Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
The greatest gladiator match in the history of the world.
Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before.
| Type | Movie |
|---|---|
| Released | 23 March 2016 |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Fantasy |
| Director | Zack Snyder |
| Starring | Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill and Jesse Eisenberg |
| Runtime | 152 min |
| Rated | PG-13 |
| Scores | Rotten Tomatoes 28% · Rotten Tomatoes (average) 5/10 · Metacritic 44/100 · TMDB users 6.0/10 |
| Budget | $250 million |
| Box office | $874 million worldwide |
Where to watch Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
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What kind of watch this is
Zack Snyder directed this 152-minute entry in the DC universe, featuring Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill. The premise hinges on Batman’s fear of Superman’s unchecked power, leading to a conflict that escalates into a global threat. It is a loud, fast-paced spectacle where the concept of a "gladiatorial match" drives the action. The film leans into its own excess, treating the clash between these two icons as a genuine existential crisis. It is a film that prioritizes scale over subtlety.
What the critics said
Critics were not kind. Rotten Tomatoes shows a 28% Tomatometer score as of January 2026, while Metacritic sits at 44 out of 100, which it labels mixed or average. The consensus calls the film a grim whirlwind of effects-driven action that smothers its story. Lindy West of The Guardian called it 153 minutes of a grown man whacking two dolls together. A. O. Scott of The New York Times argued the film’s point is obedience, not fun or thought. Audiences fared better, with CinemaScore giving it a B.
How it did with audiences
It cost $250 million and took in $874 million worldwide. North America brought in $330 million, with a $166 million opening weekend that ranked eighth all time. The global opening of $422.5 million was massive, but the drop-off was steeper than gravity. Viewers rated it 6 on TMDB.
Awards
Batman v Superman collected 5 Golden Raspberry Awards in 2017. The categories covered Worst Screenplay, Worst Supporting Actor, Worst Screen Couple, and Worst Prequel. It also took a Golden Trailer Award in 2016. The film had 2 nominations.
What came next for the cast
Gal Gadot entered from the Fast & Furious franchise and left for the Wonder Woman solo film. Ben Affleck traded the quieter Gone Girl era for the sprawling Justice League sequels. Jesse Eisenberg bounced between The Social Network acclaim and the awkwardness of the Justice League cut. Henry Cavill stayed in the DC lane, hopping from Man of Steel to Deadpool & Wolverine. These shifts trace a path, not a cause. The film was a waypoint, not the engine.
If you liked this
TMDB's recommendations for people who watched Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Read more: Suicide Squad · Captain America: Civil War · Spider-Man: No Way Home
Sources
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice on TMDB — synopsis, cast, ratings and recommendations
- Wikidata Q14772351 — review scores, box office and awards (CC0)
- “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” on Wikipedia, by its contributors (history) — reception, audience figures and legacy, summarised and adapted here under CC BY-SA 4.0
- Where to watch and prices: Binge Boss, from TMDB watch-provider data (powered by JustWatch) and our own provider list
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