All 31 animated Batman movies ranked from worst to best

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?