DC Comics is packed with iconic characters, but only four have reached the rarefied level of earning a $1 billion‑plus box office movie. That’s a club reserved for the absolute legends of the DC Universe.

Some entries may be exactly what you expect, but number two is bound to surprise you. Number one, meanwhile, not only holds the distinction of being the first DC character to hit $1 billion at the box office but also remains the reigning champion in total gross. Will a future DC movie unseat this record? Unlikely.

4

The Joker

Joker (2019) — $1,078,958,629

Given that the Joker is one of the most iconic villains and characters of all time in pop culture, it’s no surprise that the Clown Prince of Crime’s first solo movie broke the $1 billion box office mark. Directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix, Joker (2019) also holds the rare distinction of being the only Rated R entry on this list.

Joker earned $1,078,958,629 in worldwide box office totals and won two Oscars, including Joaquin Phoenix’s Best Actor win. Critically acclaimed for its dark tone, social commentary, and character-driven storytelling, the film was later followed by Joker: Folie à Deux (2024).

3

Batman

The Dark Knight (2008): $1,008,477,382 AND The Dark Knight Rises (2012): $1,085,429,532

It’s no surprise that Batman also claimed a spot on this list, given that he is one of the most famous characters in pop culture. The Caped Crusader earned his place thanks to Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed Dark Knight Trilogy, with both The Dark Knight (2008) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012) surpassing the $1 billion box office mark.

The Dark Knight earned $1,008,477,382, including later re-release totals, while The Dark Knight Rises grossed $1,085,429,532. These films revolutionized superhero cinema with a darker, more realistic tone and featured an A-list cast, including Christian Bale as Batman, Cillian Murphy as Scarecrow, Tom Hardy as Bane, and the legendary Heath Ledger as the Joker.

2

Aquaman

Aquaman (2018): $1,152,028,393

The most surprising character to earn a $1 billion‑plus box office movie is Arthur Curry, who claimed his spot with James Wan’s Aquaman (2018), starring Jason Momoa as the King of the Sea. While Aquaman is undoubtedly an A-list hero, his popularity rarely rivals that of Joker and Batman, making his inclusion on this list all the more epic.

Aquaman grossed $1,152,028,393 worldwide and holds the rare distinction of being the only DC Extended Universe (DCEU) film to surpass $1 billion, outpacing Man of Steel (2013), Wonder Woman (2017), and even Justice League (2017). That this was Aquaman’s first solo film makes the achievement even more impressive.

1

Superman

Superman (1978): $1,447,895,961 (Adjusted for Inflation)

This list wouldn’t be complete without the Man of Steel himself. His inclusion, however, is a unique case, as his box office figures have been adjusted for inflation. Superman (1978) originally grossed $300 million worldwide, but adjusted for inflation, that total is approximately $1.4 billion.

With a $1.4 billion box office total, Superman became not only the first DC character to headline a $1 billion movie, but also the highest-grossing DC film to date. Directed by Richard Donner and starring Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel, the film cemented the superhero genre in mainstream cinema and remains one of DC Comics’ most iconic movies of all time.