DC has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to superheroes and anti-heroes alike. Now, thanks to the recent introductions of characters such as Shazam, Wonder Woman, and Harley Quinn to go along with veterans like Batman and Superman, DC's list of characters on film has grown exponentially in the last several years.
While not every character has hit the ground running, the introductions of these iconic characters still inspire that familiar sense of wonder and awe found in the comic book pages they're torn from.
10 Aquaman - Aquaman
Though initially introduced in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, this pick goes to the 2018 solo film Aquaman, in which Arthur Curry is given the properly epic arrival he deserves.
Borrowing elements from Batman Begins, Aquaman's introduction takes the point of view of the criminals. Only revealing his character via wide-angle shots, audiences are treated to a semblance of the intense power he possesses. After pushing Black Manta's submarine to the surface, Aquaman drops into the vessel via a splendid superhero pose. Here, Jason Mamoa's sheer charisma is unveiled with the perfect one-liner, "permission to come aboard?"
9 Rorschach - Watchmen
"Rorschach's journal, October 12th, 1985." The opening words of Rorschach's monologue sets the stage for a truly unique character introduction. In the anti-hero world based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, Rorschach plays the part of the investigative entity, seeking to uncover what the audience wants to learn as well.
Jackie Earle Haley does an amazing job as the man beneath Rorschach's ever-changing expressions. After Edward Blake/The Comedian is murdered, Rorschach investigates his apartment while philosophically theorizing on what the world is becoming. Upon realizing Blake is The Comedian, Rorschach sets the story in motion with the words "tonight, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why."
8 Superman - Superman Returns
After Superman disappears for several years to explore what remains of Krypton, the world (and Lois Lane) seems to have moved on without him. Lois has continued her journalistic career and is covering an innovative space shuttle launch when things go awry, causing her plane to tumble into a free-fall.
To everyone's shock, Superman appears and saves the airliner from crashing into a baseball stadium, initiating thunderous applause. Director Bryan Singer plays the moment right, allowing for the searing anticipation to build for the Man of Steel's big-screen return. What makes the rescue resonate further is Kal-El's knowing glance towards Lois. Considering Superman Returns is a direct sequel and love letter to Superman and Superman II, the moment serves as a reminder of the special connection the couple shares.
7 Harley Quinn - Suicide Squad
Suicide Squad was generally received poorly upon its release in 2016, but one of the elements of the movie that successfully paid off was the long-awaited arrival of Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn. Harley's first live-action venture is kicked off memorably as she displays her acrobatic talents in a prison cage while Lesley Gore's "You Don't Own Me" plays underneath.
Harley lays suspended in mid-air using bed-sheets as ropes before flipping down. She then demonstrates just how unpredictable her behavior is in playful banter with the guards. Despite traditionally being a villain due to her antagonism towards Batman, Harley is clearly the star of the anti-heroes making up the Suicide Squad in this adaptation.
6 The Joker - Joker
A controversial choice in a hero column, but Joker feels like a miracle that shouldn't have worked. Yet this gripping psychological drama about the greatest comic book villain of all time views the world through the lens of Arthur Fleck, a man suffering in his mental health who feels abandoned by the society he exists in.
The Joker has multiple coming out moments throughout the story. After killing three men in a train station, Arthur dances silently by himself in a derelict bathroom, feeling the beauty that's emerging from his newfound sense of freedom. The second moment occurs as he prepares for his Murray Franklin appearance in the immortalized "stairs dance." Now fully formed, the Joker embraces the music in his head and becomes the hero of his own story, as well as a symbol to those fighting against Gotham's societal oppression.
5 The Shazam Family - Shazam!
What makes Shazam! work so well is that, contrary to other DC interpretations which skew towards the dark and serious, the movie wisely plays to the humorous wonder that comes with children becoming instantly super-powered.
As Billy Batson battles Dr. Sivana and the seven deadly sins, in the end, he figures out how to share his power with his foster-siblings, transforming each of them into their own versions of superheroes. The heartfelt scene pays off the inner desires of each child, especially the physically disabled Freddy, who becomes ecstatic upon learning he has the power of flight. The moment also establishes the bond with his new family that Billy had so far been avoiding.
4 Wonder Woman - Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice
Given Batman v Superman's hasty introduction of Batman into Superman's sequel, it made sense for fans to be concerned about the inclusion of Wonder Woman's character as well. These concerns would quickly be vanquished, however, once Diana Prince makes her Wonder Woman debut in the movie's final act.
Appearing through a haze of smoke and destruction, Wonder Woman saves Batman from certain death at the hands of Doomsday. Her arrival is punctuated by a stinging musical cue from Hans Zimmer and is just plain awesome. She manages to steal the movie from both of her brethren and looks like she's having a ball while she's doing it, instantly making her one of the most memorable components of the rather divisive movie.
3 Batman - Batman 1989
Batman's opening moments are nearly perfect: two criminals examine their stolen bounty on a Gotham rooftop, all the while debating the existence of the mythical "bat." Unbeknownst to them, a caped figure quietly drops to the ground behind them. As they bicker, footsteps are heard above them, and when they look up, they witness the frightening legend in all of its glory.
Batman is undoubtedly the most important Batman movie to ever be made. Tim Burton had to effectively convince the world how Batman could be taken seriously and that Michael Keaton was the right man for the job. Keaton nails it in this opening scene with his gravelly voice and quiet menace, establishing the quintessential version of the character for an entire generation of fans.
2 Superman - Superman 1978
Though briefly being teased in the Fortress of Solitude, Kal-El doesn't make his real debut as Superman until almost 70 minutes into his first feature film. Director Richard Donner elects for the audience to get to know Kal-El and Clark Kent before introducing Superman, with the wait being completely worth it.
As a helicopter carrying Lois Lane dangles precariously off a rooftop ledge, Clark hears her cries for help and quickly transforms into his red and blue visage. Lois falls from the helicopter and Superman flies up to catch her, leading to Margot Kidder's unforgettable line "You've got me! Who's got you?!" The scene is made even more incredible by the fact that everything had to be done in camera, with Donner and his visual effects team creating new and innovative ways to make audiences believe that a person could fly.
1 Batman - Batman Begins
Taking cues from Donner's serious approach to Superman, director Christopher Nolan sought to re-envision Batman for a new age. Nolan chooses to understand what drives Bruce Wayne and the criminals his city is infested with, which only strengthens Batman's first true appearance in the movie.
The elements of surprise and fear that Bruce learns from his training are perfectly put in motion as Batman thwarts a drug shipment at Gotham's docks. Silently picking off each thug one by one, the terrified criminals band together until Batman drops in to take them down in a stunning blur of motion. After crime lord Carmine Falcone retreats to his car for safety, he mutters "what the hell are you?" Batman smashes through the sunroof and pulls Falcone out, answering in a menacing growl "I'm Batman."
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