Summary

  • Batman's animated legacy includes 32 movies, from grim tales like "Under the Red Hood" to fun adventures like "Merry Little Batman."
  • Icons like Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill voice the Dark Knight and Joker in classics like "Mask of the Phantasm", setting a high standard.
  • Films like "Gotham By Gaslight" and "Soul of the Dragon" explore new settings and styles, expanding Batman's animated universe.

An impressive 32 animated DC Universe's animated franchise has included a litany of Batman movies, often produced as spin-offs to various animated Batman series. However, others present more mature narratives while exploring classic Batman storylines, some of which have been told across several movies.

DC animated movies expected in the future.

Batman Animated Movies In Order

Batman Animated Movie

Year

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm

1993

Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero

1997

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker

2000

Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman

2003

The Batman Vs. Dracula

2005

Batman: Gotham Knight

2008

Batman: Under the Red Hood

2010

Batman: Year One

2011

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1

2012

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 2

2013

Son of Batman

2014

Batman: Assault on Arkham

2014

Batman vs. Robin

2015

Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts

2015

Batman Unlimited: Monster Mayhem

2015

Batman: Bad Blood

2016

Batman: The Killing Joke

2016

Batman Unlimited: Mechs vs Mutants

2016

Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders

2016

The Lego Batman Movie

2017

Batman and Harley Quinn

2017

Batman vs. Two-Face

2017

Scooby-Doo & Batman: The Brave and the Bold

2018

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight

2018

Batman Ninja

2018

Batman vs. Teenage Ninja Turtles

2019

Batman: Hush

2019

Batman: Death in the Family

2020

Batman: Soul of the Dragon

2021

Batman: The Long Halloween Part One

2021

Batman: The Long Halloween Part Two

2021

Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham

2023

Merry Little Batman

2023

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5

33 Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm (1993)

Directed By Eric Radomski & Bruce Timm

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm is the very first animated Batman movie. Released in 1993, it delved into Batman's origin story and a complex romance plot. The movie introduced the mysterious Phantasm, a vigilante assassin who murders a series of Gotham mob bosses. Set in the Batman: The Animated Series continuity, the movie created the character Phantasm (who was later introduced into DC Comics), appearing alongside classic Batman: TAS villains. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm offered a compelling depiction of 1990s-era Batman, featuring Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill as the Dark Knight and Joker.

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32 Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero (1997)

Directed By Boyd Kirkland

A poster for Batman: SubZero with Mr. Freeze and a polar bear

Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero is an animated masterpiece that delves into the depths of Gotham's chilling underworld. Directed by Boyd Kirkland, the film follows Batman's relentless pursuit of the icy villain Mr. Freeze, who kidnaps Barbara Gordon in a desperate attempt to save his ailing wife. The story unfolds with heart-wrenching drama, as Batman and Robin navigate treacherous terrain to rescue Barbara and confront the tragic villain. Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero was also part of Batman: The Animated Series continuity, and featured a captivating storyline, stunning animation, and unforgettable characters.

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31 Batman Beyond: Return Of The Joker (2000)

Directed By Curt Geda

Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker is a captivating animation depicting a dark, futuristic Gotham City setting. Set in the Batman Beyond universe, the film follows Terry McGinnis, the new Batman, as he confronts the return of the Joker, long believed dead. Filled with thrilling action sequences and a gripping storyline, Return of the Joker delves into the psychological depths of the characters, exploring themes of legacy, identity, and the consequences of vigilantism. Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker is one of the darkest and best Batman animated movies ever, bolstered by Hamill and Conroy's return.

30 Batman: Mystery Of The Batwoman (2003)

Directed By Curt Geda

Batwoman holds her arm up to attack in Batman: Mystery of the Batwomoan

Directed by Curt Geda, Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman presents a gripping narrative where Batman finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue surrounding the emergence of a new vigilante: Batwoman. As Batman investigates her identity and motives, he uncovers a complex conspiracy involving familiar foes like Penguin and Bane. The film masterfully blends action, mystery, and drama, offering fans a fresh take on the iconic hero's universe. With its compelling storyline and dynamic animation, Mystery of the Batwoman is a thrilling addition to the Batman saga set within The New Batman Adventures continuity.

29 The Batman Vs. Dracula (2005)

Directed By Michael Goguen

Batman vs Dracula fighting in the animated movie

Set within The Batman animated series, The Batman vs. Dracula is a thrilling feature that combines the iconic Batman universe with classic horror elements. Released in 2005, it follows Batman's encounter with the legendary vampire Dracula, who threatens to enslave Gotham City. The Dark Knight battles the supernatural foe, who is aided by Joker and the Penguin, with the fate of Gotham hanging in the balance. With its dark and atmospheric animation style, gripping storyline, and intense action sequences, The Batman vs. Dracula delivers a captivating blend of superhero and horror genres, offering a unique and unforgettable Batman adventure.

28 Batman: Gotham Knight (2008)

Directed By Shōjirō Nishimi, Futoshi Higashide, Hiroshi Morioka, Yasuhiro Aoki, Toshiyuki Kubooka, Jong-Sik Nam, & Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Batman chases Deadshot through an industrial lookin tunnel in Batman: Gotham Knight

Batman: Gotham Knight is an anthology film consisting of six interconnected stories, each exploring different aspects of Batman's vigilante career. Released in 2008, the movie serves as a bridge between Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. The stories delve into Batman's relationship with allies like Commissioner Gordon and encounters with iconic villains like Scarecrow and Deadshot. Batman: Gotham Knight boasts unique animation styles, ranging from traditional Japanese anime to Western animation, offering a fresh perspective on the Dark Knight's world. Batman: Gotham Knight is a visually captivating and narratively rich addition to the Batman saga.

27 Batman: Under The Red Hood (2010)

Directed By Brandon Vietti

Batman: Under the Red Hood is a captivating film that delves into the darker aspects of the Caped Crusader's world. Directed by Brandon Vietti, it follows Batman's relentless pursuit of a mysterious vigilante known as the Red Hood, who has emerged as a formidable adversary in Gotham City. The film adapts the classic Batman storyline of the same name and was even penned by the same writer, Judd Winick. With intense action sequences, a gripping storyline, and stellar voice acting from actors like Bruce Greenwood and Jensen Ackles, Batman: Under the Red Hood is a must-watch for Batman fans.

26 Batman: Year One (2011)

Directed By Sam Liu & Lauren Montgomery

Comissioner Gordon holding a bat and a gun in Batman Year One

Batman: Year One is an adaptation of Frank Miller's iconic comic of the same name. It depicts Bruce Wayne's early days as Gotham's vigilante and was directed by Sam Liu and Lauren Montgomery. The movie captures the essence of Miller's gritty narrative, presenting a darker and more realistic portrayal of Batman's origins. Batman: Year One’s voice cast included Ben McKenzie as Batman and Bryan Cranston as Commissioner Gordon. Staying true to its source material, the movie emphasizes character development. Batman: Year One stands as a gripping evaluation of the Caped Crusader's journey from vigilante to symbol of justice.

25 Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 (2012)

Directed By Jay Oliva

Batman looking serious in The Dark Knight Returns Part 1

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 1 is an adaptation of Frank Miller's seminal graphic novel. Directed by Jay Oliva, the film captures the gritty, dystopian world of Gotham City as Batman comes out of retirement to battle a new wave of crime. Voiced by Peter Weller, Batman is portrayed as a grizzled and determined vigilante facing off against old foes and a corrupt society. The movie effectively captures the essence of Miller's dark and complex storytelling, laying the foundation for the epic conclusion in Part 2.

24 Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 2 (2013)

Directed By Jay Oliva

Joker in front of the rollercoaster in The Dark Knight Returns Part 2

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part 2 concludes Frank Miller's groundbreaking graphic novel adaptation, portraying an aging Bruce Wayne's return as Batman. Directed by Jay Oliva, the film navigates Wayne's brutal showdown with the Joker and his ultimate confrontation with Superman. Peter Weller's portrayal of Batman captures the character's complexity, while Michael Emerson's Joker adds chilling depth. The animation style remains faithful to Miller's vision, enhancing the narrative's dark and atmospheric tone. As a sequel, it maintains the intensity and depth of its predecessor, offering a riveting exploration of Batman's psyche and his enduring struggle against corruption and injustice.