Where to start withPublic Enemies
2 versions · originally a film, 2009
Themes: FBI vs Criminal, Great Depression Era Crime, Infamy, Public Perception vs Reality, Cat and Mouse Game.
Start with Public Enemies (Michael Mann, 2009) — the film. Public Enemies exists in 2 versions across media, beginning as a film in 2009; each is ranked below by what it does best.
These works explore the high-stakes friction of outlaws and heroes confronting systemic power in a volatile, rapidly changing landscape.
✦ Most fans start here
Public Enemies (2009)
The original movie
✦ Start herePublic Enemies
Michael Mann · Film · 2009
Public Enemies (2009) offers a gritty, stylistic exploration of Depression-era crime. It is essential viewing for those who appreciate Michael Mann’s immersive, period-accurate approach to character-driven historical action cinema.
2009 film
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
Sam Liu · Film · 2009
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009) provides an animated comic book spectacle focused on political intrigue and superhero combat. It serves readers who prefer high-concept, stylized action featuring iconic caped crusaders.
Common questions
Is Public Enemies (2009) the same movie as Superman/Batman: Public Enemies?
No, these are two distinct films released in 2009. Public Enemies is a crime drama directed by Michael Mann, while Superman/Batman: Public Enemies is an animated superhero film based on the DC Comics series. They share a title but belong to entirely different genres and creative universes.
Should I watch Superman/Batman: Public Enemies if I enjoyed the 2009 film Public Enemies?
You should only watch Superman/Batman: Public Enemies if you are interested in animated superhero stories. While both films share the title Public Enemies, the 2009 crime drama focuses on historical figures, whereas the animated movie follows DC Comics characters. They are not related by plot or production style.
What order should I watch these Public Enemies titles in?
There is no required viewing order because Public Enemies (2009) and Superman/Batman: Public Enemies are unrelated projects. You can watch either film independently of the other. The order does not affect your understanding of the plot or the characters in either movie.
Is Public Enemies (2009) based on the same source material as Superman/Batman: Public Enemies?
No, they are based on completely different source materials. The 2009 Public Enemies is inspired by the non-fiction book Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, while Superman/Batman: Public Enemies is an adaptation of a specific DC Comics story arc.