dark Knight. Caped Crusader. The world’s best detective. Guardian of Gotham. No matter what name or nickname he is called, there is only one Batman. Possibly the most popular character in DC history, Batman has appeared in numerous comics, TV shows, movies, and videos over the years, many of which include his quest to overcome crime in the City of Gotham. I am doing a smart job focusing on trying.
In addition to the numerous live-action films based on the character, there are a number of equally excellent animated films that follow Batman as he attempts to keep the crime-ridden streets of Gotham safe for civilians. In some cases, these animated films reach, and in some cases even surpass, the heights set by previous interpretations of the characters in live-action films.
From early spin-offs of the fan-favorite animated series to adaptations of timeless comic book stories, here are the best Batman animated movies of all time, ranked from best to worst.
1 – Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
Perhaps the most important non-live-action film in DC’s filmography, Batman: Mask of Phantasm was responsible for launching the DC Animated Universe and ushering in decades of direct-to-video releases based on the company’s many characters. However, like many movies released over the years; phantasm mask It’s easy to stay in top shape. A loving sequel to Batman: The Animated Series, the film’s PG rating allows for a darker take on Kevin Conroy’s animated version of The Dark Knight, featuring a femme fatale, an aging mobster, , and completed director Mark Hamill’s creepy murder mystery involving the hilariously sadistic Joker.
2 – Lego Batman Movie
yes, lego batman movie It’s not actually connected to the DC Animated Universe. But it would be a huge mistake to not include this film, which is so entertaining from start to finish, on this list. while maintaining the same creativity and humor that made the first Lego Movie so memorable and great. lego batman movie It offers an uncharacteristically hilarious interpretation of the protagonist, brilliantly voiced by Will Arnett. Not only that, but it’s also the only Batman movie to feature the Joker (Zach Galifianakis), Batgirl (Rosario Dawson), Sauron (Jemaine Clement), Lord Voldemort (Eddie Izzard), and the Tyrannosaurus from Jurassic Park. there is. That has to mean something, right?
3 – Batman: Under the Red Hood
Red Hood isn’t as recognized as a villain like the Joker, Two-Face, or Bane. Still, when he is featured in a significant role opposite the Dark Knight, he often plays a very appealing antagonist. It was best seen in 2010’s Batman: Under the Red Hood. Casting Jason Todd’s Robin as the title character, Under the Red Hood benefits from the fascinating dynamic that exists between Batman and the former Robin, as well as Ra’s al Ghul ( He skillfully incorporates characters such as Jason Isaacs (Jason Isaacs) and Black Mask (Wade Williams). and a very Heath Ledger-esque Joker (John DiMaggio).
4 – Batman: The Dark Knight Returns
dark knight returns It has the distinction of being one of the greatest Batman stories ever written. Frank Miller’s story is so dense that the resulting film is divided into concise parts, each part great in its own right. The film, which focuses on Batman’s return after a long retirement, is a grim and unsettling take on a dystopian Gotham, with a setting that is vastly different from its predecessors. . Miller’s signature hard-boiled text provides the backbone for an appropriately noir-inspired take on Gotham City and its inhabitants.
5 – Batman: The Long Halloween
The celebrated genius of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale Batman: The Long Halloween It’s how cleverly it incorporates time and DC’s vast assortment of Batman-related characters. Fortunately, these qualities are maintained in his 2021 animated adaptation. Filled with mostly supporting characters (Joker, Penguin, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy, etc.) and Batman’s most dangerous enemies, The Long Halloween also works as a structurally sound noir mystery. Who on earth is the mysterious holiday killer? Simple questions like these allow the filmmakers to explore the dark side of each suspect involved, including Selina Kyle, Harvey Dent, and Carmine Falcone.
6 – Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
On paper, the idea of a crossover between Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles doesn’t seem like it would work at all.Far from feeling like a mismatched combination, the best thing about 2019 Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles It’s a hilarious juxtaposition between the fun half-shelled hero and Gotham City’s brooding guardian. Batman, Robin, Batgirl, and the Turtles, battling joint partners Shredder (Andrew Kishino) and Ra’s al Ghul (Cas Anvar), make for a surprisingly effective group combination, offering plenty of comedy and action. Open the way.
7 – Batman: Hush
In many ways, Batman: Hush Directly comparable to Batman: The Long Halloween. Not only were each story written by Jeph Loeb, but they also share some overarching similarities in theme and characterization, and each focuses on a central mystery that the world’s greatest detective is trying to solve. I’m guessing. The key difference between the two is the fact that Hush helps introduce a surprisingly new (and downright terrifying) new character to the Batman canon in the form of Hush. This antagonist can irritate your skin for a variety of reasons. Boasting another satisfying mystery with organized crime elements added for dramatic effect, this is one of his best DC animated films in recent years.
8 – Batman: Year One
Less famous than The Dark Knight Returns is Frank Miller’s 1987 sequel. Batman: Year One, later made into an animated film of the same name in 2011. Delving into Batman’s early adventures as a crime fighter and his first encounter with disillusioned city police officer Jim Gordon, the film presents Gotham as a three-dimensional city filled with unchecked crime and criminals unafraid of repercussions. It’s a wonderfully down-to-earth movie.
9 – Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker
For many, Mark Hamill’s iteration of the Joker is by far the best, beating out other leading contenders such as Jack Nicholson, Joaquin Phoenix, and Heath Ledger. Hamill’s portrayal of the Clown Prince of Crime, who got his start in Batman: The Animated Series, is as often as terrifying as it is comedic, and is unlike any other Joker actor before or since. It became a characteristic that set it apart.Considering how beloved his take on the character was, it’s surprising that Hamill has since returned to voice the Joker in dozens of films and video games, including the 2000 animated film. isn’t it Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker. At the time, the unedited cut of Return of the Joker was noted as the first PG-13 Batman animated film, offering a much darker addition to the Batman Beyond animated universe than anything previously released.
10 – Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero
Following in the footsteps of 1993 Batman: Mask of Phantasm 1998 has arrived Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero.Released 3 years after formal signing Batman: The Animated Seriesthe movie picks up where the show left off, filling in the narrative gaps in between. batman and new batman adventures. Similar to the critically acclaimed Batman episode “Heart of Ice,” the film focuses attention on the tragically misunderstood Mr. Freeze, creating a deep warmth and understanding around the frosty anti-villain. .
11 – Batman vs. Robin
if Batman & Mr. Freeze: Sub-Zero ‘ was a thorough examination of Mr. Freeze, and 2015’s ‘Batman vs. Robin’ was an equally brilliant deconstruction of the Damian Wayne-era Robin (voiced by Sean Maher). Introducing aspects of the ‘Court of Owls’ storyline by Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, the film serves as a thoughtful introduction to the character of Damian for those unfamiliar with who he is. and serves as a rich breakdown of Bruce Wayne and his personality for those familiar with him. Son of Talia al Ghul.
12 – Batman: Soul of the Dragon
If Quentin Tarantino ever directed a Batman movie, there’s a good chance it would be something like this. Set in the turbulent 1970s, Batman: Soul of the Dragon The film is an homage to DC’s kitschy Bronze Age and some of the niche genres that were popular at the time, particularly Bruce Lee-style kung fu and blaxploitation films. A fun, light-hearted break from the usual dark stories inherently tied to the Caped Crusader, with memorable appearances from lesser-known DC heroes like Richard Dragon, Lady Shiva, and Bronze Tiger. It’s a movie.
13 – Batman: Assault on Arkham
Set within the overall continuity of popularity. Batman: Arkham video game series, Assault on Arkham happens a while later origin of arkham And about 2 years ago arkham asylum. Like all works in the Arkham series, Arkham features a number of wholesome Batman villains while staying true to the characters and world of his series. It fits neatly into the Arkham timeline and also adds some characterization to the main characters, better exploring underrated minor villains like Deadshot while also introducing characters like Killer Frost and Captain Boomerang. It also introduces other DC foes outside of Batman’s rogues gallery, including:
14 – Batman: Death in the Family
Robin’s death is one of the most shocking moments in Batman comic book history, all of which is dramatically detailed in the pages of 1986’s “Death in the Family” storyline. It was later made into an animated film in 2020. Batman: Death in the Family They managed to maintain the interactive elements of the original comic, allowing viewers to choose the narrative progression of the central story. This loose structure allows Batman: Death in the Family It’s one of the most interesting entries in Batman’s filmography, giving viewers the chance to take control of their own Batman story.
15 – Batman: Gotham Knight
A lesser-known supporting role in Christopher Nolan’s widely acclaimed Dark Knight trilogy. Batman: Gotham Knight Set during 2005 batman begins and in 2008 dark Knight, follows Batman as he continues his one-man fight against crime in Gotham. Similar to The Animatrix, it’s an anthology that takes Nolan’s surreal Batman world and adds some interesting stories, including stories featuring Scarecrow, Deadshot, and even Killer Croc. It may not match the same grounded realism that Nolan achieves in his films. Still, Gotham Knight does a great job of continuing Batman’s crusade against crime and corruption in Gotham, dealing with some of the city’s most disreputable figures along the way.
