Top 5 Batman Animated Films

The Best Of The Animated Dark Knight

By Culture SlatePublished 2 years ago • Updated 2 years ago • 4 min read

DC has been known for their consistent and high value animation films. A lot of those films have centred around Batman because he is one of their most popular and well-known characters. There have been so many films released over the years, some are straight adaptations of classic stories while others take a more creative approach to adding something to the Batman lore that exists. It is very hard to narrow down a list of 5 but here we go.

5. Batman: The Long Halloween Parts and 1 and 2

Starting off the list with this two parter seems like the best way to go because taking one off seems like an odd choice given that both are required to get the full scope of the story. The reason these two are included on the list is because they generally help highlight what makes Batman a truly compelling character in two ways. The first is by highlighting his detective skills and the second is by showing off the depth of his Rogues gallery in this faithful adaptation of the source material. A very well captured animated film based on a timeless Batman story.

4. Under The Red Hood

This is one of the most engaging stories that exists within Batman lore because of how much is at stake with the death of Jason Todd and how big of an impact his death has. The anger that Jason displays when he learns that Batman did not avenge his death is heavy from a thematic standpoint and brilliantly executed by the voice cast. We get to see what makes Joker a truly insane villain, we get to see tragedy unfold as Bruce is unable to save Jason from death and then from going mad. It truly is a very well written film and very emotional for any fans of Batman.

3. Son of Batman

Damian was one of the most compelling introductions to the Batman lore as he is the son of Bruce Wayne and Talia Al Ghul. This film capitalizes on that relationship and gives the spoiled and violent Damian we are accustomed to with a few changes to the origin story. Damian still has the struggle of learning to live by Bruce’s rules and that gives enough internal conflict to make this film a very valuable entry into the library of Batman films. It once again shows the depths of the rich characters Gotham has at its disposal. There is never a shortage of Batman stories at the ready.

2. Batman Beyond: The Return of the Joker

This movie is the ultimate culmination of story and legacy as Bruce Wayne and Terry McInnis come face to face with a once thought dead Joker. It is an epic film that never slows down for a second and has a valid explanation for all the events that occur. It uses Joker to perfection as he once again voiced by the incomparable Mark Hamill and he finally knows the one thing Batman has tried to keep from him all these years. His secret identity. It is such a great turn of events for these characters and a very unpredictable and thrilling story.

1. Mask of the Phantasm

This film will never grow old. Set in the early days of Batman and his escapades as the caped crusader Bruce is far from a perfect Batman and that is what makes the film special. One of the coolest aspects of this film is that the character of Andrea Beaumont was created for this particular film. This is the definitive origin story for many when it comes to Batman. The fact that she serves as both a love interest to Bruce and the primary villain is heart-breaking because you know there is no way Bruce can continue to be Batman and get a happy ending as Bruce Wayne the person.

Batman is one of many compelling characters that exist within the DC Universe and while it was fun compiling this list of his greatest adventures, I would be leaving out so many amazing stories if it stopped here. Let us know what you think about this list of Batman films and stay tuned for a follow up which will incorporate more stories from the DC universe that have come to life via animation.

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