The Best Batman Animated Movies
The live-action film franchise has had many outings with varying degrees of success but away from George Clooney and the nipple batsuit there have been dozens of really excellent animated Batman movies. Here are some of the best.
Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm (1993)
Hailed by many as a masterpiece, Mask of the Phantasm is definitely one of the best animated Batman films. It's very nostalgic for those who grew up in the 90's and fans of the animated series will notice it's the same artist. The film sees Batman wrongly implicated in the murders of mob bosses who are actually being killed by a new vigilante assassin. The movie also stars Mark Hamil as The Joker.
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 & 2 (2013)
Based on the Frank Miller comic book of the same name The Dark Knight Returns sees an older Bruce Wayne forced back into being Batman to tackle new criminals that are causing havoc in Gotham. The films were released in 2012 and 2013 and were an instant hit amongst fans.
Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)
This 2010 outing is dark and violent. Under the Red Hood is intense with some brutal but brilliant scenes. We love Bruce Greenwood as Batman and the whole cast do an incredible job.
Batman: Year One (2011)
Another of Frank Miller's comics and one of the best origin stories. 3 years before Ben McKenzie plays a young James Gordan in the Gotham tv show he played Batman in Year One with Bryan Cranston as Gordan. They both do a great job as we see the early days and months of the duo in Gotham.
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000)
Mark Hamil reprises his role as the Joker with Kevin Conroy (Batman animated series) as Bruce Wayne. The story sees a new Batman, Terry McGinnis discover what really happened when Batman last fought the Joker and when Bruce Wayne is almost killed it is down to Batman Beyond to put an end to the Joker.
Batman & Mr. Freeze: Subzero (1998)
A year after the disaster of George Clooney and Arnie in Batman and Robin (I actually don't think it is that bad if you accept it and enjoy the ridiculousness) Warner Brothers released Batman & Mr Freeze: Subzero. It's not quite at the level of Mask of the Phantasm, Year One or The Dark Knight Returns but it is a pretty good outing. Batgirl is kidnapped by Mr. Freeze who plans to use her as an organ donor to try to save his dying wife leaving Batman and Robin to come to her rescue.