Every Batman animated series ranked

Image Courtesy of Warner Bros. Television Distribution and DC Entertainment for The Batman (2007)

4. The Batman (2004-2008)

Kids’ WB’s 2004 revamp was a nice mix of the old and new. It featured a slightly younger Bruce Wayne, who was still in the early years of his crime fighting career. Character designs were distinct and the writing was solid, particularly in the first two seasons. It even dove deep into the rogues’ gallery to pull out underutilized villains like Killer Moth and Cluemaster.

Unfortunately, it stumbled as it went along. Batgirl’s introduction in season three marked the beginning of a tonal shift. Many episodes began to feel too zany or kiddie. Things did pick up a bit when Robin debuted in season four, and bringing the Justice League in for the fifth (and final) season did make for more varied stories. But by that point, the show was already too far from what it was originally intended to be.

In spite of its problems, it still holds up in a lot ways, but you just can’t help but wish that it would’ve finished as strongly as it began.