[1] Unlike earlier animated DC films (most of which also involved Bruce Timm and were part of the DC Animated Universe), the films in the line are aimed at a more adult audience, often containing profane language, stronger violence, sexual scenes, and more mature themes.

The majority of the films are rated PG-13 by the MPAA except All-Star Superman and Green Lantern: Emerald Knights, which are rated PG, and Batman: The Killing Joke, Justice League Dark, Batman: Gotham by Gaslight, Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay, Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, Batman: Soul of the Dragon, Batman: The Long Halloween, Part Two, Injustice, and Justice League: Warworld, which are rated R. Many of the films are adapted from stories originally featured in DC print comics and graphic novels.

In terms of continuity, the films are usually stand-alone, with exceptions being Superman/Batman: Public Enemies and its sequel Superman/Batman: Apocalypse, Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths and its sequel Justice League: Doom, the DC Animated Movie Universe and its "Tomorrowverse" arc.

Then from 2016 to 2024, duties were handed to Wes Gleason, starting with Batman: Bad Blood up until the three-part Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths trilogy.

[144][145] This continuity is based on Frank Miller's Batman: Year One arc[146] and The Dark Knight Returns.