Created by writer Robert Kanigher and penciler Carmine Infantino, the character of The Flash (aka The Scarlet Speedster), first appeared in the DC comic book Showcase #4 in September 1956.
Outside of the printed page, The Flash has appeared in animated original movies, two live-action TV shows, and several big-budget movies within the DCEU. Most recently, he headlined his first theatrical movie with Ezra Miller in the lead role, teaming up with Michael Keaton’s Batman and Sasha Calle’s Supergirl.
We expect The Flash will return to the big screen again at some point in the future but whether or not Miller reprises their role will depend on James Gunn who is making sweeping changes within the DC Cinematic Universe.
In this article, we list all of the live-action movies featuring The Flash. Which is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.
The Flash
US Release Date: September 20, 1990
Worldwide Box Office: N/A
Director: Robert Iscove
Metascore: N/A
Main Cast:
John Wesley Shipp (The Flash), Amanda Pays (Tina McGee), Alex Désert (Julio Mendez), Tim Thomerson (Jay Allen), Priscilla Pointer (Nora Allen)
Synopsis (from IMDB):
A police forensic scientist, Barry Allen, battles crimes as the super-fast superhero “The Flash.”
Flash Fact:
John Wesley Shipp reprised his role as The Flash in the 2018 Arrowverse crossover ‘Elseworlds.’
The Flash II: Revenge of the Trickster
US Release Date: September 18, 1991
Worldwide Box Office: N/A
Director: Danny Bilson
Metascore: N/A
Main Cast:
John Wesley Shipp (The Flash), Amanda Pays (Tina McGee), Alex Désert (Julio Mendez), Mark Hamill (James Jesse)
Synopsis (from IMDB):
Every superhero has his nemesis – and this time Flash has that murderous mischief maker the Trickster.
Flash Fact:
This direct-to-video release is a combination of The Flash episodes ‘The Trickster’ and ‘Trial of the Trickster.’
The Flash III: Deadly Nightshade
US Release Date: December 31, 1991
Worldwide Box Office: (N/A)
Director: Bruce Bilson
Metascore: (N/A)
Main Cast:
John Wesley Shipp (The Flash), Amanda Pays (Tina McGee), Alex Désert (Julio Mendez), Richard Belzer (Joe Kline)
Synopsis (from IMDB):
The Scarlet Speedster teams up with the city’s previous superhero, The Nightshade, in two adventures.
Flash Fact:
This is a combination of The Flash episodes ‘Ghost In The Machine’ and ‘Deadly Nightshade.’
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
US Release Date: March 26, 2016
Worldwide Box Office: $872.7 million
Director: Zack Snyder
Metascore: 44
Main Cast:
Ben Affleck (Batman), Henry Cavill (Superman), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Jesse Eisenberg (Lex Luthor), Diane Lane (Marth Kent), Laurence Fishburne (Perry White), Jeremy Irons (Alfred), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman)
Synopsis (from IMDB):
Batman is manipulated by Lex Luthor to fear Superman. Superman´s existence is meanwhile dividing the world and he is framed for murder during an international crisis. The heroes clash and force the neutral Wonder Woman to reemerge.
Flash Fact:
Bradley Cooper, Chris Pine, Ryan Kwanten, Matthew Fox, and Scott Porter were all linked to the role of Barry Allen a.k.a. The Flash before Ezra Miller was cast in the part.
Suicide Squad
US Release Date: August 5, 2016
Worldwide Box Office: $747 million
Director: David Ayer
Metascore: 40
Main Cast:
Ben Affleck (Batman), Will Smith (Deadshot), Jared Leto (Joker), Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn), Viola Davis (Amanda Waller), Jai Courtney (Boomerang), Jay Hernandez (Diablo), Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (Killer Croc), Cara Delevingne (Enchantress), Joel Kinnaman (Rick Flag)
Synopsis (from IMDB):
A secret government agency recruits some of the most dangerous incarcerated super-villains to form a defensive task force. Their first mission: save the world from the apocalypse.
Flash Fact:
The teaser trailer for the movie racked up more views than both of the trailers for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Justice League
US Release Date: November 17, 2017
Worldwide Box Office: $657.9 million
Director: Zack Snyder/ Joss Whedon
Metascore: 45
Main Cast:
Ben Affleck (Batman), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Jason Momoa (Aquaman), Ezra Miller (The Flash), Henry Cavill (Superman), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Ray Fisher (Cyborg), Jeremy Irons (Alfred), Diane Lane (Martha Kent), Ciarán Hinds (Steppenwolf), J.K. Simmons (Commissioner Gordon)
Synopsis (from IMDB):
Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his new-found ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy.
Flash Fact:
Billy Crudup, who plays Barry Allen’s father in the movie, was a top contender for the role of Batman in Christopher Nolan’s trilogy opener.
Zack Snyder’s Justice League
US Release Date: March 18, 2021
Worldwide Box Office: $658 million
Director: Zack Snyder
Metascore: 54
Main Cast:
Ben Affleck (Batman), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Jason Momoa (Aquaman), Ezra Miller (The Flash), Henry Cavill (Superman), Amy Adams (Lois Lane), Ray Fisher (Cyborg), Jeremy Irons (Alfred), Diane Lane (Martha Kent), Ciarán Hinds (Steppenwolf), J.K. Simmons (Commissioner Gordon)
Synopsis (from IMDB):
Determined to ensure that Superman’s ultimate sacrifice wasn’t in vain, Bruce Wayne recruits a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions.
Flash Fact:
During the scene where Barry and Bruce first meet, the sound effects of Barry entering the speed force when Bruce throws a Batarang at him resembles the transformation sounds of the Transformers.
The Flash
US Release Date: June 16, 2023
Worldwide Box Office: $269 million
Director: Andy Muschietti
Metascore: 55
Main Cast:
Ezra Miller (The Flash), Michael Keaton (Batman), Ben Affleck (Batman), George Clooney (Batman), Sasha Calle (Supergirl), Michael Shannon (General Zod), Ron Livingstone (Henry Allen), Kiersey Clemons (Iris West), Jeremy Irons (Alfred)
Synopsis (from IMDB):
Barry Allen uses his super speed to change the past, but his attempt to save his family creates a world without superheroes, forcing him to race for his life in order to save the future.
Flash Fact:
This is the third adaptation based on the Flashpoint storyline after the animated movie Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013) and season 3 of The Flash (2014).
Which of these movies have you seen? Which is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.