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DC Animated Movie Universe

The DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU) was an American shared universe of animated superhero films produced by Warner Bros.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The DC Animated Movie Universe (DCAMU) was an American shared universe of animated superhero films produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment. It ran from 2013 to 2020 and was part of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies line. Its stories were largely inspired by DC Comics' New 52 continuity.

Overview

The DCAMU was a connected series of direct-to-video animated films set in a shared continuity. It distinguished itself from other DC animated continuities such as the DC Animated Universe. The franchise included 25 films overall, including tie-in media.

Production and continuity

Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment produced the films as part of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies line. The continuity was influenced by the New 52 comics relaunch, which began in 2011.

Film series

The main film series began with Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox in 2013. The first story arc concluded with Justice League Dark: Apokolips War in 2020. After that, DC's animated film line moved into the Tomorrowverse continuity.

Tie-in media

The franchise included tie-in shorts, a web series, and digital comics that expanded the continuity beyond the feature films.

Key facts

  • The DCAMU was a continuity within DC's animated film output, not a separate studio brand.
  • Its main film series began with Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox in 2013.
  • The first story arc ended with Justice League Dark: Apokolips War in 2020.
  • The franchise was based on DC Comics characters and New 52-era material.
  • After the DCAMU, DC's animated film line moved into the Tomorrowverse continuity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the DC Animated Movie Universe?
It was a shared continuity of DC animated films produced by Warner Bros. Animation and DC Entertainment, running from 2013 to 2020.
What was the first DCAMU film?
The first film was Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, released in 2013.
What was the last DCAMU film?
The final film in the main DCAMU storyline was Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, released in 2020.
What comic continuity inspired the DCAMU?
It was primarily inspired by DC Comics' New 52 continuity.
How many films were in the DCAMU?
The franchise is described as comprising 25 films overall when tie-in media is included.
Did the DCAMU continue after 2020?
The DCAMU itself ended in 2020, and DC's animated film line then continued with the Tomorrowverse.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC_Animated_Movie_Universe
    Supports: Core description, production companies, 2013–2024 framing, first and final films, and tie-in media count
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC_Universe_Animated_Original_Movies
    Supports: Placement of the DCAMU within the DC Universe Animated Original Movies line and transition to the Tomorrowverse
  3. DC Database - Fandom — https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/DC_Animated_Movie_Universe
    Supports: Shared-universe description and New 52 inspiration