Ranked: Best to Worst DC Superheroes of All Time (Is Superman Not #1?)

Best to Worst DC Superheroes

DC has been cranking out superheroes for over 80 years, which means fans have had a long time to argue over one burning question: who’s the best? Between gods, billionaires, aliens, and speedsters, the DC universe is stacked with powerful characters. But popularity, impact, and staying power? That’s where things get interesting.

This ranking blends all of it: fan favorites, cultural relevance, comic book legacy, box office power, and just pure cool factor. So no, it’s not just about who can punch the hardest. It’s about who has shaped the DC world the most, who keeps showing up in major arcs, and who people can’t stop rooting for or dressing up as every Halloween.

Here are the top 9 DC superheroes, ranked from best to… not worst, but let’s say less legendary.

1. Batman

He doesn’t have powers. He’s just smarter than everyone else, has backup plans for his backup plans, and somehow holds his own next to aliens and gods. With thousands of comic appearances, nonstop movie reboots, and a global fanbase, Batman is the face of DC and for good reason.

2. Superman

He started it all. You’d think Superman would be #1, but here we are. Superman set the blueprint for what a superhero even is. He’s powerful enough to move planets, but his real strength is that he always does the right thing. He might be old school, but he’s never out of style.

3. Wonder Woman

An Amazon warrior, a diplomat, a goddess, and a feminist icon. Wonder Woman bridges the gap between brute strength and grace. She’s a core part of the DC Trinity, with some of the best solo stories and one of the strongest moral compasses in comics.

4. The Flash (Barry Allen)

He’s the heart of the Justice League and one of the most important characters in the multiverse. Barry isn’t just fast, he’s time-warpingly, dimension-breaking fast. His stories constantly shake up the DC timeline, and he’s way more than just a guy in red spandex.

5. Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)

A test pilot turned intergalactic peacekeeper, Hal Jordan is the most iconic of the Lanterns. His power ring lets him create anything he can imagine, but it’s his willpower that makes him a true hero. He’s had ups and downs, but he’s always a top-tier DC name.

6. Aquaman

Once the butt of every superhero joke, Aquaman has done a full 180. He’s the king of Atlantis, commands the ocean, and has quietly become one of DC’s most consistent heavy hitters. And let’s be honest, he’s way cooler now than he ever used to be.

7. Martian Manhunter

He’s often in the background, but J’onn J’onzz is one of the most powerful and thoughtful characters in DC. Shapeshifting, telepathy, invisibility: he’s got the skills, but it’s his quiet wisdom that makes him essential to any Justice League lineup.

8. Nightwing (Dick Grayson)

The first Robin grows up and becomes a hero in his own right. Nightwing is charming, agile, and fiercely independent. Fans love him because he’s relatable: he came from tragedy, but built something entirely his own. He’s consistently one of DC’s most beloved characters.

9. Shazam

A literal child in a superhero’s body. Shazam brings humor, heart, and a unique perspective to the hero lineup. He’s ridiculously strong, flies, and shoots lightning, but he’s also figuring life out like any other teenager. His story is fun without losing weight.

The Takeaway

DC’s universe is packed with unforgettable heroes, but some just have that staying power: the kind that shapes stories, inspires generations, and keeps fans coming back no matter how many timelines collapse. Whether you’re here for the brooding loners, the cosmic warriors, or the time-bending speed demons, DC has a hero or five for you.