Every Batman animated series ranked

Image Courtesy of Warner Bros. Television Distribution and DC Entertainment for Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2008)

5. Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2008-2011)

At the time of its release, the concept for this show did seem odd, and some (including myself) didn’t think it would work. And, we were definitely wrong.

By embracing the tone of the Golden and Silver Age comics, showrunners James Tucker and Michael Jelenic created something that was both classic and original. They weren’t afraid to go all in on the campiness and were never cynical about it either. The use of standalone team-up stories was a breath of fresh air, and the inclusion of cold opens was a nice touch as well.

The team-up format also allowed for a wide range of DC characters to be introduced. Plastic Man, Firestorm and the Doom Patrol are only a few of the heroes that joined forces with the Caped Crusader. Apart from its overall sense of silliness, there were also episodes that were legitimately serious and moving. “Chill of the Night” is arguably one of the best installments of any animated Batman series.

Thanks to its fresh direction and vintage charm, this earnest take on the Bat still stands as one of the most unique chapters in his cartoon history.