Suicide Squad (2016) vs The Suicide Squad (2021)

Tex’s Comparison of Suicide Squad (2016) and The Suicide Squad (2021)

Tex compares the 2016 Suicide Squad—which he calls “Studio Squad”—with James Gunn’s 2021 The Suicide Squad. He emphasizes that Warner Bros. heavily reshaped the 2016 theatrical release, and says his criticism is aimed at that version, not David Ayer’s unreleased cut.

The comparison

Tex prefers the 2021 film’s team, story, visuals, and action. He says its characters receive more development and meaningful moments, making the squad feel more like a believable team. In the 2016 film, he argues, Deadshot, Harley Quinn, and Rick Flag dominate, while much of the group feels underused. He also prefers the 2021 costumes, though he gives Amanda Waller credit in both movies.

Tex finds the 2021 plot more consistently engaging. In his view, the 2016 film starts promisingly but loses momentum. He also favors Gunn’s vivid, comic-book-like visual style and action, which he finds easier to follow despite its greater gore. By contrast, he thinks the 2016 film’s shift from flashy editing to a washed-out look feels disjointed, and its final battle is difficult to follow.

The one category Tex gives to the 2016 film is soundtrack: its songs were more familiar and memorable to him. Overall, however, he considers the 2021 film the better movie.

Tex also criticizes some fans who praise the 2016 theatrical cut while advocating for the Ayer cut. He argues that this supports the studio-altered version rather than Ayer’s work.

Audience polls

The 2021 film wins in polls on YouTube and Instagram, while the 2016 film leads on Twitter. Tex notes that an Ayer Cut account shared the Twitter poll, which may have influenced the result. He also jokes that the unreleased Ayer cut could not fairly be included as an option.

Closing joke

The video ends with a Suicide Squad running gag:

“King Shark is a shark.”

Tex follows it with, “Is this technically racist?”

Personalities and characters discussed

Tex, James Gunn, David Ayer, Amanda Waller, Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Rick Flag, Bloodsport, Ratcatcher, Polka-Dot Man, Peacemaker, King Shark, and Diablo.