DC Comics is full of iconic characters, however solely 4 have reached the rarefied degree of incomes a $1 billion‑plus field workplace film. That’s a membership reserved for absolutely the legends of the DC Universe.
Some entries could also be precisely what you count on, however quantity two is sure to shock you. Primary, in the meantime, not solely holds the excellence of being the primary DC character to hit $1 billion on the field workplace but in addition stays the reigning champion in whole gross. Will a future DC film unseat this file? Unlikely.
This listing counts movies primarily based on DC Comics characters. Numbers are worldwide box-office totals reported by Field Workplace Mojo and replicate totals accessible now.
4
The Joker
Joker (2019) — $1,078,958,629
Provided that the Joker is likely one of the most iconic villains and characters of all time in popular culture, it’s no shock that the Clown Prince of Crime’s first solo film broke the $1 billion field workplace mark. Directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix, Joker (2019) additionally holds the uncommon distinction of being the one Rated R entry on this listing.
Joker earned $1,078,958,629 in worldwide field workplace totals and received two Oscars, together with Joaquin Phoenix’s Finest Actor win. Critically acclaimed for its darkish tone, social commentary, and character-driven storytelling, the movie was later adopted by Joker: Folie à Deux (2024).
3
Batman
The Darkish Knight (2008): $1,008,477,382 AND The Darkish Knight Rises (2012): $1,085,429,532
It’s no shock that Batman additionally claimed a spot on this listing, provided that he is likely one of the most well-known characters in popular culture. The Caped Crusader earned his place because of Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed Darkish Knight Trilogy, with each The Darkish Knight (2008) and The Darkish Knight Rises (2012) surpassing the $1 billion field workplace mark.
The Darkish Knight earned $1,008,477,382, together with later re-release totals, whereas The Darkish Knight Rises grossed $1,085,429,532. These movies revolutionized superhero cinema with a darker, extra sensible tone and featured an A-list solid, together with Christian Bale as Batman, Cillian Murphy as Scarecrow, Tom Hardy as Bane, and the legendary Heath Ledger because the Joker.
2
Aquaman
Aquaman (2018): $1,152,028,393
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Probably the most stunning character to earn a $1 billion‑plus field workplace film is Arthur Curry, who claimed his spot with James Wan’s Aquaman (2018), starring Jason Momoa because the King of the Sea. Whereas Aquaman is undoubtedly an A-list hero, his reputation hardly ever rivals that of Joker and Batman, making his inclusion on this listing all of the extra epic.
Aquaman grossed $1,152,028,393 worldwide and holds the uncommon distinction of being the one DC Prolonged Universe (DCEU) movie to surpass $1 billion, outpacing Man of Metal (2013), Surprise Lady (2017), and even Justice League (2017). That this was Aquaman’s first solo movie makes the achievement much more spectacular.
1
Superman
Superman (1978): $1,447,895,961 (Adjusted for Inflation)
This listing wouldn’t be full with out the Man of Metal himself. His inclusion, nonetheless, is a novel case, as his field workplace figures have been adjusted for inflation. Superman (1978) initially grossed $300 million worldwide, however adjusted for inflation, that whole is roughly $1.4 billion.
With a $1.4 billion field workplace whole, Superman turned not solely the primary DC character to headline a $1 billion film, but in addition the highest-grossing DC movie thus far. Directed by Richard Donner and starring Christopher Reeve because the Man of Metal, the movie cemented the superhero style in mainstream cinema and stays one in every of DC Comics’ most iconic films of all time.