Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, the Atlantean superhero debuted in More Fun Comics #73 in November 1941. After appearing as a secondary character in a number of DC anthology titles, he later headlined his own comic book series, the first issue of which was released in February 1962.
Since his comic book debut, Aquaman has made appearances in animated television shows, video games, and movies. An Aquaman television pilot was made in 2006 for The CW but the network decided to pass on the series.
Aquaman made a brief appearance in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice in 2016 but it wasn’t until 2017’s Justice League that fans of the character were given a proper look at the character’s big screen incarnation. He went on to headline his own movie, a sequel to which is due in cinemas at the end of 2023.
In this article, we list all the live-action movie appearances of the aquatic hero. Which of these movies is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.
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.
Seaworthy?
Yes:
BvS will please those either waiting for the two main players to lock horns on a movie screen, or those who’ve just been pining for Wonder Woman forever. And for the nerdier crowds, a fleeting glimpse at other superheroes hints this is the Dawn of something potentially sensational. (Brian Truitt, USA Today)
No:
No major blockbuster in years has been this incoherently structured, this seemingly uninterested in telling a story with clarity and purpose. (Robbie Collin, The Telegraph)
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.
Seaworthy?
Yes:
Fun and engaging enough, and it’s all anchored by terrific lead performances. There were even times when (gasp) it moved me. (Bilge Ibiri, Village Voice)
No:
Justice is a dish best served lukewarm (Greg Wheeler, TheReviewGeek)
Aquaman
US Release Date: December 21, 2018
Worldwide Box Office: $1.148 billion
Director: James Wan
Metascore: 55
Main Cast:
Jason Momoa (Aquaman), Amber Heard (Mera), Willem Dafoe (Vulko), Patrick Wilson (King Orm), Nicole Kidman (Atlanna), Dolph Lundgren (King Nereus), Tom Curry (Temuera Morrison)
Synopsis (from IMDB):
Arthur Curry, the human-born heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, goes on a quest to prevent a war between the worlds of ocean and land.
Seaworthy?
Yes:
Fans of the genre will love this film and those despairing over DC’s direction as of late can breathe a sigh of relief. For now, at least, DC seems to be back on track with delivering worthwhile superhero films. (Greg Wheeler, TheReviewGeek)
No:
For all its sporadic wackiness and wonder, on balance, Aquaman still comes out a bore. (Robbie Collin, The Telegraph)
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.
Seaworthy?
Yes:
Justice League is far away from the best superhero movie released, but it is a shining glimmer of hope for DC’s turbulent universe. (Greg Wheeler, TheReviewGeek)
No:
Zack Snyder’s Justice League is a chore. At the end of the rainbow, viewers are left with the promise that the actual cool things will happen next time. (Darren Franich, Entertainment Weekly)
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom
US Release Date: December 22, 2023
Worldwide Box Office: $379 million
Director: James Wan
Metascore: 42
Main Cast:
Jason Momoa (Aquaman), Patrick Wilson (King Orm), Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Black Manta), Amber Heard (Mera), Nicole Kidman (Atlanna), Temuera Morrison (Tom Curry)
Synopsis (from IMDB):
Black Manta seeks revenge on Aquaman for his father’s death. Wielding the Black Trident’s power, he becomes a formidable foe. To defend Atlantis, Aquaman forges an alliance with his imprisoned brother. They must protect the kingdom.
Seaworthy?
Yes:
This is a film that takes big swing after big swing, and leaves us filled up with spectacle, warmth, and a sense that the wait was probably worth it. (Matthew Jackson, The A.V. Club)
No:
Even Jason Momoa’s hotness couldn’t save this cringefest no matter how much we love his hair flips. (Lopa K, TheReviewGeek)
Which is your favourite movie featuring Aquaman? Let us know in the comments below.