Your Guide to Every Marvel & DC Movie & Show: 2021-2023

Your Definitive Journey Through Marvel & DC's Epic 2021-2023 Slate

The superhero landscape has never been more vibrant, with both Marvel and DC consistently delivering a breathtaking array of films and series that captivate audiences worldwide. From the intricate narratives of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to the expansive world of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) and beyond, the period spanning 2021 to 2023 has been, and continues to be, a golden age for fans of marvel and dc movies and shows. This guide will walk you through the monumental releases, highlight their significance, and offer insights into navigating this ever-growing multiversal spectacle.

The Resurgence of Superheroes: A Look Back at 2021

After a somewhat disrupted 2020, 2021 marked a powerful return for superhero content, establishing new heroes, expanding established lore, and setting the stage for even grander narratives. Both Marvel and DC leveraged theatrical releases and burgeoning streaming platforms to reach their eager fan bases.

Marvel's Explosive 2021 Lineup

What If...? (August 11, 2021): Marvel Studios ventured into animation, exploring alternate timelines where pivotal moments in the MCU played out differently. This series proved crucial in laying groundwork for multiversal themes that would dominate future phases.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (September 3, 2021): Introducing a brand-new hero, Shang-Chi, the master of weaponry-based Kung Fu, was forced to confront his past and the mysterious Ten Rings organization. This film blended martial arts action with deep mythology, earning critical acclaim and expanding the MCU's cultural reach.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage (September 15, 2021): Sony's Spider-Man Universe continued its grim and gritty expansion with Venom facing off against his deadliest foe yet, Carnage. The film further solidified the anti-hero's place in the modern superhero landscape.
Eternals (November 5, 2021): A bold, epic tale introducing a race of immortal beings who have secretly lived on Earth for millennia, shaping human history and civilizations. This movie expanded the cosmic side of the MCU significantly.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (December 17, 2021): Arguably one of the most anticipated marvel and dc movies in years, this film shattered box office records by delving deep into the multiverse, bringing together characters from across Spider-Man's cinematic history in an unprecedented event.
Hawkeye (Late 2021): The Disney+ series offered a street-level adventure, pairing Clint Barton with his protégé Kate Bishop, and exploring the darker side of superhero life in New York City.
Ms. Marvel (Late 2021): This highly anticipated series introduced Kamala Khan, a Pakistani-American teenager from New Jersey who gains polymorphic powers, becoming one of Marvel's freshest and most relatable heroes.

DC's Cinematic and Animated Offerings in 2021

Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two (July 27, 2021): DC continued its strong tradition of animated features with the conclusion to this acclaimed adaptation of one of Batman's most iconic storylines. These direct-to-video films consistently offer compelling narratives for fans.
The Suicide Squad (July 30, 2021): James Gunn delivered a riotous, R-rated reboot that injected new life into the ensemble of supervillains turned reluctant heroes. It was praised for its humor, action, and unexpected heart, establishing a new tone for the DC universe.

2022: The Multiverse Explodes and New Legends Emerge

Building on the foundations laid in 2021, the following year escalated the multiversal stakes and introduced several high-profile new characters, further diversifying the superhero cinematic experience.

Marvel's Dominance in 2022

Morbius (January 28, 2022): Sony's universe continued its expansion with Jared Leto as Dr. Michael Morbius, a biochemist who inadvertently infects himself with a form of vampirism.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (March 25, 2022): This mind-bending sequel saw Doctor Strange team up with America Chavez, a mysterious teenager who can travel across multiverses, to battle threats that could wipe out all realities. It heavily leaned into the multiversal concepts introduced earlier.
Thor: Love and Thunder (May 6, 2022): Taika Waititi returned to direct Thor's latest adventure, seeing him alongside Jane Foster (who wields Mjolnir as the Mighty Thor) to face Gorr the God Butcher.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (July 8, 2022): This emotionally charged sequel explored the people of Wakanda fighting to protect their home from intervening world powers as they mourned the death of King T'Challa, honoring the legacy of Chadwick Boseman.
The Marvels (November 11, 2022): Brie Larson's Captain Marvel joined forces with Monica Rambeau and Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel) in a cosmic team-up.
Moon Knight (2022): This Disney+ series introduced Marc Spector, a mercenary with dissociative identity disorder, who becomes a conduit for the Egyptian moon god Khonshu. It was praised for its unique psychological thriller elements.
She-Hulk (2022): Jennifer Walters, a lawyer specializing in superhuman-oriented legal cases, also happens to be a green 6-foot-7-inch superpowered hulk. This comedy series brought a fresh, meta perspective to the MCU.
Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur (2022): A vibrant animated series bringing the unlikely duo of a super-genius teenager and her T-Rex companion to screens.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (Late 2022): A delightful festive outing from James Gunn, filling the gap before the third main film and proving to be a heartwarming addition to the MCU.

DC's Power-Packed 2022

The Batman (March 4, 2022): A gritty, neo-noir take on the Caped Crusader, starring Robert Pattinson as a younger, more detective-focused Batman. It was a critical and commercial success, spawning its own unique universe.
DC League of Super-Pets (May 20, 2022): A fun, family-friendly animated adventure featuring Superman's dog Krypto and other super-powered pets saving the Justice League.
Black Adam (July 29, 2022): Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson finally brought the powerful anti-hero Black Adam to the big screen, exploring his ancient origins and morally ambiguous approach to justice.
Untitled Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse sequel (October 7, 2022): Building on the groundbreaking animation and storytelling of its predecessor, this sequel promised another visually stunning journey across the Spider-Verse (note: this became *Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse* and was later delayed to 2023).
The Flash (November 4, 2022): A highly anticipated film that would dive into the multiverse, featuring multiple Batmen and showcasing the vastness of the DC cosmos. (Note: this film also faced significant delays and ultimately released later).
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (December 16, 2022): Jason Momoa returned as the King of Atlantis in his second solo outing, promising more underwater spectacle and adventure.

Anticipating 2023: The Horizon Expands

While some releases originally slated for 2022 shifted, 2023 nonetheless presented exciting new chapters for both powerhouses, demonstrating a continued commitment to cinematic and televisual excellence for marvel and dc movies and shows.

Marvel's Contributions in 2023

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (February 17, 2023): The third Ant-Man film further explored the Quantum Realm and introduced Kang the Conqueror as a major new threat, setting up future MCU sagas.
Other major anticipated titles like Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (May 5, 2023) also cemented Marvel's theatrical presence, demonstrating the continuous evolution of its cosmic narratives.

DC's Cinematic Releases in 2023

Shazam! Fury of the Gods (June 2, 2023): Billy Batson and his superpowered foster siblings returned to face off against a trio of ancient goddesses. This sequel continued the franchise's blend of humor and heart.
The previously mentioned The Flash (June 16, 2023) and Blue Beetle (August 18, 2023) eventually made their debut, further showcasing DC's diverse character roster and multiversal ambitions.
For a deeper dive into upcoming releases beyond this specific timeframe, you might want to check out our Marvel vs. DC: Comprehensive Guide to Their Future Film Slate.

Navigating the Superhero Multiverse: Tips for Fans

With such an overwhelming amount of content, keeping track of every twist and turn can feel like a heroic feat in itself. Here are some tips to help you maximize your enjoyment of marvel and dc movies and shows:

Embrace Streaming Platforms: Disney+ and HBO Max (now Max) are indispensable for staying up-to-date with the serial narratives that often intertwine with the theatrical releases. Many crucial character developments and plot points happen in these series.
Understand the Universes: Remember that not all Marvel content is MCU, and not all DC content is DCEU. For example, Sony's Spider-Man Universe (Venom, Morbius) exists separately but has begun to intersect with the MCU. Similarly, Matt Reeves' The Batman established its own standalone continuity. Knowing these distinctions prevents confusion.
Prioritize Based on Interest: You don't have to watch everything. If you prefer cosmic adventures, focus on titles like Eternals or The Marvels. If you enjoy gritty realism, The Batman might be more your speed. Pick and choose what resonates most with you.
Revisit the Classics: The strength of these universes lies in decades of comic book history. Understanding the core characters like Captain America (who, frozen for decades, battled the Red Skull) or the foundational story of the Punisher (who wages war on crime after his family's murder) enriches the experience of seeing their modern adaptations. Even seemingly obscure characters, like a sarcastic humanoid duck pulled from his homeworld, contribute to the rich tapestry.
Engage with the Community: Fan theories, discussions, and breakdowns can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the intricate storytelling. Websites, podcasts, and social media offer vibrant communities to explore.

The period from 2021 to 2023 has been nothing short of extraordinary for fans of superhero entertainment. Both Marvel and DC have pushed boundaries, explored new narratives, and delivered unforgettable experiences across the big screen and streaming platforms. As these universes continue to expand and evolve, the excitement only builds. For a full, exhaustive list of recent releases and a look ahead, don't miss our comprehensive overview: Essential Marvel & DC Movies & Shows: Full 2021-2023 Lineup.