconventional film.

6) The Joker Switched Rachel & Harvey’s Locations – The Dark Knight (2008)

Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight is widely considered the best live-action version of the character, largely because of the subtle complexities he brought to the role. In one particularly impactful scene, the Joker tells Batman he’s captured both Rachel, Batman’s love interest, and Harvey Dent, Gotham’s district attorney, and that Batman can only save one. Batman races to save Rachel, while the police go after Dent. However, the Joker has secretly switched their locations, meaning Batman unknowingly saves Dent while Rachel is left to die. This simple twist is incredibly powerful and makes the audience realize how foolish it was to ever trust the Joker’s word.

5) Ares’ True Identity – Wonder Woman (2019)

In the DC Universe, Ares is the God of War and a key villain in the *Wonder Woman* movie. The film’s story centers on Wonder Woman leaving her home to find Ares, who she thinks is hiding as the German General Ludendorff. However, the movie surprisingly reveals that Ares is actually Patrick Morgan, a British politician played by David Thewlis. This twist forces Wonder Woman to reconsider what defines a villain, and it’s a shocking surprise for viewers as well.

4) Atlanna Survived – Aquaman (2018)

The 2018 film *Aquaman* was a hit for DC, marking the hero’s first solo live-action adventure. The movie significantly altered the character’s backstory, establishing that his mother was originally sentenced to death for having a half-human child. A surprising reveal in the third act showed that Atlanna actually survived and had been living in a dangerous, unexplored part of the ocean. This not only allowed Aquaman to become king of Atlantis, but also paved the way for the introduction of another popular DC character.

3) Billy Batson’s Mother Abandoned Him – Shazam! (2019)

Shazam! offered a refreshing, more upbeat take on DC superheroes. The film centers on Billy Batson, a young boy who grew up in foster care, constantly searching for the mother he lost as a baby. While he eventually finds her, the reunion isn’t what he expected – she reveals she intentionally left him and doesn’t want a relationship. This surprising and painful reveal adds complexity to Billy’s character and is handled exceptionally well.

2) The Joker Killed Batman’s Parents – Batman (1989)

Tim Burton’s *Batman* is one of the most important DC films ever created. Michael Keaton’s portrayal of Batman perfectly captured the character’s dark and striking nature. The movie tells the story of how the Joker came to be, eventually revealing a shocking connection: he was the same criminal who killed Batman’s parents. This twist, linking the Joker’s past directly to Batman’s, was a stroke of genius. It added a layer of dark and meaningful irony to the story, helping to establish *Batman* as a superhero film classic.

1) Ducard is Ra’s al Ghul – Batman Begins (2005)

Christopher Nolan’s *The Dark Knight* trilogy is famous for its compelling Batman villains, and the first film, *Batman Begins*, really raised the stakes. Bruce Wayne’s journey to becoming Batman truly starts when he meets Liam Neeson’s character, Ducard, who introduces him to the secretive League of Shadows and its leader, Ra’s al Ghul. The film cleverly reveals later that Ducard is actually Ra’s al Ghul in disguise. While a straightforward twist, it feels natural and fits the characters well, respecting the source material while also offering a fresh take on the villain.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

Read More

2025-09-28 17:15