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Creature Commandos season 1
The first DCU release, from December 2024. It shows the tone of the new universe.
Series 2024 DCU IMDb 7.8 Essential
What to Watch Before Lanterns
Lanterns is part of the new DCU, so the shortest route is the DCU titles that came first.This 3-title list is in release order. The optional picks add more DCU background.Full DC release order.
Lanterns released on 16 August 2026.
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2024
2025
Superman (2025)
Sets up the new DCU and its heroes. Its Justice Gang includes the Green Lantern Guy Gardner.
Movie 2025 DCU IMDb 7.0 Essential
2026
Want more DCU background?
The Suicide Squad
Sits in the DCU story order. Peacemaker is on the team and gets his own series next.
Movie 2021 DCEU IMDb 7.2 Essential
Peacemaker season 1
Picks up where The Suicide Squad left off and counts as DCU story.
Series 2022 DCEU IMDb 8.2 Essential
Peacemaker season 2
The second season of Peacemaker, released in August 2025 and part of the DCU story.
Series 2025 DCU IMDb 8.2 Essential
Supergirl (2026)
Released in June 2026, shortly before Lanterns, in the same DCU.
Movie 2026 DCU IMDb 5.8 Essential
About this guide
The core list holds the first DCU release, Creature Commandos, and Superman, whose Justice Gang includes the Green Lantern Guy Gardner. Both come before Lanterns in the DCU story order on this site.
The optional picks are the other DCU titles released before Lanterns. They are not confirmed requirements, so skip them if you only want the short route.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to watch anything before Lanterns?
Lanterns follows new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan as they investigate a murder in the American heartland. The two earlier titles in this guide are DCU lead-ins and neither is a confirmed requirement.
Is Lanterns part of the DCU?
Yes. Lanterns sits in the DCU story order on this site, together with Creature Commandos, Superman, Peacemaker and Supergirl.
Why is this watch order in release order?
Release order shows the DCU titles in the order audiences first saw them, with no jumping around.