Justice League Origin

Seven heroes. One invasion. A team born in fire.

Justice League: War is a 2014 American animated superhero film that adapts "Justice League: Origin," the opening story of DC's 2011 New 52 relaunch by Geoff Johns and Jim Lee. Directed by Jay Oliva with a script by Heath Corson, it marks the 19th entry in the DC Universe Animated Original Movies and serves as the second film in the DC Animated Movie Universe. The narrative follows the formation of the titular team—Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Cyborg, and Shazam—as they unite to repel an invasion by the New God Darkseid and his Parademon army. Released for download on January 21, 2014, and on Blu-ray/DVD on February 4, the film premiered at the Paley Center for Media that same day.

Quick Facts

Primary team members

Superman
Batman
Wonder Woman
Flash
Green Lantern
Cyborg
Shazam

First major publication era

DC Universe relaunch of its entirely monthly comics line (2011)

Core antagonist archetype

New God Darkseid and Parademons

Lore & Background

The story begins with abductions in Gotham City, where video footage falsely implicates Batman. Green Lantern intervenes to stop a kidnapping but is nearly defeated by a Parademon until Batman arrives. Their chase leads into the sewers, where the creature charges a Mother Box and explodes. Batman and Green Lantern deduce its extraterrestrial origin and seek Superman's help.

Meanwhile, at S.T.A.R. Labs, Silas Stone studies another Mother Box while arguing with his son Victor over the value of metahumans. When Darkseid learns of the heroes' discovery on Apokolips, he orders DeSaad to initiate a full-scale invasion. Boom Tubes open globally, and the box in S.T.A.R. Labs explodes during an attack, fusing its technology into Victor's mutilated body. As Parademons swarm the world, Silas uses experimental tech to save his son, transforming him into Cyborg—a being capable of adapting and interfacing with any technology.

Reader's Guide

The film opens with isolated abductions in Gotham City, leading to a confrontation between Green Lantern and Batman against a Parademon. They trace the threat to extraterrestrial origins via a Mother Box. Simultaneously, Superman fights his own battle against Parademons before clashing with Batman and Green Lantern due to mistrust. The turning point occurs when Batman reveals his identity as Bruce Wayne, prompting them to team up.

As Darkseid's invasion begins globally, the box at S.T.A.R. Labs explodes, transforming Victor Stone into Cyborg. Billy Batson becomes Shazam during an attack on Air Force One, which is saved by Wonder Woman and Superman. The heroes gather as Cyborg reveals Darkseid's plan to xenoform Earth. After Darkseid captures Superman, Batman sacrifices himself to save him, traveling through a Boom Tube to Apokolips.

There, he interrupts DeSaad's brainwashing of Superman, who kills DeSaad in a rage before being calmed. On Earth, the team destroys Darkseid's eyes, allowing Cyborg to reopen the portal and force the New God back to Apokolips.

Did You Know?

A re-release in August 2015 included a combo pack with a DVD, Blu-Ray, digital copy, and the graphic novel it is based on.
The film's soundtrack was composed by Kevin Kliesch and released on February 4, 2014.
The post-credits scene features Ocean Master vowing revenge against surface dwellers for the death of his king, setting up the sequel Justice League: Throne of Atlantis.
Rotten Tomatoes reported a 50% approval rating based on 6 reviews, while IGN gave it an 8.8/10.