WhileDCmovies 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 theentire DCU timeline, these scenes become incredibly difficult to revisit.
TheDC 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 fromDC’s greatest moviespromised 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.
10Henry Cavill Appears In Black Adam
Black Adam
InBlack Adam, Henry Cavill makes a surprise appearance as Superman during the film’s post-credits scene, reigniting excitement for his return to the DCEU. Cavillhadn’t appeared in a movie as the Man of Steel sinceJustice Leagueyears earlierand 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 changerendered his cameo seemingly pointlessand 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.
9Polka-Dot Man’s Death
The Suicide Squad
The Suicide Squadintroduces audiences to Polka-Dot Man, portrayed by David Dastmalchian, a character who evolves from a ridiculed villain to a reluctant hero. Throughout the film, hebattles personal trauma and a unique afflictionthat 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.
WhilePolka-Dot Man’s deathserves 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 thathighlights the movie’s irreverent approach to DC canon, for better or for worse.
8Arthur Fleck Becomes The Joker
Joker
Jokerchronicles Arthur Fleck’s descent into madness, culminating in his transformation into the titular character. This metamorphosis isboth 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 isfurther compounded by the anticipation of a sequel, which has sparked controversy and debate among audiences and critics. Revisiting this pivotalJokermoment 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 thenroll back on whether Arthur is the Joker or notcompletely undermines the importance of thisJokerscene, which at the time felt like a bold and iconic celebration.
7Henry Cavill’s Digitally Removed Mustache
Justice League
During the reshoots ofJustice League, Henry Cavill was contractually obligated to keep a mustache for his role inMission: 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 Leaguestruggled 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 asa reminder of the challenges and missteps that plagued the film’s creation, becoming emblematic of the DCEU’s struggles during that period.
6The Unresolved Knightmare Scene
Zack Snyder’s Justice League
InZack 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 andtantalizingly teases what could have beenin the franchise had Snyder been able to remain on the movie.
This intriguing setup inZack Snyder’s Justice Leaguehinted 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 potentialand leaves audiences pondering the squandered potential narrative, adding a layer of frustration to the viewing experience when it’s revisited today.
5Batman and Batgirl’s Intimate Encounter
The Killing Joke
The animated adaptation ofThe Killing Jokeincludes a controversial scene where Batman and Batgirl engage in a sexual encounter. This addition was especially surprising as such an encounter iscompletely 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 Batgirlhighlights 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.
4Jonathan Kent’s Unnecessary Death
Man Of Steel
In the DCEU’sMan of Steel, Jonathan Kent meets an untimely death that hasprompted 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.
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Jonathan Kent’s death inMan of Steelwas 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 justifywith each viewing.
3DC’s Multiversal Superman Cameos
The Flash
The Flashfeatures a sequence showcasing various Superman portrayals from different universes, including CGI renditions of actors like George Reeves and Nicolas Cage in the unproduced Tim BurtonSupermanmovie. 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.
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Rewatching this segment inThe Flashhighlights 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 scenerepresenting many of the movie’s poor decisions.
2Robin’s Inappropriate Advances Toward Batgirl
Batman & Robin
InBatman & 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 inBatman & Robin.While the pair enjoy a romance in the comics, they arenormally 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 toleratedaccentuates 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.
1Joker’s Assault on Batgirl
In the adaptation of the 1988 graphic novelBatman: 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; theJoker proceeds to undress Barbara and takes photographs of her in a state of undress and agony.
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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 itexemplifies 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 difficultDCscene to watch, then and since.
Cast
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.
The Suicide Squad: Released in 2021, The Suicide Squad features supervillains Harley Quinn, Bloodsport, and Peacemaker, among others, as they join Task Force X. The team embarks on a mission on the enemy-held island of Corto Maltese under the direction of Amanda Waller in this entry of the DC Extended Universe.
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.
2017’s Justice League brings together iconic DC heroes under the direction of Zack Snyder. In the aftermath of Superman’s sacrifice, Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince recruit metahumans Barry Allen, Arthur Curry, and Victor Stone to combat the dire threat posed by Steppenwolf and his Parademons.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Zack Snyder’s Justice League is a reimagining of the 2017 film, where Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince assemble a team of metahumans, including Aquaman, The Flash, and Cyborg, to defend Earth from a looming cosmic threat, following Superman’s previous sacrifice. Released in 2021, it continues the DC Extended Universe narrative.
Batman: The Killing Joke
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.
Man of Steel
Man of Steel is a 2013 reboot of the Superman franchise, directed by Zack Snyder. Henry Cavill stars as Clark Kent, who discovers his extraterrestrial origins and extraordinary powers.
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).
Batman and Robin
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.
