Image Courtesy of Warner Bros. Television Distribution and DC Entertainment for Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2009)
We’re looking back on the animated outings of the Caped Crusader!
Batman Day may be over, but we’re still celebrating! And to do so, we’re reminiscing about and ranking the hero’s cartoon adventures on the small screen.
Through the years, Batman has thrilled fans through compelling comic books and massive live-action films, but his animated series have been just as entertaining. Each one has put a unique spin on the beloved character and his world, and all have gained their own fanbases. However, like most shows, many of them aren’t perfect. So, we’re going to sort them out from worst to best.
Now, who’s up for a trip to Gotham City?
Image Courtesy of Warner Bros. Television Distribution and DC Entertainment for The New Adventures of Batman (1977)
8. The New Adventures of Batman (1977)
The 70s were definitely a strange time for many people, and things were no different for Batman. With the success of Super Friends, CBS decided to capitalize on the character’s popularity by creating a new solo series for him. And, the result was mildly interesting.
The show did manage to keep Batman and Robin in Gotham City and pit them against their most popular foes. Adam West and Burt Ward even reprised their roles as the Dynamic Duo. But, there were some odd creative choices like the exclusion of Alfred. The most notable one is probably the inclusion of Bat-Mite. The interdimensional imp is lovable, but he’s at his best when he’s only an occasional guest star.
Overall, it’s probably better that just we view this as an experiment that helped to move the character from one phase to another.
Image Courtesy of Warner Bros. Television Distribution and DC Entertainment for The Adventures of Batman (1968)
7. The Adventures of Batman (1968-1970)
It’s honestly hard for me to say too much about this version of the World’s Greatest Detective. This is mostly because I (like many other younger fans) wasn’t around during the show’s original run. Although it can now be bought and streamed, it wasn’t heavily syndicated when younger fans came along. But, there are plenty of people who did grow up with this series and are still nostalgic for it.
This was the first time that Batman ever appeared in an animated series, and like Spider-Man (1967) before it, it was the realization of a dream. Viewers could now enjoy an animated version of their favorite superhero every week. It also helped to fill the large void left by Batman (1966) following its cancellation the previous spring.
It’s campy and dated, but fans both young and old(er) owe it a great deal for beginning the grand tradition of creating Batman cartoons.
Image Courtesy of Warner Bros. Television Distribution and DC Entertainment for Beware the Batman (2013)
6. Beware the Batman (2013-2014)
After the cancellation of The Brave and the Bold, WB Animation wanted to go in an entirely new direction with the Dark Knight, and Beware the Batman was the result.
There are a number of reasons to commend this more recent update to the character. It brought in Katanna, which led to an intriguing relationship between her and the titular hero. The voice acting was top-notch, and the serialized format allowed for some solid story arcs. Additionally, overused bad guys like Joker and Catwoman were boldly left out in favor of lesser knowns like Professor Pyg and Magpie.
However, there are a few flaws to be found. Because of the show’s consistent, dark tone, there’s a “sameness” to it, and as a result, moments of levity are scarce. Even BTAS managed to occasionally slide in some lighthearted elements. Also, changes like the ones made to Alfred – which are admittedly creative – were a bit jarring.
All in all, Beware isn’t bad by any means, and when we look back on it, we’ll probably see it as the series that never really got the chance to prove itself.
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.
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.
Image Courtesy of Warner Bros. Television Distribution and DC Entertainment for The New Batman Adventures (1997)
3. The New Batman Adventures (1997-1999)
Because they’re so closely connected, many people like to pair this with its iconic predecessor. However, due to their creative differences, I’m not going to do that here. This sequel series smoothly continued the masked vigilante’s adventures, and managed to maintain just about everything fans loved about BTAS.
The major highlights are undoubtedly the introduction of Tim Drake’s Robin and Dick Grayson’s Nightwing to the DC Animated Universe. The camaraderie among the Bat-Family led to some interesting character interactions and development. DC fan favorites like The Creeper and Etrigan the Demon even popped up. There were also some memorable episodes like the famous adaptation of “Mad Love.”
Aside from expanding on Batman’s world, it also helped to set the tone for the DCAU in a number of ways. Along with Superman: The Animated Series, it originated the dark, sleek art style that would carry over into future DCAU television shows. Worldbuilding was also a key element, and the crossovers with Superman helped to link this fictional universe together.
Living in the shadow of a giant is never easy, but somehow this show manages to do it just fine.
2. Batman Beyond (1999-2001)
With the 21st Century quickly approaching, Bruce Timm and company knew that Batman and the DCAU needed a jolt of energy. And, they absolutely delivered that and then some.
Hardcore fans weren’t quite sure what to make of a teenaged Batman at the time, but Terry McGinnis proved to be just as compelling and layered as Bruce Wayne. The creators also produced a world that was just as interesting as the protagonist. From vast cityscapes to strobe light-filled nightclubs, the visuals were striking and colorful. The cast, led by Will Friedle and the legendary Kevin Conroy, was also a highlight.
Part of the reason this series ranks so high is because of its impact beyond television. To this day, Terry McGinnis is a significant part of the mainstream DC Universe. The show’s popularity also sparked years of live-action film discussions. Unfortunately, these plans never came to fruition. However, the show did spawn the acclaimed direct-to-video movie, Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker during its run.
No one could have predicted that this show would be what it was and still find success. Nevertheless, we’re all the better for having it.
Image Courtesy of Warner Bros. Television Distribution and DC Entertainment for Batman: The Animated Series (1992)
1. Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995)
What more can be said about Bruce Timm’s first take on Batman and the first entry in his expanded cartoon universe?
Timm (along with Eric Radomski) captured the sheer essence of the comics but slightly modernized the character’s world. As a result of the strong voice acting, the superhero and his supporting cast were all fleshed out individuals. And, the mature storytelling provided something that is not seen in many animated shows today. It’s hard to top episodes like “Almost Got ‘Im” or the Emmy-winning “Robin’s Reckoning.”
BTAS gave us so many things. It spawned the theatrical film, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and DC’s first direct-to-video feature, Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero. Harley Quinn was birthed from it and became a staple in DC Comics lore. And of course, it gave us the definitive Batman and Joker – Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill.
The show’s impact on pop culture has been substantial, and there is no doubt that it’s one of if not the greatest animated series to ever grace our television screens.
Next: Every Spider-Man animated series ranked
We’ve reached the end of our stroll down memory lane with the Dark Knight, and it’s been fun.
But, now that you know what we think, we want you to continue the discussion. Tell us how you think all of Batman’s adventures should rank!
Gotham’s protector may not have a solo cartoon right now, but that leaves you with plenty of time to revisit his past animated outings!