5 Best Batman Animated Movies
Duane Beckett
|
Gotham City’s caped crusader is regarded as one of the greatest superheroes of all time:
Batman, Bruce Wayne’s superhero alter ego, has proven time and time again that he can overcome impossible odds.
The Dark Knight will always bring audiences to the theater when DC has trouble lighting its live-action cinematic universe.
But what about Batman’s animated universe? Let’s take a look at some of the best Batman Animated Movies:
CHECK OUT: Who Is The Most Popular Superhero?
5. Batman: Death in the Family, HBO Max
Jason Todd’s stunning end as Robin is still spoken about today. Batman: Death in the Family retells that narrative in animated form while allowing viewers to alter the outcome in whatever way they see suitable. The movie’s experiment with choose-your-own-adventure is intriguing and worth checking out.
4. Batman vs. Robin, HBO Max
The sequel of Son of Batman serves as a significant arch in Damian Wayne’s tale across the DC Animated Movie Universe.
Combined with the outstanding storytelling produced by Scott Snyder, who redesigned Batman by establishing the Court of Owls arc.
“Who would win in a fight? Batman or Robin” is addressed because Damian Wayne is a far more lethal and formidable Robin and ultimately Bruce Wayne’s successor, this animated flick has more at stake.
Bruce is also charged with uncovering the truth about this old secret society, with the Court of Owls and the Talon conspiring to poison Damian’s mentality in order to bring his father down:
Is Damian capable of learning from his father and restraining his murderous tendencies? Will Bruce allow his feelings for his son to cloud his judgment and prevent him from making a poor choice? Who is the Court of Owls, and Talon, their assassin?
All the solutions are revealed in this exciting film if you don’t want to read Snyder’s famed comic book.
CHECK OUT: Who Is Stronger? Super-Man Or The Hulk
3. Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm, HBO Max
There are themes of love, sorrow, action, new and returning enemies, and generally wonderful Batman moments.
As with World’s Finest, the movie is illustrated in Bruce Timm’s style, making it a must-see for fans of the 1990’s series.
While the main reveal is now completely predictable, the movie is held in such high respect because it successfully introduced a new generation of Batman fans.
2. Batman Vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Batman, Batgirl, and Robin pose alongside the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the movie. Ironically, one of the most bizarre pairings in a Batman animation turned out to be one of the most popular.
The Dark Knight faced off against the Fab Four (not the Beatles) in this flick, as well as the wicked Shredder and Ra’s al Ghul’s united forces:
However, the mayhem does not end there.
The Joker, Mr. Freeze, Scarecrow, and Two-Face, among others, are converted into horrifying half-human/half-animal monsters. It’s all terrific and over-the-top, but it just goes to show how the suspension of reality can lead to some hilariously entertaining crossovers.
CHECK OUT: How Fast Is The Flash? (And Is Anything Quicker?)
1. Batman: Year One, HBO Max
Batman: Year One is a faithful rendition of Frank Miller’s popular story about the Dark Knight’s first year.
All of the elements that made the comic great are present—the emphasis on Gordon and the Sarah Essen subplot, Bruce Wayne’s inexperience as a vigilante, and Gotham City’s unfathomable corruption—all of which are bolstered by superb voice acting from a stellar cast led by none other than Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston.
While David Mazzucchelli’s particular visual style is not directly emulated in the animation, it can be passively experienced in the little details here and there.
All of these elements come together in show-stopping situations, such as the iconic incursion of a bat into a dying Bruce Wayne’s study, inspiring him to become the Batman.
DC’s Best Battles: Batman vs Joker