Few comic book characters possess the cartoon legacy of Batman, but which of The Dark Knight’s iconic animated movie adventures are the best?
Comic book fans like to argue that no superhero has had as many movies as Batman. That may be true, as The World’s Greatest Detective has headlined many outings on the silver screen, but it’s especially true when it comes to animated movies. The Dark Knight has been at the center of over 30 animated DC adventures over the course of his legendary crimefighting career, and that’s not even counting the iconic animated TV shows he has headlined.
Some of his very first animated movies were extended adventures spun out of Batman: The Animated Series, but that was just the beginning, as he would go on to star in a multitude of DC Universe original animated movies that all proved to be major hits for DC and Warner Bros. Animation.
From compelling new stories and a LEGO spinoff to adaptations of his some of Batman’s most iconic comic books (and even a revival of the ’60s TV series), prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride as we rank all of the Caped Crusader’s animated movies from worst to best.
Which of The Dark Knight’s animated adventures stand tall?
31. Batman: The Killing Joke
Have you ever seen a movie where everything was in place for the perfect blend but, for one reason or another, it just didn’t come together in the finished product? Batman: The Killing Joke is sadly one of those movies.
It was an adaptation of Alan Moore’s chilling comic book (a comic book that changed the landscape for Batman stories), DC animated movies had a great reputation, and it even brought in iconic Batman: The Animated Series veterans Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill to voice Batman and The Joker. But it just didn’t work.
There are various reasons for that, some revolving around the animation or the fact that its source material hasn’t aged as well as you might think, but its biggest issue was its handling of Batgirl. The comic is notorious for the scene in which The Joker shoots Barbara Gordon, paralyzing her and ending her career as Batgirl. In a misguided attempt to give her more than that, the movie includes a completely unrelated subplot that dehumanizes her and adds a completely unnecessary romantic relationship between her and Batman.
The movie is at its best when it’s focusing on the Batman/Joker dynamic and that’s largely because Conroy and Hamill are, as always, brilliant. It’s just a shame that the glimmers of brilliance couldn’t carry The Killing Joke to the heights fans hoped it would achieve. It might have been a different story if the first 30 minutes didn’t exist.
30. Superman/Batman: Apocalypse
It feels rather odd to include Superman/Batman: Apocalypse on this list since, well, Batman isn’t really a main character. By that criteria, we should be including all of the animated Justice League movies too, right? But since his name is in the title, and it’s a direct sequel to Superman/Batman: Public Enemies, we’ll let it slide through.
Focusing on the arrival of Kara Zor-El, a.k.a. Supergirl, on Earth, it’s based on the DC storyline The Supergirl from Krypton and sees Clark Kent attempt to train his cousin to be a hero like him. Batman remains suspicious (because he’s Batman, of course he does) and he isn’t entirely wrong to do so, because one attack from Darkseid later and Kara is kidnapped and brainwashed into becoming the captain of the Female Furies.
All in all, Superman/Batman: Apocalypse is a good installment in the DC Universe original movie collection. It’s a well-told story that, if you can get over its strangely misleading title, serves most of its characters well. Nonetheless, it doesn’t quite live up to the heights of Public Enemies, and as someone who was a major fan of that film, that’s a shame.
That being said, its animation sets it apart from many of the ones that come after it, and its Apokolips setting allows for some hauntingly stunning visuals.
29. Batman: Death In The Family
This is an interesting one. Yes, Batman: Death In The Family will immediately invoke thoughts of the infamous comic book storyline of the same name (that saw Jason Todd killed at the hands of The Joker), but the 2020 animated movie adaptation is something of a retread of a different animated movie.
An interactive movie, this one is seen as the spiritual successor to the 2010 film Under The Red Hood but it also combines footage from that movie and new footage to form a new 95-minute interactive story in which the viewer gets to choose what happens to Jason Todd and whether or not he returns to unleash his vengeance as the Red Hood.
It’s an intriguing concept and we’d certainly love to see more interactive films from the DC Universe but Batman: Death In The Family wasn’t the best choice for this. Some of the alternate story outcomes make for compelling storylines in and of themselves, but between the fact that this storyline had already been adapted as an animated movie to the reuse of the Under The Red Hood footage, this unfortunately just feels like an unnecessary companion to an already-perfect movie.
28. Son of Batman
The era of Son of Batman is an odd one to look back on. The film was met with excitement upon its release, with a lot of positive buzz about the film’s adaptation of the Damian Wayne story and the saga with Ra’s Al Ghul and Talia Al Ghul. However, in the years since, the movie’s reception has been somewhat more mixed.
If you didn’t know the plot, it revolves around Ra’s Al Ghul attempting to get Damian (the son of Bruce Wayne and Talia Al Guhl) to take his place as his successor, but things don’t exactly go to plan – particularly when Deathstroke shows up and kills Ra’s. From there, things spiral and the Bat-Family get involved, resulting in some major conflict all around.
The response to Damian was mixed, to say the least, with audiences finding the character infuriating, and the film itself was quite divisive, too. On one hand, it was violent and hard-hitting, suggesting that it was gearing up to be a more mature adaptation of its storyline, but on the other, it never felt as mature as it wanted to be.
The whole thing was quite jarring, and while the Son of Batman franchise had real potential, it was more realized in its own sequels.
27. The Batman Unlimited Movies
If you’ve read our list of animated Batman TV shows, you might be familiar with the Batman Unlimited animated series. It’s an all-but-forgotten piece of the Caped Crusader’s well-documented television saga that streamed on YouTube during a time when the toy line of the same name was hitting shelves. A somewhat more famous chapter of that story was the trilogy of Batman Unlimited movies that were released between 2015 and 2016.
Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts came first, followed by Monster Mayhem later that year, and the final chapter Mech Vs. Mutants the following summer. As highlighted by the titles, these movies existed as a means of promoting the toy line as they all leaned into the outlandishly cool tech and gadgets that the Bat-Family and their villains possessed. Their plots aren’t the most complex nor do they reinvent the wheel, but they do understand the assignment they were given, producing entertaining spectacles that are as ambitious as they are enjoyable.
They don’t particularly add anything new to the Batman lore, but they are light-hearted entertainment guaranteed to thrill a younger audience and the three movies also feature some great performances from the likes of Roger Craig Smith, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Will Friedle.
26. Batman and Harley Quinn
Batman and Harley Quinn was a real event whenever it was released – and that’s not just because it had a limited theatrical release! The movie was drawn and animated in a variation of the styles of Batman: The Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures, with some of the DC Animated Universe voice cast reprising their roles, such as Kevin Conroy and Loren Lester. However, it wasn’t quite the return of the DCAU fans had been hoping for.
For starters, it feels a little derivative of the Batman episode “Harlequinade” (except Harley is now helping the Dynamic Duo take down Poison Ivy instead of The Joker). The real issue, however, lies in its unexpectedly mature tone. With raunchy one-liners, suggestive content, and adult humor, Batman and Harley Quinn felt more like a backdoor pilot for the Harley Quinn animated series than a nostalgic trip back into the DCAU. There’s nothing wrong with that, but did we need the classic style for a story that clearly wasn’t set in this continuity?
That being said, the movie is an adventure that spotlights one of the DCAU’s greatest creations: Harley Quinn. It’s also a lot of fun that is really sold by its exquisite voice cast, and it’s guaranteed to have you belting out “Don’t Pull Your Love” and “Hanging on the Telephone” for days afterwards.
25. Batman vs. Robin
All was not well in the father-son relationship between Bruce and Damian Wayne after Son of Batman and you don’t have to look any further than 2015 sequel Batman vs. Robin to see that. The pair are attempting to function as a unit, but they just aren’t the well-oiled machine that Batman and the original Robin, Dick Grayson, were – and that is largely due to Damian’s reckless behavior and bad attitude.
Damian Wayne is an acquired taste, so if you were already struggling with him, the plot of Batman vs. Robin wasn’t going to help with that. That said, it does set up an interesting premise, as the pair must learn to trust each other so that they can overcome the villainous Court of Owls, which seeks to divide them. It’s a classic Batman and Robin trope (irrespective of the Robin) and the film handles it well, while also offering up a compelling threat in the Court of Owls.
I do struggle with the Son of Batman franchise but Batman vs. Robin was a stark improvement over its predecessor, boasting a stronger narrative and an all-around better execution. There were still flaws, but the franchise would continue to find its way, and that is something that should be acknowledged.
24. Scooby-Doo! & Batman: The Brave and the Bold
It might have something of a cumbersome title, but Scooby-Doo! & Batman: The Brave and the Bold is at least upfront about what you’re going to get from it. It also delivers on that pretty well, merging the worlds of Scooby-Doo and the Caped Crusader together extremely well.
It’s not the first time that Batman has crossed over with the Mystery Inc. gang, but this animated movie’s appeal is that it’s a crossover between Scooby and the animated series Batman: The Brave and the Bold, which ended after three seasons in 2011. Naturally, fans of both franchises were intrigued, and the vast majority of them were satisfied with the finished product.
Diedrich Bader is just a delight as the veteran light-hearted Batman, who reaches out to Mystery Inc. for help on a case. No, it’s not the most complex or broody plot for a Batman movie, but it’s fun, and it thrives because it’s fun. If you were watching The Brave and the Bold for complex and broody plotlines, then you were watching the wrong show.
Scooby-Doo! & Batman: The Brave and the Bold is exactly what it promises; light-hearted fun that will warm the hearts of fans of both legendary franchises.
23. Batman: Bad Blood
The Son of Batman saga reached new highs with its second sequel Batman: Bad Blood. The thing that set this one apart from its predecessor was the boldness of the narrative and the overall involvement of the Bat-Family, who all must step up in a way they never had before.
The film focuses on the apparent death of Bruce Wayne, which leaves Gotham City without its Batman. Dick Grayson takes it upon himself to step into the role as the city’s new Batman, while the Bat-Family rally around him, including Bruce’s troublesome son Damian, the lone vigilante Batwoman, and new hero Batwing.
We may not have known it during the first movie, but the Son of Batman franchise is an ensemble story and that’s why Batman: Bad Blood works the best out of the three. Its story allows it to focus on the supporting cast of the series, allowing other characters to take center stage. The camaraderie and conflict among the Bat-Family also makes for a compelling hook, and it also presents Damian Wayne with his biggest challenge yet: Working with other people towards a common goal.
Bad Blood was an ambitious and satisfying culmination to this chapter of the story, allowing successor Batman: Hush to take things in a different direction.
22. Batman: Hush
Hush is one of the more legendary recent Batman stories to have etched itself among The Dark Knight’s all-time greatest. Released in 2003, the saga introduced a new enemy for Bruce Wayne to contend with, a bandage-covered ghoul calling himself Hush (who just so happened to be a ghost from Bruce Wayne’s past). It was incredible, and it managed to juggle that story with the return of The Joker and a more thoughtful exploration of the Batman and Catwoman relationship.
An animated movie adaptation was inevitable, so when it finally came along in 2019, audiences were thrilled. The results, however, were a little more mixed. Although they did lean towards the positive end of things in general, some fans didn’t like the deviations in the story nor how rushed it all ended up feeling. And it’s hard to disagree with that; in an era where we’re getting two-parters for The Dark Knight Returns and The Long Halloween, it’s hard to justify a story as complex as Hush not being one.
That being said, the bulk of the gripping story is there and it makes the jump to animation incredibly well. The designs aren’t quite as strong as the iconic illustrations in the source material, but there are enough nods and references to it to keep fans happy.
21. Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman
An all-but-forgotten relic from the world of Batman: The Animated Series, Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman is an extension of The New Batman Adventures, featuring the sharper designs that the revamp series is known for.
Released in 2003, it introduced a new iteration of Batwoman to screens (three years before the official DC Comics reboot of the character in 2006). She didn’t seem to catch on in the way that other DCAU creations influenced the comics, but she proved to be a formidable adversary (and later partner) to Batman and Robin as they were drawn into a saga involving one family’s war with villains such as The Penguin, Bane, and Rupert Thorne.
Most of Batman’s DCAU movies are renowned for offering up some extraordinary writing that set them apart from the majority of the movies on this list. This one is just a fun and enjoyable addition that essentially functions as an extended episode. And you know what, that’s okay – because I’d take a fun and enjoyable sequel to Batman: The Animated Series over the vast majority of films any day of the week.
And if you’re not singing “Betcha Never” after this one, did you even watch it?
20. Batman: Soul of the Dragon
Now this is a Batman movie that tried something different. Directed by Sam Liu and produced by Batman: The Animated Series‘ Bruce Timm, what sets Batman: Soul of the Dragon apart from most of the other movies on this list is that it isn’t based on any comic nor is it set in any pre-established shared universe. It’s just a standalone tale, and a pretty great one at that.
The film’s plot takes us into Bruce Wayne’s past, revealing that he trained in martial arts alongside five other students: Shiva, Richard Dragon, Jade, Ben Turner and Rip Jagger. Years later, Dragon reaches out and attempts to put the band back together to stop the nefarious Kobra Cult.
It’s different from your typical Batman story, but again, that’s why Soul of the Dragon works so well. It’s also got a unique aesthetic and it leans into that well, as there are times that it feels like you’re watching a ’70s kung fu series instead of an animated Batman movie, and that makes for an enjoyable change. The voice cast is also stellar, with David Guintoli proving himself to be a great Dark Knight – something we would again get to appreciate when he returned to the role in subsequent animated movie The Doom That Came To Gotham.
Soul of the Dragon had a blank canvas and a dream, and it made us see the vision. A job well done indeed. More experiments like this one would be welcome in the future.
19. Batman: Gotham Knight
Batman: Gotham Knight is a pretty unusual movie to look back on. Fans were used to DC Universe animated original movies at the time, but the unique thing about Gotham Knight is that it’s set in the world of Christopher Nolan’s iconic Dark Knight trilogy, bridging the gap between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.
It’s also unique for being a series of six shorts, all produced by Japanese animation studios to offer up their own style and visuals. It’s very effective, as each of those styles complement their own stories, allowing us to see Batman through different eyes – something that feels very appropriate given that Gotham is still in awe of him.
Some of the shorts are stronger than others, but all of them paint vivid pictures of a crime-ridden city in desperate need of a hero. And, to make things even better, Kevin Conroy voices the Caped Crusader, which is pretty neat since he’s essentially playing the same Batman that Christian Bale portrayed in the movies.
Gotham Knight isn’t an essential part of The Dark Knight Trilogy (heck, it’s up for debate as to whether it’s even considered canon these days) but it is a strong companion that builds out the world in ways that some of the grounded movies in that franchise never really did.
18. Batman vs. Two-Face
The classic 1966 Batman TV series adapted many of the dynamic duo’s iconic adversaries for the small screen, but one villain who was mysteriously absent from all three seasons was Two-Face. The 2017 animated movie spinoff Batman vs. Two-Face righted that wrong.
A sequel to the acclaimed Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders, it’s set in the universe of the legendary TV series with Adam West, Burt Ward, and Julie Newmar once again reprising their roles Batman, Robin, and Catwoman. To bring Two-Face to life in the ’66 universe, the movie features none other than the voice of William Shatner.
Batman vs. Two-Face features all of the fun we have come to expect from the Bam, Smack, and Pows of the legendary series, but it also tells the story of Harvey Dent’s evolution into Two-Face in surprisingly nuanced fashion – in a way that the original series might not have. The more mature tone works incredibly well with the colorful world around it and Shatner is a force as the iconic Batman villain.
Overall, it’s another welcome addition to the Batman ’66 saga, and a fitting sendoff to the late, great Adam West – an old chum we’re eternally grateful to.
17. Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons
Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons was a surprise. The first fully-CGI animated movie within the DC Universe Animated Original movie franchise, it had a lot to prove and it did it. The animation itself was great, while the design made for a stark change from what we were used from DC animated movies. It might not work for every movie, but it worked very well for this one.
The film’s greatest attribute is just how much fun it is. Battle of the Super Sons is based on the Super-Sons comic books, it showcases the relationship between a young Jonathan Kent, a.k.a. Superboy, and Damian Wayne, a.k.a. Robin, as the pair navigate the world of heroism and teamwork. They are nothing alike, and struggle to get along (and that is 100% down to Damian) but they must do so when an alien invasion, led by Starro, leaves the fate of Batman, Superman, and the entire world in their hands.
There is a youthful energy to Super Sons that makes it a joy to watch. It’s an adventure that was designed to be fun, and it is, with Jack Dylan Grazer and Jack Griffo both doing a great job as the title heroes. This movie is exactly what it needed to be, and we’re all better off for watching it.
16. Batman: Assault on Arkham
Batman: Assault on Arkham may have been one of the long line of DC Universe Animated Original Movies, but it was also part of another franchise. This one was set in the same universe as the legendary Batman: Arkham video game series, serving as a bridge between prequel game Arkham Origins and original game Arkham Asylum.
Much of the voice cast from the games returned, including Kevin Conroy and Troy Baker as Batman and The Joker. However, the Caped Crusader wasn’t the main focus of this film, as its central story revolves around the Suicide Squad – who are tasked with retrieving some important information from The Riddler in Arkham Asylum. While this is going on, however, Batman must stop a bomb that The Joker has planted in the city.
Assault on Arkham successfully spotlights the Suicide Squad and uses an already-established shared universe to do it in. The Arkham franchise could do no wrong, so to see a different side to it made for an exciting change, and the Squad themselves made for compelling protagonists. It was also just loud, unadulterated fun that had a good time with its plot, showcasing why characters like Harley Quinn and Deadshot are so darn interesting.
15. Batman: The Doom That Came To Gotham
The most recent film to join the ever-growing family of animated movies, Batman: The Doom That Came To Gotham is actually based on a three-issue Elseworlds tale that was published in 2000. And as we’ve come to expect from Elseworlds tales, they are often some of The Dark Knight’s best stories.
The Doom That Came To Gotham is no exception to that rule, as the standalone story is one of the best animated Batman movies in recent years. Focusing on a veteran Batman who spent two decades away from Gotham after the murder of his parents, he returns to the city in the 1920s to become its savior. However, he finds himself entangled in a saga involving ancient supernatural entities, including the Lurker On The Threshold, whom he accidentally reawakens.
It should come as no surprise to learn that this is a very Lovecraftian tale and that’s why it works so well as an Elseworlds title. It’s a gripping thriller of a film, and one for the supernatural fans, that’s for sure. It’s also just a compelling tale of survival and resolve as Batman must take on a threat unlike anything he has ever faced before in a bid to make up for past mistakes and save Gotham from ultimate doom.
We’re used to expecting good things from the DC Animated movies, but this one surprised us – and we’re thankful that it did.
14. Batman Ninja
That brings us to the most Elseworlds of all the Elseworlds tales: Batman Ninja.
Few knew what to expect from Batman Ninja prior to its release but when it did make its presence felt, there was a resoundingly positive response from fans and critics who were anywhere between pleasantly surprised to overwhelmed with joy. That’s the beauty of Batman Ninja.
The film is an epic tale of time travel and survival, as The Dark Knight is accidentally sent into the past, arriving in Feudal Japan – where The Joker is attempting to take over and rewrite history. It’s up to Batman to battle the Clown Prince of Crime and restore order (and the timeline). What follows is a thrilling adventure that sees the Caped Crusader struggle to get used to his new surroundings and form some unlikely friendships. There are some unexpected DC cameos in there and a lot of stunning battle sequences.
Batman Ninja‘s greatest aspect may be its gorgeous visuals, thanks in no small part to the animation style and character designs. It’s a visual masterpiece and that, coupled with its engaging storyline and thrilling battles, makes it a must-watch.
This was the adventure we didn’t know we needed, but we’re so glad we found out.
13. The LEGO Batman Movie
That brings us to the most unusual (and oddly enough, perhaps the most well-known) movie on this list. The LEGO Batman Movie isn’t part of the DC Animated Universe nor is it one of the DC Universe animated movies; it’s exactly what it says on the tin (in oh so many ways).
A collaboration between Warner Bros. and Lego, the 2017 film was a spinoff of The LEGO Movie and featured Will Arnett reprising his role as The Dark Knight. Though “dark” is relative term, because this version of the Caped Crusader is anything but dark. He’s a light-hearted, occasionally sarcastic, and all-around hilarious joy – much like the movie itself.
The LEGO Batman Movie is family-friendly fun at its finest – with a real emphasis on the “family” element, as its central story revolves around Batman – Gotham City’s celebrity superhero – learning to trust others and ultimately building out the Bat-Family. It’s a learning journey for him, and a fun one to watch unfold on our screens.
This might not be the movie for the Batman fans who appreciate his darker material, but as far as good old-fashioned entertainment goes, it understands and exceeds the assignment. You put this on and you’re guaranteed an evening of pure unadulterated entertainment, full of Batman and DC Easter Eggs – and you really couldn’t ask for anything more.
12. Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
It doesn’t get more fun than the Caped Crusader taking on (and teaming up with) the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and we’re happy to report that the animated movie understood the assignment. Released in 2019, Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was based on the comics miniseries written by James Tynion IV and Freddie Williams II, which sees the turtles end up in Gotham City and face-to-face with The Dark Knight.
Neither Batman nor the Turtles can really believe the other exists but, after quite the battle, they are united by a shared threat, as Shredder and Ra’s Al Ghul join forces to destroy Gotham. Thus, the Turtles must team up with the Bat-Family to take them down and save Gotham before its too late.
The movie strikes a pretty great balance between serious and silly, making for an entertaining adventure that isn’t afraid to reel you in with some high stakes. It’s good fun, but high quality fun, delivering on all fronts as one of the most enjoyable outings from the Batman and TMNT franchises. And its star-studded cast, which features Troy Baker, Darren Criss, Rachel Bloom, Tom Kenny and more, is exquisite.
If there’s one animated Batman movie with scope for a sequel, it’s this one (and we’d love to see it!).
11. Batman: Year One
If you asked a comic book fan to name some of the Caped Crusader’s greatest adventures, there is a pretty high probability that Batman: Year One would be on the list. Written by Frank Miller and illustrated by David Mazzucchelli, the story showcases the Dark Knight’s first year as Gotham City’s protector, highlighting the impact he made on the criminal underworld and his eventual allies such as Jim Gordon.
An animated movie adaptation was inevitable at some point, so when it came along in 2011, it was an incredibly fulfilling experience for fans who longed to see their favorite story come to life. It was particularly fulfilling, in fact, because it was an excellent adaptation of the source material, relying on the aura of Batman himself and the reception to his arrival moreso than his actual escapades.
Yes, for those hoping to see a Batman-centric story, this one might not be your favorite, but it’s an incredible story of how the legend of the Dark Knight comes to be that pays homage to its source material and really conveys what a great, layered character Jim Gordon is. And speaking of Gordon, he’s voiced incredibly well by the legendary Bryan Cranston – an actor fans have longed to see play the character in live-action – while Gotham‘s Gordon, Ben McKenzie, does a great job portraying the younger, broodier Dark Knight.
10. Batman: Gotham by Gaslight
Gotham by Gaslight is considered the first Elseworlds Batman story and it’s still the best of them all. The DC animated movie adaptation in 2018 adds to that story, complementing the original narrative with some world-building that never feels like its doing too much. And when that world is Victorian era Gotham, the more world-building, the better.
Bruce Wayne’s early days as the vigilante crimefighter known as the Batman coincide with the arrival of Jack The Ripper, leading to a violent confrontation between the two with the soul of Gotham at stake. And speaking of violence, the movie is much darker than the vast majority of its counterparts on this list, making it one of the only DC Animated movies to boast an R rating.
It takes a few liberties with the story here and there, but never do they feel like they are desecrating the original graphic novel. Instead, we have a faithful adaptation that excels as its own entity at the same time.
Like other animated movies on this list such as Hush and The Killing Joke, the animation is something of a minor drawback, with the newness and sharpness of it all never quite matching the eerie illustrations of its source material. Nonetheless, it’s an undeniably entertaining watch that lives up to its reputation.
9. Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
Another incredibly underrated classic, Superman/Batman: Public Enemies was one of the earlier DC Universe Animated Original Movies so that might explain why it’s overlooked from time-to-time, but we’re here to remind you just how good it is.
Released in 2009, it saw The Dark Knight team up with the Man of Steel to stop Lex Luthor, who had been elected President of the United States. A terrifying thought, for sure, and one that Luthor intended on making the most of, as he used altered footage of a fight between Superman and Metallo in an attempt to convince the world that Superman and Batman were dangers to mankind.
We love a good detective story, and the Caped Crusader teams up with Superman to prove their innocence, reveal what kind of man Lex Luthor really is, and save the world from a meteorite. Public Enemies delivers on that front, while also being a great team-up movie for the two legendary DC heroes, highlighting how both their differences and similarities make them a great team. The “that was my best friend” sequence in the final act is incredibly moving.
This is a hidden gem in the DC animated movie classics and one of its biggest strengths is the voice cast, many of whom reprise their roles from the legendary DCAU. As always, Kevin Conroy and Tim Daly made a remarkable team.
8. Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders
We’re living in an era in which people love nostalgia and it doesn’t get more nostalgic than the classic 1966 Batman TV series. So when it was revealed that Adam West, Burt Ward, and Julie Newmar would return as the Dynamic Duo and Catwoman in a new animated movie, fans of the legendary show were thrilled.
Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders didn’t just live up to expectations, it exceeded them. And that’s because it exceeded our wildest dreams when it came to just how larger-than-life, effortlessly campy, and completely over-the-top it could go. There were dastardly supervillain team-ups, wickedly funny one-liners, ridiculous Bat-gadgets that Batman and Robin simply couldn’t have dreamed of needing before this movie but somehow had at the ready anyway, and there was fun. Lots and lots of fun.
Return of the Caped Crusaders‘ unprecedented critical success also stems from the fact that it was released in the same year as fellow animated movie The Killing Joke and the live-action Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice; two depressingly grim outings that completely misunderstood their source material and disappointed so many people. And then there was this one; having the time of its life with the most outlandish of plots and ensuring we were doing the same when watching it. We couldn’t ask for more than that.
7. The Batman vs. Dracula
The Batman may just be the most underrated Batman TV series of all time. The show was always going to struggle with comparisons to Batman: The Animated Series but it deserves to be judged on its own merit, because it’s pretty damn great. It also tried new things, one of them being a movie that saw The Dark Knight take on the Prince of Darkness, Count Dracula.
The Batman vs. Dracula is much darker than the series it’s based on, but it uses the whimsical world of the show to its advantage. As a result, we see the cartoonish versions of The Joker and The Penguin roped into Dracula’s reign of terror, as even they realize they are no match for the resurrected vampire. The only man who can stop him is, of course, Gotham’s Caped Crusader, but that’s easier said than done given that the city has turned on the vigilante, blaming him for attacking those who had gone missing in Gotham.
It uses Batman’s vigilante status against him and crafts a fun adventure (albeit a dark one) that sees the hero attempt to clear his name by saving the city from Dracula. He’s outmatched and outgunned, but The World’s Greatest Detective is never outwitted, as he battles the count in a bid to find out who the true Creature of the Night really is.
A perfect example of why The Batman was a hidden gem that should be appreciated more often.
6. Batman Beyond: Return of The Joker
The DC Animated Universe was the gift that just kept on giving, and Batman Beyond might have just been its greatest gift. Set decades after Batman: The Animated Series, it showcases a new future for the mantle of the Bat when high school student Terry McGinnis teams up with an elderly Bruce Wayne to introduce New Gotham to a new Batman. And the series never shined brighter than in its own spinoff movie.
As you might have guessed by the title, Batman: Return of the Joker brings the Clown Prince of Crime back to Gotham. Every Batman needs a Joker, but Terry has to prove himself against the original, who somehow resurfaces years after his apparent death to terrorize New Gotham. And speaking of The Joker’s death, the film showcases how the world of the animated series came to an end, using a harrowing 10-minute flashback to bridge the gap between The New Batman Adventures and Batman Beyond.
Needless to say Will Friedle and Kevin Conroy are as dynamic a duo as ever, and Mark Hamill’s darker take on The Joker is downright terrifying. The DCAU masterminds produced another banger with this one, solidifying Batman Beyond as a worthy chapter in the iconic universe.
5. Batman: Under The Red Hood
Hopes were high for Batman: Under The Red Hood prior to its release. The Jason Todd-into-Red Hood storyline is one of the greatest modern DC stories ever told, so to see it come to life in animation format was always going to be exciting. But not even that could prepare audiences for the sheer brilliance they were about to witness whenever it came out.
The film showcases the arrival of the mysterious Red Hood, his criminal activities and the unusual amount of knowledge he seems to possess on the Bat-Family. It’s only a matter of time until Batman deduces that the former Robin has returned from the dead, and he must juggle feelings of guilt over Jason’s death with his never-ending drive to protect the city from harm. The result is a compelling tale that hits you every bit as hard even if you know how the DC Comics story plays out.
When people claim that nobody makes animated movies like DC, this is often one of the examples they use to back up that argument. It’s easy to see why, because Under The Red Hood is a masterclass in storytelling, adaptation, and voice acting. Jensen Ackles’ performance is outstanding – so outstanding that he has been associated with the role of Red Hood ever since.
When he graduated to Dark Knight in another animated movie, he was equally brilliant. Speaking of which…
4. Batman: The Long Halloween
When it was confirmed that Batman: The Long Halloween would be getting an animated movie adaptation, it raised some questions about why it hadn’t already been done at this point. The Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale graphic novel is regarded as one of the very best Batman stories ever told and its influence continues to be felt to this day, with live-action outings such as The Dark Knight Trilogy and The Batman drawing inspiration from it.
But the wait was ultimately worth it, because not only was Batman: The Long Halloween a worthy adaptation of its source material, it was a welcome return to form for the DC animated movies franchise (which had experienced its fair share of ups and downs in recent years). It feels right that this was the story to incite that return to greatness, because the story it juggles is nothing short of spectacular. And this isn’t just a case of lightning in a bottle, because lightning struck twice here.
Much like The Dark Knight Returns, The Long Halloween is split into two parts to ensure that the full scope of its story is adapted, and that was the right choice. The gripping mystery at the heart of it, and the stories that spiral out from that, are allowed to breathe, gathering momentum as it goes on and keeping us all on the edges of our seats.
The voice cast is nothing short of superb, too. It’s so fulfilling to hear Jensen Ackles voice his dream role of Batman, and he’s perfect in it, approaching the performance with the right amount of grit and subtlety. The late, great Naya Rivera is also a scene-stealer in her final ever performance, delivering one of the truly great voice performances as Catwoman.
Batman: The Long Halloween is a success on all fronts, and it exceeded some already-high expectations.
3. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
With Batman: The Animated Series tearing up the small screen, Warner Bros. decided to give the Dark Knight his own big-screen adventure in Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. The result was nothing short of excellence.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest animated movies ever made, it introduces audiences to a new villain with ties to Batman’s past. Known as the Phantasm, the ghoulish figure begins killing off retired mobsters in an act of revenge before eventually coming for The Joker. Naturally, the Caped Crusader intervenes, but what he doesn’t expect is for the case to get so personal.
Mask of the Phantasm is a haunting tale that sheds a lot of light on how the DCAU’s Batman came to be, showing us the beginnings that the animated series did not. It also features a gripping mystery at its heart, and a thrilling original villain that is just one of the many beautiful creations the DCAU gifted us with. Moreover, it might just be the finest work that Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill have ever delivered, because their performances as Batman and The Joker are nothing short of captivating.
You might be shocked that this one doesn’t rank even higher. That’s how flawless Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and its reputation is. And honestly, it deserves every bit of the love that it gets.
2. Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero
Another contender for the most underrated Batman movie ever made, Batman and Mr. Freeze: SubZero often gets overlooked for a multitude of reasons. It’s an extension of Batman: The Animated Series but came out when the show had already evolved into The New Batman Adventures, and it also had to be delayed because of the overwhelmingly negative reaction to Batman and Robin – the infamous movie that used The Animated Series‘ Mr. Freeze as a basis to build a very cartoonish character.
Nevertheless, SubZero is another fine example of the DC Animated Universe’s exceptional storytelling. Building upon the tragic arc that Bruce Timm and Paul Dini created for Victor Fries in the series, it bridges the gap between the animated series and its spinoff sequel, focusing on Mr. Freeze’s attempts to save his beloved wife Nora at all costs. And that leads him to kidnap Barbara Gordon in the hopes of giving Nora an organ transplant, with the cost being Batgirl’s life.
SubZero is a beautiful finale for Batman: The Animated Series‘ finest creation, complementing the Emmy-winning story that “Heart of Ice” crafted, and offering up one of the most compelling rescue missions Batman and Robin have ever pulled off. It’s striking, powerful, and features a thrilling finale worthy of the world of the DCAU.
1. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
Frank Miller’s The Dark Knight Returns is widely regarded as one of the most pivotal comic books of all time, so when it was revealed that it would be receiving an animated movie adaptation, fans were thrilled. There was also understandable caution that the adaptation wouldn’t live up to the gripping and layered narrative of the story, so the decision to split Batman: The Dark Knight Returns into two parts was inspired.
We’re ranking both movies together as a result, because even though each one brings its respective elements to life so well, together they tell a complete story, so it would be an injustice to ignore that and rank them separately.
There is so much to appreciate about both movies. Not only does the animation style bring the almost-dystopian look of a future Gotham City in need of a savior to life, it benefits from excellent voice performances, particularly from Peter Weller as the veteran Batman and Michael Emerson as the unhinged Joker.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns is an incredibly faithful adaptation that also stands out on its own merit as well. It’s a complex and immersive tale that you can’t look away from, and the beautiful animation ensures that you never do. And it’s nothing short of thrilling.
What’s your favorite animated Batman movie? How did you celebrate Batman Day weekend?