Every Animated Version of the Justice League, Ranked

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As a movie critic, I’ve always felt the Justice League has the potential to be even more epic than the Avengers. Think about it – DC’s powerhouses, Superman and Batman, are leading the charge, something Marvel’s team can’t quite claim. But the League has been stumbling on the big screen for a while now. The DC Extended Universe seems to be in such a hurry to catch up to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, rushing its heroes into team-ups and skipping over crucial backstories and adventures. Honestly, it hasn’t worked. It’s gotten to the point where James Gunn, now in charge of DC Studios, wants to take his time – and I mean a lot of time – before assembling his own version of this remarkable group. He clearly recognizes that building a solid foundation is key.

Luckily, live-action isn’t the only way to experience the Justice League. The team has thrived in animation for many years, starring in its own series and guest-starring in others. Here’s a ranking of every animated iteration of the Justice League.

8) Harley Quinn

Unlike the other shows and movies on this list, the black comedy Harley Quinn portrays the Justice League as somewhat incompetent. They are too stubborn to admit they need assistance, which means Harley Quinn and her team have to step in and handle things. While the Justice League does play a role in the show, it’s definitely not their most impressive showing.

7) DC League of Super-Pets

The 2022 film DC League of Super-Pets shifts the focus away from the Justice League and places it on their animal companions. Still, when the heroes without fur appear, they remain just as brave and inspiring. Superman especially plays a key role, encouraging his playful pal, Krypto.

6) Justice League Action

Justice League Action takes a lighter approach, letting the team focus on having fun. This is generally a good thing, but the show’s commitment to being suitable for children can become repetitive. It also often feels like the series prioritizes Batman over the other heroes, which is unfortunate considering how strong the rest of the characters are.

5) Justice League: Gods and Monsters

DC Comics frequently explores different universes, and the one featured in Justice League: Gods and Monsters is particularly captivating. This version of the Justice League includes unfamiliar heroes: Superman is the son of General Zod, and Kirk Langstrom, better known as Man-Bat, fills the role of Batman. The team works to defend its image and demonstrates that their adventures are just as compelling as those unfolding on the primary Earth-One.

4) Young Justice

I’m a huge fan of Young Justice, and what I love most is how the show focuses on the sidekicks – giving them the chance to form their own team. They’re incredibly capable, but they definitely need a hand, and the Justice League is always there to offer plenty of support. This League isn’t perfect, of course – they’ve even made some big errors, like letting Vandal Savage gain control – but seeing Nightwing and the other young heroes prove themselves and earn their place on the team really sets this version of the League apart. It’s what makes it, in my opinion, better than most!

3) Super Friends

Although the Justice League isn’t actually called that in Super Friends, you’ll see all the familiar heroes. Even though the show’s title and team members changed almost every season, the characters still had many exciting adventures and battled well-known villains. The way Super Friends presented the Justice League really paved the way for future versions.

2) DCAMU Justice League

I’ve been really enjoying how the DC Animated Movie Universe is creating this big, connected story, leading up to events like Justice League vs. Teen Titans. It can be a lot to keep track of, I admit, but I think each hero gets their chance to stand out, especially when they team up with others. Honestly, the only thing that bothers me about this version of the Justice League is that they *do* fall to Darkseid, which ultimately leads to The Flash having to reset everything. It’s a bold move, but it definitely left an impression on me!

1) DCAU Justice League

It’s fair to say the DC Animated Universe is why a lot of people who didn’t grow up reading comics became fans of DC characters. Starting with Batman: The Animated Series and continuing through Justice League Unlimited, the shows and movies really elevated these heroes and made the Justice League feel like a true team. And having Kevin Conroy voice Batman certainly strengthens the argument that this is the best version of the team.

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2025-10-03 20:18