Common complaints about the DCEU include that its characters are too grim or too dark, especially compared to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, without the levity and likability that naturally draw audience sympathy. These complaints were particularly leveled at Man of Steel and Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice.
However, it hasn't necessarily held true all throughout the DCEU. Particularly as the franchise has expanded and diversified, introducing movies like Shazam! and Birds of Prey, more and more likable characters have been introduced into the films. Whether they're protagonists, ensemble cast members, or even minor characters, there are plenty of characters in the DCEU who stand out as likable and enjoyable to watch.
10 Rick Flag Takes A Level In Kindness In The Suicide Squad
In the original Suicide Squad, Rick Flag was the co-protagonist alongside Will Smith's Deadshot and Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn, but fans found him underwhelming in comparison, and more generic. He had some moments of camaraderie with Deadshot, but many viewers found that nothing stood out too well.
The Suicide Squad, however, shows a different take on Rick Flag, where he is more idealistic and more compassionate. Fans warmed up to him over the course of the film, making it for many a genuinely devastating moment when he is killed by John Cena's Peacemaker for attempting to do the right thing.
9 Renee Montoya Shows That Softness & Likability Are Not The Same Thing
Renee Montoya spends the first two acts of Birds of Prey as an antagonistic figure. She is the detective in the Gotham City PD who is one of several parties interested in catching up to Harley Quinn, and later on Cassandra Cain. More focus is given on her than the others, and so viewers get a good look at Montoya.
She wins sympathy by being competent at her job despite being in the city with the worst crime rate in the world, having decency enough to not shoot at a fleeing Harley, and having to put up with insubordination from the city's male cops. As such, by the time she joins forces with Harley and the others in the film's climax, viewers have come to respect her for a no-nonsense cop with a heart.
8 Steve Trevor Makes It Clear How Diana Could Love Him
In both Wonder Woman and Wonder Woman: 1984, Steve Trevor serves as a secondary protagonist, with less focus on him than on Diana Prince. Nonetheless, over the course of those movies, he carves out a sympathetic light for himself. He's brave, but not to the callous recklessness that World War I is known for, and despite holding Diana's hand as she experiences the normal world, he understands when to stand back and let her take charge.
In Wonder Woman: 1984, divorced from the stakes and terror of World War I and grateful to be alive, viewers see an even warmer side as he giddily enjoys the then-present with Diana. Over the course of these two movies, Chris Pine's portrayal of Steve is enough that fans feel Diana's pain when he sacrifices himself at the climax of both films.
7 Lois Lane Adds Humanity To Superman's Stories
Lois Lane is introduced in the very first DCEU film, Man of Steel, as an investigative journalist who attempts to expose Clark's secret before the two fall in love. While in subsequent movies, such as Batman v. Superman and Justice League, she has a smaller presence, she is always important to the storylines, and in grounding Clark Kent on Earth.
As a symbol of what Earth means to the alien Superman, she already stands out to fans. However, she also backs it up with being good at her job, not afraid to call demigods out when the situation calls for it, and willing to rush into dangerous situations because she knows she has to, despite being just a human.
6 Arthur Curry Hides Behind A Gruff Exterior
Helped by a charismatic portrayal from Jason Momoa, Arthur Curry's portrayal in Justice League as a gruff loner who tries and fails to resist being drawn into the Justice League's camaraderie won him fans, despite the middling reaction to Joss Whedon's cut of the film.
In Aquaman, this portrayal carries over, but viewers also get to see a softer side to Arthur, when he is with his father or Mera. There are also more hints as to his true friendly nature, such as when he is approached by a group of rough-looking bikers and ends up drinking and taking selfies with them.
5 Grief Doesn't Stop Diana Prince's Natural Kindness & Charm
In her first chronological appearance in Wonder Woman, Diana Prince is idealistic and naive, but backs it up with her skills and desire to truly see the world improve. It is this combination that sees her capture the hearts of viewers with actions like a charge across No Man's Land because she couldn't bear to see people suffer so close to her.
Even in later movies, when her natural kindness has been tempered by grief and exposure to the outside world, Diana Prince remains witty, compassionate, and determined to do good. Whether she's battling Steppenwolf, sparring verbally with Bruce Wayne, or encouraging others to do better, she remains a staunchly likable protagonist.
4 Alfred Pennyworth Always Has Time For Tea
While Jeremy Irons has a different take on the character from classic portrayals such as Michael Caine in The Dark Knight Trilogy, his version of Alfred is still able to win people over. In Batman v. Superman, he is seen as a pragmatic and grounded ally and friend to Bruce Wayne, who still takes care of him well after his legal guardianship has ended.
With Bruce in a better place following Batman v. Superman, Alfred is able to lighten up, and he is shown to engage with the rest of the Justice League as friends and even as a vaguely parental figure. In one memorable sequence from Zack Snyder's Justice League, he offers Diana tea and then guides her through the process of making it herself without a hint of mockery.
3 Billy Batson Is As Friendly As Only A Child Can Be
Shazam! is a deliberately light-hearted film for the DCEU, taking after the source material's combination of humor and a child protagonist, set against horrific villains and dark monsters. The film hinges on Billy Batson, who gains the ability to turn into an adult superhero.
Throughout the film, Batson has a giddiness as he discovers his new abilities and experiments with being a superhero that viewers found a delight to watch. Whether in his true child form or as an adult, he mixes a child's lack of forethought and willingness to take risks with compassion and optimism.
2 Harley Quinn Is The Most Likable Person With Countless Enemies
A recurring theme throughout Harley Quinn's appearances in Suicide Squad, Birds of Prey, and The Suicide Squad is her ability to irritate people and make enemies. Throughout Suicide Squad, she irritates her teammates and mission leader Amanda Waller, and in Birds of Prey, it is revealed that half of Gotham's criminal underworld wants her dead.
The other recurring point, however, is her ability to win people over. Deadshot deliberately misses her in Suicide Squad, even when a successful kill would have won him his freedom. The titular Birds of Prey rally around her to take down Roman Sionis, and The Suicide Squad work with her to protect Corto Malta from Starro. Owing to Margot Robbie's portrayal, fans can agree, with appreciation for the character high enough to keep her in the franchise even after Suicide Squad bombed.
1 Barry Allen Holds The Entire Justice League Together
Only seen so far in Justice League and Zack Snyder's Justice League, Barry Allen has nonetheless made an impression on fans and his fellows in the League alike. A kind-hearted, anxious, but nonetheless driven individual, Barry Allen pairs awkward charm with an endearing uncertainty about his situation.
Showing himself to be principally concerned with saving lives, Barry sets himself apart from heroes like Batman and Aquaman with his idealism, and from heroes like Superman and Wonder Woman with his relatability, showcasing him as the most likable character in the Justice League, and the entire DCEU.