Essential Marvel & DC Movies & Shows: Full 2021-2023 Lineup

The world of superheroes has never been more vibrant, with both Marvel and DC consistently expanding their cinematic and streaming universes. From the interconnected narratives of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to the diverse, often standalone, projects from DC, fans are spoiled for choice. As we move through 2021 and look ahead to 2022 and 2023, the slate of upcoming marvel and dc movies and shows promises unprecedented spectacle, character development, and genre-bending storytelling. Get ready to dive deep into the full lineup, exploring the essential releases that will shape the superhero landscape for years to come.

Marvel's Ambitious Phase: Movies and Disney+ Series (2021-2023)

Marvel Studios continues to redefine cinematic storytelling, not only through its theatrical blockbusters but also with its rapidly expanding library of Disney+ series. These shows are crucial for understanding the larger narrative, often directly setting up future films and introducing new heroes. The upcoming years are packed with multiversal chaos, new champions, and long-awaited returns.

Marvel in 2021: Kicking Off a New Era

What If...? (August 11, 2021)
This animated series delves into alternate timelines across the multiverse, exploring pivotal MCU moments with a twist. It offers a fresh perspective on beloved characters and storylines, laying groundwork for future multiversal explorations.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (September 3, 2021)
Introducing a new master of martial arts to the MCU, Shang-Chi is forced to confront his past when he's drawn into the mysterious Ten Rings organization. This film promises breathtaking action and a deep dive into new mythological elements.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage (September 15, 2021)
Sony's anti-hero Venom returns, facing off against his deadliest foe yet: Carnage, played by Woody Harrelson. This sequel promises more chaotic symbiote action and a thrilling clash of titans.
Eternals (November 5, 2021)
Directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao, this epic introduces a new team of immortal beings who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years, shaping its history and civilizations. Their saga unfolds as an ancient threat resurfaces.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (December 17, 2021)
The highly anticipated third installment of Tom Holland's Spider-Man sees Peter Parker grappling with the fallout of his identity being revealed. Rumors of multiversal crossovers have fueled immense excitement for this pivotal entry.
Hawkeye (Late 2021)
This Disney+ series follows Clint Barton as he trains a new archer, Kate Bishop, while confronting darker parts of his past. It promises a grounded, street-level adventure with the beloved Avenger.
Ms. Marvel (Late 2021)
Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teenager from Jersey City, discovers her powers and becomes Ms. Marvel. This Disney+ show introduces a fan-favorite new generation hero, celebrating diversity and the joy of fandom.

Marvel in 2022: Expanding Horizons and Multiversal Threats

Morbius (January 28, 2022)
Another entry in Sony's Spider-Man Universe, Jared Leto stars as Michael Morbius, a biochemist who inadvertently infects himself with a form of vampirism.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (March 25, 2022)
Directed by Sam Raimi, this film promises to tear open the multiverse. Doctor Strange teams up with a mysterious teenage girl who can travel across multiverses, battling other-universe versions of himself and seeking help from Scarlet Witch and Wong.
Thor: Love and Thunder (May 6, 2022)
Taika Waititi returns to direct, bringing back Chris Hemsworth's Thor alongside Natalie Portman's Jane Foster, who wields Mjolnir as the Mighty Thor. This promises another vibrant, humorous, and action-packed cosmic adventure.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (July 8, 2022)
The people of Wakanda fight to protect their home from intervening world powers as they mourn the profound loss of King T'Challa. This film will honor Chadwick Boseman's legacy while forging a new path for Wakanda.
Untitled Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse sequel (October 7, 2022)
The critically acclaimed animated masterpiece gets a sequel, promising more groundbreaking animation and multiversal Spider-People. This is set to push the boundaries of animated superhero storytelling.
The Marvels (November 11, 2022)
Bringing together Captain Marvel, Ms. Marvel, and Monica Rambeau (who gained powers in WandaVision), this film promises a powerful team-up and exploration of their intertwined destinies.
Moon Knight (2022)
This Disney+ series will introduce Marc Spector, a complex vigilante with dissociative identity disorder, drawing power from the Egyptian moon god Khonshu. It’s set to be a darker, more psychological entry into the MCU.
She-Hulk (2022)
Jennifer Walters, a lawyer specializing in superhuman-oriented legal cases, also happens to be the cousin of Bruce Banner – and a Hulk herself. This Disney+ series is expected to be a comedic take on the superhero genre.
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (2022)
An animated series for a younger audience, following the adventures of a super-genius girl and her T-Rex companion in New York City.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (Late 2022)
A festive, one-off special from James Gunn, bridging the gap between Thor: Love and Thunder and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.

Marvel in 2023: The Next Frontier

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (February 17, 2023)
The third Ant-Man film is expected to delve deeper into the Quantum Realm and introduce Kang the Conqueror as a major new antagonist for the MCU, making it a potentially crucial film for the overarching saga.

DC's Dynamic Slate: From Dark Knights to Super-Pets (2021-2023)

DC's approach continues to be a mix of interconnected universe entries, standalone blockbusters, and highly anticipated animated features. The coming years promise a fascinating blend of established heroes, fresh takes, and exciting new additions to the pantheon of marvel and dc movies.

DC in 2021: Expanding the Universe

Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two (July 27, 2021)
The second part of the animated adaptation of one of the most iconic Batman storylines, continuing the dark, detective-driven narrative.
The Suicide Squad (July 30, 2021)
James Gunn brings his unique vision to Task Force X, assembling a new motley crew of super-villains for a high-stakes, R-rated mission. Expect humor, heart, and plenty of explosions.

DC in 2022: Blockbusters and Beloved Characters

The Batman (March 4, 2022)
Robert Pattinson stars as a younger, grittier Caped Crusader in a standalone film that emphasizes his detective skills, facing off against a cadre of Gotham's most notorious villains.
DC League of Super-Pets (May 20, 2022)
An animated family adventure featuring the super-powered pets of the Justice League. When the Justice League is kidnapped, Krypto the Super-Dog forms a team to save them.
Black Adam (July 29, 2022)
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson finally brings the anti-hero Black Adam to the big screen, exploring his origin story and his unique brand of justice. This film promises to introduce a powerful new force into the DC universe.
The Flash (November 4, 2022)
Ezra Miller's Barry Allen attempts to change the past, inadvertently opening the door to a multiverse featuring multiple Batmen (Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck are confirmed to return). This film is set to have significant implications for the future of the DCEU.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (December 16, 2022)
Jason Momoa returns as the King of Atlantis in this sequel, continuing the underwater adventures of Arthur Curry.

DC in 2023: More Mighty Adventures

Shazam! Fury of the Gods (June 2, 2023)
Zachary Levi returns as the magically powered hero Shazam, bringing his unique blend of humor and heart to another adventure. The sequel promises more mythical threats and family fun.

The Evolving Landscape of Superhero Storytelling

The upcoming years for marvel and dc movies and shows highlight several key trends in the superhero genre. The rise of streaming services like Disney+ and HBO Max has allowed for more experimental storytelling, deeper character dives, and a greater integration of television series directly into the cinematic narratives. The multiverse concept, once a niche comic book theory, is now a central pillar for both franchises, offering endless possibilities for crossovers, alternate realities, and fresh takes on iconic characters. Moreover, there's a strong emphasis on introducing diverse new heroes, expanding the representation on screen, and drawing from the rich, decades-long history of their comic book universes. From the early adventures of Captain America battling villains like The Scarab, to the satirical sci-fi of Howard the Duck, or the grim vigilantism of The Punisher, these universes have always been vast. Now, modern adaptations are able to explore an even broader spectrum of these beloved characters, including classic teams like the Fantastic Four or new generations of X-Men and Blade. This commitment to variety ensures that there's truly something for every fan, whether you prefer dark, gritty narratives like The Batman or lighthearted animated adventures like DC League of Super-Pets. The sheer volume of content can be overwhelming, but it also signals a golden age for fans. To ensure you don't miss a single premiere, consider this Your Guide to Every Marvel & DC Movie & Show: 2021-2023. For a deeper dive into the ongoing battle for cinematic supremacy, exploring how these two titans are shaping their future film slates, check out our comprehensive guide: Marvel vs. DC: Comprehensive Guide to Their Future Film Slate.

Conclusion

The next few years are poised to be monumental for fans of superhero entertainment. With an impressive roster of marvel and dc movies and shows, audiences can look forward to epic battles, mind-bending multiversal escapades, heartfelt character journeys, and groundbreaking visual effects. Both Marvel and DC are committed to pushing the boundaries of what superhero storytelling can be, ensuring that the magic and excitement of comic book universes continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through these incredible worlds.