If you’ve been following our Top 5 articles that celebrate Batman’s 75th Anniversary here at DKN, you probably assumed that our next logical choice would be an article devoted to Beware The Batman. We will eventually cover that show when it finishes its run this fall. Today, we are picking the Top 5 animated Batman movies.
While animated Batman movies may not be as well known to casual moviegoers, they hold a special place in the hearts of many diehard fans. Many could argue that several of these films are superior to the live action movies. Who could blame them? The folks at WB Animation are more familiar with the comic books and their adaptations tend to be more faithful to the source material than what you normally see on the silver screen. We’ve been treated to the best of the spectrum with both strict and loose adaptations, as well as some fine original stories.
There is also a popular misconception that animated films are inferior or just for kids. I can assure you that the quality of the films that made our list – and the ones that didn’t – are all top notch. As for the “just for kids” argument, the earlier films that were spun from various animated series were much like their episodic brethren – they were dark, dramatic tales that were appropriate for all ages. Films like Mask of the Phantasm, Sub-Zero, and Mystery of the Batwoman can be appreciated by Batfans of any age. However, I’d recommend putting the kids to bed before popping in Under The Red Hood, Son of Batman, or Assault on Arkham. It could be argued that the latter ones are darker than anything that’s been presented in the live action realm.
NOTE: Since The Dark Knight Returns was a two-part release that was eventually re-released as one cut, it was counted as one film.
5. BATMAN: YEAR ONE (2011)
This is a pretty strict adaptation of the comic book arc of the same name by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli. By strict, I mean they even structured it the same and it was chock full of internal monologue. Some criticized the film for being too faithful of a translation, but I thought it worked for the most part. As the title suggests, the film chronicles the Dark Knight’s first year of donning cape and cowl. Ben McKenzie (who is actually playing Jim Gordon on the upcoming TV series Gotham) did a decent job of voicing Batman, though much of the focus is placed on Gordon, voiced by Bryan Cranston. Be sure not to miss the Catwoman short included on the home releases.
4. BATMAN BEYOND: RETURN OF THE JOKER (2000)
This undisputed classic sees a new (?) Joker (Mark Hamill) emerge in Gotham to make life for the new Batman (Will Friedle) a living hell. This is quite possibly the best story to come out of the Batman Beyond franchise and actually takes place after the series, despite being released during its run. The creative team tied it perfectly into the timeline of Batman: The Animated Series, giving fans an epilogue of sorts for certain characters. I highly recommend viewing the PG-13 Director’s Cut if you’ve yet to see this masterwork.
3. BATMAN: THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS (2012-13)
This is yet another strict adaptation of a Frank Miller graphic novel, though not as strict as Year One. Omission of internal monologue in this outing may have actually made it flow better as a film. This particular movie follows a crusty old Batman (Peter Weller) come out of retirement to clean up a Gotham City that is so far down the toilet one wonders if it’s beyond the point of no return. Michael Emerson was a perfect choice to voice the Joker and I’m glad that Superman (Mark Valley) didn’t look as much like a government stooge as he did in the comic. I would have to say that this is one of the most well-rounded Batman movies, animated or otherwise.
2. BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM (1993)
This was the only animated Batman movie to see a theatrical release and many consider it to be the best Batman movie, period. You could say this was the “Batman Begins” of Batman: The Animated Series, considering that a good portion of the film flashes back to the origins of that particular iteration of Batman, voiced by the immortal Kevin Conroy. The past collides with the present when a murderous vigilante known as the Phantasm starts knocking off mob bosses who seem to have ties to a former lover of Bruce’s. Action, romance, betrayal, and a certain Clown Prince of Crime make this one a fantastic viewing experience.
1. BATMAN: UNDER THE RED HOOD (2010)
I guess that you could consider this movie to be a loose adaptation. While it did honor its source material (both film and comic were penned by Judd Winick), it had the right amount of original touches and made certain plot points more accessible to the casual viewer. This story gets really personal when former Robin Jason Todd returns from the grave as the vigilante known as the Red Hood (Jensen Ackles) to turn the Dark Knight’s life upside down. Bruce Greenwood does a commendable job of lending his pipes to the role of Batman and I think he may be my second favorite to do so (Conroy still reigns supreme for me). In my opinion, this movie surpassed the comic and any Batfan yet to see this absolutely must.
Do you agree with our list? Did any of your favorites not make the cut?
