🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Zack Snyder
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Superhero
- Release year: 2021
- Runtime (length): 4h 2min
- IMDb rating: 7.8/10 (453K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 71%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Batman, Wonder Woman, and some other superheroes bring back Superman from the dead to fight a space crab and his evil space cube collection, but it’s *really* long.
🍿 Zack Snyder’s Justice League: Detailed Plot Synopsis
The World After Superman
Following Superman’s death at the hands of Doomsday, the world mourns. His death cry awakens the Mother Boxes, ancient artifacts of immense power, alerting Steppenwolf to their presence on Earth. Bruce Wayne, burdened by guilt over his role in Superman’s death, seeks to form a team to defend the world from the impending threat. Lois Lane struggles with her grief, visiting the Superman memorial daily.

Recruiting the League
Bruce, now Batman, and Diana Prince, Wonder Woman, begin recruiting metahumans. They approach Arthur Curry (Aquaman) and Barry Allen (The Flash). Arthur is reluctant to join, haunted by his Atlantean heritage. Barry, eager to prove himself, quickly accepts. Meanwhile, Victor Stone (Cyborg) struggles to control his cybernetic enhancements, a result of his father’s (Silas Stone) desperate attempt to save his life using a Mother Box. Diana investigates an attack on Themyscira, uncovering ancient warnings about Darkseid and his conquest of worlds.

The Mother Boxes and Steppenwolf’s Plan
Steppenwolf systematically seeks out the Mother Boxes, located in Themyscira, Atlantis, and under the protection of humanity. He battles the Amazons and Atlanteans, acquiring two of the Boxes. The League gathers intel, discovering Steppenwolf’s mission is to unite the Boxes, transforming Earth into a new Apokolips, the hellish world ruled by Darkseid. They realize the immense danger facing humanity and prepare for a confrontation.

Reviving Superman
Desperate, the League decides to use the last Mother Box to revive Superman. This controversial decision is made despite the risks of Superman being resurrected without his memories or under the influence of the Mother Box. They infiltrate a Kryptonian ship and use the Box, with Flash providing the electrical current, successfully bringing Superman back to life. However, he emerges disoriented and hostile.

The Final Battle
A resurrected and confused Superman attacks the League. Lois Lane arrives, calming him down and allowing him to regain his memories. Steppenwolf attacks, seeking to unite the Mother Boxes. The League, now including Superman, confronts Steppenwolf. Cyborg, connected to the Mother Boxes, plays a crucial role in disrupting The Unity, preventing Earth’s transformation. Working together, the League defeats Steppenwolf, with Wonder Woman delivering the final blow.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Batman (Ben Affleck): A wealthy, brooding vigilante driven by guilt and determined to protect humanity from cosmic threats.
- Superman (Henry Cavill): A resurrected Kryptonian hero who grapples with his place in the world while possessing immense power.
- Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot): An immortal Amazonian warrior princess fighting for peace and justice in the modern world.
- Cyborg (Ray Fisher): A former athlete resurrected as a cybernetic being, struggling to accept his new identity and immense technological power.
- The Flash (Ezra Miller): A socially awkward but good-hearted young man granted the power of super-speed, eager to prove himself as a hero.
- Aquaman (Jason Momoa): The reluctant King of Atlantis who joins the League to defend Earth from otherworldly threats.
- Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds): A powerful New God seeking redemption by conquering Earth for his master, Darkseid.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Bruce Wayne: “I had a dream. It was more of a premonition. I saw the world consumed by fire. And in the darkness, creatures. They were coming for us. Coming for everyone.” – Bruce describes his nightmare to Diana, foreshadowing the impending invasion and Darkseid’s threat.
- Diana Prince: “They said the age of heroes would never come again.” – Wonder Woman reflects on the past alliance against Darkseid while acknowledging the need for a new team to rise.
- The Flash: “I just really need friends.” – Barry expresses his desire for connection and belonging when asked to join the Justice League.
- Cyborg: “I’m not broken. And I’m not alone.” – Cyborg’s powerful declaration as he accepts his destiny and embraces his role in saving the world.
- Joker: “We live in a society where honor is a distant memory. Isn’t that right, Batman?” – Joker’s taunting of Batman in the Knightmare sequence, highlighting their complex relationship and the darkness of that possible future.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $300,000,000
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Zack Snyder’s Justice League Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went into this expecting a longer version of something I already knew. But wow, was I wrong! This movie is on another level. The way they fleshed out Cyborg’s story absolutely blew me away, and the Flash’s scenes were actually exciting. Seeing the team finally united against Steppenwolf was epic, and Superman’s return? Chills! I felt like a kid again watching this, totally invested and cheering them on. I’ll admit, the four hours flew by, and I found myself wanting even more! I’d recommend it to anyone who loves superhero movies.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Zack Snyder’s previous DC films (Man of Steel, Batman v Superman)”
- “Fans of darker, more mature superhero stories”
- “Viewers who enjoy epic-length movies with extensive world-building”
- “Those interested in seeing a director’s original vision restored”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Intense violence and action sequences”
- “Some disturbing imagery”
- “Brief language”
- “Themes of death, grief, and trauma”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Snyder’s Justice League is a vast improvement over the theatrical cut, offering a darker, more cohesive vision. While the extended runtime can feel indulgent, the film provides richer character development and a more compelling villain in Steppenwolf.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “The film is a fan service, period. Good on Snyder for doing it too, I can imagine what man had to go through these last few years. I enjoyed a lot of the extra back story
- IGN: “A film with its own distinct personality and vision. It’s darker, more serious, and features improved character arcs for Cyborg and The Flash. The four hour length is a lot, but for patient fans, it delivers a more satisfying experience.
Audience Reactions
The extended character development, especially for Cyborg and The Flash, made this version far superior.: Fans widely praised the film’s extended character development and world-building.
The visual effects and action sequences, while abundant, were considered a significant improvement over the theatrical cut.: Viewers appreciated the enhanced special effects and the grand scale of the action.
Overall Consensus: Zack Snyder’s Justice League is generally considered a significant improvement over the theatrical cut, offering a darker, more fleshed-out story, but the excessive length and abundant slow-motion may not appeal to everyone.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Zack Snyder was given a budget of around $70 million to complete the visual effects, score, editing, and additional shooting for his version of Justice League.”
- “This version of Justice League contains no footage shot by Joss Whedon for the theatrical release.”
- “The film is presented in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio (almost square), which Snyder stated was his intended format, as it optimized the image for IMAX screens.”
🖥️ How to Watch Zack Snyder’s Justice League?
Zack Snyder’s Justice League is primarily available for streaming on HBO Max. Depending on your region, you may also be able to find it for rent or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Zack Snyder’s Justice League, you might like these similar films:
- Avengers: Endgame (2019): Features a team of superheroes uniting to face a powerful cosmic threat and undo the damage caused by a previous defeat, with a similar epic scope and emotional stakes.
- Man of Steel (2013): The first movie in the DCEU that Zack Snyder directed which introduced Henry Cavill as Superman.
- Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016): Continuing the setup of the DCEU, it sets the stage and explores similar themes. It also continues many character arcs.
- Guardians of the Galaxy (2014): A team of unlikely heroes come together to save the galaxy from a powerful villain.
🛒 Zack Snyder’s Justice League Related Products
- Zack Snyder’s Justice League (4K Ultra HD): Experience the ultimate version of the film in stunning 4K Ultra HD, with extended scenes, deeper character development, and enhanced visual effects. Own it digitally and relive the epic saga anytime.
- DC Multiverse Zack Snyder’s Justice League Action Figures: Collect all 7 figures to assemble the complete Justice League team. Highly detailed and articulated, these figures capture the unique look of the characters from Zack Snyder’s vision. A must-have for any DC collector.
- Batman ‘Knightmare’ T-Shirt – Zack Snyder’s Justice League: Showcase your love for the dark and gritty Knightmare sequence with this exclusive T-shirt. Featuring high-quality print and comfortable fabric, it’s perfect for everyday wear or as a collector’s item.
- Zack Snyder’s Justice League: The Art of the Film: Go behind the scenes of Zack Snyder’s Justice League with this comprehensive art book. Featuring concept art, storyboards, and interviews, it provides a fascinating look into the making of the film.
🎧 Soundtrack
Zack Snyder’s Justice League features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “An Ideal of Hope” – performed by Tom Holkenborg
- “Flight” – performed by Tom Holkenborg
- “Vísur Vatnsenda-Rósu” – performed by Jón Ásgeirsson
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Generally, yes. Most viewers and critics consider Zack Snyder’s Justice League a significant improvement over the 2017 theatrical cut directed by Joss Whedon. It features a more coherent plot, better character development, and a darker, more serious tone consistent with Snyder’s previous DC films.
Zack Snyder chose the 4:3 aspect ratio (1.33:1) because he composed the film for IMAX screens. While this format fills the vertical space of an IMAX screen, it results in black bars on the sides of standard widescreen TVs. The decision was a deliberate artistic choice to maximize image detail for IMAX viewings, despite its impact on home viewing experiences.
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a direct sequel to Zack Snyder’s Justice League. While the film ends with teases for future storylines, Warner Bros. has moved in a different creative direction for the DC Universe, making a continuation of Snyder’s vision unlikely.
The Mother Boxes are three ancient, sentient supercomputers of Apokoliptian origin. They possess immense power and can manipulate energy, matter, and even reality. In the film, Steppenwolf seeks to unite the three Boxes to terraform Earth into a new Apokolips, serving Darkseid’s conquest.
🔥 Bonus Content
Everything GREAT About Zack Snyder’s Justice League! (Part 1)
Hey, check out this video by CinemaWins. He breaks down all the things that make Zack Snyder’s Justice League a must-watch for fans of the film! I found his insights really interesting and it gave me a new appreciation for the movie.
The Snyder Cut is Actually Not Bad
If you’re curious about the Snyder Cut but haven’t watched it because you’re not sure if it’s worth your time, give this video a watch. The Cosmonaut Variety Hour gives their honest opinion on the film and makes a good case for why it’s worth checking out.
Justice League Snyder Cut: Martian Manhunter Explained
If you’re a fan of the Martian Manhunter or just curious to learn more about this fascinating character, this video from Screen Rant is a great watch. They cover his powers, comic book origin, and his significance in the Justice League.
The Snyder Cut Changed My Life | Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Browntable shares their personal journey with the Snyder Cut and how it influenced their views on filmmaking. It’s a really interesting and introspective video that gives you a glimpse into the mind of a passionate film fan.
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