All 13 Batman TV shows ranked from worst to best

3. Batman Beyond

Batman Beyond revolutionized the Dark Knight for a new generation. In the late 90s, Batman was at a crossroads. After Tim Burton’s Gothic interpretation and Joel Schumacher’s neon-lit campiness, the Dark Knight was in need of a reboot. And that’s when Batman Beyond swooped in to save the day. With its dark cyberpunk style, futuristic setting, and new protagonist, Terry McGinnis, the show became an instant classic that gave fans a Dark Knight unlike anything they’d ever seen before.

From the opening credits, it was clear that Batman Beyond was going to be something special. With its thumping electronic beat and stylized visuals, the show announced itself as a new breed of Batman adaptation. Set in the year 2039, the show introduced us to Terry McGinnis, a troubled teenager who stumbled upon the Batcave and took up the mantle of the Dark Knight under the tutelage of an elderly Bruce Wayne. It was a bold move, but it paid off in spades.

One of the biggest draws of the show was its darker tone. While previous adaptations had flirted with darkness, Batman Beyond fully embraced it. The show’s cyberpunk aesthetic lent itself perfectly to a grittier, more mature Batman, and Terry’s struggles with crime, corruption, and his own personal demons made for compelling viewing. It thrilled fans to see a Batman who was more than just a rich guy in a batsuit – he was a hero who had to work hard for every victory.

But it wasn’t just the tone that made Batman Beyond a classic. The show’s creators also took full advantage of the futuristic setting, introducing new technologies and villains that pushed the boundaries of what fans thought they knew. From the Jokerz gang to the villainous Inque, the show’s rogues gallery was as unique and memorable as any in Batman history. And the show’s exploration of themes like artificial intelligence and genetic engineering gave it a depth that set it apart from other animated series.

Batman Beyond was a game-changer for the Dark Knight. Its unique blend of cyberpunk style, mature storytelling, and futuristic setting set a new standard for Batman adaptations, and its influence can still be felt in modern interpretations of the character. We need this remake/continuation now.