While the Justice League as a whole is a major draw in the DC Universe, its individual members are all enormously popular in their own right, being featured in solo films and movies. The Flash is among the topmost recognizable figures here, with two famous incarnations being the heroes from the DC Animated Universe and the DC Extended Universe.
Although the DCAU version is Wally West while the DCEU one is Barry Allen, the two have extremely similar personalities. So much so, that it has been noted that the DCEU version has borrowed elements from the animated incarnation. With such comparisons made, it’s appropriate to stack their strengths against each other to come to a conclusion over which one is better.
10 Comedy: DCAU Flash
An important part of being The Flash is to bring in the funny aspect of the character, whether it is Wally West or Barry Allen. With the DCEU Flash having comedy as a main part of his identity, this makes him well-matched against the DCAU version.
However, the animated version still wins here, since he didn’t have any awkward moments of comedy that seemed out of place. The DCEU version had a few scenes that didn’t go well with the serious situations in the film, while the DCAU Flash’s comedic moments fit in even if the scenario was filled with tension.
9 Costume & Effects: DCEU Flash
Forget going up against the DCAU Flash, the DCEU Flash’s costume might just be the best Flash costume to ever have been seen. This one really appreciates the characterization of the superhero, as it features an epic design that makes one think of speed and lightning instantly.
The DCAU Flash’s costume looked just like any other Flash costume before, and it was a missed opportunity not to dabble further with it, given that animation would allow for more creativity. The DCEU Flash, meanwhile, also features superb effects that surround him when he launches; driving home the fact that he’s quick as a flash.
8 Speed: DCAU Flash
By the DCEU Flash’s own admission, he mainly just pushed people and ran away as part of his fighting strategy, and his full skills haven’t been reached. He also lost pretty handily against Superman, where the latter could perceive his attacks.
The DCAU Flash’s greatest moment came when he battled the Lex Luthor/Brainiac hybrid, where he literally ran around the world a bunch of times within the span of a few seconds. His speed was such that he was also able to get the better of the Justice Lords Superman, and he claimed that he always held back in his speed to avoid a fatality.
7 Chemistry With Justice League Teammates: Tied
It’s not really possible to just pick one guy here, as both incarnations of the Justice League had its members be especially fond of their version of The Flash. Each version was the person on the team who had a connection with every other member of the league, too.
They were also able to be the one to act as an icebreaker when things got tense between the league, while both versions also got a laugh out of the stoic Batman on occasion as well. When thinking of the "heart" of the team, it would be The Flash in the DCEU and the DCAU.
6 Feats: DCAU Flash
This one is really a no contest, seeing as the DCEU Flash only ever provided assistance rather than have a direct role in fighting the villain. Even when encountering henchmen, this Flash’s role was kept limited over being the main aggressor.
The DCAU Flash was the one who took down the Lex Luthor/Brainiac hybrid all on his own, and he was vital in fighting villains like Darkseid and the Thanagarians as well. In fact, his effectiveness was such that he ended up receiving a "Flash Appreciation Day" for his heroics.
5 Emotional Moments: DCAU Flash
To his credit, the DCEU Flash did have heartfelt scenes in Justice League, where he was shown visiting his father in jail and struggling to keep up with his problems. However, he lacked having emotional moments with the Justice League itself.
The DCAU Flash had a large variety of these, ranging from humorous to heartbreaking ones. He had bonding moments with Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, Superman, and even Batman of all people. Along with that, The Flash’s sad times, such as when he was almost lost to the Speed Force, were also well detailed.
4 Instant Likability: DCEU Flash
Being one of the few good points of the Justice League movie, The Flash remains a popular character due to his likability factor. He was able to bring the same energy in his TV debut in Crisis on Infinite Earths as well, and it is due to this that The Flash solo movie is on the way.
The DCAU Flash might be remembered as a lovable character, but he was a downright jerk in his first appearance in Superman: The Animated Series. Here, he was openly antagonistic to Superman and had a huge ego problem. It was only in Justice League Unlimited where he started transitioning into a likable character.
3 Better Storylines: DCAU Flash
Simply being part of the team isn’t enough, and it is by having a personal arc that the character can truly be memorable. While the DCEU Flash did have a sympathetic quality to him, he just wasn’t seen as a main player like the rest of the members came across.
The DCAU Flash had some memorable angles, such as when he went through an identity crisis over his position in the expanded league, along with him having to pick sides between Hawkgirl and Wonder Woman. This Flash also seemed like a vital part of the league’s fights with the number of villains they faced.
2 Long-Lasting Potential: DCEU Flash
With the actor being a decade or more younger than the rest of the Justice League castmates, he’s well-positioned to be around even in the next phase of the DCEU. With this Flash also having ventured into the Arrowverse, however briefly, he can be used as the figurehead of the film universe going forward.
The DCAU Flash didn’t get around to his own TV series, being used either on Justice League Unlimited or guest appearances in other solo superhero shows. As The Flash movie is underway, with talks of sequels too, the DCEU Flash can be set up as an iconic character in the long-run.
1 Winner: DCAU Flash
A richer history, several big moments, and an all-round deeper characterization allows the DCAU Flash to come away with the win here. Despite the character having been out of fresh content for over a decade since the end of Justice League Unlimited, he remains a popular figure.
The DCEU Flash has potential for the future, but he hasn’t been positioned in the center stage yet like the animated version has. The scales might tip in the favor of the live-action incarnation down the line, but for the time being the DCAU Flash is the best version for fans to follow.