10 DC Movie Scenes That Are Way Harder To View On A Rewatch

While DC movies have offered some of the most thrilling moments in cinematic history, they also produced some which become increasingly challenging to watch upon subsequent viewings. Whether due to behind-the-scenes controversies, narrative decisions, or unsettling content, these moments can evoke discomfort or disappointment. From across the entire DCU timeline, these scenes become incredibly difficult to revisit.

The DC Universe began producing movies in 1941, and ahs repeatedly explored challenging or bold narratives since. However, others have not enjoyed the same longevity. Several scenes from DC’s greatest movies promised future stories they would never deliver or even undermine previous events. Others deployed ropey CGI in a manner that reflects the behind-the-scenes turmoil plaguing the movie. Some even pushed the limits of what audiences would tolerate from a superhero movie. Whereas some were just so harrowing and bleak, that rewatching them becomes a tough experience.

10

Henry Cavill Appears In Black Adam

Black Adam

In Black Adam, Henry Cavill makes a surprise appearance as Superman during the film’s post-credits scene, reigniting excitement for his return to the DCEU. Cavill hadn’t appeared in a movie as the Man of Steel since Justice League years earlier and had been conspicuously absent since. His return was therefore a thrill for DC viewers. Cavill even announced on social media that he was officially back in the role, expressing his enthusiasm for future projects.

However, shortly after the film’s release, news broke that the DCEU would undergo a significant reboot under new leadership, with plans moving forward without Cavill as Superman. This abrupt change rendered his cameo seemingly pointless and left viewers feeling misled. Rewatching this scene now feels bittersweet, as it symbolizes unfulfilled potential and the abrupt end of Cavill’s tenure as the iconic superhero.

9

Polka-Dot Man’s Death

The Suicide Squad

The Suicide Squad introduces audiences to Polka-Dot Man, portrayed by David Dastmalchian, a character who evolves from a ridiculed villain to a reluctant hero. Throughout the film, he battles personal trauma and a unique affliction that causes him to emit destructive polka dots. In a climactic battle against Starro, Polka-Dot Man embraces his newfound heroism, proudly declaring himself a superhero. Tragically, moments after this declaration, he is killed by Starro.

While Polka-Dot Man’s death serves the narrative’s unpredictability, rewatching this scene underscores the tragedy of his brief redemption arc, making it a poignant and somber moment in the film. It’s bittersweet, partly offering a beautiful culmination in his narrative arc, while also swiftly and brashly killing him off. Rewatching this scene is a strange experience that highlights the movie’s irreverent approach to DC canon, for better or for worse.

8

Arthur Fleck Becomes The Joker

Joker

Joker chronicles Arthur Fleck’s descent into madness, culminating in his transformation into the titular character. This metamorphosis is both compelling and disturbing, as viewers witness Arthur’s complete surrender to his darker impulses. The scene where he dances on the stairs, fully embracing his Joker persona, is iconic yet unsettling.

The complexity of this moment is further compounded by the anticipation of a sequel, which has sparked controversy and debate among audiences and critics. Revisiting this pivotal Joker moment evokes a mix of fascination and discomfort, knowing the contentious discussions it has inspired and the dark path Arthur has chosen. Moreover, knowing the way the sequel will revisit the stairs and then roll back on whether Arthur is the Joker or not completely undermines the importance of this Joker scene, which at the time felt like a bold and iconic celebration.

7

Henry Cavill’s Digitally Removed Mustache

Justice League

During the reshoots of Justice League, Henry Cavill was contractually obligated to keep a mustache for his role in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, leading to its digital removal in post-production. The resulting CGI was noticeably unnatural, drawing criticism from audiences and becoming a focal point of mockery. However, beyond the visual distraction of the laughably poor CGI, these scenes serve as a reminder of the tumultuous production the movie faced.

Justice League struggled through a director change, with Joss Whedon taking over from Zack Snyder to complete the movie. Whedon scrapped swathes of Snyder’s work, ultimately producing a far worse movie for it. Moreover, Whedon has since been accused of abusing and alienating the DCEU cast, among others. Rewatching Henry Cavill’s poorly disguised mustache serves as a reminder of the challenges and missteps that plagued the film’s creation, becoming emblematic of the DCEU’s struggles during that period.

6

The Unresolved Knightmare Scene

Zack Snyder’s Justice League

In Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Batman experiences a “Knightmare” vision of a dystopian future dominated by an evil Superman. The scene is an insight into Zack Snyder’s original vision for the franchise, before Whedon’s input drastically changed the tone and direction. This scene reminds viewers of this change and tantalizingly teases what could have been in the franchise had Snyder been able to remain on the movie.

This intriguing setup in Zack Snyder’s Justice League hinted at future storylines that, due to the DCEU’s subsequent direction, remain unexplored. The scene is rich with potential, showcasing a world where heroes and villains form uneasy alliances to combat a greater threat. Rewatching this scene emphasizes the unfulfilled potential and leaves audiences pondering the squandered potential narrative, adding a layer of frustration to the viewing experience when it’s revisited today.

5

Batman and Batgirl’s Intimate Encounter

The Killing Joke

The animated adaptation of The Killing Joke includes a controversial scene where Batman and Batgirl engage in a sexual encounter. This addition was especially surprising as such an encounter is completely absent from the original graphic novel. It was therefore widely criticized for its perceived inappropriateness, given the characters’ mentor-mentee relationship and significant age difference.

In a contemporary age, Batman having sex with Batgirl highlights a power dynamic and even a paternal relationship between the pair that feels incredibly problematic. It paints Batman as a bit of a creep, while also adding nothing of import to the narrative. The scene feels forced and ultimately feels like Barbara is being exploited, leading to widespread backlash from fans and critics alike. Revisiting this moment reinforces its discomfort and the consensus that it was an unnecessary and ill-judged narrative choice that detracts from the overall story.

4

Jonathan Kent’s Unnecessary Death

Man Of Steel

In the DCEU’s Man of Steel, Jonathan Kent meets an untimely death that has prompted rampant debate among audiences as to how necessary it really was. When a tornado rampages through Smallville, Jonathan finds himself caught in its path. Despite knowing that Clark could reach and save him, Jonathan discourages a young Clark from using his powers in public, ultimately leading to his death. It was silly enough at the time, but upon rewatching, this scene is even more frustrating.

David Corenswet as Superman with Action Comics 1

Related

Superman Movie Lawsuit Explained: Why The Creator’s Estate Is Suing Warner Bros. Discovery & DC Comics And What It Means

Superman (2025) has been jeopardized by a rights issue that has plagued the character decades, following in a long line of Superman lawsuits.

Posts

Jonathan Kent’s death in Man of Steel was completely pointless, as Clark’s superhuman abilities could have saved his father without revealing his identity. Clark could have used the tornado to cover his actions or create a distraction. Instead, he watches his father die. Portraying Jonathan’s death as a lesson in restraint feels forced, making this moment increasingly difficult to justify with each viewing.

3

DC’s Multiversal Superman Cameos

The Flash

The Flash features a sequence showcasing various Superman portrayals from different universes, including CGI renditions of actors like George Reeves and Nicolas Cage in the unproduced Tim Burton Superman movie. While intended as a tribute, the scene’s execution was criticized for its subpar visual effects and a complete lack of focus on the titular character. Considering that another major part of the movie celebrated Batman’s cinematic legacy, the Flash himself felt overshadowed.

Imagery from The Flash Movie and TV Show

Related

The Flash Snubbing Grant Gustin Makes Way More Sense After The Director’s Recent Comments About Why The DC Movie Bombed At The Box Office

The Flash was littered with issues. Yet the director has blamed its failure on audience interest, which might explain why Grant Gustin didn’t cameo.

Posts

21

Rewatching this segment in The Flash highlights its superfluous nature and serves as a reminder of the film’s controversial production choices. The reliance on nostalgia without meaningful context makes this scene feel hollow, diminishing its intended impact. Lest audiences forget, the filmmakers asserted during production that Ezra Miller’s abusive and problematic behavior would soon be forgiven once viewers saw the incredible movie he’d starred in. Yet the final product was laughably poor, with the Superman scene representing many of the movie’s poor decisions.

2

Robin’s Inappropriate Advances Toward Batgirl

Batman & Robin

In Batman & Robin, Alicia Silverstone stars as a reworked Batgirl, appearing as Alfred Pennyworth’s niece. Upon Barbara’s arrival at Wayne Manor, Robin makes repeated overt advances towards her, which feels quite creepy in retrospect. Barabara is introduced wearing her school uniform, suggesting that she is far too young for Dick Grayson, who is presumably in his mid-twenties in Batman & Robin. While the pair enjoy a romance in the comics, they are normally aged much closer to each other.

The ambiguity surrounding their age difference certainly compounds the issue, but coupled with the overt flirtation, this scene becomes incredibly uncomfortable. Revisiting it in an age where sexually inappropriate conduct is rightly no longer tolerated accentuates its inappropriateness and the film’s tonal missteps. The portrayal of their possible relationship lacks depth and sensitivity, making this moment particularly cringeworthy and out of place within the narrative.

1

Joker’s Assault on Batgirl

The Killing Joke

In the adaptation of the 1988 graphic novel Batman: The Killing Joke, the Joker executes a brutal attack on Barbara Gordon, also known as Batgirl. He arrives at her apartment, and upon her opening the door, he shoots her in the abdomen, causing a life-altering spinal injury that leaves her paralyzed. The assault doesn’t end there though; the Joker proceeds to undress Barbara and takes photographs of her in a state of undress and agony.

Joker in Suicide Squad and Alicia Hunt in Batman 1989

Related

10 Worst Things Joker Has Ever Done In DC Movies And TV Shows

The Joker is the most infamous comic book villain ever, and has enacted some of the cruellest and most horrible deeds in DC movie and TV history.

Posts

These images are later used to torment her father, Commissioner James Gordon, in an attempt to drive him insane. This act of violence has been a subject of extensive debate and criticism. Many argue that it exemplifies the “women in refrigerators” trope, where female characters are victimized solely to advance a male character’s storyline. Regardless, the severity and nature of the assault make this scene particularly harrowing, making it an incredibly difficult DC scene to watch, then and since.

  • Movie

    My Favorite Movies
    My Watchlist

    Success!

    Black Adam Poster

    Your Rating

    close

    10 stars

    9 stars

    8 stars

    7 stars

    6 stars

    5 stars

    4 stars

    3 stars

    2 stars

    1 star

    Rate Now

    0/10

    Leave a Review

    Your comment has not been saved

    Black Adam

    PG-13

    Superhero

    Action

    Sci-Fi

    Fantasy

    Adventure

    ScreenRant logo

    5/10

    13

    6.9/10

    Release Date

    October 21, 2022

    Runtime

    125 Minutes

    Director

    Jaume Collet-Serra

    Writers

    C.C. Beck, Otto Binder, Rory Haines, Sohrab Noshirvani, Adam Sztykiel

    Franchise(s)

    DC Universe

    Cast

    See All

    • Headshot Of Dwayne Johnson In The Red Notice Premiere

      Dwayne Johnson

      Black Adam / Teth Adam

    • Headshot Of Aldis Hodge

      Aldis Hodge

      Hawkman / Carter Hall

    Black Adam is a feature film centered around the DC Comics antihero Black Adam, portrayed by Dwayne Johnson. The story follows the titular character as he emerges in the modern world, freed after millennia of imprisonment, to deliver his own form of justice. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, the film explores themes of power and morality while introducing new characters from the DC Universe.

    Powered by

    Expand
    Collapse

  • Movie

    My Favorite Movies
    My Watchlist

    Success!

    The-Suicide-Squad-Movie-Poster-1

    Your Rating

    close

    10 stars

    9 stars

    8 stars

    7 stars

    6 stars

    5 stars

    4 stars

    3 stars

    2 stars

    1 star

    Rate Now

    0/10

    Leave a Review

    Your comment has not been saved

    The Suicide Squad

    R

    Action

    Adventure

    Comedy

    Science Fiction

    ScreenRant logo

    8/10

    38

    8/10

    Release Date

    August 5, 2021

    Runtime

    132 minutes

    Director

    James Gunn

    Writers

    James Gunn

    Prequel(s)

    Suicide Squad

    Cast

    See All

    • Headshot Of Margot Robbie In The 10th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony

      Margot Robbie

    • Headshot Of Viola Davis In The Literacy Partners Evening of Readings & Gala Dinner at Pier Sixty

      Viola Davis

    James Gunn’s The Suicide Squad acts as a soft reboot for David Ayer’s 2016 Suicide Squad. Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) is again recruiting a group of superheroes for a dangerous mission, this time pairing Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman) with Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Bloodsport (Idris Elba), Peacemaker (John Cena), Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney), Ratcatcher 2 (Daniela Melchior), Savant (Michael Rooker), King Shark (Sylvester Stallone), Blackguard (Pete Davidson), and Javelin (Flula Borg).

    Powered by

    Expand
    Collapse

  • Movie

    My Favorite Movies
    My Watchlist

    Success!

    Joker Movie Poster

    Your Rating

    close

    10 stars

    9 stars

    8 stars

    7 stars

    6 stars

    5 stars

    4 stars

    3 stars

    2 stars

    1 star

    Rate Now

    0/10

    Leave a Review

    Your comment has not been saved

    Joker

    R

    Superhero

    Action

    Adventure

    Crime

    Film Noir

    Thriller

    ScreenRant logo

    5/10

    23

    8.3/10

    Release Date

    October 2, 2019

    Runtime

    122 minutes

    Director

    Todd Phillips

    Writers

    Todd Phillips, Scott Silver

    Sequel(s)

    Joker: Folie a Deux

    Cast

    See All

    • Headshot of Joaquin Phoenix

      Joaquin Phoenix

    • Headshot Of Robert De Niro In The 35th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Night

      Robert De Niro

    Directed by Todd Phillips, Joker is an origin story for Batman’s most iconic villain. Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) is a down-on-his-luck clown who is trying to become a successful stand-up comedian. When things don’t go according to plan, and Arthur feels Gotham is oppressing him and others with mental illness, Arthur sparks a violent revolution within the city.

    Powered by

    Expand
    Collapse

  • Movie

    My Favorite Movies
    My Watchlist

    Success!

    Your Rating

    close

    10 stars

    9 stars

    8 stars

    7 stars

    6 stars

    5 stars

    4 stars

    3 stars

    2 stars

    1 star

    Rate Now

    0/10

    Leave a Review

    Your comment has not been saved

    Justice League

    PG-13

    Adventure

    Action

    Fantasy

    ScreenRant logo

    6/10

    14

    5.2/10

    Release Date

    November 17, 2017

    Runtime

    242 minutes

    Director

    Zack Snyder

    Writers

    Chris Terrio, Joss Whedon

    Cast

    See All

    • Headshot Of Jeremy Irons In The Lille Series Mania Festival

      Jeremy Irons

    • Headshot Of Gal Gadot

      Gal Gadot

    Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by the Man of Steel’s selfless act in Batman V Superman, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Evil forces have set their sights on our world, tasking the malevolent Steppenwolf and his army of Parademons with bringing Earth under the control of Darkseid, ruler of the planet Apokolips. In response, Batman and Wonder Woman unite a team of metahuman heroes including The Flash, Cyborg, and Aquaman to protect humanity as the Justice League. The Justice League first appeared in March 1960 in issue #28 of The Brave and the Bold. In the fifty years since the heroes first united, the team has welcomed various members of DC comic book canon: Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter, and Shazam, among others. Recently rebooted as part of DC Rebirth, the current comic iteration of the team includes Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, two Green Lanterns (Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz), Aquaman, Barry Allen, as well as Cyborg. 

    Powered by

    Expand
    Collapse

  • Movie

    My Favorite Movies
    My Watchlist

    Success!

    ZackSnydersJusticeLeague Movie Poster

    Your Rating

    close

    10 stars

    9 stars

    8 stars

    7 stars

    6 stars

    5 stars

    4 stars

    3 stars

    2 stars

    1 star

    Rate Now

    0/10

    Leave a Review

    Your comment has not been saved

    Zack Snyder’s Justice League

    PG-13

    Action

    Adventure

    Sci-Fi

    Superhero

    ScreenRant logo

    5/10

    27

    8/10

    Release Date

    March 18, 2021

    Runtime

    242 Minutes

    Director

    Zack Snyder

    Writers

    Chris Terrio

    Prequel(s)

    Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

    Cast

    See All

    • Headshot Of Ben Affleck

      Ben Affleck

    • Headshot Of Henry Cavill In The World premiere of 'Argylle'

      Henry Cavill

    Director Zack Snyder’s initial vision for Justice League follows Batman (Ben Affleck), Superman (Henry Cavill), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), the Flash (Ezra Miller), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), and Aquaman (Jason Momoa) as they battle to prevent the forces of New God Steppenwolf from conquering Earth. The Snyder cut of the film differs significantly from the theatrically released original, including numerous additional story elements and sequences that were later cut from the film. 

    Powered by

    Expand
    Collapse

  • Movie

    My Favorite Movies
    My Watchlist

    Success!

    Batman_ The Killing Joke - Poster

    Your Rating

    close

    10 stars

    9 stars

    8 stars

    7 stars

    6 stars

    5 stars

    4 stars

    3 stars

    2 stars

    1 star

    Rate Now

    0/10

    Leave a Review

    Your comment has not been saved

    Batman: The Killing Joke

    R

    Superhero

    Action

    Animation

    Crime

    Documentary

    9/10

    Release Date

    July 24, 2016

    Runtime

    72 minutes

    Director

    Sam Liu

    Writers

    Bob Kane, Bill Finger, Alan Moore, Brian Bolland, Jerry Robinson, Brian Azzarello

    Cast

    See All

    Batman: The Killing Joke, directed by Sam Liu, explores Batman’s pursuit of the escaped Joker, who targets the Gordon family to demonstrate a twisted parallel to his own descent into madness. The animated film delves into the psychological battle between Batman and his notorious adversary.

    Powered by

    Expand
    Collapse

  • Movie

    My Favorite Movies
    My Watchlist

    Success!

    Man of Steel Poster

    Your Rating

    close

    10 stars

    9 stars

    8 stars

    7 stars

    6 stars

    5 stars

    4 stars

    3 stars

    2 stars

    1 star

    Rate Now

    0/10

    Leave a Review

    Your comment has not been saved

    Man of Steel

    PG-13

    Adventure

    Sci-Fi

    Action

    Fantasy

    Superhero

    ScreenRant logo

    8/10

    52

    8.5/10

    Release Date

    June 14, 2013

    Runtime

    143 minutes

    Director

    Zack Snyder

    Writers

    David S. Goyer, Christopher Nolan

    Prequel(s)

    Man of Steel 2

    Cast

    See All

    • Headshot Of Kevin Costner In The Premiere Of Horizon: An American Saga

      Kevin Costner

    • Headshot Of Laurence Fishburne

      Laurence Fishburne

    This new take on Superman’s origin story, Man of Steel, centers on young journalist Clark Kent/Kal-El, a being who came to Earth as a child from Krypton. Though he has trouble fitting in with his secret superpowers and questions his purpose in life, Clark is forced into action when fellow Kryptonian General Zod arrives on Earth hellbent on conquest. Clark is built by the values set upon him by his parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, who adopted him as an otherworldly orphan, inadvertently raising him to become the hero humanity needs.

    Powered by

    Expand
    Collapse

  • Movie

    My Favorite Movies
    My Watchlist

    Success!

    The Flash 2023 Movie Poster

    Your Rating

    close

    10 stars

    9 stars

    8 stars

    7 stars

    6 stars

    5 stars

    4 stars

    3 stars

    2 stars

    1 star

    Rate Now

    0/10

    Leave a Review

    Your comment has not been saved

    The Flash

    PG-13

    Superhero

    Action

    Fantasy

    ScreenRant logo

    4/10

    58

    5.2/10

    Release Date

    June 16, 2023

    Runtime

    2 hours 24 minutes

    Director

    Andres Muschietti

    Writers

    Christina Hodson, Joby Harold

    Franchise(s)

    DC Extended Universe

    Cast

    See All

    • Headshot Of Ezra Miller iN The Los Angeles premiere of 'The Flash' at the Ovation Hollywood Courtyard.

      Ezra Miller

    • Headshot Of Michael Keaton In The Los Angeles Special Screening Of 'Knox Goes Away'

      Michael Keaton

    The Flash is a DC Extended Universe film starring Ezra Miller as Barry Allen, A.K.A. The Flash. Wishing for a world where his mother still lives, Barry Allen manages to find a way to travel through time to save her. However, Barry ends up in an alternate universe where metahumans aren’t present, meaning a living General Zod arrives to conquer the planet. To save this world and return home, Barry will seek the help of two alternate reality heroes, Batman (Michael Keaton and Supergirl (Sasha Calle).

    Powered by

    Expand
    Collapse

  • Movie

    My Favorite Movies
    My Watchlist

    Success!

    Batman and Robin Movie Poster

    Your Rating

    close

    10 stars

    9 stars

    8 stars

    7 stars

    6 stars

    5 stars

    4 stars

    3 stars

    2 stars

    1 star

    Rate Now

    0/10

    Leave a Review

    Your comment has not been saved

    Batman and Robin

    pg-13

    Action

    Thriller

    Sci-Fi

    ScreenRant logo

    5/10

    6/10

    Release Date

    June 20, 1997

    Runtime

    2h 5m

    Director

    Joel Schumacher

    Writers

    George Clooney, Akiva Goldsman

    Prequel(s)

    Batman, Batman Returns

    Cast

    See All

    • Headshot Of George Clooney

      George Clooney

    • Headshot Of Arnold Schwarzenegger In The Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix's 'FUBAR' Season 1

      Arnold Schwarzenegger

    Following the events of Batman Forever, Batman & Robin is the fourth entry into Warner Bros.’s original Batman film franchise. Batman (George Clooney) and his sidekick Robin (Chris O’Donnell) team up with Barbara Wilson (Alicia Silverstone) to thwart the evil plans of Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman). With Barbara assuming the mantle of Batgirl, the three heroes fight to save Gotham from two of Batman’s greatest enemies. 

    Powered by

    Expand
    Collapse

Upcoming DC Movie Releases

  • Superman (2025) Official Poster

    Superman

    Release Date

    July 11, 2025

    Powered by

    Expand
    Collapse

  • Supergirl Woman of Tomorrow Poster

    Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow

    Release Date

    June 26, 2026

    Powered by

    Expand
    Collapse

  • The Batman 2 temp poster

    The Batman Part II

    Release Date

    October 1, 2027

    Powered by

    Expand
    Collapse