The Flash has finally arrived in cinemas, and is the latest superhero flick that is exploring the concept of the multiverse.
The Flash adapts the famous Flashpoint arc from the comics, and references numerous films in the DCEU. It also ties in with a few older flicks, thanks to Michael Keaton reprising his role as Batman.
Therefore, you’ll get the most out of this film if you’ve seen some of the older ones. We’ve gathered all the movies that you should watch before The Flash, so you don’t have to spend hours searching (and risk getting spoilt).
We also have a similar article for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 , which is out now in cinemas. You can also find out whether or not The Flash has a post-credits scene here .
If you want to watch more DC content, check out how to watch all the DCEU films and series in order .
What DC movies do I need to watch to understand The Flash?
Without getting into spoilers for The Flash, here are all the films you should watch to understand the backstories of the main characters:
- 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 the DCEU’s version of Barry Allen. He first appears in Justice League. However, that story is influenced by Man of Steel and Batman v Superman. Plus, these films feature Ben Affleck’s Batman, who also appears in The Flash.
Michael Keaton is back as Bruce Wayne from another universe. He appears in Batman and Batman Returns – so watching these two films will give you a better idea of his backstory.
There are two versions of Justice League to choose from. The original 2017 movie is technically the ‘canon’ version within the DCEU, and much shorter if you’re planning a binging spree.
If you want extra content of The Flash, then you can watch the Snyder cut of Justice League, which many fans consider to be the better version. However, the story isn’t technically canon, and with a run time of over four hours, it is a major commitment.
How to watch all the DC movies needed for The Flash
US viewers can catch all these films on Max. Prices start from $9.99 per month for ad-supporting viewing, and for $14.99/$19.99 per month for ad-free viewing depending on what streaming quality you opt for.
In the UK, you can watch most of these films via Now’s Cinema Membership . This costs £9.99 per month, and new customers can also get a bundle deal with the Entertainment Membership, which also includes streaming access for the likes of Succession, The Last of Us and The White Lotus.
Author: Hannah Cowton-Barnes, Entertainment Editor, Tech Advisor
As Tech Advisor’s Entertainment Editor, Hannah is the resident expert in all things streaming, film and TV. Before joining Tech Advisor in 2019, she studied Theatre and Performance at the University of Leeds and created a website dedicated to geek culture and lifestyle. She’s also reviewed a whole range of gadgets including flagship smartphones, wearables and styling tools. Outside of Foundry, she’s written freelance pieces for Polygon, Metro and Den of Geek, and is proud to be a Women Techmakers Ambassador for Google.
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