All 11 animated Batman TV shows ranked from worst to best

Batman: Caped Crusader. Image courtesy HBO Max, Warner Bros.
Batman: Caped Crusader. Image courtesy HBO Max, Warner Bros.
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Harley Quinn, Batman animated shows
Harley Quinn season 2, episode 12, “Lover’s Quarrel“ Image Courtesy Warner Bros. Television Distribution/DC Universe

Honorable mention: Harley Quinn

Okay, so Harley Quinn isn’t technically a Batman show in the same way that the others on this list are (The Dark Knight only plays a supporting/guest role depending on the episode), but given that it’s based on a beloved Batman character, I thought we should give it an acknowledgement.

The show is highly exaggerated in tone and mature on content, which sets it apart from almost everything else in the DC landscape, and it’s become quite the hit for the streaming service that produces it (formerly DC Universe, now Max), with fans championing the spotlight on Harley and the LGBTQ+ representation via her relationship with Poison Ivy.

Harley Quinn doesn’t take itself too seriously so it’s a hoot of a time, with some of the best one-liners you’ll ever hear on an animated series, but it’s also nuanced in its writing, with Harley’s struggles as a part-time hero/part-time villain being one of the most compelling aspects of the show – as is her alliance with the Bat-Family and adventures with Batman.

The Dark Knight is a far cry from the confident and calm hero we know, but there’s an interesting story there, and he adds a great deal to Harley Quinn given that he doesn’t appear as often as you’d think.