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From 'Batman Returns' to 'Man of Steel': 5 DC movies to binge-watch before 'The Flash' releases

Here's a list of movies and shows you can watch before the release of 'The Flash'

DC’s resident science nerd turned metahuman Barry Allen or popularly known as Flash will be returning to the screen in his very own movie ‘The Flash’. Packed with action and adventure along with an emotional rollercoaster, the latest DC Studios movie will move us back and forth in time as Barry learns to race to the past. The movie will also bring together other beloved DC characters, including Batman and Supergirl. But that’s not where the fun ends.

This installment of 'The Flash' combines a lot of stories from the DC universe. Those who are excited about the movie, especially non-fans of the comics and other movies or TV shows, must be wondering if they need to watch anything else to understand the premise and get more context. Well, if you asked the head of DC Studios James Gunn, he would say no as he did in a tweet to one fan. The tweet said, “You don’t NEED to watch anything. It would be good if you know the Keaton Batman exists.” Despite that, if you want to know more about the individual characters’ places in the DC extended universe, here are some films and TV episodes you can indulge in to prepare yourself for the movie’s release.

'Batman' (1989) and 'Batman Returns' (1992)

These are the two movies that cover the 'Keaton Batman' Gunn was referring to. Michael Keaton returns to the DC universe with ‘The Flash’ as the older version of Batman Barry comes across as he meddles with the flow of time. 

'Man of Steel' (2013)

Although 'Man of Steel's superhero character is not involved in 'The Flash's storyline, this movie introduces the character General Zod, played by Michael Shannon. He will be making a comeback in 'The Flash' as the main antagonist who Barry fights alongside other characters. 

'Justice League' (2017)

Since Ben Affleck’s 'Batman' is also going to be a part of this universe, ‘Justice League’ (2017) can be added to your watchlist. This movie first introduced Ezra Miller as The Flash. Some die-hard fans of DC would also recommend Zack Snyder’s version of ‘Justice League’. So, if you wish to see the difference between the two versions yourself, add it to your watchlist!

'Arrow's Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Four' 

The Flash has existed on the TV screen ever since 2014. A CW production, the show had Grant Gustin playing the metahuman which came to its finale this year in May after the conclusion of its 9th season. Despite that, the show is quite separate from the universe the movies are following and it doesn’t need to be part of your watchlist necessarily. The same goes for the show ‘Supergirl’. Interestingly, there was a crossover with the movie universe but in a completely different show called and named after ‘Arrow’. In the eighth and final season of the show, the episode 'Crisis on Infinite Earths: Part Four' (2020) brings together the two Flashes, Ezra and Grant, together. 

So, now you have a list of things you can watch to prepare yourself for 'The Flash’s release. Take out a weekend to indulge in the extended DC universe while you wait for the movie to hit the theaters on June 16, 2023.