Shazam! movies in order
Shazam Marathon

Why a Shazam Movie Marathon Works Perfectly

The Shazam franchise is a nice change of pace from the often dark and serious DCEU. Picture a less brooding Batman and more of a "what if a teenager accidentally becomes a superhero?" kind of story, with a touch of magic, strong family bonds, and nods to ancient Greek mythology. It's great for a binge that's got more than just spectacle; it's also genuinely fun. David F. Sandberg directed the films under Warner Bros. Pictures, and the cast clearly enjoys themselves, which is something you can feel as a viewer.

With only two films so far, this marathon is easily digestible. But don't be fooled: there's plenty of lore, DC magic users, and wizard weirdness to fully immerse you in the Shazam universe. The viewing order is simple, but there are some fun details and callbacks between parts one and two that you won't want to miss, especially if you're keeping an eye on the broader DCEU connections.

Shazam! (2019)

We'll start at the beginning with "Shazam!" from 2019. This film tells the story of Billy Batson, a teenager who a magical wizard chooses to receive the powers of six legendary figures. When he shouts "Shazam!", he transforms into an adult superhero, played by Zachary Levi, but with the mind of a teenager. Yeah, it's as chaotic and hilarious as you'd think. This film is more than just an origin story. It's also one of the funniest superhero comedies to come along in years. Asher Angel plays the young Billy Batson, while Jack Dylan Grazer, who plays his foster brother Freddy Freeman, really shines. Add a creepy Mark Strong as Dr. Sivana (and a few Seven Deadly Sins monsters), and you've got a film that's both lighthearted and surprisingly intense. What makes this film special is its balance: coming-of-age, found family feels, and enough DC Comics adaptation vibes to satisfy hardcore fans. And that's not even counting the Rock of Eternity, the wizard Shazam (Djimon Hounsou), and the first time we see the Shazam family in action. This is magic with a capital M.

Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)

Fast forward to "Shazam!" Fury of the Gods," where the stakes and the costumes get a big upgrade. In this film, we see the full Shazam family return: Freddy (now also a superhero played by Adam Brody), Mary Bromfield (Grace Caroline Currey), Darla (Meagan Good), Eugene (Ross Butler), and Pedro (D.J. Cotrona) take their roles as magic-based heroes seriously. Well, as seriously as a group of teenagers with superpowers can. The film throws us into a new mythological threat, this time from the daughters of Atlas: Hespera (Helen Mirren), Kalypso (Lucy Liu), and Anthea (Rachel Zegler). Yeah, the DC Universe is taking a big leap into the fantasy world. More magic, more Greek gods, more chaos. And, of course, the Staff of the Gods is a huge part of the story, as are the tensions between the divine powers and the young heroes who are still learning what responsibility really means. What makes "Fury of the Gods" a great choice for the second film in your Shazam movie marathon is how it builds on the themes from the first. The relationship between the foster siblings is explored more, and the film isn't afraid to get a bit more emotional without losing its humor. Plus, there are plenty of surprises to keep your DCEU radar on high. Keep an eye out for some key hints from other DC magic users and elements that expand the broader universe.

How to Best Watch the Shazam Franchise

The right Shazam watch order is pretty straightforward: Start with "Shazam!" from 2019 and then jump straight to "Shazam! Fury of the Gods". But if you really want to dive deep, you can also view the Shazam films in the context of the broader DCEU. They happen after "Justice League" and before the events in "The Flash" and "Aquaman 2," but they have their own unique tone.

So, make sure you have a comfy couch, put on your favorite DC shirt (you know you have one), and enjoy this unique mix of magic, youthful chaos, and superhero power. And on top of that, since there are only two films, you can easily combine this marathon with a themed night or game night. Picture this: lightning-shaped cupcakes, DC Studios trivia, and a drinking game whenever someone shouts "SHAZAM!" Oh, and don't forget to stick around until the end credits roll. David F. Sandberg's movies are full of nods, inside jokes, and hints at sequels or spin-offs. There are even subtle nods to other parts of the DC Extended Universe, which is definitely worth it for the attentive viewer.

What Makes Shazam So Binge-Worthy?

Beyond the light-hearted tone and colorful visuals, the strength of this DC series lies mainly in its cast. Zachary Levi as Shazam feels like he came right out of the comics, and the chemistry between the younger and older versions of the characters is spot-on. The Shazam family really feels like a group of friends struggling with growing up as much as they are with supervillains.

And then there's that unique mix of DC magic lore, classic fantasy, and modern teen dramas. The movies are set in Philadelphia, which gives the DCEU a fresh setting, and they use cool locations like the Rock of Eternity to make the world feel bigger and more mysterious. And seriously, who wouldn't want to get hit by lightning and turn into a superhero with a cape?

Ready to Transform?

Whether you're meeting Billy Batson for the first time or just want to laugh again at Freddy's nerd rants and Darla's pure enthusiasm, this Shazam movie marathon promises an evening full of energy. And yes, you can totally shout "SHAZAM!" while watching. You never know, something magical might happen. So get your friends together, turn on the lightning, and let the magic unfold.