Though the DCEU certainly had a rocky start, things seem to be going much smoother now, with a string of hits for the cinematic universe. While it is certainly difficult to properly handle these godlike characters on the big screen, the biggest issue the DCEU has faced is with its tone.
The franchise has struggled with how much it should embrace the darkness of these characters and how much it should follow the MCU's more lighthearted approach. While that has made for some messy moments, it has also produced some genuinely moving and heartbreaking scenes as well. Here are the saddest moments in the DCEU so far.
10 Barry Visits His Father (Justice League)
Though his solo film has yet to materialize, many people pointed to The Flash as one of the highlights of Justice League. Largely thanks to Ezra Miller's charming performance, the character was a boost of fun and energy. However, he also had his own sad backstory.
Early in the film, we see Barry visit his father Henry Allen in prison. Though Barry clearly believes his father is innocent, Henry tells his son it's time to move on and asks that he stop coming to see him. It's an emotional moment that shows Barry is more than just the comic relief.
9 Deadshot And His Daughter (Suicide Squad)
Suicide Squad is certainly not the most well-regarded of the DCEU films, but the villain team-up adventure has some bright moments, including this surprisingly sad scene. As we're being introduced to the various villains, we meet Deadshot, a skilled killer who also happens to be a loving father.
Through flashback, we see Deadshot out shopping with his daughter when Batman shows up to arrest him. After a brief fight, Deadshot takes aim at the Caped Crusader only for his daughter to step in and beg him to stop. As the cops arrive to take away a handcuffed Deadshot, he tries to comfort his daughter.
8 Superman Kills Zod (Man Of Steel)
Man of Steel was the kick-off of the DCEU and the introduction of Zack Snyder's unique take on these iconic characters. The movie sparked a lot of controversy about its handling of Superman, especially with this climactic scene as he takes on Zod.
With Zod threatening to kill innocent civilians, Superman tries to stop him until he is ultimately forced to break Zod's neck, killing him. Some took issue with Superman resorting to killing, but his anguished scream after the fact is a powerful moment regardless.
7 Robin's Suit (Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice)
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice showcased probably the darkest big-screen take on the character of Batman. Though his motivations for wanting to kill Superman might not be completely convincing, we do get some interesting hints at his traumatic career as the Dark Knight.
In a brief moment, we see Bruce walking through the Batcave and stopping to look at a particular suit. Fans will recognize it as Robin's suit and the spray-painted message from the Joker suggests Robin met a violent end. It's a subtle moment that helps explain Bruce's broken psyche.
6 Queen Atlanna Lives (Aquaman)
Quite surprisingly, Aquaman had become the most successful film in the DCEU with this crazy and entertaining solo adventure. Part of what makes it so successful is its heart which carries it through the outlandish aspects of the film.
In the third act, we see Aquaman reunite with his mother Queen Atlanna, whom he thought was dead. While their reunion is touching, the really heartbreaking moment comes when she asks about his father and Aquaman tells Atlanna how he still stands at the end of the dock every day waiting for her to return.
5 Superman's Death (Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice)
Part of the problem many people had with Batman v Superman was how it tried to cram so many stories into one film. Along with setting up the epic fight between the heroes and introducing the Justice League members, the movie also tries to fit in the Doomsday storyline.
Just as with the comics, the inclusion of Doomsday meant the death of Superman. Though seeing such an important character die probably should have been a more impactful moment, it is still moving. Seeing Superman sacrifice himself and show Batman the kind of hero he is was an important moment.
4 Death Of Pa Kent (Man of Steel)
The killing of Zod was not the only controversial death in Man of Steel. It was clear that Zack Snyder wanted to do something different with the iconic character and rethink his origin story. Regardless of what you thought of this particular moment, it certainly was a bold take on the classic story.
As a young boy, Clark Kent's adoptive father Jonathan Kent insisted he hides his superpowers at all cost, fearing how the world would treat him. When Jonathan finds himself in the path of a tornado, Clark can easily save him, but Jonathan tells him not to, dying to protect his son's secret.
3 Massacre Of The Village (Wonder Woman)
One of the most memorable moments in the excellent Wonder Woman film was when Diana storms into an occupied village and liberates it with her awesome abilities. However, as inspiring as the moment is, the film brutally takes it back when the village is later gassed and its people killed.
The sight of Diana returning to the village now in a cloud of poison and seeing the aftermath is a horrific and heartbreaking moment. It is also a significant moment for the character, who learns a hard lesson about being a hero in the real world.
2 Steve Trevor's Sacrifice (Wonder Woman)
Apart from the great action, Wonder Woman also has one of the most effective love stories in any comic book film. Diana and Steve Trevor can be at odds at times, but they are both heroic individuals who will do whatever it takes to protect innocent people.
From what we already knew about Diana's past from Batman v Superman, we knew this romance was not going to end in a happy way. That still didn't prepare us for the heartbreaking scene when Steve, in the midst of battle, tells Diana that he loves her before sacrificing himself to save the day.
1 Billy Finds His Mother (Shazam!)
Shazam might not have been one of the most popular DC characters, but his solo film proved to be a hilarious and heartwarming adventure. The brilliant concept of a young boy transforming into a hero made for some great comedic moments, but the film also pulled at the heartstrings just as effectively.
After being separated from his mother years ago, foster child Billy Batson finally tracks her down. However, the reunion is not what he thought it would be, as his mother reveals she didn't lose him, she abandoned him. It's a heartbreaking moment that teaches Billy what true family means.