30 Best Batman Animated Movies, Ranked

In this piece, we will discuss and rank the top-tier Batman animated films, starting with the least favored and working our way up to the best ones. Despite some differing opinions about who DC’s finest superhero is, Batman has undeniably garnered critical acclaim in live-action movies and numerous adaptations. This article focuses on his animated appearances, delving into the most notable ones to provide you with an overview of the best Batman animated films.

A majority of the films will focus on Batman as the central character, although we’ll also incorporate animated movies where Batman plays a significant role alongside other prominent heroes and characters.

30. Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Aquaman: Rage of Atlantis

Release Date: July 22, 2018
Running Time: 78 minutes

The Justice League is rushing to counteract the menacing bounty hunter Lobo, who is currently rummaging through a storage warehouse in search of extraterrestrial relics. When it’s discovered that this confrontation occurs at the ominous Lake of Fear, Aquaman swiftly makes his way there to leverage his control over water and demonstrate his value to the Justice League by harnessing its power.

Before anyone else, he finds himself in a desert, understanding that his abilities are of no use here. Effortlessly, Lobo outmatches the hero. Even with Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, and the latest Green Lantern Jessica Cruz lending a hand, the cosmic mercenary locates a radiant orb and escapes with it in flight.

Before anyone else showed up, he discovered himself stranded in a desert, realizing that his skills were powerless here. Lobo outsmarted the hero effortlessly. Even though Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, and the newest Green Lantern Jessica Cruz tried to help, the interstellar mercenary found a glowing ball and flew off with it.)

To help alleviate the sting of defeat, Aquaman extends an invitation to his comrades for a celebration marking the anniversary of his royal coronation in Atlantis. Yet, beneath the ocean’s surface, Aquaman’s half-brother, who goes by the title ‘Master of the Ocean’, manages to rally the Atlanteans against their king, claiming him as an unrightful ruler.

29. Batman: Gotham by Gaslight

Release Date: January 12, 2018
Running Time: 78 minutes

In the Victorian era of Gotham City, Bruce Wayne assumes the role of the fearsome Batman, a vigilante dressed in bat attire. One fateful night, Batman intercepts a robbery attempt by three orphans – Dickie, Jason, and Timmy – and their cruel overseer, Big Bill Dust. Simultaneously, Ivy, an orphan who later became an exotic dancer and prostitute, falls prey to the enigmatic serial killer known as “Jack the Ripper,” a ruthless murderer who targets the impoverished and destitute women of Gotham.

Gotham residents suspect that Batman and Jack are one and the same individual. Actress Selina Kyle, known for her work at “Skinner’s End” in defense of women, chides Police Commissioner James Gordon and Police Chief Harvey “Bulldog” Bullock for their inability to halt the Ripper murders. As night falls, Selina intentionally positions herself as bait for the Ripper. The plan works, but the Ripper gains control during their struggle until Batman intervenes. Following the encounter, Batman implores Gordon to assist him in capturing the Ripper.

28. Batman: Hush

Release Date: July 19, 2019
Running Time: 82 minutes

At an elegant gathering, Bruce Wayne encounters Selina Kyle and her acquaintance, Thomas Elliot, a renowned brain surgeon, but abruptly departs upon receiving a warning from Alfred about Bane abducting a child. Subsequently, he rescues the boy and subdues the wrongdoer. Later, Lady Shiva confronts Batman, revealing that an unknown individual has exploited the League of Shadows’ internal disputes by utilizing the Lazarus Pit. Thus, she requests Batman to scrutinize this stranger.

Following the event, Catwoman makes off with the ransom cash, prompting Batman to pursue her on rooftops. However, an unknown assailant inflicts a severe injury upon Batman, leaving him in critical condition. Luckily, Batman is rescued by a group of criminals, orchestrated by Catwoman and joined by Batgirl. While Batgirl tends to Bruce’s wounds, Selina returns with the money she stole from Poison Ivy, whom she controlled using her hypnotic kiss.

27. Justice League vs. Teen Titans

Release Date: March 26, 2016
Running Time: 79 minutes

As a die-hard DC fan, I found myself right in the thick of things as the Justice League squared off against the sinister Legion of Doom. The lineup included Lex Luthor, Toymaster, Weather Wizard, Cheetah, and the monstrous Solomon Grundy. In the heat of battle, Weather Wizard seemed to lose his nerve and bolted when his fellow villains fell. However, it wasn’t long before he was overtaken by the malevolent spirits of Trigon’s minions.

Defying my father’s instructions for our safety, I felt compelled to step in and lend a hand. The possessed Weather Wizard was causing havoc among the Justice League, and I saw an opportunity to help them out. With grit and determination, I engaged him in combat, aiming to subdue him, break the hold of Trigon’s shadows over his body, and ultimately save the day.

Disappointed by the silence following this incident, Batman feels it’s important for his ward Robin to understand teamwork, so he instructs him to team up with the Teen Titans. Simultaneously, Superman gets invaded by Trigon’s minion, causing him to hallucinate dark demonic images. Upon joining forces with the Teen Titans, led by Starfire (who happens to be Nightwing’s girlfriend), Robin encounters Raven, Beast Boy, and Blue Beetle. However, Starfire’s disregard for others creates tension among the group.

26. Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: The Flash

Release Date: February 13, 2018
Running Time: 78 minutes

In this scenario, Atom makes a trip to the Hall of Justice, where he encounters Batman, Superman, their animals Ace the German Shepherd, Krypto (the superdog), and Cyborg. Later, Wonder Woman, Plastic Man, and Firestorm also show up. They extend an invitation to Atom to become part of the Justice League. Just as things are getting interesting, an alert sounds, and Lois Lane informs everyone that the Joker has launched an attack on Metropolis.

At precisely 8:00 a.m., Flash assists the citizens of Central City by defeating Captain Cold and Captain Boomerang. Later on, he realizes Batman’s distress call was missed, prompting him to travel to Metropolis. There, the Atom has discovered an antidote and saved the affected individuals. After restoring the Daily Planet building to its former state, Flash captures the Joker. However, just then, a figure resembling the Flash emerges, but this one sports a reversed color scheme for his costume.

25. Batman: Bad Blood

Release Date: January 20, 2016
Running Time: 72 minutes

In Gotham City, Batwoman encounters a band of lawbreakers headed by a figure known as the Heretic, among them being the Electrocutioner, Tusk, Firefly, Mothman, and others. As combat erupts, Batman makes his appearance on the scene. The Heretic, seeming to be in charge, sets off explosives hidden within the building. Batman swiftly moves Batwoman out of harm’s way, but it appears that he himself perishes in the blast.

Two weeks on, Alfred Pennyworth sends an urgent message to Nightwing, expressing concern. Simultaneously, Damian Wayne catches a news broadcast about the vanishing of Batman and decides to head back to Gotham City. At the same time, Kate Kane, who is Batwoman outside her civilian life, discusses with her father, Jacob, her belief that she played a role in Batman’s apparent demise.

24. Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Release Date:
Running Time: March 31, 2019

At Powers Industrial, a young woman named Barbara Gordon observes a robbery of a power generator by a criminal group known as the Foot Clan. This event leads to a confrontation between them and four unusual beings, which Barbara recognizes as individuals with extraordinary abilities or metahumans. She alerts Batman about this incident, who deduces that his company might be the next target, as the stolen components can be used to construct a device capable of scattering a harmful substance throughout the entire city.

As a devoted cinephile, I found myself squaring off against the notorious Foot Clan within the hallowed halls of Wayne Enterprises. To my surprise, I managed to dismantle their operations with relative ease. Yet, just when I thought I’d triumphed, Shredder swooped in and brought me to a halt. An unexpected twist unfolded as it became clear that the metahumans observed by Batgirl were none other than the Ninja Turtles. These reptilian warriors had caught wind of Shredder’s partnership with a new ally in Gotham City, and they were on a mission to track him down.

23. Batman: Under the Red Hood

Release Date: July 27, 2010
Running Time: 75 minutes

In a turn of events, the Joker abducts Jason Todd, also known as Robin – a key ally of Batman. He subjected Robin to cruel treatment until Batman, moved by his duty towards his protégé, arrived to rescue him. Unfortunately, their rescue attempt ended tragically when the building they were in was blown up. Five years later, while Batman is still grappling with the loss of his second Robin, a conflict that seems like a city-wide gang war erupts in Gotham.

In a twist of events, the criminal overlord known as Black Mask finds his empire threatened by a mysterious figure wearing a red mask, nicknamed Red Hood. This newcomer gradually seizes power in the city’s drug trade, providing safety for its dealers against Batman and the current kingpin, Black Mask himself. His tactics are brutally violent, igniting a chain of escalating conflicts. As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Red Hood is none other than Jason Todd, the previous Robin, resurrected by Ra’s al Ghul.

22. Son of Batman

Release Date: April 22, 2014
Running Time: 74 minutes

Batman receives a visit from his old flame, Talia – the child of Ra’s al Ghul and head of the Assassins’ League. She tells him that their father has passed away after an attack on their hideout, orchestrated by Deathstroke, once part of the League. Talia then gives her son Damian to Batman for safekeeping against Deathstroke’s threats.

In a different wording, Batman chooses to mentor the young fellow, resulting in the emergence of a fresh team dedicated to keeping Gotham City secure from its malevolent tormentors. Yet, this youth, fueled by rage, is determined more than anything else to locate Deathstroke and avenge his grandfather’s death. In pursuit of this goal, he adopts the role of Robin.

21. Batman and Harley Quinn

Release Date: July 21, 2017
Running Time: 74 minutes

As a dedicated film critic, I found myself in the dark theater, bracing for another thrilling chapter in the Batman saga. This time, it’s a partnership with Nightwing as we unravel a chilling plot. Poison Ivy and Floronic Man have formed an unlikely alliance, and the duo has gone into hiding – a fact that we, reluctantly, decided to investigate. The key to their location? Harley Quinn, Ivy’s closest confidante.

Batman entrusts Nightwing with the task of finding Harley, while he keeps tabs from the shadows, receiving valuable intel from ARGUS. This information reveals a shocking truth: Ivy and Woodrue have stolen the secrets of Swamp Thing’s birth and kidnapped scientist Harold Goldbloom. Their plan? To replicate this process and transform all of humanity into humanoid plants.

With each new revelation, the stakes grow higher, and it’s up to Batman and Nightwing to thwart these eco-terrorists before it’s too late. The countdown to chaos begins…

One night, Nightwing encounters Harley Quinn in a local eatery, where she’s now employed as a waitress following her departure from the criminal underworld post-release. After an eventful night of exchanging blows with her, Nightwing successfully persuades her to join forces with him for their common cause.

After that, Harley guides the duo, consisting of Batman and herself, towards Bludhaven’s Swamp of Slaughter, where Ivy feels sorrowful as she witnesses her friend aiding Batman. In the end, Dr. Jason Woodrue gravely injures Dr. Goldbloom to prevent him from speaking, as they both flee. Nevertheless, before succumbing to his injuries, Goldbloom discloses that their destination is Louisiana, where the necessary chemicals for their scheme can be obtained.

20. Batman vs. Robin

Release Date: April 7, 2015
Running Time: 80 minutes

Following the theft of the Batmobile, Robin heads to a deserted warehouse, believing it might be hiding some kidnapped children. Her suspicions prove correct, and she soon finds herself facing Anton Shott, also known as the Dollmaker, who had turned his victims into a personal army. Not long after, Batman arrives on the scene, rescuing the hostages while Robin chases after Shott.

After making off with the Batmobile, Robin heads to an abandoned warehouse where she thinks kidnapped children might be hidden. Her guess turns out to be true, and she encounters Anton Shott, known as the Dollmaker, who had modified some of his victims into a private army. Soon, Batman shows up, liberating the hostages while Robin pursues Shott.

Following her confrontation, she opts against taking his life. Just as she makes this decision, an enigmatic figure cloaked in robes materializes unexpectedly and, urging him to follow his intuition, removes Shott’s heart with a swift strike. Shortly thereafter, Batman arrives on the scene and discovers an owl feather beside the corpse.

At home, Bruce dines with his new companion, Samantha Vanaver. He shares his city enhancement project with her, introducing Damian in the process but clarifying that he’s merely a tutor. The bond between father and son experiences various highs and lows, regardless of whether or not Bruce wears the mask. Trust is a rare commodity between them, and Damian remains deeply influenced by Ra’s al Ghul’s ideology.

19. Batman: Gotham Knight

Release Date: July 8, 2008
Running Time: 76 minutes

Batman: Gotham Knight is a 2008 anthology movie with multiple directors at the helm. This film comprises six separate animated stories that draw inspiration from the Batman character. The events unfold during the timeframe between Christopher Nolan’s films Batman Begins (2005) and The Dark Knight (2008), although many elements within these episodes do not align with the storyline of Nolan’s film trilogy. Four notable villains make appearances: Deadshot, Scarecrow, Killer Croc, and the Man in Black.

18. Justice League: Throne of Atlantis

Release Date: January 13, 2015
Running Time: 72 minutes

In the Atlantic Ocean, the USS California submarine detects potential threats to it using sonar. Unfortunately, these threats lead to an attack on the sub, resulting in the loss of the entire crew at the hands of their enemies. Meanwhile, at S.T.A.R. Labs Justice League headquarters, Cyborg – who has undergone recent environmental upgrades during a surgical procedure that replaced one of his lungs – learns about this crisis from Colonel Steve Trevor, who serves as the connection between the Justice League ever since Darkseid’s invasion.

At the Mercy Reef eatery in Maine, following the recent demise of his father, a tipsy Arthur Curry engages in a brawl with a band of rowdies who aimed to dine on the lobster he was conversing with. He emerges victorious, only for the final assailant to attempt stabbing him; however, his blade splinters upon impact against Arthur’s torso. Having disposed of the attacker by hurling him into the sea, Arthur departs oblivious to the fact that Mera and Dr. Steven Shin were observing him from afar.

A Cyborg arrives in the submarine via a portal device (boom tube), notices mysterious handprints on the exterior and finds that some nuclear missiles are conspicuously absent. Subsequently, the same adversaries assault him, inflicting harm during his hasty retreat. However, he manages to snatch a sharp weapon resembling a knife from one of his assailants.

17. Batman: Assault on Arkham

Release Date: July 25, 2014
Running Time: 76 minutes

Following Batman’s apprehension of the Riddler and his subsequent transfer to Arkham Asylum, Amanda Waller, head of ARGUS – a covert federal military organization – reorganizes Task Force X. This time around, the team consists of Deadshot, Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, Killer Frost, King Shark, Black Spider, and KGBeast.

Deadshot and his team need to sneak into Arkham Asylum, locate the Riddler’s staff which contains confidential data taken from Amanda Waller, all while unaware that a fellow team member is assigned to a separate mission. They must adhere to their employer’s instructions under the threat of detonating mini-bombs implanted in their necks.

This version retains the original’s tone and information, but presents it in a more straightforward and easy-to-understand manner.

It’s crucial that they perform their task quietly and secretively, ensuring Batman remains oblivious since he’s currently on the hunt for a bomb planted by the Joker, who has just escaped from Arkham Asylum and hidden it somewhere within Gotham City.

16. Batman: The Long Halloween

Date of Release: June 22, 2021 for Part 1 and July 27, 2021 for Part 2
Duration: 85 minutes for Part 1 and 87 minutes for Part 2 (approximately)

In an unparalleled predicament, Gotham City finds itself in turmoil. The Falcone clan wields dominion, leading the city down a dark path marked by rampant crime, brutality, and deceit. To make matters worse, a shadowy figure known as Holiday has been targeting the criminal underworld, leaving a trail of bodies behind. In an effort to curb this surge of violence, Batman teams up with Captain James Gordon and district attorney Harvey Dent.

15. Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman

Release Date: October 21, 2003
Running Time: 74 minutes

In disguise as a passenger transportation firm, The Penguin and Rupert Thorne engage in an illicit arms trade, supplying cutting-edge weapons to criminal elements. However, their covert operations are abruptly halted by the emergence of a fresh guardian in Gotham: Batwoman.

With advanced tech devices and strong fist blows, Batwoman demonstrates her exceptional role as a powerful protector. Upon realizing that their schemes might be thwarted by Batwoman’s emergence, Thorne and The Penguin engage Bane to take care of this new vigilante. In exchange, they offer him payment drawn from funds procured through a government grant.

14. Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox

Release Date: July 30, 2013
Running Time: 81 minutes

During a visit to his mother’s gravesite, Barry Allen – also known as The Flash – learns about an attack on the museum dedicated to him in Central City, his hometown. Hurrying to the scene, he finds that a group of criminals are causing trouble, with his arch-nemesis, Professor Zoom, orchestrating the chaos. His plan is to detonate bombs throughout the city, damaging a significant portion and thus harming the reputation of the Scarlet Speedster. Fortunately, the Justice League steps in to resolve the situation and everything ends favorably.

Later on, Barry finds himself awake in a setting unfamiliar to him – his workplace. He soon realizes that numerous aspects of his life have undergone significant changes: his mother is still among the living, he no longer possesses the abilities he once did, and the world is teetering on the edge of a devastating conflict that has always haunted him.

In an unusual display of aggression and armed with firearms, Batman confronts Yo-Yo in a bid to discover where the Joker has taken Judge Dent. However, Yo-Yo’s death is prevented when Cyborg arrives, unsuccessfully pleading with Batman to join forces against Aquaman and Wonder Woman’s regime.

Batman, acting more aggressively than normal and armed with guns, confronts Yo-Yo in search of where the Joker has taken Judge Dent. Cyborg manages to stop Yo-Yo’s death just in time, but his attempts to persuade Batman to join the fight against Aquaman and Wonder Woman’s rule are unsuccessful.

Afterward, Barry makes his way to the Batcave, whereupon he encounters Batman, who starts attacking him. Barry attempts to calm him down, realizing that the person before him isn’t Bruce Wayne, but rather his father Thomas.

Upon finding out that Zoom’s uniform is hidden within Barry’s ring, they infer that Zoom, utilizing his powers, has traveled back in time and manipulated the timeline with the intention of eradicating Flash completely. In the interim, Wonder Woman and her Amazons become aware that Lois Lane is supplying intel to Cyborg and decide it’s necessary to apprehend her.

13. Batman vs. Two-Face

Release Date: October 8, 2017
Running Time: 72 minutes

Batman and Robin receive an invitation for a confidential presentation organized by Professor Hugo Strange and his colleague, Dr. Harleen Quinzel, that might significantly alter Gotham’s destiny. During their journey, Batman makes a detour to the Gotham State Penitentiary to deliver a collection of Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s poetry to Catwoman – whose suicide attempt in the initial film was unsuccessful.

1. For the next three years, this will occupy her entire time until she’s eventually freed from prison. At the lab, they come across District Attorney Harvey Dent, an ally of Bruce Wayne in the fight against crime, who is renowned for apprehending a group of counterfeiters and preserving a coin with two sides as a reminder of the case.

2. This task will take up her life for the next three years straight until she’s freed from prison. In the lab, they encounter District Attorney Harvey Dent, an associate of Bruce Wayne in the battle against crime, who is known for capturing a gang of counterfeiters and keeping a coin with two sides as a token of the case.

3. This assignment will keep her engaged for the following 3 years until she’s released from prison. At the lab, they encounter District Attorney Harvey Dent, an ally of Bruce Wayne in the fight against crime, who is famous for apprehending a gang of counterfeiters and saving a coin with two sides as a memento from the case.

4. This duty will consume her life for the next 36 months until she’s discharged from prison. In the lab, they encounter District Attorney Harvey Dent, an accomplice of Bruce Wayne in the fight against crime, who is recognized for capturing a gang of counterfeiters and preserving a coin with two sides as a keepsake from the case.

5. This undertaking will take up her existence for the next three years until she’s freed from prison. At the lab, they encounter District Attorney Harvey Dent, an ally of Bruce Wayne in the fight against crime, who is celebrated for apprehending a gang of counterfeiters and keeping a coin with two sides as a memento of the case.

12. Justice League Dark

Release Date: January 24, 2017
Running Time: 75 minutes

Across the globe, numerous individuals are accused of various crimes, claiming their victims are supernatural beings. The Justice League starts probing these allegations, and Superman and Wonder Woman swiftly follow the supernatural leads. However, Batman harbors doubts. On the same night, a spirit takes hold of him, marking the walls of his chamber with the name “Constantine.

5 days ago, renowned occultist John Constantine was in Las Vegas with his friend Jason Blood, engaged in poker games in an underground casino. They were playing against three demons. After defeating them, these demons, in turn, fell upon him. However, he successfully repelled them back to hell with the help of Etrigan, a demon bound to Jason. Additionally, he acquired the Stone of Dreams, a potent artifact of dark magic, and chose to keep it at home, within the House of Mysteries.

11. Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker

Release Date: December 12, 2000
Running Time: 76 minutes

After an absence of 40 years, the Joker resurfaces in Gotham City, looking much the same. He’s now leading the Jokerz gang, even managing to swipe some advanced technology from them. Batman (Terry McGinnis) is on their trail, and the chase reaches its climax at a Wayne Industries facility, where Bruce Wayne has just declared his return as the company head. In the midst of this heist, the Joker makes a public appearance and manages to slip away.

Terry ponders, as Bruce Wayne remains tight-lipped, so he attempts to gather information from Barbara Gordon, a past Batgirl and the commissioner of Gotham City, but fails. Eventually, Bruce instructs Terry to return his suit, which he does.

Later on, Terry finds himself under attack by the notorious Jokerz at a nightclub. He suspects that this assault indicates they’ve discovered his hidden identity. After dealing with the Jokerz, he makes his way to Wayne Manor and the Batcave, where he rescues Bruce Wayne from a poison gas situation. At Bruce’s bedside, Barbara Gordon reveals to Terry the real story behind the Joker’s demise.

10. Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders

Release Date: October 6, 2016
Running Time: 78 minutes

In the city of Gotham, four notorious criminals – the Joker, the Penguin, the Sphinx, and Catwoman – pose a significant menace. The superheroes Batman and Robin must confront these villains, and at times they may need to venture into space to prevent their foes’ sinister schemes from unfolding.

9. Batman: The Killing Joke

Release Date: July 22, 2016
Running Time: 77 minutes

Batman: The Killing Joke” delves into the backstory of one of Batman’s most formidable foes, the Joker, who was once a struggling comedian driven to desperation by financial ruin. He then allied with several criminals to carry out a daring scheme. In the present day, in an attempt to prove his madness, he abducts Commissioner Gordon and viciously attacks something that has haunted him for eternity: his beloved daughter Barbara. Observing this situation, Batman must confront his arch-nemesis once more.

8. The Lego Batman Movie

Release Date: January 29, 2017
Running Time: 104 minutes

Despite consistently foiling criminal attacks in Gotham City, Batman grew increasingly arrogant as a means to conceal his profound solitude. This change in demeanor irked his longtime adversary, the Joker, who was subsequently imprisoned in Arkham Asylum. However, both Batman and Barbara Gordon, now serving as police commissioner, harbored suspicions about a covert scheme being orchestrated behind closed doors.

In the end, the Dark Knight and his loyal partner Robin banish their foe to the mysterious realm known as the Phantom Zone, thinking they’ve won. However, this villain shows an uncanny ability to escape from imprisonment. To safeguard the city once more, Batman must face his deepest apprehensions.

7. Justice League Dark: Apokolips War

Release Date: May 5, 2020
Running Time: 90 minutes

With Lex Luthor, John Constantine, and Zatanna now part of their team, the Justice League learns that Darkseid is planning an invasion of Earth. In response, they decide to launch a surprise assault on Apokolips and its ruler. Meanwhile, the Teen Titans stay behind to defend Earth. However, Darkseid manages to gain access to the attack plans through Cyborg.

Upon stepping foot on Apokolips, I find myself face to face with Darkseid, who’s been biding his time. Tragically, some of my fellow League members fall at the hands of monstrous creatures – a twisted fusion of Parademons and Doomsday, which we call “Paradooms”. As the horror unfolds, I witness the gruesome demise of Zatanna. Overwhelmed by the carnage, John Constantine, in a moment of despair, decides to escape.

In about two years’ time, the Earth finds itself under the oppressive rule of Darkseid, as orchestrated by Lex Luthor. His sinister intentions include draining the Earth of its molten core to sustain his planet and further his cosmic domination. This is achieved by launching attacks against the Green Lantern Corps, a powerful intergalactic force.

Simultaneously, Superman, Lois Lane, and Raven work towards rallying the final remaining troops for a perilous mission aimed at liberating the universe from Darkseid’s grasp. In their quest, they plan to seek aid from the League of Assassins, the Suicide Squad, and John Constantine – who views this as an opportunity to make amends for past mistakes.

6. Batman: Year One

Release Date: October 18, 2011
Running Time: 64 minutes

After a long absence, Bruce Wayne comes back to Gotham City, eighteen years following the tragic event of witnessing his parents’ deaths. With the intention of launching his own crusade against crime, he re-enters the scene. Simultaneously, Lieutenant James Gordon makes an appearance in town with his wife Barbara, who is expecting a child. His objective is to clean up a police force plagued by corruption. In their respective methods, these two men strive to eliminate the pervasive crime and violence that has taken hold of Gotham. As a mysterious figure dressed as a bat emerges, Gordon is assigned to investigate the Batman case.

4. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

Release Date: December 25, 1993
Running Time: 78 minutes

At a criminal gathering in Gotham City, mobster Chuckie Sol met an untimely end at the hands of a secret assailant, shortly following Batman’s entrance into the meeting. Due to the resemblance between Batman and the unidentified assassin, suspicion fell upon Batman for the murder of Chuckie Sol.

As a passionate cinema enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: I, as a city councilor, publicly express concerns that Batman poses a menacing presence for our city. Yet, at a glamorous gathering held at the luxurious villa of Bruce Wayne, Batman’s secret identity, I playfully banter about his unrequited affection towards someone and how he seemingly let slip away his former love, Andrea Beaumont.

One day, Bruce recalls his encounter with Andrea at the cemetery. Later on that very night, Bruce dons a disguise and takes action against an impending robbery. He manages to thwart it, but is disheartened as the perpetrators showed no fear of him. Simultaneously, Bruce finds himself growing close to Andrea, eventually proposing to her. However, in an unexpected turn of events, Andrea along with her father, Carl Beaumont, mysteriously vanish, returning Bruce’s ring and asking him to forget about her.

As a die-hard movie fan, I can’t help but see parallels with my favorite superheroes in this tale. You see, I was once Bruce Wayne, convinced I’d squandered the chance at a regular life. Donning the Batman mask felt like a second lease on life, a chance to make a difference and fight for justice.

Fast forward to today, an enigmatic vigilante has struck again, this time taking down Buzz Bronski, another notorious gangster. This caped crusader shares a shady past with the deceased, just like my dark knight does. The target now shifts to Salvatore Valestra, who’s spooked by the appearance of this mysterious avenger. He’s been wiping out members of his old mob, and Valestra realizes he’s next on the hit list. In desperation, he turns to none other than the Joker for aid.

3. Batman Ninja

Release Date: April 24, 2018
Running Time: 85 minutes

In a clash with Gorilla Grodd, Batman ends up getting trapped in his time machine and transported to feudal Japan. There, he’s pursued by samurai working for the Joker. During his flight, he crosses paths with Catwoman, who like him, has been displaced in time for a duration of two years. She informs Batman that the criminals from Gotham have taken over the region and assumed roles as feudal lords after misusing their power, which is similar to the position of a daimyō in Japan’s feudal system.

Batman and Catwoman must step in to halt the villains from altering history. To accomplish this, Batman along with his associates will need to master the skills of ninjutsu to overcome their adversaries, who are orchestrated by Lord Joker, aiming for absolute control over the feudal realm and the ultimate demise of the Dark Knight.

2. Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero

Release Date: March 17, 1998
Running Time: 70 minutes

Accompanied by an Inuit youth named Kunac and his loyal polar bear companions, Hotchka and Shaka, Freeze presses on in his mission to be reunited with Nora. Unfortunately, the health of this woman worsens significantly when a submarine unexpectedly rises from beneath the waves, causing damage to her cryogenic tube.

In a state of dire need, Freeze makes his way back to Gotham City (a place where he is safeguarded by Batman, Robin, and the enigmatic Batgirl). Accompanied by his associates, he turns to his old ally, Dr. Gregory Belson, for assistance in finding a remedy. Upon examination, it becomes clear that Nora requires an organ transplant, but unfortunately, her unique blood type makes it impossible to find a compatible donor.

1. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

Release Date: September 25, 2012 for Part 1 and January 29, 2013 for Part 2
Running Time: Each part runs for 76 minutes

The story unfolds in an imminent future, with Batman being a fading recollection among those who witnessed his fight against crime, and merely a legend for the newer generations. It’s been eight years since Batman was last seen, and crime rates in Gotham have once more escalated to alarming levels. A fresh wave of criminals, going by the name of Mutants, has emerged. Overwhelmed by their heinous acts, an older and less robust Bruce Wayne decides to resurrect the Dark Knight.

As a devoted fan, I find myself immersed once again in the chaotic world of Gotham City. The breakup of the mutant gang has given rise to a new wave of criminal elements, and it seems an old foe from my past has resurfaced. Yes, driven by the return of Batman, the Joker has managed to slip through the cracks and is now on a killing spree. In this ultimate showdown between Batman and his arch-nemesis, who appears more menacing than ever, it seems inevitable.

However, amidst the turmoil, Superman, who’s been serving the government for over a decade, feels uneasy about my actions. He has asked me to halt my vigilante activities, but can I really stand by and watch as the city burns? The stakes are higher than ever, but I won’t back down. Gotham needs its guardian now more than ever.

In areas where the government’s lack of action is ineffective, Batman manages to reduce crime significantly, a fact that leaves those in high places red-faced. Ultimately, Superman poses a question to Bruce Wayne: retire peacefully or meet your end.

2025-05-19 07:48