Heroes with Heart: The Best DCU Family Moments

Anybody who loves super hero media knows that these heroes can’t do it alone. From Batman and his Bat-Family to the Justice League, Birds of Prey, Doom Patrol, and more, everybody needs a group of allies. The latest in the DC Cinematic Universe emphasizes the importance of teams by making heroism a family affair. After all, our first two main heroes of the newly revamped DCU are Superman and Supergirl, cousins from Krypton.

Kara Danvers will fly into theaters next year — with a look at her past and her parents on that doomed planet. Based on the teaser trailer, Kara’s also off on an adventure that just might help her gain a friend or even a new “found family” member. In honor of the Woman of Tomorrow opening her jaded heart, we’re looking at the best family moments in the DCU and DCEU. Check them out below, and see if your favorite scenes made our list.

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Pa Kent and Clark

Superman (2025)

You’re lying if you say you didn’t cry during this part! Superman shows us how not even super heroes are immune from bullying and online hate. With his words, actions, and heritage twisted, Clark Kent turns to his adoptive parents. He seeks comfort with Jonathan Kent, who hugs his son and reaffirms that Clark is a good man. When you’re having a really bad day, after all, sometimes all you need is your dad to tell you he loves you.

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Reyes Family Home Repair

Blue Beetle (2023)

Family doesn’t only include blood relatives. Family is also community. At the end of Blue Beetle, neighbors gather in unwavering support of the Reyes household. They bring food and their own skills and tools in order to help repair the destroyed home. After all, the Reyes have been in that home for decades. When an insidious government agency tears their house to pieces, the Reyes family doesn’t have the money or resources to fix everything. Fortunately, when it takes a village, the village is actually there to assist.

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Orm’s Redemption

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)

Orm of Atlantis is a villain in the first Aquaman film. Arthur Curry’s half brother is jealous and vindictive, and especially hateful of humans because of global warming. But in The Lost Kingdom, Aquaman jailbreaks his brother so they can go on a quest to defeat Black Manta. As their adventure progresses, the two brothers begrudgingly accept that they may in fact like each other. And when the time comes for Orm to redeem himself, he does so by almost dying for Arthur and accepting Arthur’s rightful place on the Atlantean throne.

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Bruce Wayne and Alfred

The Batman (2022)

Different iterations of Batman change the character, but they never change how much Alfred Pennyworth means to the hero. As the Wayne family’s butler, and Bruce’s closest father figure, Alfred is an essential part of the Wayne household. In The Batman, however, Bruce’s youth leads to a more contentious relationship than in previous films. One of the most moving parts of the movie, then, is when Bruce lets his walls down after Alfred is injured. Bruce thought he mastered all his fear — yet he’ll always be scared of losing Alfred.

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Shazam Family Powers Up

Shazam! (2019)

Shazam is the quintessential DC family film. Fun and full of love, the movie follows a teenager who’s spent most of his life in and out of foster situations. Finally, the Vásquez family adopts Billy Batson, giving him a whole horde of quirky brothers and sisters. While Billy resists getting close to them at first, he eventually bonds with each kid, especially his fellow young adults. Then, in order to save the world, he helps get all of them magical powers (and matching costumes). The family that fights Deadly Sins together stays together!

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Ratcatcher II’s Memories

The Suicide Squad (2021)

The Suicide Squad is chock full of riotous, raucous ensemble shenanigans. And the way those characters eventually connect is emotionally moving. But the part of the movie that really tugs at our hearts is Ratcatcher II’s memories of her dearly departed dad. Sitting above Paris with him, Ratcatcher II remembers learning to respect rodents — as well as other people who others may deem unworthy or dirty. It’s a short scene, yet lovely in its execution, especially when it later helps Bloodsport overcome his musophobia.

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Barry Grieves and Heals

The Flash (2023)

Barry Allen’s mom is dead and his dad is wrongfully accused of the crime. When given the chance to alter those events through time travel, then, of course Barry takes it. But his meddling changes the universe and leads to more deaths. Proving he’s a true hero, Barry accepts his own grief in order to set things right (mostly). By choosing to mourn and heal properly, The Flash demonstrates maturity and selflessness. It’s a bittersweet resolution, but it’s ultimately also the best choice.

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If you’re interested in more sweet super hero scenes, check out our Best MCU Family Moments blog, too.

What are your favorite family moments in the DC Universe — either from the extended verse or the current canon? Share your picks at side.show/geekgroup or in the Sideshow Social Network. And don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!